Holly Edgell

Jan 8, 2025 | nebraskapublicmedia.org | Holly Edgell

At the heart of the reporting in our “Unhoused/Unschooled” series are students and families in unstable housing situations, school districts trying to stretch limited dollars, and caring teachers and staff trying to make a flawed system work. The system is built on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. It is a federal law that requires public school districts to enroll students experiencing homelessness, even when proof of residency is lacking.

Dec 21, 2024 | kcur.org | Holly Edgell

A judge in Joplin, Missouri, heard arguments on Thursday in a case about the identity of a Joplin police officer who, through a series of mistakes, shot and killed a toddler during a 2022 standoff. After arguments from attorneys representing all the parties, Joplin Circuit Court Judge David Motoun took a step toward greater transparency in the case, but stopped short of ruling to reveal the officer’s name.

Nov 12, 2024 | hollyedgell.wordpress.com | Holly Edgell

Everyone knew that Phillip Rivera was peerless at sea: His instincts sharpened and five senses came alive at the sound of a boat engine and the feel of the controls in his hands. On land, he was utterly thick and unobservant.

Nov 12, 2024 | hollyedgell.wordpress.com | Holly Edgell

Nora watched the Belize mainland loom into view as the sun rose, and she wondered where the boat would dock. She knew Annie was glancing over at her from time to time. Her heart pounded as the land mass resolved itself into trees, an occasional pier, and dwellings–few and far between. Douglas guided the boat into the Belize River, which Nora recognized because of the Haulover Bridge spanning it near the river mouth. The vessel slowed and cruised along.

Nov 8, 2024 | hollyedgell.wordpress.com | Holly Edgell

Nora found her way to the cushioned bench at the rear of the boat and sat down. Douglas took the controls from Annie, who came forward and settled beside her. The boat was moving into the night, its engine growling at a low pitch. “My dear.” Was it the words or the tone of voice that made tears to course down Nora’s face? She found she couldn’t hold them back behind her eyes the way could around Phillip. She bent over and hugged her legs in an attempt to hide somehow.