The Omaha Star isn't just a newspaper it's a living piece of history that has never missed a publication since 1938.

In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with Terri Sanders, publisher of The Omaha Star, one of the longest-running African-American newspapers in the United States. Founded by Mildred Brown, the paper has spent nearly nine decades documenting community milestones, preserving untold stories, and focusing on something rare in today's media landscape: good news.

Terri shares how The Omaha Star has evolved in the digital age while staying true to its mission, why positive storytelling still matters, and how the next generation is stepping in to carry the legacy forward. From launching a museum dedicated to Black journalism to building new platforms like podcasts and digital media, this conversation highlights the power of storytelling, community, and resilience.

If you care about local journalism, cultural legacy, and the future of media, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Learn more:

https://www.theomahastar.com/

Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com.

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

Nebraska's economic future depends on more than just good intentions; it requires thoughtful policy, long-term planning, and the courage to make difficult decisions.

In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil sits down with Jim Vokal, CEO of the Platte Institute, a statewide policy think tank focused on economic growth, tax policy, workforce development, and government transparency. A former Omaha City Council President and mayoral candidate, Vokal now works on the research and legislative side of the issues shaping Nebraska's future.

The conversation explores how the Platte Institute works with Nebraska's unicameral legislature to turn policy research into real legislation, the role of Blueprint Nebraska in driving long-term economic strategy, and why tax policy remains one of the biggest factors influencing whether people and businesses choose to stay in or leave the state.

If you care about Nebraska's competitiveness, workforce challenges, and how policy decisions shape the future of the state, this episode provides an inside look at the ideas and research driving those conversations.

Learn more:

https://platteinstitute.org/

Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com.

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

Douglas County elections operate under intense scrutiny and for ten years, Brian Kruse was the man responsible for running them.

In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with the former Douglas County Election Commissioner to discuss what it's really like to oversee elections in today's political climate. From early voting growth and signature verification to voter ID, ballot security, and managing media pressure during presidential cycles, Kruse shares how transparency and communication became his office's foundation.

You'll also hear how Nebraska's unique split electoral vote draws national attention, why trust in the system matters more than ever, and what most voters don't see happening behind the scenes.

Then the conversation shifts to Kruse's return to his first calling, funeral service, as Executive Director of Forest Lawn, one of Omaha's most historic resting places.

This is a thoughtful conversation about public trust, civic responsibility, and a life built around service.

Learn more:

https://www.votedouglascounty.com
https://www.forestlawnomaha.com

Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com.

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.