Sara Gentzler here. My job at the Flatwater Free Press is to keep an eye on Nebraska government, then look closer when things aren’t quite right. Public records — government documents and data you and I are entitled to see — are a critical tool in my work, and the work of journalists everywhere.
Often, I have to formally ask the government for records I want. And sometimes that doesn’t end how I wish it would.
Documents might be heavily redacted — mostly unhelpful seas of black ink. Or, they may be withheld altogether. An agency typically cites a reason that’s in state law: the document is part of a pending investigation, for example.
But, earlier this year, I received a denial that caught me totally by surprise. And that’s the subject of a story we published this week.
Staff withheld four of Gov. Jim Pillen’s emails, in part because they are protected by “executive privilege.”
*Record scratch.* *Double-take.*
“Executive privilege” is not in state public records laws. It’s not in the Nebraska Constitution. It’s not something advocates or officials can remember any other Nebraska governor using in this way. It’s not clear how Pillen’s office defines it.
And it’s not just journalists who use public records laws. Here’s why this should matter to all Nebraskans, via David Cuillier, director of the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida:
“The governor’s not saying no to the Flatwater Free Press, he’s saying no to 2 million people — he’s shutting down 2 million people from getting information that they’re probably entitled to see.”
A story you can’t refuse: What do “Godfather” director Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, Robert Duvall, James Caan and Shirley Knight have in common?
The answer I’m looking for is not their film industry fame. It’s Ogallala.
Western Nebraska is known for its stars, sure, but not stars of this sort. Still, all those big names were in Ogallala at one time, for a Coppola project in the late 1960s. And their work had a meaningful impact on Hollywood and cinema at-large, writes freelancer Leo Adam Biga.
FFP reporters pet bison: Executive editor Matthew Hansen and reporters Natalia Alamdari and Destiny Herbers hit the road to Valentine this week. They’ve been bumping elbows with bison (note: this reporter is unsure if bison have elbows) and sending mouthwatering pie photos to those of us at homebase — but, mostly, they’ve been listening and watching for stories.
Here’s a lovely dispatch from Matthew, our esteemed editorial chief and resident bison scaredy-cat (I hear he was the only one of my colleagues on this trip who did *not* willingly pet a bison):
We sat on a trailer in the middle of Cherry County and watched a herd of bison brush by us as the sun set in an impossibly vast sky. We talked to the rancher about the resilient Sandhills ecosystem, how it survives drought and wind and blizzards, and how humans can help it and also harm it.
We met a cowboy hat shaper, a real-life cowboy turned art gallery owner, the mayor, a gaggle of Valentine’s business leaders, and the family that bought pretty much every standing building in tiny Sparks, Nebraska, and turned it into their own personal tourism empire. And we met the public, listening to Sandhills-specific story ideas and talking about journalism while drinking a Happy Hour beer at Valentine’s fantastic Bolo Beer Co.
Cheers to the welcoming people of Valentine and the stories they’ll inspire.
Countdown to FlatFest: Back in eastern Nebraska, we’re gearing up for the Flatwater Free Press Festival (FlatFest) in less than a month. Get your tickets, stat — my bosses say the barn is filling up.
Yes, we are going to celebrate the Flatwater Free Press and Nebraska journalism in a barn. Yes, we are going to eat delicious food and sip refreshing beverages. Yes, we are going to hear from a few hero-status (speaking personally) journalists who grew up here.
I and the rest of the FFP reporters are excited to meet people, talk about our work and hear your story ideas. Join us in Bennington Sept. 14.
Journalism summer camp: Tomorrow, Aug. 19, marks Week 3 of the Content Creators Camp Flatwater Free Press is hosting in collaboration with 1st Sky Omaha. Come to Elevator Spaces downtown at 10 a.m. to learn from this week’s instructors: Abbie Kretz with Omaha Documenters and Carol Zuegner, chair of Creighton University’s journalism department (also my college adviser — shoutout to Carol!). Register here.
Thanks to our sponsor: This week, it’s American National Bank, which prides itself in empowering its customers to do more. Thanks to American National Bank for helping us bring more nonprofit journalism to Nebraska.
Calling all questions: 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,
—Sara Gentzler, FFP State Government Watchdog Reporter
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:
- Gov. Pillen appointed a new head of the Department of Health and Human Services this week. His pick, Dr. Steve Corsi, comes with a history of controversy and eyebrow-raising social media activity. Story by Zach Wendling at the Nebraska Examiner.
- And another big announcement from the governor: A new, $350 million prison, subject of much impassioned debate in the Legislature, will be sited northeast of Lincoln. Story by Andrew Wegley and Chris Dunker for the Lincoln Journal Star.
- Nebraska ranchers and cattle feeders are getting together to carve out their own space in an increasingly consolidated industry. Harvest Public Media’s Elizabeth Rembert with that story, featured on NPR’s Morning Edition.
- Law enforcement in Sarpy County and Lincoln have been investigating THC levels in cannabis stores’ products and found many were well above Nebraska’s legal limit, reports KETV’s Jake Anderson.
- The Norfolk Public Schools Board of Education approved a policy requiring student athletes to compete in sports as their sex assigned at birth, regardless of their gender identity. Story by Ryan Pattee with News Channel Nebraska.
- In Crete, the school board OK’d random drug testing for kids in grades seven through 12, over objections from parents. Another from the Nebraska Examiner’s Wendling.
- Some breaking news from this morning: Former Omaha City Councilman Vinny Palermo pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. The crime is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. WOWT with the latest on today’s court proceedings.
- Ever visited the Ashfall Fossil Beds in the northeast part of the state? If you haven’t, this one from Kiley Cruse at the Omaha World-Herald just might inspire you to make it your last-hurrah summer road trip.
- Like other believers in a free press, we’ve been following the Kansas police raids of the Marion County Record newsroom and the home of its 98-year-old co-owner, who died the next day. Ongoing coverage is available on the Record’s website.
- And finally, something to keep tabs on: The Norfolk Daily News announced a series of stories on the role of local journalism in a functioning democracy. That’s a topic we’re passionate about, and we we’re excited to read. Kent Warneke penned the eye-catching introduction to the series, which runs through Aug. 25.
