Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 8hNew at Flatwater: To make use of part of the $150 million in opioid settlement funds coming to Nebraska, 35 counties are bypassing spending the money themselves – and sending it to their behavioral health regions. One county commissioner called it a “no brainer." Read more 🔗 buff.ly/l9Oc20h 101
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 29/09/2026Douglas County has no formal contracts to work with ICE, but the Flatwater Free Press found that its sheriff has regularly shared information on local incidents and affairs with immigration officials. Read last week's story 🔗 buff.ly/nM184qj 110
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 29/09/2026New at Flatwater: Among the grass and flowering plants of Nebraska’s prairies is a now-common sight that alarms grassland experts: shrubs and trees. Experts urge new prairie management standards to adapt to this reality and preserve what's left of Nebraska's prairies. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/iyNLK9U 133
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 28/09/2026In case you missed it: Parents of teens allegedly abused by state employees in Kearney have few good options to sue the state for money. In Nebraska, lawyers say, it’s nearly impossible to successfully sue under state law for abuse committed by public employees. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/NldpvgU 100
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 28/09/2026Free birth is controversial and relatively rare, but it has gained traction online from social media influencers who promote it. The Midwest Newsroom visited four Midwestern mothers who chose free births for their deliveries. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/ChV1HNK 120
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 26/09/2026In case you missed it: Extreme heat waves and 100-degree days often get the attention in climate change. But Nebraska’s minimum temperatures also have shot up, presenting an often unseen, overnight threat to people, livestock and crops. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/De6H03w 110
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 25/09/2026Parents of teens allegedly abused by state employees in Kearney have few good options to sue the state for money. In Nebraska, lawyers say, it’s nearly impossible to successfully sue under state law for abuse committed by public employees. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/Q7YcJyw 120
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Citizen-led ballot initiatives help Nebraskans make direct changes to the state's laws and constitution. But underpinning that power is a network of out-of-state firms and subcontractors that often escape public scrutiny. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/lVUY2ZP 102
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 24/09/2026New at Flatwater: Douglas County has no formal agreements with ICE, but Sheriff Aaron Hanson has regularly shared information on local affairs with immigration officials. He says it’s part of keeping the community safe. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/v96gN3e 140
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 23/09/2026New at Flatwater: Nebraska’s minimum temperatures have shot up, presenting an often unseen, overnight threat to people, livestock and crops — which all require optimal minimum temperatures to cool down. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/De6H03w 131
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 22/09/2026An 82-year-old master gardener is leading an effort to make South Omaha’s 24th Street bloom again. And he's teaching others along the way. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/Y1GLhQW 130
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 22/09/2026Lured by the promise of big payouts, out-of-state petition circulators flock to Nebraska every election cycle to collect signatures. But a signature fraud scandal has placed fresh scrutiny on that system. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/lVUY2ZP 121
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 21/09/2026Election season is here. And so is our 2026 voter guide. Search your voting district, learn about candidates and read through our voter FAQ here: buff.ly/UGBqCYK 122
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 21/09/2026Thank you to everyone who joined us for day two of FlatFest! 110
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 19/09/2026⭐️ Our fifth anniversary event series kicks off today! ⭐️ We are hosting five days of back-to-back events in Lincoln and Omaha, with a culminating event at Roca Berry Farm on September 23 for our annual FlatFest celebration. For more information about each of our events visit 🔗 buff.ly/2XP0IHy 110
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 19/09/2026Your FFP Weekend Read: Rushville, a northwest Nebraska town, is center stage in the superhero world right now. The new HBO hit series “Lanterns” is set in the town of 877 people. A UNL marketing expert says the town ‘may never get a better promotion.’ Read more 🔗 buff.ly/DwbFxKZ 152
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 18/09/2026In case you missed it: Harlan and Valley Counties have spent more than $40,000 of opioid settlement funds combined on Flock. Sheriffs say the cameras will help stop drug trafficking, but experts say that’s not a justified use under the settlement agreements. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/njtLI4N 133
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 18/09/2026New at Flatwater: Months before Gov. Jim Pillen recommended her for a $2.5 million no-bid contract, Julie Bushell sought to have state dollars earmarked for technology that state experts were dubious of. No one told the lawmaker she was lobbying. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/WkyhjE9 124
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 17/09/2026We are kicking off our Flatwater Festival this year with new merch at a pop-up this Saturday from 2-4 p.m. at Raygun in Lincoln! Celebrate our fifth birthday with some fresh designs and say hello to our Lincoln reporters. Can't make it? Our merch lives here 24/7 🔗 buff.ly/L1r891C 001
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 17/09/2026Decades ago, lawmakers created a board that predicts Nebraska's tax receipts in an effort to keep politics out. Last week, Gov. Jim Pillen appointed two political allies to serve on it. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/Iq2dcXabuff.lyAs shortfall looms, Pillen installs allies on board originally designed to keep politics out of budget forecast - Flatwater Free PressPillen’s board shakeup, biggest in forecasting board’s history, includes appointment of two prominent former Republican lawmakers 140
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 17/09/2026South Omaha's Main Street is blooming again thanks to the sweat and brainpower of local volunteers. The effort is led by an 82-year-old master gardener who sees it as an opportunity to bring the community together and educate a new generation of gardeners. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/52IvFuK 131
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 16/09/2026New at Flatwater: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has appointed two Republican allies to a state board meant to keep politics out of tax revenue projections. Critics worry that the unprecedented move is designed to ensure a rosy economic outlook. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/ZPqWw1R 140
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 16/09/2026One week from today, we will celebrate our fifth anniversary with a kickin’ barn party, Flatwater style. Join us 🔗 buff.ly/9tJ3MuG 120
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 16/09/2026New at Flatwater: Rushville, a northwest Nebraska town, is center stage in the superhero world right now. The new HBO hit series “Lanterns” is set in the town of 877 people. A UNL marketing expert says the town ‘may never get a better promotion.’ Read more 🔗 buff.ly/DwbFxKZ 172
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 15/09/2026Ja’Zavier Martin is among dozens of boys who have alleged state employees sexually abused them at a state-run youth center. "I didn’t understand what she was doing was wrong until it was too late," he said. Now he’s home, in a world unprepared to see him as a victim. 🔗 buff.ly/rj2IviS 121
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 15/09/2026Nebraska counties and cities have spent at least $88,800 of opioid settlement funds on law enforcement uses, including Flock, SWAT training, gas mask holders and THC detection pouches. Experts said it doesn’t fit the spirit of the settlements. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/zPWlSgb 22915
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 14/09/2026The Lena Grow program collects data on preschooler talk and trains teachers to increase conversations. It has been linked to higher reading scores. Now, it's being used in Nebraska. Read how it works 🔗 buff.ly/2h2ok7Q 120
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 14/09/2026Want to hear Flatwater senior reporter Yanqi Xu speak about her new story on Gov. Pillen’s company employing undocumented workers? Come join us in Lincoln on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 5:30 p.m. Register here 🔗 buff.ly/h8hJZvD 120
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 12/09/2026We are one week out from our five-day anniversary event series! Next Saturday, find us at our first event — a pop-up merch shop at Raygun in Lincoln! Learn more about our five-year anniversary events here: buff.ly/jJsX9Cd 050
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 12/09/2026Your FFP weekend read: Twelve drones made 6,000 trips from Amazon’s Papillion warehouse in July and August to deliver packages up to 7.5 miles away. Many of them fly above Chalco Hills Recreation Area, where drones are prohibited. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/wx1RfJG 111
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 11/09/2026We're hosting another forum! This time, we're headed to Morrill Hall in Lincoln on September 20th, where we'll host conversations about covering the president, civic journalism and our investigations with The New York Times. Register for free here 🔗 buff.ly/2isItNG 130
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 11/09/2026For the last year, we’ve published stories about court hearings, arrests and firings stemming from a rash of abuse allegations out of a state-run youth center in Kearney. Now, hear from the boys in the middle of the scandal 🔗 buff.ly/rj2IviS 121
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 10/09/2026Kearney is set to become home to a nearly 400-megawatt data center campus after spending more than a decade courting the industry. When it’s fully built out, it will consume more power than the entire Tri-Cities of Kearney, Grand Island and Hastings combined. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/unT9140 222
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 10/09/2026New at Flatwater: Amazon tapped suburban Omaha as one of the first places in the country to roll out its drone delivery program. Those living in the drone zone are already divided on Prime Air. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/LeaQgbk 220
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 09/09/2026En su campaña de reelección, el gobernador Jim Pillen se ha alineado con la agenda antiinmigrante del presidente Trump, a pesar de que sus granjas han contratado a trabajadores indocumentados. Leer más 🔗 buff.ly/zA1uzqkflatwaterfreepress.orgEl gobernador de Nebraska respalda la campaña del ICE, pero emplea a trabajadores indocumentados - Flatwater Free PressLa empresa familiar del gobernador Jim Pillen es uno de los mayores productores porcinos de Estados Unidos. En su campaña por la reelección, se ha alineado con la agenda antinmigrante del presidente… 050
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 09/09/2026Gov. Jim Pillen has aligned himself with President Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda. But for more than a decade, his hog business has employed undocumented laborers, The @nytimes.com and Flatwater Free Press found. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/rOH1O9Q 12415
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 08/09/2026New at Flatwater: The city of Kearney is set to become home to a nearly 400-megawatt data center campus after spending more than a decade courting an industry facing pushback in the state. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/W6TitUh 121
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 07/09/2026In case you missed it: Omaha Public Schools, the district teaching most of the metro area’s students in poverty, now has the worst teacher staffing levels and worst student-teacher ratios in Nebraska, a new Flatwater analysis shows. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/qunncdi 131
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 04/09/2026On September 23, we are welcoming legendary journalist George Packer to the FlatFest stage! We sat down with him for a Q & A ahead of the event to talk about his path into journalism. Read the full interview here 🔗 buff.ly/WbX74oK 100
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 04/09/2026New at Flatwater: For decades, Nebraska small towns have tested ways to attract new people and new homes to keep their communities afloat. The Pawnee City Community Foundation tested its own last year. Here's what happened 🔗 buff.ly/TZbUmf1 100
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 03/09/2026Omaha Public Schools, the district teaching most of the metro area’s students in poverty, now has the worst teacher staffing levels and worst student-teacher ratios in Nebraska, a new Flatwater analysis shows. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/qunncdi 121
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 02/09/2026Flatwater is turning five. In those five years, Editor Matthew Hansen says, we’ve grown from a startup operating out of a broom closet to a force that on its best weeks shows Nebraskans what makes Nebraska special, and also reveals what’s broken and may need fixing. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/QyxeyvG 061
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 02/09/2026New at Flatwater: More than 110 years after the death of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, Native women in Nebraska are still inspired by her to go into the medical field. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/L3XcR0I 162
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 02/09/2026For the first time in six years, U.S. Senate candidates in Nebraska are debating live. Watch now 🔗 buff.ly/cqzc7qtsoutheast.newschannelnebraska.comNebraska's U.S. Senate Debate Headquarters - Southeast News Channel NebraskaTuesday, Sept. 1, 6:00-7:00 p.m. CT - Live on News Channel Nebraska 030
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 01/09/2026In case you missed it: Apartments are now outpacing houses in Omaha. It’s a sign of growth, experts said, but also of how unaffordable homeownership has become for would-be buyers. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/U9EOwiW 111
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 01/09/2026On the north side of Omaha are almost 4,000 graves, most without markers. The burial ground, called Potter’s Field, is where Douglas County officials buried the city's poor, homeless and ill for seven decades. Who all is buried there and exactly where they’re buried isn’t known. 🔗 buff.ly/hyeK1bS 132
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 28/08/2026New at Flatwater: The City of Ord voted to remove automatic license plate reader cameras after backlash from locals. But the Flock cameras belong to the county, which wants to keep them. Read more 🔗 flatwaterfreepress.org/a-nebraska-c... 175
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 27/08/2026Habitat for Humanity of Omaha is hosting a series of panels called Voice in Action and on Sept. 1 FFP reporter Chris Bowling will be there to talk about neighborhood health conditions — including Omaha's ongoing lead issues. Join us there! Register here 🔗 buff.ly/LW7mpYV 051
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 27/08/2026New at Flatwater: Since 2022, more apartments have been built in Omaha than houses. That’s a huge shift from a decade ago, when twice as many houses as apartments were being built. Read more 🔗 buff.ly/U9EOwiW 131
Flatwater Free Press @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social · 26/08/2026Records obtained by Flatwater show an attempt last year by Dan Osborn staffers and allies to disband a political party, which could have benefited Osborn. A spokesman for Osborn’s campaign said Osborn “had nothing to do with the Legal Marijuana Now Party activities.” 🔗 buff.ly/vBkYAoN 110