News release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESept. 24, 2021 AUSTIN – Two Texas news organizations that shined a spotlight on lack of public access to police records have won this year’s Spirit of FOI Awards presented by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. The Odessa American and KXAN in Austin, the award winners, were honored Friday at the FOI Foundation’s state conference in Austin. The Nancy Monson Spirit of FOI Award highlights journalism that upholds First Amendment rights and promotes or uses open government laws. “Congratulations to the reporters and newsroom leaders who pressed for police records and called attention to information roadblocks. Journalists [...]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAug. 26, 2021 AUSTIN – Odessa American publisher Patrick Canty, whose newspaper has waged a lengthy legal battle for access to local public records, will be honored with the prestigious James Madison Award. The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas bestows the award on those who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the principles of the First Amendment and open government. It will be presented at the foundation’s state conference Sept. 24. Canty’s team of journalists has pressed the city of Odessa for nearly two years to provide public records, such as basic police information, in a timely manner as required by law. [...]