Pigs and Power

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. The series, a collaboration between the Flatwater Free Press and Investigate Midwest, details how Pillen built his empire, and examines some issues that arise in his newest role.

QUICK HIT: Pigs and Power

Post author By Matthew Hansen
Post date Jul. 10, 2024

Pillen’s promises: Economic boom and little harm for neighbors. They haven’t always panned out.

Post author By Yanqi Xu and Sky Chadde
Post date Jul. 10, 2024

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s office, industry groups crafted bill easing ag permitting process, emails show

Post author By Yanqi Xu
Post date Apr. 4, 2024

Photo illustration - blue and orange tiles of various shades mixed with photos showing corn plants, a hog barn and a corporate office

Pillen’s Water: High nitrate detected on hog farms owned by Nebraska’s governor

Post author By Yanqi Xu
Post date Sep. 7, 2023

Pillen Family Farms’ response to Flatwater Free Press

Post author By Flatwater Free Press
Post date Sep. 6, 2023

Four decades of growth: Jim Pillen’s path from dirt lot to top job

Post author By Sky Chadde, Investigate Midwest, and Yanqi Xu, Flatwater Free Press
Post date Aug. 31, 2023

Photo collage showing Jim Pillen, a pig, several farm buildings and the Nebraska state capitol building in Lincoln.

Pillen’s Rise: After building pork empire, Nebraska’s governor stands at intersection of state and ag power

Post author By Sky Chadde, Investigate Midwest and Yanqi Xu, Flatwater Free Press
Post date Aug. 31, 2023

Why we’re launching, “Pigs and Power,” series focused on Nebraska’s governor

Post author By Matt Wynn
Post date Aug. 31, 2023

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