Why don’t we know?

Why don’t we know how often college athletes get concussions, or when students get disciplined for hazing, and whether those problems are getting better or worse? They’re simple questions with complex answers, and in each episode of the “Why Don’t We Know” podcast, investigative reporter Sara Ganim will lead a team of University of Florida […]

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University must release sexual assault records after U.S. Supreme Court denies appeal

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday denied UNC-Chapel Hill’s appeal regarding the release of sexual assault records, ending a four-year legal battle between the university and local media. The lawsuit stemmed from a 2016 records request filed by The Daily Tar Heel campus newspaper, the Charlotte Observer, the Herald-Sun and Capitol Broadcasting, which owns WRAL. […]

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Austin, Texas, not saying where $6 million in coronavirus aid went

More than $6 million in taxpayer money flowed to Austin nonprofits affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but taxpayers might never learn the identities of the organizations that got the money or get a chance to dig into their stated need for assistance. Citing a little-known state law that government transparency experts are only now learning exists, the city has […]

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Pennsylvania Office of Open Records director looks forward to advancing transparency mission

The new executive director of Pennsylvania’s Office of Open Records sees the role she is taking on as a continuation of her current work at the state’s auditor general’s office in holding government accountable and transparent. Liz Wagenseller takes over a position on Jan. 19 that has been held for the past six years by Erik Arneson, […]

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New England coalition offers journalism, First Amendment training program

The New England First Amendment Coalition is launching a monthly educational series featuring short, practical lessons on journalism and the First Amendment. The goal of the program — called “30 Minute Skills” — is to provide reporters and other citizens knowledge they can use immediately in newsgathering, data collection, storytelling and other areas of journalism and First […]

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Colorado Judicial Branch urged to retain free, online access to civil court records

On Jan. 5, Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition, Colorado Press Association, Colorado Broadcasters Association, Society of Professional Journalists – Colorado Pro Chapter and Colorado News Collaborative sent the following letter to Steven Vasconcellos, Colorado State Court administrator, regarding online public access to civil court records: Dear Mr. Vasconcellos, Free remote access to civil court records for all […]

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