Alex Milan Tracy for Underscore
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The dozens of independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan news organizations that make up the Rural News Network are developing the broadest news alliance reporting on rural America. These newsrooms are pursuing coverage that provides a more complete picture of what it means to live and work in these communities.
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LATEST NEWS FROM THE NETWORK
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Over 170 jobs require a license in Nebraska. The state will soon recognize some earned elsewhere.
April 26, 2024
Nebraska was ranked the 22nd most burdensome state in the country for licensing barriers in 2023, according to the Archbridge Institute, a public policy think tank based in Washington, D.C. Kansas was the least burdensome state.
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Recalling and name-calling: The political fight fracturing a southeast Nebraska community
March 21, 2024
Voters in Brownville recalled two members of the village board. Then the board created two new jobs and hired the ousted members.
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Power play: Project to move power through Nebraska Sandhills has stalled … for 12 years.
February 21, 2024
The R-Project transmission line was supposed to be done by 2018. But not a single mile of the 226-mile line has been built. Why?
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In small-town Nebraska, with suicide rates high, one family delivers hope for thousands
February 08, 2024
Rural mental health struggles are real, as is the lack of mental health providers in small-town Nebraska. But the Koch family, and many others, are working to help.
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Who’s Buying Nebraska?
December 28, 2023
A Flatwater Free Press series focused on the answer to that question, and diving deeper into the corporate farms, multinational corporations, famed billionaires and even a powerful church who are buying huge swaths of Nebraska farmland.
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Who’s Buying Nebraska?
December 21, 2023
A Flatwater Free Press series focused on the answer to that question, and diving deeper into the corporate farms, multinational corporations, famed billionaires and even a powerful church who are buying huge swaths of Nebraska farmland.
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Spilling Bill’s beans: Tech billionaire spent $113 million on Nebraska farmland
December 21, 2023
Bill Gates’ Nebraska neighbors don’t know he owns the soybean field down the road. Here’s the story of his spending spree, including the massive loan he took out against his land.
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Ted Turner, longtime Nebraska land baron, still buying as next chapter nears
December 08, 2023
The billionaire founder of CNN has long owned more Nebraska land than anyone. What becomes of it when he’s gone?
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Who’s Buying Nebraska? Corporations, investors grabbing giant chunks of Nebraska farmland
November 20, 2023
Seven out-of-state buyers, including a Utah church, a Philadelphia corporate farm and a California investment fund, spent nearly $250 million in the past five years on pricey Nebraska farmland, FFP analysis shows.
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Three Nebraska tribes are done losing land. Now they’re buying.
October 05, 2023
Three Native tribes are rebuying back land that was once theirs, before the U.S. government took some and then desperation stole more. Getting it back isn’t cheap.
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Pillen’s Rise: After building pork empire, Nebraska’s governor stands at intersection of state and ag power
August 31, 2023
Jim Pillen built one of the biggest hog enterprises in the country. Then he got elected governor. It’s a Nebraska success story – one raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
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Robot-loving Nebraska family invents one meant to save Nebraska farmers
June 30, 2023
A father-son duo from Aurora founded their one-of-a-kind company with one mission: No more boots in that grain.
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Using loophole, Seward County seizes millions from motorists without convicting them of crimes
June 15, 2023
One of every three state civil asset forfeiture seizures happen in this county, pop. 17,692. Proponents say it combats the drug trade and saves taxpayer money. Critics say it’s highway robbery.
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Nebraska renewable energy programs struggle to recruit students amid worker shortage
May 25, 2023
One community college offers wind, solar energy and battery storage accreditation — a rare combination that allows them to teach students from rural Nebraska, surrounding states and other countries.
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Some Nebraska farmers are protecting drinking water while boosting profit. Here’s how.
May 17, 2023
They’re embracing new methods that can reduce nitrate leaching into groundwater, improve their soil’s health and also, they say, boost the bottom line.
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