Current:Home > ContactNebraska governor faces backlash for comments on reporter’s nationality -Aspire Capital Guides
Nebraska governor faces backlash for comments on reporter’s nationality
View
Date:2025-04-12 19:54:44
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is facing backlash after comments he made about the Chinese nationality of a reporter whose story cited environmental concerns at farms owned by the governor.
Flatwater Free Press reporter Yanqi Xu wrote a story in September revealing that 16 of Pillen’s farms recorded nitrate levels at least five times higher than what is considered safe to drink. Consuming high levels of nitrate has been linked to health problems such as thyroid disease, birth defects and cancer, according to the report.
Pillen, a Republican, was asked on a radio show days later about the story.
“No. 1, I didn’t read it. And I won’t,” Pillen said. “No. 2, all you got to do is look at the author. The author is from communist China. What more do you need to know?”
In a column posted Tuesday, Flatwater Free Press Executive Director Matt Wynn wrote that the governor’s comments infuriated him as an employer and saddened him as a believer in democracy and a free press.
“As a Nebraskan, it embarrasses me,” Wynn wrote.
An email message left Wednesday with Pillen’s office wasn’t immediately returned.
Xu grew up in China but has lived in the U.S. since 2017. She has worked for the Flatwater Free Press, an independent, nonprofit news organization based in Omaha, for two years.
Several journalists were among those who criticized Pillen on social media for his comments.
veryGood! (75)
Related
- Trump invites nearly all federal workers to quit now, get paid through September
- A humpback whale in Washington state is missing its tail. One expert calls the sight ‘heartbreaking’
- What’s the deal with the Olympics? Your burning questions are answered
- A year after Maui wildfire, chronic housing shortage and pricey vacation rentals complicate recovery
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- Firefighters continue battling massive wildfire in California ahead of thunderstorms, lightning
- Pregnant Cardi B Asks Offset for Child Support for Baby No. 3 Amid Divorce
- After Navajo Nation Condemns Uranium Hauling on Its Lands, Arizona Governor Negotiates a Pause
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- Boxing fiasco sparks question: Do future Olympics become hunt for those who are different?
Ranking
- The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
- 3 brought to hospital after stabbing and shooting at Las Vegas casino
- About half of US state AGs went on France trip sponsored by group with lobbyist and corporate funds
- Thistle & Nightshade bookstore pushes 'the boundaries of traditional representation'
- Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
- Noah Lyles gets second in a surprising 100m opening heat at Olympics
- Miami Dolphins, Tyreek Hill agree to restructured $90 million deal
- 5 people wounded in overnight shooting, Milwaukee police say
Recommendation
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
As recruiting rebounds, the Army will expand basic training to rebuild the force for modern warfare
Unhinged controversy around Olympic boxer Imane Khelif should never happen again.
Minnesota Settles ‘Deceptive Environmental Marketing’ Lawsuit Over ‘Recycling’ Plastic Bags
The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
Intel shares slump 26% as turnaround struggle deepens
Two small towns rejoice over release of Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan
How Noah Lyles plans to become track's greatest showman at Paris Olympics and beyond