Transparency

Editorials defend First Amendment, take issue with the press as ‘enemy of the people’

FOIFT2018-08-16T20:04:39-05:00

Newspapers across the country are taking issue with President Trump's assertion that journalists are the enemy of the American people. Here are a few editorials and columns appearing in Texas emphasizing the importance of the news media and the First Amendment. Houston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/editorials/article/real-enemy-of-the-people-not-the-press-Trump-13159543.php The Dallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/2018/08/15/first-amendment-helps-people-hold-elected-officials-accountable Fort Worth Star-Telegram: https://www.star-telegram.com/opinion/editorials/article216767650.html Austin American-Statesman: https://www.statesman.com/news/opinion/editorial-journalists-are-watchdog-neighbors-not-enemy-the-people/XzgIMMp6QYxURXoxFhazaI/ San Antonio Express-News: https://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/columnists/josh_brodesky/article/A-free-press-is-vital-to-the-people-not-the-enemy-13147915.php Victoria Advocate: https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/opinion/enemy-of-the-people-don-t-worry-we-have-your/article_3959e268-a09c-11e8-894b-27a62bdf885e.html

Editorials defend First Amendment, take issue with the press as ‘enemy of the people’FOIFT2018-08-16T20:04:39-05:00

Why everyone should care about government transparency

FOIFT2018-10-16T22:49:22-05:00

Why Everyone Should Care About Government Transparency By Kathleen Stone Government transparency in the state of Texas is the big issue that no one is talking about. Or that’s how it seems to me, the public relations student who joined the FOI Foundation of Texas as the digital marketing intern roughly two months ago. I came aboard to revamp the Texas Sunshine Coalition website and lay out a new social media plan. Beyond a few journalism classes and a media law class, I really didn’t know that much about the issues surrounding government transparency. After spending some time studying the cases, I’ve [...]

Why everyone should care about government transparencyFOIFT2018-10-16T22:49:22-05:00

Houston Chronicle Editorial: The video the Houston firefighters union doesn’t want you to see

FOIFT2018-08-12T23:27:59-05:00

Recording of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs meeting on July 26. Whatever you’re doing, don’t read this editorial. Stop. Reading. Right now. Did we get your attention? Thought so. Anybody with a lick of sense knows that when you tell people not to look at something, they can’t help but look. All of which makes you wonder what the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association was thinking when it went to court to get a video of a public meeting pulled off the internet. What doesn’t the firefighters’ union want you to see? If you’re reading online, click on the video and [...]

Houston Chronicle Editorial: The video the Houston firefighters union doesn’t want you to seeFOIFT2018-08-12T23:27:59-05:00

Attorney Joel White, former FOI Foundation president, remembered as strong advocate for press freedom, open government

FOIFT2018-09-06T23:08:20-05:00

First Amendment attorney Joel White, a former president of the FOI Foundation of Texas and longtime champion of open government, has passed away. White died July 21 in Cartagena, Colombia. He became ill during a trip, having suffered a perforated diverticulitis and septic shock, according to friends and his wife, Melinda Rainey. In his law practice in Austin, White represented news media clients in many types of cases including court access, open records, subpoenas and libel. He also represented clients in finance, energy, construction and manufacturing. He was board certified in civil appellate law and was named one of the best lawyers in [...]

Attorney Joel White, former FOI Foundation president, remembered as strong advocate for press freedom, open governmentFOIFT2018-09-06T23:08:20-05:00

Judge: Farenthold must testify in Open Meetings Act case

FOIFT2018-07-24T18:18:59-05:00

By Jessica Priest Victoria Advocate Originally published July 23, 2018 Former U.S. Congressman Blake Farenthold will have to testify in a Texas Open Meetings Act lawsuit, a judge ruled Monday. And so will Farenthold’s boss, Calhoun Port Authority Director Charles Hausmann, as well as the man who directed Hausmann to hire him, the Calhoun Port Authority’s Board Chairman Randy Boyd. The Victoria Advocate sued the port earlier this year, seeking to nullify Farenthold’s hiring because the action was taken without proper public notice. Read the full story here.

Judge: Farenthold must testify in Open Meetings Act caseFOIFT2018-07-24T18:18:59-05:00

Transparency

CONTACT INFO

TEXAS FOI NEWS

QUICK LINKS

MENU

RESOURCES

Contact Info

Latest News