This column was written by Randy Evans, the executive director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council. When the Iowa Legislature wrote the state’s public records law 50 years ago, lawmakers wanted to guarantee that anyone could obtain copies of … Continue Reading
This column by Randy Evans, executive director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, has appeared in several newspapers and news websites. The decision last week to cancel the Iowa State Fair was a reminder of the seriousness of coronavirus … Continue Reading
KCCI-TV President Brian Sather delivered the following editorial on May 8 on the lack of adequate transparency by the Iowa Department of Public Health during the current Covid-19 crisis in our state. After pressure from journalists around the state, including … Continue Reading
The Iowa Public Information Board has issued an important reminder to government officials and employees that Iowa’s public records law still applies to their use of personal computers and personal cellphones for government business. The reminder comes at a time … Continue Reading
The Iowa Public Information Board provided the following guidance on access to state and local government records during the coronavirus crisis; The text of the IPIB statement: Question: How am I able to view public records if the government body’s … Continue Reading
The Iowa Freedom of Information Council has received questions — and concerns — in recent weeks concerning the public’s access to meetings of city councils, county boards of supervisors, and school boards. Some people have raised concerns about their government … Continue Reading
Iowa State University officials are ignoring requirements of state law by refusing to release the names of spectators who were injured when a fan fell from the upper deck at Jack Trice Field, the Iowa Freedom of Information Council said … Continue Reading
Iowa’s public records law is an important part of democracy in our state, although government officials sometimes forget that they are working for the citizens. The dogged reporting of the Quad City Times in recent days clearly illustrates that fact … Continue Reading
Gina Colbert of Columbus, Ga., was honored on Sept. 26 by the Iowa Freedom of Information Council with its Friend of the First Amendment Award. The award has been given annually since 2001 to people who have been effective advocates … Continue Reading
The Iowa Freedom of Information Council this week announced the 2019 recipients of its Friend of the First Amendment Award, which is given each year in memory of longtime Iowa Press Association and Iowa Daily Press Association journalist Harrison “Skip” … Continue Reading