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IRE is offering a new member benefit for our 50th anniversary and spring member drive. Join or renew your membership by April 28, 2025 to receive a 50% discounted subscription to DeleteMe services.
Read MoreSign-ups are now open for the mentorship networking program at IRE25 in New Orleans!
Read MoreBy Jason Grotto, Bloomberg News In December 2023, with the migrant surge at the US-Mexico border dominating the national conversation, Bloomberg data investigations reporter Eric Fan was crafting a series of Freedom of Information Act requests that would crack open another problematic part of America’s immigration system — the skilled-worker visa program known as H-1B.…
Read MoreThe Board of Directors will discuss a change to Article 10 of the organization’s Code of Bylaws at its April 18, 2025, meeting. The Governance Committee will meet on April 4, 2025. and will be reviewing the proposed update to the bylaws, and will advise the Board.
Read MoreSeven newsrooms will receive custom, grant-funded watchdog training in 2025 through IRE’s Total Newsroom Training program.
Read MoreBy David Cuillier, Brechner Freedom of Information Project Florida, the “Sunshine State,” once known as a beacon of government transparency, is growing ever darker, and the clouds are spreading throughout the United States. From March 16-22, 2025, the nation celebrates the 20th anniversary of national Sunshine Week, which originated in Florida, historically home to the…
Read MoreBy Amy Kristin Sanders, The Pennsylvania State University University employees engaged in sexual misconduct. Administrators misappropriating public funds. Scientists paid by industry groups to obtain desirable research outcomes. Wealthy donors influencing the admissions process. Open records laws have helped journalists and watchdog groups uncover these types of wrongdoing at universities around the country — but…
Read MoreBy Lauren Harper, Freedom of the Press Foundation Excessive government secrecy takes many forms, including denying or ignoring FOIA requests and deleting data from websites. These tactics prevent the public from meaningfully participating in self-government in every area secrecy touches, from domestic policy discussions on climate change, to foreign policy debates around international aid. Sunshine…
Read MoreBy Megan Rhyne, Virginia Coalition for Open Government As the director of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government – a 29-year-old nonpartisan, nonprofit devoted to helping the public navigate the ins and outs of access to state and local government records and meetings – I’m often asked which state has the best open records or…
Read MoreBy Sheila Albers “There was a Honda Odyssey minivan in the garage. As the door opened, the minivan backed up, toward the second officer who was standing directly behind it. The officer drew his sidearm. He shouted “STOP THE CAR” in a booming voice that was picked up by another officer’s in-car recording system a…
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