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Now that I’ve vented my frustrations with the Legislature’s refusal to release records, I have some suggestions for how to fix it. In fact, the Legislature can make itself far more accountable on both records and meetings without sacrificing its authority to make its own rules and live by only …

Here’s my quote in the Associated Press story about the Legislature’s response to a request for some records: “I’m appalled by the breadth of the arrogance in this response.” I told reporter Michelle Rindels quite a bit more, too (which I’ll get to later), but I think this pretty well …

The following column is being published in Nevada newspapers this week. By Barry Smith In an age when government leaks, classified e-mails and court orders to unlock phones seem to make the news daily, it’s worth remembering why we insist on open and transparent government. Sunshine Week is the annual …

Only 11 months until the next session of the Nevada Legislature, which brings the stirrings of newly hatched ideas for legislation. One of the signs of the season was the first presentation to the directors of state agencies on what they should anticipate for their budgets — flat or a …

A coalition of media groups today urged every U.S. Senator to support legislation that establishes a presumption of openness in law, encourages agencies to use public-friendly technology, and makes other changes to the way agencies respond to requests for information from the public. The Sunshine in Government Initiative (SGI) sent …

By Jim Stasiowski This month, I depart from my usual presentations of strategy and tactics, many of which are my thoughts and opinions rather than facts that I can support with objective proof. In other words, at least some of you probably stand up and shake your fists at my …

By Mickey H. Osterreicher, Esq. National Press Photographers Association Amidst all the hysterical reports that the sky is falling or it’s literally raining drones, Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis recently introduced a thoughtful Micro Drone amendment to the FAA Reauthorization Act. The amendment would create a new “Micro UAS Classification” of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, …

It’s right there in the fourth sentence of Nevada’s open-records statute. “The use of private entities in the provision of public services must not deprive members of the public access to inspect and copy books and records relating to the provision of those services.” I always have to go back …

The best disinfectant. Let’s give credit where credit is due, as this is all about newspapers and journalism, where attribution is everything. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis wrote it: “Publicity is justly commended as a remedy for social and industrial diseases. Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants; …