KCTV5 Investigates recognized for work on government transparency

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A Missouri organization focused on government transparency recognized KCTV’s investigations team.

The Missouri Sunshine Coalition named Angie Ricono and the station’s investigations team one of its 2024 “Sunshine Heroes.” The honor is given to people and organizations who use the Sunshine Law to provide information to people in Missouri.

Ricono and the Danger on the Roads: What KCFD knew before the Westport crash.

The coverage included audio and video recordings, emails, and other records obtained through Sunshine Law requests to show what happened leading up to a deadly crash involving a Kansas City firetruck.

“We are fortunate to be able to lift up these examples for others to follow. Thanks to their efforts, the public knows more about how city governments work, how tragic events can occur and the challenges of solving violent crimes,” Executive Director Dennis Ellsworth, Missouri Sunshine Coalition, said.

“Just as important, of the public are reminded they have a right to know these things, and to pursue their own interests in becoming more informed about the workings of local and state government.”

The Missouri Sunshine Coalition also named Dave Roland of Mexico, Mo. for his work in 2024.

ALSO READ: KCTV5 named Station of the Year by Missouri Broadcasters Association

Roland co-founded the Freedom Center of Missouri and serves as its director of litigation. The organization is a nonpartisan 501 (c)(3) nonprofit law firm that advocates for people trying to access public information from public meetings and records.

Another 2024 Sunshine Hero is The Maries County Advocate. The newspaper’s assistant editor, Roxie Murphy; Dave Marner, Murphy’s editor; and Jacob Warden, the newspaper’s manager reported on Sunshine Law violations for years. The reporting eventually led to a settlement between the city of Belle, Mo. and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, according to the coalition.

St. Louis Public Radio is recognized for the work of justice reporter Rachel Lippmann, along with America Public Media’s Tom Scheck and Jennifer Lu.

According to the coalition, the two news organizations fought the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for years over access to records showing clearance rates for homicides.

Since 2010, just 19 individuals and organizations have been named Sunshine Heroes.

Missouri’s Sunshine Law was enacted in 1973, but use of the law has declined, according to The Missouri Sunshine Coalition.

ALSO READ: KCTV5 named Station of the Year by Kansas Association of Broadcasters

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