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Fifty groups push Obama on FOIA legislation proposed by Cornyn, Leahy

2014-10-24T13:21:59-05:00

By Mario Trujillo The Hill Originally published Oct. 23, 2014 A coalition of 50 groups urging more government transparency called on President Obama to publicly support legislation that would reform the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. The conglomerate — including government watchdogs, civil liberties groups and media advocacy groups — wants a commitment that a number of reforms will remain in place after the president leaves office. "Only statutory reform and your public commitment to that reform will ensure the commitments you have made last beyond your presidency," the coalition said in a letter sent Wednesday, adding that legislation would "breathe [...]

Fifty groups push Obama on FOIA legislation proposed by Cornyn, Leahy2014-10-24T13:21:59-05:00

State fights release of race records

2014-10-23T13:15:39-05:00

By Jay Root Texas Tribune Originally published Oct. 22, 2014 The Texas Department of Insurance is fighting The Texas Tribune’s request for records that could shed light on why it has failed to collect racial data on injured workers, despite a 1993 law that requires it. On behalf of its Division of Workers’ Compensation, the department is citing numerous exemptions to state transparency laws and has asked Attorney General Greg Abbott, the Republican candidate for governor, to keep the documents secret. Earlier this month, the Tribune revealed that the state has not compiled useful racial statistics on injured workers for several years, [...]

State fights release of race records2014-10-23T13:15:39-05:00

Port Arthur refuses to release names of manager applicants

2014-10-23T02:51:46-05:00

By Sherry Koonce Port Arthur News Originally published Oct. 22, 2014 In a move that Freedom of Information attorneys are calling  “an obvious delay tactic,” or, worse yet, “a possible criminal act,” Port Arthur city officials are refusing to supply the names of candidates applying for the city manager job. On Oct. 8, The News submitted an open records request under the Texas Public Information Act for the names and resumes of all applicants applying for the Port Arthur city manager job, as well as photos of the seven semi-finalists. The Texas Public Information Act allows 10 (business) days for a [...]

Port Arthur refuses to release names of manager applicants2014-10-23T02:51:46-05:00

Judge awards attorneys’ fees after TV station won anti-SLAPP lawsuit appeal

2014-10-16T21:19:52-05:00

A Harris County judge has awarded Houston ABC affiliate KTRK-TV more than $250,000 in attorneys’ fees after the station won an appeal in an anti-SLAPP case, or anti-strategic lawsuit against public participation. Austin-based Partner Laura Prather of Haynes and Boone, LLP, and Of Counsel Catherine Robb represented KTRK in the case. “This matter is a prime example of why the anti-SLAPP statute was created - to protect the freedom of speech,” said Prather. “We are thrilled to have persevered each time the plaintiff sued and the final ruling by the judge reiterates that meritless lawsuits filed out of retaliation for one [...]

Judge awards attorneys’ fees after TV station won anti-SLAPP lawsuit appeal2014-10-16T21:19:52-05:00

Council candidate sues Austin Bulldog claiming defamation

2014-10-16T16:15:20-05:00

By Ken Martin The Austin Bulldog Originally published Oct. 15, 2014 District 6 candidate Donald Shelly “Don” Zimmerman has filed a defamation lawsuit against The Austin Bulldog, according to Courthouse News Service. The Austin Bulldog has not been served and has not seen a copy of the lawsuit, styled Don Zimmerman v. Austin Investigative Reporting Project dba The Austin Bulldog; Ken Martin Cause No. D-1-GN-14-004290. The Austin Investigative Reporting Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit for investigative reporting in the public interest. “Don Zimmerman’s attack on The Austin Bulldog for publishing truthful information from recent court records is an attack on journalism and the public’s right to know what [...]

Council candidate sues Austin Bulldog claiming defamation2014-10-16T16:15:20-05:00
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