In an April 14, 2021, article, The New York Times shares insights on its use of open-records laws to gain information on COVID-19 cases. Editors say using state and federal FOI laws has allowed the Times to provide a comprehensive look at coronavirus cases nationwide, and has revealed racial inequalities regarding who has faced the worst of the pandemic.
“Having good information, having solid data and really respectfully staying on top of agencies to make sure they are being transparent leads to better accountability, and hopefully better policy,” said Mitch Smith, a Times correspondent.