I’m so happy to have great writer and even better human Cindy Lange-Kubick back in the virtual pages of the Flatwater Free Press.
Today, we published her first story back, the tale of twin sisters who lived as each others’ other halves. But then Erin, suddenly, needed care. And Sarah, suddenly, had to give that care. Which made her start to wonder about the millions of other unseen Americans — most of them women — who are thrust into the role of caregiver.
A powerful story of sisterly love.
Note to Lincoln-area residents: At the bottom, you will find info about how you can attend a free documentary and discussion on the same subject at the Ross next week.
One doctor’s power: A single Lincoln doctor, the state’s new chief medical officer, has been given an unprecedented power thanks to last-minute maneuvering in the Nebraska Legislature.
Dr. Timothy Tesmer, a well-respected Lincoln ear, nose and throat specialist, is now responsible for making the rules around the gender-affirming care of minors.
It also includes an update on the new law, which was passed after the most rancorous debate in my memory of the Legislature. But that law may now sit on shakier legal ground.
Natalia talks Seward: FFP reporter Natalia Alamdari appeared on 10/11 News Now to speak about her investigation into Seward County law enforcement’s use of civil asset forfeiture to seize money from I-80 drivers. Here’s Natalia answering questions from host Bill Rentschler.
We are doing these segments, called “Inside the Story with Flatwater Free Press” with 10/11 every Friday. You can find ‘em on their website and YouTube channel, and I will post ‘em here in the newsletter every so often.
Also, if you don’t want to see our beautiful mugs, you can always listen to us on our Monday evening “Hot News” segment (‘round 5:13 p.m.) with Dan Parsons on KLIN 1400 AM/99.3 FM. They also post these interviews on the podcast. Scroll down here to listen to Dan interview Natalia on the Seward story.
The gang goes to Orlando: I’m actually writing you from a darkened hotel room in not-so-sunny Florida. We aren’t here to visit Mickey … the Flatwater Free Press staff is attending the Investigative Reporters & Editors conference with 1,300 other journalists from ‘round the country. Yesterday I appeared on a panel (terrifyingly sitting beside one of my journalism heroes, Lane DeGregory) to talk about narrative writing. Yanqi headlined a panel and discussed this project. Today, Natalia is talking about her prison coverage, and as we speak Executive Director Matt Wynn is hosting a conversation on nonprofit news.
Serious editors and investigative reporters from around the country are noticing the good work this plucky lil’ outfit called Flatwater Free Press is doing over there in Nebraska. It’s quite a ride, and I don’t even need to stand in line at Space Mountain to get on.
Questions wanted: Some of our best story ideas come from readers, and they typically start with a burning question that just cries out for an answer. Have a question that our reporters need to look into? Complete this form or reach our newsroom at [email protected].
Sincerely,
—Matthew Hansen, Executive Editor
Here’s what we’re into this week: News from around Nebraska
Every week we like to share great Nebraska journalism, no matter who made it. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
- The lack of rainfall is getting scary in Eastern Nebraska. The World-Herald’s Marjie Ducey explains the impact while talking to farmers and experts.
- The Nebraska Attorney General has charged the former director of History Nebraska with a felony. The Journal Star’s Andrew Wegley with the story.
- Nebraska Republican Party leaders continue to fight with themselves. (To be fair, Nebraska Democrats have been doing this since I was in short pants.) Nebraska Public Media’s William Padmore goes county by county, detailing struggles for power between establishment party officials and hard-right insurgents.
- Speaking of politicians fighting: The OWH’s Erin Bamer on the Legislature picking up the pieces, or not, after maybe the most polarized and bruising legislative session ever.
