Brechner News

What are the most pressing issues in freedom of information?

Some topics might include the latest technologies to improve searches/redactions (e.g., AI), how to handle voluminous requests, educating the public, effective dispute resolution outside of litigation, funding freedom of information, and research needs. 

Posted: December 19, 2024

The Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project would like your suggestions on this online form for how to make Sunshine Fest 2025 a success in identifying solutions to the most pressing issues in freedom of information.  Sunshine Fest is intended to bring together a broad array of interests to tackle the biggest challenges in government transparency and celebrate the 20th anniversary of Sunshine Week. About 175 people will gather in Washington, D.C., on March 19-20 to workshop issues and solutions on topics that:  Are of interest and importance to both requesters and government agencies.  Cross geographic boundaries – local,…

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Got clever FOIA sayings? You could win $500!

MuckRock and the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project are teaming up to launch a contest to celebrate Sunshine Fest 2025 in conjunction with Sunshine Week, which takes place March 16-22, 2025. We're on the hunt for the best logos and slogans that promote freedom of information—something creative that can emblazon merchandise for this national event! 

Posted: December 18, 2024

MuckRock and the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project are teaming up to launch a contest to celebrate Sunshine Fest 2025 in conjunction with Sunshine Week, which takes place March 16-22, 2025. We’re on the hunt for the best logos and slogans that promote freedom of information—something creative that can emblazon merchandise for this national event!  Here’s your chance to win cash prizes:  First place: $500  Second place: $300  Third place: $200  So, get your creative juices flowing and design something that celebrates transparency and public access. You might take inspiration from MuckRock’s famous “Got Docs?” T-shirts or their…

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Pennsylvania school district’s use of chat apps raises open records concerns

The growing use of chat apps like Google Chat by school districts across the U.S. is raising concerns about transparency and public access to government meetings and records. 

Posted: December 17, 2024

CHESTER COUNTY, Penn. – The growing use of chat apps like Google Chat by school districts across the U.S. is raising concerns about transparency and public access to government meetings and records.  First reported by the Delaware Valley Journal, concern is rapidly emerging in Pennsylvania as school districts, including the Pennsbury School District in Chester County, are increasingly relying on ephemeral messaging apps to conduct official business. These chat platforms automatically delete messages after 24 hours, opening their potential to violate state open record and meeting laws. Legal professionals emphasize that these practices could violate the Sunshine Act, which mandates…

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DC celebration of 50th anniversary of 1974 FOIA amendments features Nader

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the landmark 1974 amendments to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), a landmark law that guarantees public access to federal government records.  

Posted: December 16, 2024

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the landmark 1974 amendments to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), a landmark law that guarantees public access to federal government records.   To commemorate this milestone, the Center for Study of Responsive Law is hosting a special event on Dec. 19, 2024, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The celebration features a robust agenda with panels and presentations from prominent FOI experts, including:  Ralph Nader:  Founder of the Center for Study of Responsive Law  Anne Weismann: Adjunct Professor at George Washington University Law School   Alan B. Morrison: Lerner Family Associate Dean…

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Study: Limiting access to home addresses hurts fact-based journalism

Restricting access to home addresses in public records hinders journalists’ ability to verify facts and hold officials in positions of power accountable, according to a study in the latest edition of the Journal of Civic Information published by the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project. 

Posted: December 12, 2024

Restricting access to home addresses in public records hinders journalists’ ability to verify facts and hold officials in positions of power accountable, according to a study in the latest edition of the Journal of Civic Information published by the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project.  The study, conducted by Jodie Gil of Southern Connecticut State University, surveyed 63 investigative journalists and found that 89% rely on home addresses in public records to fact-check and verify sources. Additionally, 84% use home addresses to locate sources, and some use the information for location-based reporting, such as verifying whether elected officials live…

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Brechner launching Sunshine Fest for March 19-20, in Washington, D.C.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Sunshine Week and identify solutions to the most pressing problems in government transparency, the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications is coordinating the first in-person “Sunshine Fest” March 19-20, 2025, in Washington, D.C. 

Posted: December 11, 2024

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Sunshine Week and identify solutions to the most pressing problems in government transparency, the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications is coordinating the first in-person “Sunshine Fest” March 19-20, 2025, in Washington, D.C.   The gathering will focus on solutions to pressing problems in freedom of information across geographic boundaries – local, state, federal and global – including journalists, record custodians, policy makers, historians, librarians, researchers, commercial data providers, and all other constituencies who care about transparency.   Attendees will produce an action plan to…

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Michigan pushes for FOIA reform

Michigan lawmakers are working to expand the state’s Freedom of Information Act to include the governor’s office and state legislators, a move advocates say would strengthen government transparency and accountability. 

Posted: December 10, 2024

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan lawmakers are working to expand the state’s Freedom of Information Act to include the governor’s office and state legislators, a move advocates say would strengthen government transparency and accountability.  According to reporting from the Detroit Free Press, the legislation, which passed the Senate with a 36-2 vote in June, would address a significant gap in the state’s transparency laws. The bills are now waiting for action in the House, where Speaker Joe Tate has not committed to advancing them during the lame-duck session.  First created in 1976, Michigan’s FOIA law has provided public access to government…

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2025 Brechner Freedom of Information Award open, $3,000 prize

Posted: November 22, 2024

Entries for the 2025 Brechner Freedom of Information Award are being accepted through Jan. 10, 2025, to recognize outstanding records-based news reporting aired or published during 2024.  The award has been presented annually since 1986 by the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications to reward excellence in reporting that draws on government documents and data, shedding light on official secrecy. The first-place winner will receive $3,000. It is free to enter.  Non-academic stories or series of stories related to freedom of information or based heavily on public records, and…

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