Email

City Attorney Gains Power to Initiate Lawsuits via Email, Streamlining Legal Actions

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In a significant shift in protocol, City Attorney Heather Ferbert has been granted the ability to initiate litigation without the prior consent of the council, traditionally sought during special briefing sessions. This new procedural change, effective immediately, enables Ferbert to inform council members via email before filing any lawsuits, streamlining the process and potentially speeding up legal actions taken by the city. The decision to alter the city’s approach to legal proceedings was made to enhance efficiency within the municipal legal system, especially in cases requiring timely action. Under the old system, the necessity to … Read more

Judge Orders Beloit School District to Release Email List Used for Referendum Promotions, Highlights Public Record Transparency

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Beloit, WI – In a recent legal decision, a Rock County judge ordered the School District of Beloit to provide access to an email distribution list it had used to disseminate information about its $33 million referendum proposals. The judicial directive comes as a part of increasing efforts towards enhancing transparency in the use of public resources for electoral campaigns. The controversy began when Beloit resident MaryAnn Sveom’s attempt to obtain the email list was rebuffed by the district in April 2023. Sveom’s request was anchored in a precedent set by a similar situation in … Read more

Akron School Superintendent Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Email Record Tampering and Lack of Transparency

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Akron, Ohio — The Akron Education Association is poised to take legal action against Akron Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Robinson, alleging violations of Ohio’s public records laws through intentional mismanagement of email communications. The teachers’ union claims that Robinson utilized a Gmail feature called “confidential mode” to send disappearing emails regarding sensitive district matters, which they argue undermines transparency and record-keeping regulations. Union President Pat Shipe launched a scathing critique of Robinson’s practices, citing “public records mismanagement, fiscal irresponsibility, and legal obstruction” as core grievances. Specifically, Shipe spotlighted the superintendent’s approach to handling emails, … Read more

Judge Steps Down From Arizona Case After Email Critical of Harris Attacks Surfaces

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Phoenix, Arizona – A state judge recently withdrew from a crucial legal case amid controversy over a contentious email he authored, criticizing the attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris. The email, which expressed strong rebuke of such assaults, became a decisive factor in the judge’s decision to step aside, acknowledging that his impartiality might be perceived as compromised. The email in question, sent from the judge’s official account, condemned what he described as baseless and harmful attacks directed towards the Vice President. The recusal came to light as the sensitivity surrounding the matter could have … Read more