Investigative Journalism Honored at Awards Banquet

The A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism in Nebraska was awarded on Friday, April 175, 2026, at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, Lincoln, Nebraska.

The award was made possible through a partnership between the Nebraska Press Association and the A-Mark Foundation.

The award was created to shine a spotlight on the kind of journalism that goes beyond the daily beat—the work that digs deeper, asks tougher questions, and tells stories that might otherwise never be told.

The A-Mark Prize honors outstanding investigative reporting done in Nebraska, where the written word is the primary medium. Submissions were judged by a panel of out-of-state journalists who evaluated entries based on five key criteria: originality, depth of research, journalistic integrity, storytelling, and community impact.

A total of $15,000 in prize money was awarded to journalists and their respective newsrooms.

2026 A-Mark Winners

Carrie Pitzer, Antelope County News 

photo credit: Jeremy Buss

first place

“Courthouse Security, Open Meetings and Legal Accountability in Knox County”

Carrie Pitzer, Antelope County News

This investigative series features original reporting that uncovered information not widely known and, in some cases, actively concealed. Carrie Pitzer’s investigation began with courthouse security concerns and expanded into an examination of transparency, accountability, and public trust in Knox County government. 

The reporting examines local government accountability, including transparency of actions, financial responsibility, and legal compliance, and documents outcomes including employee discipline, lawsuits, policy changes, and public acknowledgment of Open Meetings Act violations.

In a community of just over 8,000 people, the series outlines how local government operations affect residents. 

 

 

Destiny Herbers, Flatwater Free Press, left; Violet Spader, NPA.

photo credit: Jeremy Buss

second place

“Dying Blind”

Destiny Herbers, Flatwater Free Press

In a five-part series, Destiny Herbers’ reporting examines drug overdoses in Nebraska, including gaps in how overdose deaths are counted and reported. 

Her work draws on interviews with victims, families, advocates, community service providers, legal authorities, and public officials, along with supporting data and research. It documents the experiences of people seeking support from agencies and services with limited capacity and outlines how data limitations affect understanding of the issue.

The reporting incorporates photographs, graphics, and maps to present information in an accessible format. The series connects the issue to communities across the state and to legislative efforts addressing drug overdoses, including policy discussions at the State Capitol and subsequent legislative action.

Sara Gentzler, Flatwater Free Press, left; Violet Spader, NPA.

photo credit: Jeremy Buss

third place

“Sexual Abuse of Children in State Custody”

Sara Gentzler, Flatwater Free Press

Sara Gentzler’s reporting examines conditions at the Kearney Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center, where minors—often far from home and in state custody—are placed following juvenile convictions or other circumstances.

Through records, interviews, and court reporting, the series documents allegations that some youth were sexually abused by staff members responsible for their care.

The coverage includes reactions from judges, county attorneys, and public defenders, and reports on concerns raised about oversight and leadership responses within the facility. Gentzler’s reporting likely prompted change: In January 2026, state leaders announced they were moving these teenagers out of Kearney, to a different facility, as part of a wider shakeup.

 

 

 

2025 Winners

1st Place

Chris Dunker & Andrew Wegley, “Pillen’s Plan Saves Him $1 Million in Taxes,” Lincoln Journal Star

2nd Place

Sara Gentzler & Alex Richards, “Ricketts’ Riches: How a Wealthy Governor and His Family Changed Nebraska Politics,” Flatwater Free Press

3rd Place

Molly Ashford, “Why Didn’t Anyone Do Something,” Omaha World-Herald

Award Information

Criteria: Judging will be done by an independent, out-of-state panel of journalists, based on the following core elements:

  1. Original Reporting
    • Uncovers new information that is not widely known and often actively hidden.
    • Demonstrates initiative, effort and enterprise.
    • Provides insights into issues of public importance.
  2. Research Depth and Documentation
    • Thorough research using public records, databases and multiple sources.
    • Evidence of overcoming significant obstacles.
  3. Quality of Journalism
    • Accuracy, fairness, accountability and adherence to strong journalistic principles.
  4. Storytelling and Presentation
    • Clear, compelling and well-structured storytelling.
    • Effective use of visuals, data and multimedia to enhance understanding.
  5. Community Impact
    • Demonstrated or potential impact, such as sparking dialogue, raising awareness of critical issues, or influencing policy or positive change.

Eligibility: This contest is open to all news media organizations based in Nebraska whose primary medium is the written word, to include their staff members and independent journalists who produce the investigative reporting content. Entries must have been published between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025.

NPA Members: The first, second and third place winners in Category 35 – In-Depth Writing of the NPA 2026 Better Newspaper Contest (all divisions) will be automatically entered into this A-Mark Prize contest at no additional fee.

Entry Fee: $20 per entry (for non-NPA members)

Deadline to Enter: Monday, February 23, 2026 by 5 p.m.

Awards Announcement: April 17, 2026

About the A-Mark Foundation

The A-Mark Foundation is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit incorporated in 1997. Its mission is making focused grants to organizations that offer awards to promote and encourage journalism and investigative reporting.

Learn more at amarkfoundation.org.

About the Nebraska Press Association

Founded in 1873, the mission of the Nebraska Press Association is to protect freedom of the press and to promote the overall business interests and professional development of its members. As one of Nebraska’s oldest trade organizations, we are continuing that tradition in the 21st century.