Insights
News Station Sues to Expose Local Agency Public Records Neglect in New Orleans
Sometimes news organizations are digging for public records to aid in a larger exposé that can affect people’s lives in a very material way – like compensation for medical or repair expenses. In New Orleans, the news station Fox 8 has filed suit against the city...
Surrogacy Awareness Month
March is Surrogacy Awareness Month in the United States, and for me, it's a time to reflect on the incredible journey that led to my son's arrival. Every day, I'm reminded of the love and selflessness of our amazing gestational surrogate, who carried and delivered him...
Does a Public University Need a Protective Order?
Colleges and universities that receive public funds are subject to open records law. Are there any limits? At Oklahoma University, NonDoc Media and their editor-in-chief, Tres Savage, have been engaged in a struggle with OU’s petition for a protective order. The goal...
How Far Will Racine, WI Go to Conceal a City Public Records Misstep?
If you’re the “wrong” person requesting the “wrong” city public records from the “wrong” officials, you can have a very tough time indeed. You might even endure a years-long legal struggle. Of course, by “wrong” in all these instances, I really mean: Some public...
Did PETA Public Records Suit Misreport OSHU’s Behavior or Hold them Accountable?
Does a public records suit always conform to a good guy vs. bad guy narrative? Is the requester always the hero, and the public entity is always the villain? Of course, it’s not that black and white. Public records laws were created to support government transparency...
Can Foreign Nationals Volunteer While Waiting for Work Authorization?
🤔 I’m often asked by employers …. 👉 My employee wants to Do Volunteer Work while waiting for his/her work authorization… CAN WE DO THAT? Although volunteer work is essential and good for our communities to thrive because this work makes a tangible impact on the lives...
MetaBirkin NFTs Ruled a Trademark Violation
The line between art made from existing products and brands has always been murky, and it is likely going to be a never ending question. Warhol’s pop culture prints. Dom Pérignon in Cédric Peers’ work. MSCHF’s “Wavy Baby” shoes. And now we can add NFT trademark...
Private Donations to Public Universities = Public Records?
There have been numerous cases lately regarding what records should be considered public versus private when public officials or funds are involved. Here's an interesting corner of that larger question: have you ever wondered if large private donations to public...