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Message preview	The Minnesota Coalition on Government Information (MNCOGI) invites you to a panel discussion featuring this year’s Freedom of Information Award recipients, and moderated by MNCOGI board chair, Gary Hill. When: Wednesday, March 16, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Five will receive this year's John R. Finnegan Freedom of Information Award: Brandon Stahl, A. J. Lagoe, Gary Knox and Steve Eckert devoted eight months to studying how lapses in mental health services played a role in a mass shooting and bombing in rural Minnesota. Their interviews, data collection and analysis resulted in the October 2021 broadcast of KARE 11 Investigates – “The Gap: Failure to Treat, Failure to Protect.” Prompted by the tragic killing and mass shooting at the rural health clinic by a mentally ill criminal, Stahl, Lagoe, Knox and Eckert sought relevant health and judicial records of criminal defendants with mental illness. Their analysis showed many are at large and receive no medical services. Their work demonstrates that discovery and analysis of government records can lead to greater public awareness – and, in this case, the proposal of a legislative remedy. Leita Walker, First Amendment attorney, litigator and trial lawyer at Ballard Spahr, coordinated a media coalition that provided the judiciary with ample reason to allow cameras to record a criminal trial in Minnesota, a rare occuance. . Thanks to Walker’s efforts, the media coalition of over 35 national and international outlets worked with all parties throughout the trial: judge, prosecution and defense. The trial could hardly have been more historic – State of Minnesota vs. Derek Michael Chauvin. Coordinating media across a wide spectrum – broadcast, radio, print with local, state, national and international audiences in mind – took knowledge of the law and the public’s need for information to hold government accountable for actions taken. This year’s John Borger Lifetime Achievement Award recipient: James Barnum, Deputy General Counsel for Hubbard Broadcasting, has worked steadfastly for over three decades to provide legal support and advice enabling journalists to do their jobs in ensuring government transparency and holding officials accountable. Even as they encountered resistance seeking records in the face of emerging technologies and overcoming sympathetic parties who sought to close off investigatory files, journalists could rely upon Barnum to support their efforts to obtain public records and protect the public’s right to know time and time again. Register in advance for this free webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VQ1iKvDKRx670LgcfDOHJg After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

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