The Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) has awarded the 2025 Brechner Freedom of Information Award to St. Louis Public Radio, APM Reports and The Marshall Project for their collaborative investigative project, “Unsolved.” This groundbreaking project has been recognized for its commitment to transparency and for illuminating crucial issues of public interest through extensive reporting on unsolved murders in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Since 1986, the Brechner Freedom of Information Award has celebrated the exemplary use of public records in work that advances government transparency and the public’s right to know. This year’s competition fielded 40 entries from across the country and globally.  

According to the judges, “Unsolved” stood out for its in-depth reporting and impact, offering an investigative look at the case files and systemic issues that have contributed to a lack of resolution in numerous criminal cases and demonstrated the persistence of the reporting team in getting access to these records after nearly three years of challenging the St. Louis Police Department. 

“Not only did the series make an impact on the community their work led to a change in policy that allows for more data to be accessed to the public,” said one of the judges, Kelly Kauffman, engagement reporter at MuckRock, a nonprofit that aids people in acquiring public records. 

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s “Hidden Homicides: Violence, chaos and secrecy inside the Georgia prison system” and The Associated Press’ “Prison to Plate: Profiting Off America’s Captive Workforce” received second and third place, respectively. 

The awardees’ work highlights the importance of investigative reporting in holding governments accountable and igniting policy change that limits transparency for all. 

“Public-records journalism saves lives, saves tax dollars, and makes our lives materially better,” said David Cuillier, director of the Brechner FOI Project. “We need to do everything we can to support this essential contribution to democracy. Freedom of information matters.” 

This year’s winners will receive a $3,000 cash prize and an invitation to visit UFCJC for an in-person day of dialogue with students, faculty and the community. 

Competition judges were Daxton “Chip” Stewart, a professor at Texas Christian University, Deborah Fisher, executive director of the Tennessee Open Government Coalition and Kauffman. 

To read more about past winners, click here. 

Posted: February 18, 2025
Category: Brechner News
Tagged as: Brechner Award, Brechner Awards, Brechner FOI Project, Government Transparency, investigative reporting, open records laws