The Latest Breaking News from Freedom of Information Act

How To Get Your Government File

The Freedom of Information Act gives Americans the right to see what records the government has on any subject—including you.

Reason · Sep 15

Verdict expected in trial of former council chief over deleted email

Anne Donaghy is facing three charges in relation to emails that were subject to Freedom of Information Act requests.

Evening Standard · Aug 26

Court told of ex-council chief’s ‘dismay’ on audio recording over email copy

Anne Donaghy denies attempting to prevent the disclosure of information through the Freedom of Information Act.

Evening Standard · Aug 25

As DOJ begins to release Epstein files, his many victims deserve more attention than the powerful men in his ‘client list’

The U.S. Department of Justice has made a partial release of documents from what’s become known collectively as the “Jeffrey Epstein files,” with more to follow at an unspecified time. On a special part of its website that the department titled “Epstein Library,” it lists documents such as court records…

The Conversation · Dec 19, 2025

The Freedom of Information Act Is Failing Due to Government Bloat

In FY 2024, over 200,000 Freedom of Information Act requests were backlogged, according to the Government Accountability Office.

Reason · Jul 29, 2025

The sudden dismissal of public records staff at health agencies threatens government accountability

Mass layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services are continuing as the agency makes good on its intention, announced on March 27, 2025, to shrink its workforce by 20,000 people. Among workers dismissed in early April were several teams responsible for fulfilling requests for access to previously unreleased…

The Conversation · Apr 16, 2025

‘Dubious’ use of the Freedom of Information Act stopping access to files on Prince Andrew, researchers say

Biographer says government departments give contradictory refusals to requests and accuses them of ‘cover up’

The Guardian - UK · Dec 28, 2024

How FOIA Gave Rise to Government Transparency Laws Around the World

Flawed as it may be, the U.S. Freedom of Information Act became a model in transparency for other countries to follow.

Reason · Dec 26, 2024

Trump team reaches deal with White House to begin transition process

Trump and his aides have wanted to avoid using government systems that could be subject to Freedom of Information Act requests or other federal oversight

The Independent UK · Nov 26, 2024

Truth Social users say they’ve been scammed out of massive amounts of cash

Accounts obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request reveal a large number of elderly supporters of the former president have fallen foul of such schemes.

The Independent UK · Oct 7, 2024