Brechner News

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. 

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! 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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…

University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJD) graduate Loren Miranda, B.S. Journalism 2024, and Julia Roeder of The Tower at Grosse Pointe South High School in Michigan are the recipients of the 2024 Student Freedom of Information Awards.

Sydney Sims joins the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project Nov. 12 as its first full-time outreach coordinator to lead national Sunshine Week and other efforts to educate journalists and the public about their rights to access government information.

A study conducted through the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project sounds the alarm on the perfect storm of factors coalescing to restrict student journalist independence on college campuses. 

David Cuillier, director of the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, spoke about the importance of government transparency Friday (Nov. 1) in Washington, D.C., at a conference recognizing the 50th anniversary of the 1974 amendments to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).