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Gone Fixin’: Announcing MuckRock’s MDR Week 2016
MuckRock is a small team, and we’re working constantly to keep those requests going out and give you fresh FOIA reads every day. Unfortunately, that kind of upkeep doesn’t give us too much time to tackle bigger projects, which is why we’re announcing our first Mandatory Declutterification Review - a week-long editorial hiatus so we can give the site an overhaul.
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The most passive-aggressive public records response in MuckRock history
Over the course of the 23 thousand (and counting!) records requests we’ve filed, MuckRock has seen all sorts of responses. While the overwhelming majority of which have been polite and professional, there are a few that … well, weren’t. But nothing tops this response from a Massachusetts police department, which stands out as the closest we’ve gotten to a middle finger by fax.
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All prisons are private prisons
Despite recent wins, media coverage and auditor skepticism may not be enough to keep the growth of private prisons in check for the long run. But you can help.
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Who Would Jesus Nuke? The Air Force’s banned briefing on the ethics of nuclear war
For decades, the Vandenberg Air Force base in California gave a briefing to new missile officers on the ethics of nuclear war. Then, in 2011, a watchdog group successfully lobbied to get the program suspended. If you’re wondering what was so objectionable about an ethics lesson, the fact it was more commonly referred to as the “Jesus Loves Nukes speech” might give you a hint.
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The solution to the problems created by prison privatization? More privatization.
The latest report from the BOP Inspector General calls for closer oversight of contract prisons, highlighting an important shared trait with their public counterparts: the problems they face. From whole cloth outsourcing to individual ceiling tiles, the private sector is willing to help.
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Georgia releases 2015 data on firearm-related incidents
Recently-released data from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation emphasizes high rates of urban gun violence, but rural numbers still contribute a majority of crimes.
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The dangers of marijuana, according to the DEA
The recent announcement by the DEA that marijuana should remain classified a Schedule 1 drug akin to heroin are in keeping with the agency’s long-standing position that pot is a dangerous, addictive substance. But what exactly are these threats that the DEA feels marijuana poses?
Projects See all
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★ Featured
The Private Prison Project
Over the past year, our FOIA requests have released thousands of documents that show how for-profit prisons have leveraged the legal system to their advantage, letting companies pick-and-choose inmates to off-load costs, ignore complaints and concerns, and create dangerous conditions for prisoners and staff alike. This is all done while ... - 100% funded
- $4025.00 raised
- 97 backers
- Ended
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★ Featured
Subjects Matter: FBI Files
From Abbie Hoffman to Malcolm X, Ol' Dirty Bastard to the Insane Clown Posse, FBI files read like a veritable Who's Who of the 20th Century. This project aims to sift through the hundreds of thousands of agency archival material we've managed to get released, so we can better understand ... -
★ Featured
Hunting for Government's Oldest Computer
What started out as an attempt to answer a (seemingly) simple question - what is the oldest computer still in use by a government agency - has seen spiraled into a project that touches on issues of national security, record keeping, and finally finding out whatever happened to Zeos. -
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CVE Watch
The programs being designed and implemented across the country under the auspices of Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) have drawn fire from Muslim community members and civil rights activists. They are criticized for unfairly targeting Muslims, being used for surveillance under the pretext of community outreach, and being based on an ...
Recent completed requests
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US Civilian Assistance to Iraq
Waqas Mirza sent this request to the Department of State, Office of the Inspector General of the United States of America
Completed
Debra L. Poulsen sent this request to the Walworth County Sheriffs Department of Walworth County, WI
Completed
1033 Program Compliance Reviews (Maryland State Police)
Daniel Welch sent this request to the Maryland State Police of Maryland
Completed
5 oldest FOIA requests (USSOCOM)
Jason Smathers sent this request to the U.S. Special Operations Command - USSOCOM of the United States of America
Completed
Emails from FOIA Liaison Officer 9/30/13-10/17/13 (AAA)
Jason Smathers sent this request to the United States Army Audit Agency of the United States of America
Completed
Talking points memos for staff (Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) )
Shawn Musgrave sent this request to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence of the United States of America