Posts by Alena Rehberger
Sunshine Week: A look at what’s coming up in freedom of information legislation
In many states, recent or pending legislation could impact the transparency of public information. Though several states are taking strides to make public records more open and accessible, a few seem to be adding obstacles to obtaining public information. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happened in recent months and what could be on the horizon.…
Read MoreSunshine Week: File better, smarter public records requests
[View the story “Free the data: How to get government agencies to give up the goods” on Storify]
Read MoreMean Streets: Tracking traffic deaths in New York City
More than half of the 27 pedestrians killed by cars in New York City this year died on major roadways. That’s just one of the findings of a new WNYC analysis of traffic deaths, Mean Streets. WNYC worked with the NYPD to compile an accurate list of traffic deaths after finding discrepancies between its statistics…
Read MoreSunshine Week: Tips for using FOIA Machine
[View the story “Tips for using FOIA Machine” on Storify]
Read MoreSunshine Week coverage of open government violations, FOI laws and more
To celebrate Sunshine Week we’ll be sharing exclusive audio, tipsheets and reporting on FOIA battles and open government. Newspapers across the country kicked off the week with stories analyzing FOIA responses and violations. Here’s a look at some of the coverage: Few cited for open government violations | Gannett Wisconsin Media Investigative Team Public officials…
Read MoreExtra Extra Monday: Child deaths, drug-addicted babies, veterans center doctors, broken FOI laws
Miami Herald Innocents Lost | The Miami Herald Fraternal twins Tariji and Tavont’ae Gordon joined a sad procession of children who died, often violently, after the Florida Department of Children & Families had been warned, often repeatedly, that they or their siblings could be in danger. The children were not just casualties of bad parenting,…
Read MoreMothers in Kentucky passing drug addictions to fetuses during pregnancy
Trinity is part of a heartbreaking surge in babies born dependent on drugs because of their mothers’ addictions — which continues to escalate unabated despite Kentucky’s crackdown on prescription-drug abuse. The state has seen hospitalizations for drug-dependent newborns soar nearly 30 fold in a little more than a decade — from 28 in 2000 to…
Read MoreWelder’s torch may have caused fire at Fort Detrick
A welder’s torch may have sparked a fire that caused $10 million in damage at the world’s largest high-security research lab, still under construction at Fort Detrick, according to a report prepared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Read MoreColorado cracking down on parolees after murder of prison chief
One year after a parolee killed state prisons director Tom Clements, life behind bars — and beyond — is far different for Colorado convicts. After years of declining prison populations — reductions that Clements had trumpeted — the number of inmates has risen in the past year as a direct result of his slaying.
Read MoreAlabama State audit shrouded in secrecy and confusion
As the cost of a forensic audit of Alabama State University nears $1 million, the investigation into the potential fraud it has uncovered is shrouded in secrecy and confusion.
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