Journalists play a crucial role in holding governments accountable, transparent and uncorrupted. Watchdog reporting exposes conflicts of interest for public officials, ensures fiscal responsibility, creates safer communities to live in and more. Access to public records is a fundamental part of this type of reporting. Since 2005, journalists, publishers, journalism educators and others have used
Previously a professor of geography, Rafael leverages his research skills to investigate federal recovery funding on Puerto Rico, a critical beat in the wake of Hurricane Maria. We asked him about his experience so far as a Centro de Periodismo Investigativo (CPI) watchdog journalist holding the government accountable during the hurricane recovery effort. The interview has
VICTORIA, Texas — The City Council chambers usually feels quiet, and often a little stiff. Council members meet in the same chamber used by the municipal court judge, and it’s apparent. Elected officials sit on a raised dais and feel far away from the public they serve. The city’s public library, on the other hand,