Parched projects: Nebraska’s water systems need fixing. The fund meant to help can’t keep up.

The Omaha area is facing water needs nearing $1 billion. Kenesaw, population 919, is facing a $10 million price tag. Metros and small towns are turning to a state fund doling out federal money. There’s not enough to go around. When the funds aren’t there — like in Kimball — local residents pay.

Joshua Shimkus • June 20

Nebraska prisoners have killed their cellmates while being double bunked. Lawmakers have yet to limit the practice.

Shelby Rickert • June 18

From foster care to Snoop Dogg: ‘Huge life-changing trauma’ couldn’t kill Omaha singer Dreion’s dreams

Leo Adam Biga • June 19

Honoring Doc Susan: First Native hospital, built by nation’s first Native doctor, to again care for Nebraskans

Steak Town USA: Steakhouse checks every box, then checks a few more

Immigration raid rocks Nebraska meatpacking plant; protesters and law enforcement clash

‘Just broke’: Omaha-area safety net failing mentally ill amid rising demand, families say

‘Shot down at every turn’: Nebraska schools frequently deny kids with disabilities

DONATE NOW

As Nebraska’s nonprofit newsroom, we hold leaders accountable and bring people together through stories that enlighten and inspire.

Your donation supports a free press, the First Amendment, and the right of all Nebraskans to know the truth.

MAKE A DONATION

More ways to contribute »

Documenters

June 10: Sarpy County Board approves courthouse generator design

Omaha Documenters • June 16

June 9: Bellevue School Board approves facility upgrades, highlights English Learner progress

Omaha Documenters and Leah Keinama • June 12

June 5: Blackstone BID Tackles Pedestrian Safety, Approves Lighting and Event Investments

Omaha Documenters • June 11

June 2: Omaha Public Schools Board Reviews Superintendent Evaluation Timeline, Approves PE Curriculum Deal

Omaha Documenters and Leah Keinama • June 11

WHAT IS DOCUMENTERS?

We train and pay people to attend under-reported public meetings in Omaha and publish the results.

We are part of a national network of organizations that seeks to help people understand what’s going on in their local communities by making important information available to the public, encouraging open conversations, and inspiring people to get involved. 

Learn more »

Statewide

As Nebraska reports first measles case in 8 years, state contends with rising religious vaccine exemptions

Emily Wolf • May 28

Amid mental health care ‘bottleneck,’ a program helps Nebraskans with intense needs

Chris Bowling • May 22

Nebraska Public Power District bought land for $5 million — from NPPD executives

Destiny Herbers • May 16

‘Like a threat’: Mass email urging immigrants to self-deport sows fear, confusion in Nebraska

Natalia Alamdari • May 14

Metro

Nebraska’s Afghan refugees use food to say thanks and make friends

Nasrin Nawa • June 6

High-energy Omaha cover band serves up layered treat for joyful crowds

Erin Grace • June 4

The Flying Nun: Sister Stephanie, 81, rappels down Omaha building as she lifts up city’s neediest

Christopher Burbach • May 29

As Nebraska reports first measles case in 8 years, state contends with rising religious vaccine exemptions

Emily Wolf • May 28

HIGHLIGHTS

Ricketts’ Riches: Nebraska politician and family deliver deluge of campaign cash

Sara Gentzler and Alex Richards • Sept. 20, 2024

Nebraska Evolving: Immigration is changing, and maybe saving, some small Nebraska communities

Natalia Alamdari • Sept. 6, 2024

Who’s Buying Nebraska? Corporations, investors grabbing giant chunks of Nebraska farmland

Yanqi Xu and Destiny Herbers • Nov. 16, 2023

Pillen’s Water: High nitrate detected on hog farms owned by Nebraska’s governor

Yanqi Xu • Sept. 7, 2023

Greater Nebraska

‘I know I have a dust problem’: ADM failed to stop grain explosions

Sky Chadde, Investigate Midwest • May 30

Desperate for teachers, Nebraska schools turn to the faraway Philippines

Natalia Alamdari • May 23

‘We can make a difference’: After four deaths, Nebraska family searches for hope amid tragedy

Chris Bowling • May 20

Nebraska Public Power District bought land for $5 million — from NPPD executives

Destiny Herbers • May 16

Historically Excluded

Nebraska’s Afghan refugees use food to say thanks and make friends

Nasrin Nawa • June 6

Desperate for teachers, Nebraska schools turn to the faraway Philippines

Natalia Alamdari • May 23

The SBH Review: Cattle Call has those dumplings — and much more

Sarah Baker Hansen • May 22

‘Like a threat’: Mass email urging immigrants to self-deport sows fear, confusion in Nebraska

Natalia Alamdari • May 14

Flatwater Explains

Things You Didn’t Know You Needed to Know about the Best State In the World.

Flatwater Explains is an occasional series during which FFP reporters explain the people, places and things that make Nebraska what it is, while answering questions that both long-time residents and first-time visitors might have.

What Nebraska-centric topics, places and things do you want the Flatwater Free Press journalists to explain? Email us at tips@flatwaterfreepress.org.

  • Flatwater Explains: Sandhill Cranes

    Each spring, some of Nebraska’s most anticipated visitors descend on the Platte River in droves, both by land and by air: the sandhill cranes and the people who come to look at them. Read more

  • Flatwater Explains: Where does Nebraska’s corn go?

    Only a small portion of Nebraska’s corn ends up at the grocery store, and then often in an indirect way. So, if the destination for Nebraska corn isn’t the frozen aisle, it raises the question: What are all those endless cornfields for, anyway? Read more

PUBLISH OUR WORK

All work produced by the Flatwater Free Press — articles, videos, photos and other media — is available for publication at no cost.

GET STARTED