• by Tony Silber , Staff Writer, January 27, 2022

States Newsroom, the nationwide network of state-based nonprofit news organizations, on Tuesday announced the launch of the Nebraska Examiner, its 26^th outlet providing free, high-quality, nonpartisan journalism in its served markets.

With the Nebraska Examiner, States Newsroom now provides state news coverage to over half the nation. The Nebraska outlet will be led by Omaha Press Club Hall of Famer Cate Folsom and focus on covering state government and politics for Nebraska’s residents.

Folsom brings more than 40 years of experience as a reporter and editor, having spent the bulk of those years at the Omaha World-Herald. Her previous reporting efforts led to the resignations of state officials and reforms in state law. 

“We intend to provide a hard-hitting flow of daily news, scoops and reports that will keep Nebraskans informed and help them to better understand their state and communities,” Folsom said. “Our staff of four has worked in Nebraska journalism for a combined 137 years. Our deep experience and strong skills will benefit our readers moving forward.”

State Newsroom is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit launched in 2019. It now has more than 95 reporters. It is funded by the contributions of readers and philanthropists and doesn’t accept ads.

In December, States Newsroom announced plans to add three additional newsrooms, including Nebraska. The others are Alaska and Arkansas.

“By nearly every metric, local journalism is struggling, and more important stories are going unreported or under-reported in state capitals across the country,” Chris Fitzsimon, States Newsroom director-publisher, said. He said his organization is filling the void.

“We are using a new model of nonprofit journalism at the state level to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality, nonpartisan reporting on the most pressing issues affecting them and their communities," Fitzsimon said. "We’re seeking journalists who are just as passionate as we are about delivering first-rate state government and policy reporting.”

Other journalists joining the Nebraska Examiner’s staff include:

• Paul Hammel, senior reporter, who has decades of experience covering the Nebraska legislature and Nebraska state government. A Nebraska native, he began his journalism career as editor of the Papillion Times in 1982, Hammel joined the Omaha World-Herald in 1990 and worked himself up from legislative reporter to Lincoln bureau chief.

• Cindy Gonzalez, senior reporter, brings more than 35 years of experience to the Nebraska Examiner. Her coverage areas have included business and real-estate development, regional reporting, immigration and City Hall and local politics. She also currently chairs the board that oversees the local university’s student newspaper.

• Aaron Sanderford, political reporter, who joins the staff having tackled various news roles in his 20-plus year career at the Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal-Star. From 2005 to 2007, he served as communications director for then-Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman. A North Carolina native, Sanderford most recently was the lead investigative reporter for KMTV 3 in Omaha, focusing on holding public officials accountable.

The launch of the Nebraska Examiner comes shortly after States Newsroom announced plans to expand its footprint with independent newsrooms in roughly 40 states. Last month, States Newsroom launched News from the States, a comprehensive source for statehouse news across the country.

Other States Newsroom affiliates and partners are:

Arizona Mirror

Colorado Newsline

Florida Phoenix

Georgia Recorder

Idaho Capital Sun

Iowa Capital Dispatch

Kansas Reflector 

Louisiana Illuminator

Maine Beacon

Maryland Matters

Michigan Advance

Minnesota Reformer

Missouri Independent

Daily Montanan

Nevada Current

New Hampshire Bulletin

New Jersey Monitor

Source New Mexico

NC Policy Watch

Ohio Capital Journal

Oregon Capital Chronicle

Pennsylvania Capital-Star

Tennessee Lookout

Virginia Mercury

Wisconsin Examiner