El Perico/The Reader

The Reader (parent company Pioneer Publishing) is the original alternative news monthly in Omaha, NE, founded in 1994. It is known for its watchdog journalism and covering news the mainstream media misses. The print paper has citywide distribution and a robust digital site. With an exceptionally diverse audience, its readers are most defined by their high levels of engagement in the community (from voting to going out). El Perico is the original bilingual community weekly founded in 1999, serving Omaha’s booming Latino community, becoming part of Pioneer Publishing in 2004 and going monthly in 2020.

Current Position

Location: Omaha, Nebraska

Beat: The Latino community in Omaha, especially COVID-19 impact

Position:

This reporter covers the growth and impact of Omaha's Latino community, the community hardest hit by the pandemic. This beat takes a deeper look at some of the fundamental misconceptions and uncovered topics relevant to this community, including the impact of the pandemic on these families, the stories behind immigration, and the community's role in the workforce and local economy, including summarizing tax contributions and public costs.

Reporter: Bridget Fogarty