An inmate died in a Nebraska prison fire. That was just the first tragedy.
When inmates at the troubled state prison in Tecumseh sparked fires, correctional officers mounted a confused response that left an inmate locked in a smoky cell for over three hours. His wasn’t the only death that followed a night of chaos in the state’s third-largest prison.
September 17, 2025
Kiewit Luminarium and Creighton University
Tickets on sale now!
We’re convening local leaders, policymakers, famed journalists, your favorite FFP reporters – and, most crucially, you – for a series of “journalism on stage” conversations and a kickin’ party.
Join us for free in the afternoon at Creighton University, where you’ll be in conversation with Nebraska newsmakers about the future of our state.
In the evening, head to our annual ticketed celebration, held this year at the stunning Kiewit Luminarium on Omaha’s riverfront.
FEATURED GUEST — DEAN BAQUET
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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.
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Flatwater Explains: Why did Nebraska build a state prison in Tecumseh?
When it opened in 2001, Nebraska’s prison in Tecumseh was the largest in the state, built in part to house the state’s most dangerous inmates. But staffing woes have long plagued the prison that sits over an hour from the state’s largest population centers. Read more
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Flatwater Explains: Why is Lincoln Nebraska’s capital?
Lincoln has claimed the title of Nebraska’s capital city for more than 100 years. But it didn’t always hold that distinction. Read more
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Flatwater Explains: Why is Carter Lake in Iowa?
Editor’s note: 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… Read more
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Flatwater Explains: What is TIF?
It’s helping finance construction of Omaha’s streetcar and private lakes in Valley. What is this frequently used tool, and why is it so controversial? Let us explain. Read more
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All work produced by the Flatwater Free Press — articles, videos, photos and other media — is available for publication at no cost.