Billings Gazette Sue the City

MTN News reports that KTVQ and the Billings Gazette want the city to pay legal fees after intervening in a court case meant to conceal the names of police officers disciplined for sexual misconduct, even after the name of a female civilian employee was made public. They’ve asked District Court Judge Donald Harris to order the city to compensate both of the media outlets, saying they wrongly forced legal action over constitutionally-protected freedom of information, on the state and federal levels. The Gazette made public information requests regarding disciplinary actions over sexual encounters between three Billings Police officers and the female city employee, which took place either on city property or while the individuals were on duty. KTVQ and the Gazette argue the restitution is warranted because the city breached the public’s right to know. Get more at; KTVQ.com.