All articles tagged with #public records
Originally Published 23 days ago — by CNN
A Texas judge ordered the unsealing of divorce records of Attorney General Ken Paxton and his wife, Angela, amid a heated Senate primary race, with the release seen as a victory for public transparency and potentially impacting the political contest.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Los Angeles Times
The parole hearings for Erik and Lyle Menendez were disrupted when an audio recording of Erik's hearing was accidentally released to the media, causing controversy and accusations of misconduct, but the parole board ultimately denied Erik's parole and Lyle's hearing was also affected by the incident.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by CNN
The House Committee on Oversight plans to release redacted files related to Jeffrey Epstein to ensure victim privacy and avoid impacting ongoing investigations, amid ongoing debates and delays in the full public disclosure process.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by The Verge
Texas Governor Greg Abbott is withholding emails with Elon Musk and his companies, citing privacy laws that protect 'intimate or embarrassing' information, amid investigations into Musk's influence in Texas politics and business.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by KUT
Texas Governor Greg Abbott is refusing to release emails with Elon Musk, citing privacy and confidentiality concerns, which has raised questions about transparency and public access to government communications with influential business figures.
Originally Published 7 months ago — by Engadget
Tesla is reportedly attempting to prevent the city of Austin from releasing public records related to its robotaxi operations, citing confidentiality concerns, amid ongoing expansion and testing of autonomous vehicles in the city.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Texas Tribune
Texas' top election official issued emergency guidance to protect voter privacy after reports revealed that some voters' choices could be identified using public records. The guidance aims to balance transparency with ballot secrecy, following increased public record requests post-2020 election. Attorney General Ken Paxton also emphasized the need to preserve voter anonymity. Lawmakers are urged to consider long-term legislative changes to further safeguard ballot secrecy.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The New York Times
Dr. Anthony Fauci vehemently denied allegations from Republicans that he covered up the possibility of Covid-19 originating from a lab leak, calling the claims "preposterous" during a tense House subcommittee hearing. Despite extensive investigations, no evidence has been found linking Fauci to the pandemic's origins, though emails suggest his aides may have tried to evade public records laws.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Deseret News
As the NCAA moves towards allowing direct payments to college athletes, questions arise about whether these payments will be public records. Public universities may be required to disclose such payments under state laws, but private universities and NIL deals might remain confidential. The issue hinges on whether athletes are considered university employees, a matter that could be settled by state legislatures or Congress. The debate also touches on Title IX implications and competitive fairness in recruiting.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NOLA.com
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is supporting a bill, Senate Bill 482, that would prevent the public from accessing government records related to decision-making processes, including emails and messages. This move has faced criticism from free speech advocates and press freedom groups, who argue that it would significantly restrict public access to government affairs. Landry has defended the bill, claiming that records have been "weaponized" to stifle deliberative speech, but critics argue that it would block transparency and public oversight. The bill has passed the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee, prompting concerns about government transparency and accountability.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by New York Post
A court hearing in Tennessee is underway to determine whether the writings of Audrey Hale, who killed six people at a Nashville school in 2023, should be released to the public. Media companies and free speech advocates argue for their release, citing the public's right to information, while the school and families of the victims oppose it, fearing it could incite further violence. The National Police Association argues that the writings could potentially save lives by studying them, but the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department maintains that their investigation is ongoing and has not released the writings. The judge expects a decision to take more time.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Associated Press
An audit requested by Arkansas lawmakers found that the governor's office potentially violated state laws when it purchased a $19,000 lectern for Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, including paying for the lectern before it was delivered and mishandling records regarding the purchase. The audit referred its findings to local prosecutors and the attorney general, prompting a hearing on the report. Sanders' office dismissed the findings as "deeply flawed" and a "waste of taxpayer resources and time," while also arguing that no laws were broken. The purchase has drawn nationwide attention and scrutiny, with questions raised about the cost and public records surrounding it.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NJ.com
New Jersey lawmakers are fast-tracking legislation to overhaul the state's public records laws, sparking sharp opposition from good government groups, activists, and the news media. The bill, which allocates $8 million in spending, aims to bring public records laws into the digital age, but opponents argue it will make a wide range of government documents off-limits and hinder public accountability. Despite support from legislative leaders and organizations representing local governments, concerns have been raised about the bill's potential impact on public access to information and accountability.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CBS Sacramento
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has released 25 minutes of dashcam footage from the deadly Mahany Park shootout in Roseville, following ongoing requests for transparency. The video begins after the suspect allegedly fired shots at a CHP officer, showing undercover officers running towards the batting cages where children were seeking cover. The shootout has raised questions about the decision to serve a high-risk search warrant at a public park without notifying local police. The Roseville Police Department and Placer County are still withholding body camera footage, drone footage, and the victim's autopsy report, prompting concerns about transparency and the public's right to access these records.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The New York Times
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is facing criticism and a whistle-blower's accusation after it was revealed that her office purchased a $19,000 lectern and allegedly altered records to cover up the spending. The purchase has sparked controversy among Republicans, with State Senator Jimmy Hickey Jr. requesting an investigation. The Republican Party of Arkansas reimbursed the state for the lectern three months after the purchase, shortly after a public records request was filed. An anonymous whistle-blower claimed that the office improperly altered and withheld public records related to the purchase. The governor's office denies any wrongdoing and welcomes an audit.