By Steven Brown PROVIDENCE – In light of the tragedy at Newtown, Conn., there is an understandable interest in strengthening school safety. But discussions of this issue cannot be complete, thorough or optimal if they are conducted largely in secret. Unfortunately, Gov. Lincoln Chafee and legislative leaders have proposed legislation (H 5941/S 801) that would reverse more than ten […]
By Rachel Healy In March, the ACLU of Maine testified before the Legislature’s Transportation Committee in favor of a bill to restore the public’s right to know about transportation projects that are proposed as public-private partnerships. Under current law, materials used or submitted in connection with such a proposal are kept secret. LD 721, “An Act To Provide Transparency in […]
By Rosanna Cavanagh The panelists included Jeff Clements, author of “Corporations Are Not People,” Pam Wilmot, executive director of Common Cause of Massachusetts, attorney Gregory V. Sullivan, partner at Malloy & Sullivan of Hingham, and Scott Van Voorhis, Boston-based financial and investigative reporter. The discussion focused on the legal justifications for and the ramifications of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, 558 U.S. 310 (a 2010 decision […]
By Tom D’Errico Because there was little information offered on the call, many parents took to calling the local police department, as well as the Brattleboro Reformer’s newsroom. Given it was a Sunday night, and just past our press deadline, there was really no further information to be found. But just how little information would be […]
By Steven Brown PROVIDENCE — He considered it “myopic” and “one sided,” but Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin apparently couldn’t take issue with any of our facts analyzing that state office’s record (.pdf) in enforcing the Access to Public Records Act (APRA). That law gives the AG the power to investigate open records law violations and to take legal action against […]
By James H. Smith Newtown, Connecticut, is still studded with stone walls. Its giant signatory flagpole still stands in the middle of town hoisting the Stars and Stripes, still waving above the ancient and majestic maple trees, still lining Main Street. Newtown is inevitably labeled as bucolic, and it is. Yet the pain is still […]
By Cliff Schechtman A teenager calls the Biddeford, Maine, Police Department and says his landlord is threatening him. An officer promptly arrives but soon leaves after determining it’s a civil issue. Three minutes later, the teenager and his girlfriend lie dead, his mother shot and the landlord about to be arrested and charged with murder. Why did police […]
The institute is an annual, three-day, intensive training program on freedom of information law and investigative reporting techniques for 25 working New England journalists. The institute is hosted by the New England First amendment Coalition. It provides editors and reporters with the support and training necessary to become accomplished investigative journalists, well versed in the access […]
Nominations Sought for Regional Open-Government Awards | 12.20.13 The Forecaster “The New England First Amendment Coalition is seeking nominations for a pair of annual awards recognizing private citizens and professional journalists who aggressively advance the people’s knowledge of what government is doing – or failing to do – on their behalf.” News Media Protest White House Press Access […]
NEFAC honors each year individuals who have promoted and defended the First Amendment throughout New England. During its annual luncheon, the coalition presents the Stephen Hamblett Award, the FOI Award and the Antonia Orfield Citizenship Award. 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 Stephen Hamblett First Amendment Award | About Stephen Hamblett His first newspaper job was as a summer reporter […]