NFOIC requests Google disable Gmail “self-destructing” feature for government communiqués

      News Release May 4, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Daniel Bevarly  (239) 823-1811 · dbevarly@nfoic.org   NFOIC requests Google disable Gmail “self-destructing” feature for government communiqués New feature undermines open government and records retention laws The National Freedom of Information Coalition (NFOIC) has contacted Google about Gmail’s new “self-destructing” email feature. The…

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IL: Cop camera footage: Public record or police property?

It took more than a year for Chicago police – under pressure from the media and the public – to release video footage of the 2014 shooting that left Laquan McDonald dead, 16 bullets in his body. When a judge finally insisted the video be released, it cast major doubt on the police department’s version of events.
State secrets

The State Secrets project is a joint effort by Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Local governments hide public records, face few consequences

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Reforms to improve Michigan public record access

It was a simple request of a government agency.

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy wanted 21/2 months' of price data collected by the state Liquor Control Commission.

The information was available and would fit on a flash drive, Michael LaFaive, the center's director of the Morey Fiscal Policy Initiative was told, if he had one on hand. He didn't. Continue>>>
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Editorial: Officials should release info before request

Information regarding the routes of freight trains carrying petroleum belongs in the public record. The Feb. 24 editorial regarding recent derailments noted that neither railroad companies nor state regulators appear eager to release the details. Virginia officials disclosed the pertinent information only after receiving a request filed under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

The situation underscores the importance of the FOIA. It also suggests that government in its various manifestations fails to embrace the principles the FOIA promotes.

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