YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – How to make an effective public records request will be the subject of a June 12 program at the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County’s Main Library, 305 Wick Ave.

The FOIA: What You Need to Know About the Freedom of Information Act luncheon program, which will begin at noon, is being organized by the Youngstown Press Club and sponsored by the PLYMC.

FOIA is the law that provides public access to federal government records.

The discussion will be moderated by Adam Earnheardt, professor of communication at Youngstown State University. The panel members are: 

  • Jack Fitzpatrick, who covers Congress for Bloomberg Government.
  • David Skolnick, politics writer for The Vindicator.
  • Lori Shells Simmons, Youngstown city law director.
  • Mary Beth Earnheardt, chair of the Department of Strategic Communication and Media at YSU.
  • Mitch McKenney, associate professor of journalism at Kent State University.

Panelists will share practical tips, case studies and insight into the challenges and opportunities in filing public records requests at the federal, state and local levels.

The cost is $30 for Youngstown Press Club members and $35 for nonmembers.

Advance registration and payment is required. Register HERE by June 5.