In 2023, an inmate at a Nebraska prison lit a fire in his cell. Hours passed before guards tried to rescue him. A deputy warden who faced blame for his death later died by suicide. An investigation into the fires and the aftermath with Sara Gentzler: flatwaterfreepress.org/an-inmate-died…

This story is largely based on records we aren’t allowed to copy. It meant days in a Tecumseh courthouse, sifting through documents, 90+ pages of notes, bringing a talented illustrator to make sure readers can feel the full impact of the documents they’ll likely never see.

Amazing reporting with too many jaw-dropping moments to fit in a tweet from Sara Gentzler and Andrew Wegley

The smoke from cell B6: Chaos, death and blame in a Nebraska prison: An investigation by the Flatwater Free Press and Lincoln Journal Star Via Sara Gentzler and Andrew Wegley flatwaterfreepress.org/an-inmate-died…

New at FFP: With about 500 student-athletes switching teams every year, Nebraska high school sports is starting to resemble the college ranks, with a widening gap between haves and have-nots. 🔗 buff.ly/2SEGs2L

It has been awe-inspiring to watch Destiny Herbers sift through data and report this crucial story. Read about how Nebraska’s overdose death count falls short, and why it matters for all of us:

Update on the biggest immigration raid in NE since 2018. A visit w detainees from Omaha raid gives new insight … nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/20/thr…

THAT. JUST. HAPPENED.

New at FFP: A Nebraska inmate serving a life sentence appeared on his then-girlfriend’s podcast to talk about their relationship. Then prison staff blocked the two from communicating. Now he is suing. 🔗 buff.ly/qA50wsh

Really interesting issues of prisoners’ free speech, media engagement and mental health at play here.

New: At least two staff members at the state-run juvenile treatment center in Kearney have resigned, another is on leave and a fourth faces a criminal charge in connection with allegations of inappropriate sexual contact with teenagers in their custody. flatwaterfreepress.org/pattern-of-all…

A judge reviewing allegations of inappropriate staff sexual contact with teens being held at a Kearney youth center wrote that she was “disgusted and disturbed as to the lack of transparency in this matter.” 🔗 buff.ly/MYjkh5X

Truly the best way to start a Thursday: This Jeremy Turkey 🦃 special.

New at FFP: Nebraska Corrections wants the ability to let some inmates leave prison early. A state lawmaker sees a link with the conversion of a state prison into an immigration detention center. 🔗 buff.ly/sfHcU3E