Katherine Revello
@foiakatherine.bsky.social
Award-winning journalist and writer focused on public records, public access, and #1A issues. FOIA phile. FOI consultant.
Also, professional comms.
New Englander. Lover of the dark and strange.
Also, professional comms.
New Englander. Lover of the dark and strange.
This is a pretty egregious attack on the free press, but also, a really glaring example of why it doesn't pay for newspapers to compromise editorial independence because they're afraid of being targeted.
No matter how much ground you give, they'll find something to be offended about.
No matter how much ground you give, they'll find something to be offended about.
This morning, the FBI executed a search warrant at a @washingtonpost.com reporter’s home.
@rcfp.org President Bruce D. Brown called it “a tremendous escalation in the administration’s intrusions into the independence of the press.”
Read his full statement: www.rcfp.org/fbi-search-w...
@rcfp.org President Bruce D. Brown called it “a tremendous escalation in the administration’s intrusions into the independence of the press.”
Read his full statement: www.rcfp.org/fbi-search-w...
RCFP statement on FBI search of Washington Post reporter’s home
“[T]his is a tremendous escalation in the administration’s intrusions into the independence of the press,” said RCFP President Bruce D. Brown.
www.rcfp.org
January 14, 2026 at 4:39 PM
This is a pretty egregious attack on the free press, but also, a really glaring example of why it doesn't pay for newspapers to compromise editorial independence because they're afraid of being targeted.
No matter how much ground you give, they'll find something to be offended about.
No matter how much ground you give, they'll find something to be offended about.
Police screw up redactions. Flock goes after company collecting data collected through records requests. I wish I could say it's unbelievable, but if you've been following Flock's behavior it's not.
New: Police have released info about millions of surveillance targets nationwide from thousands of different police departments because of a public records redaction error in Flock data. Reveals active police investigations, border patrol & ICE targets, lots more:
www.404media.co/police-unmas...
www.404media.co/police-unmas...
Police Unmask Millions of Surveillance Targets Because of Flock Redaction Error
Flock is going after a website called HaveIBeenFlocked.com that has collated public records files released by police.
www.404media.co
January 13, 2026 at 5:20 PM
Police screw up redactions. Flock goes after company collecting data collected through records requests. I wish I could say it's unbelievable, but if you've been following Flock's behavior it's not.
Claiming that videotaping law enforcement (which is First Amendment protected activity) or reporting the identities of public employees (which is journalism) is terrorism is just another iteration of 'speech is violence.' Speech is not violence. When society believes it is, actual violence follows.
Count me as unsurprised at reports that ICE shot a citizen legal observer in her car in Minneapolis. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has described "videotaping [agents] where they're at" or identifying them as “violence” against them. That trains agents to see counter-force as justified in self-defense.
There's a Right To Record ICE Raids--and There's No Blanket Immunity for Raiders
Notwithstanding pronouncements from leading officials of the Trump administration, the consensus of federal courts is that the Constitution protects the right to record immigration raids, and federal ...
www.cato.org
January 7, 2026 at 7:34 PM
Claiming that videotaping law enforcement (which is First Amendment protected activity) or reporting the identities of public employees (which is journalism) is terrorism is just another iteration of 'speech is violence.' Speech is not violence. When society believes it is, actual violence follows.
This bill is a mixed bag every year. Introducing a vexatious requester element is a bad idea. The provision to allow for the release of draft documents after a certain period of time is an improvement on preliminary drafts exemptions that block a lot of records from being released:
Supporters Again Eye a Push to Update Rhode Island’s Open Records Law | NPR www.oceanstatemedia.org/politics/sup...
Supporters again eye a push to update Rhode Island’s open records law
Advocates have tried for years to make changes to the Access to Public Records Act, but it was last modernized in 2012
www.oceanstatemedia.org
January 5, 2026 at 8:38 PM
This bill is a mixed bag every year. Introducing a vexatious requester element is a bad idea. The provision to allow for the release of draft documents after a certain period of time is an improvement on preliminary drafts exemptions that block a lot of records from being released:
Coming hot out of the gates in 2026 with Transparency Update because it's been 2 weeks since Manchester PD denied my followup requests on the same grounds the FOIC has already adjudicated and I'm still mad:
insideinvestigator.org/transparency...
insideinvestigator.org/transparency...
Transparency Update: Manchester police continue to flout FOI duties
Read More at Inside Investigator >>
insideinvestigator.org
January 5, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Coming hot out of the gates in 2026 with Transparency Update because it's been 2 weeks since Manchester PD denied my followup requests on the same grounds the FOIC has already adjudicated and I'm still mad:
insideinvestigator.org/transparency...
insideinvestigator.org/transparency...
In an outrageous but not unpredictable move after ignoring a request for a status update on my follow-up request for ALPR data, Manchester PD has now denied the request outright. Alarmingly, they're citing the use of ALPR cameras to catch the Brown University shooter as justification for the denial.
December 23, 2025 at 7:20 PM
In an outrageous but not unpredictable move after ignoring a request for a status update on my follow-up request for ALPR data, Manchester PD has now denied the request outright. Alarmingly, they're citing the use of ALPR cameras to catch the Brown University shooter as justification for the denial.
CT includes film and television budget information in its definition of a trade secret under FOIA. It's the only state do do so.
This is important because it's this definition, not the state's trade secret law, that prevents TV budget information from being disclosed to the public.
This is important because it's this definition, not the state's trade secret law, that prevents TV budget information from being disclosed to the public.
December 22, 2025 at 7:40 PM
CT includes film and television budget information in its definition of a trade secret under FOIA. It's the only state do do so.
This is important because it's this definition, not the state's trade secret law, that prevents TV budget information from being disclosed to the public.
This is important because it's this definition, not the state's trade secret law, that prevents TV budget information from being disclosed to the public.
Reposted by Katherine Revello
IT'S TIIIIIIIIIIME!!! December is here, which means the inaugural 2025 #FOIAdvent calendar has arrived. ☃️✨
Every day this month, the calendar will update with a new records request prompt for you to file with an agency of your choosing, for a fun run of holiday FOIA requests. bit.ly/31-days-of-f...
Every day this month, the calendar will update with a new records request prompt for you to file with an agency of your choosing, for a fun run of holiday FOIA requests. bit.ly/31-days-of-f...
The Very Official 2025 FOIA Advent Calendar
bit.ly
December 1, 2025 at 7:06 PM
IT'S TIIIIIIIIIIME!!! December is here, which means the inaugural 2025 #FOIAdvent calendar has arrived. ☃️✨
Every day this month, the calendar will update with a new records request prompt for you to file with an agency of your choosing, for a fun run of holiday FOIA requests. bit.ly/31-days-of-f...
Every day this month, the calendar will update with a new records request prompt for you to file with an agency of your choosing, for a fun run of holiday FOIA requests. bit.ly/31-days-of-f...
Important case to watch in Connecticut. OLM is trying to argue legislative privilege stemming from the Speech or Debate Clause exempts it from FOIA. If they win their appeal, most legislative documents will no longer be publicly accessible.
insideinvestigator.org/olm-appeals-...
insideinvestigator.org/olm-appeals-...
OLM appeals legislative privilege FOI case
Read More at Inside Investigator >>
insideinvestigator.org
December 3, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Important case to watch in Connecticut. OLM is trying to argue legislative privilege stemming from the Speech or Debate Clause exempts it from FOIA. If they win their appeal, most legislative documents will no longer be publicly accessible.
insideinvestigator.org/olm-appeals-...
insideinvestigator.org/olm-appeals-...
CT currently doesn't allow for agencies to charge for time spent reviewing documents responsive to requests in most cases. There's a concerted effort to undermine that right now and stories like this just show how important it is that doesn't happen. It's too easy for agencies to manipulate.
November 20, 2025 at 1:42 PM
CT currently doesn't allow for agencies to charge for time spent reviewing documents responsive to requests in most cases. There's a concerted effort to undermine that right now and stories like this just show how important it is that doesn't happen. It's too easy for agencies to manipulate.
Reposted by Katherine Revello
This email. #FOIA. www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/20/m...
November 20, 2025 at 12:33 PM
This email. #FOIA. www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/20/m...
My case appealing Manchester PD's denial of my FOIA request for ALPR data was voted on by the FOIC last night. Overall, a decision that went in my favor BUT we're unlikely to get records any time soon. 1/
November 20, 2025 at 12:51 PM
My case appealing Manchester PD's denial of my FOIA request for ALPR data was voted on by the FOIC last night. Overall, a decision that went in my favor BUT we're unlikely to get records any time soon. 1/
I'm writing a piece about how CT's definition of a trade secret, which includes film and TV production budgets, prevents the public from learning about use of the state's film tax credits. In search of trade secret attorneys/intellectual property experts!
November 18, 2025 at 2:47 PM
I'm writing a piece about how CT's definition of a trade secret, which includes film and TV production budgets, prevents the public from learning about use of the state's film tax credits. In search of trade secret attorneys/intellectual property experts!
Good FOI news! The preliminary decision in my FOIC case seeking ALPR data from Manchester PD is in and it says it's unlikely ALPR data can be withheld because it would reveal police investigatory techniques related to the investigation of a crime.
November 10, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Good FOI news! The preliminary decision in my FOIC case seeking ALPR data from Manchester PD is in and it says it's unlikely ALPR data can be withheld because it would reveal police investigatory techniques related to the investigation of a crime.
Filing FOI requests can be scary. From not knowing where to begin to dealing with agencies that don't want to turn over information, there's a lot that can go wrong. Use these handy (Connecticut specific) tips to dodge common pitfalls and avoid your request turning into a horror story.
October 31, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Filing FOI requests can be scary. From not knowing where to begin to dealing with agencies that don't want to turn over information, there's a lot that can go wrong. Use these handy (Connecticut specific) tips to dodge common pitfalls and avoid your request turning into a horror story.
This is the first time legislative privilege under the Speech or Debate clause has been used to argue that all records the legislature produces are exempt from FOIA. Thankfully, the FOIC rejected that argument. But I have no doubt there will be an appeal. insideinvestigator.org/foic-legisla...
FOIC: Legislative privilege does not exempt records under FOIA
Read More at Inside Investigator >>
insideinvestigator.org
October 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
This is the first time legislative privilege under the Speech or Debate clause has been used to argue that all records the legislature produces are exempt from FOIA. Thankfully, the FOIC rejected that argument. But I have no doubt there will be an appeal. insideinvestigator.org/foic-legisla...
Great scoop from one of my colleagues who was *added to an email chain* between town officials a la Signal-gate: insideinvestigator.org/middlebury-e...
Middlebury early votes kept in closet at night, against state policy
Read More at Inside Investigator >>
insideinvestigator.org
October 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Great scoop from one of my colleagues who was *added to an email chain* between town officials a la Signal-gate: insideinvestigator.org/middlebury-e...
Real words I just wrote in a FOIA request: "expenses related to the development of Charlie the pizza slice mascot."
Yes, I'm taking a deep dive look into the Connecticut Office of Tourism. Stay tuned for more (and let me know if there are more marketing campaigns I should FOI).
Yes, I'm taking a deep dive look into the Connecticut Office of Tourism. Stay tuned for more (and let me know if there are more marketing campaigns I should FOI).
October 22, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Real words I just wrote in a FOIA request: "expenses related to the development of Charlie the pizza slice mascot."
Yes, I'm taking a deep dive look into the Connecticut Office of Tourism. Stay tuned for more (and let me know if there are more marketing campaigns I should FOI).
Yes, I'm taking a deep dive look into the Connecticut Office of Tourism. Stay tuned for more (and let me know if there are more marketing campaigns I should FOI).
I ran out of space to talk about it, but CSCU also said at a hearing that they route media requests through their comms department rather than GovQA to facilitate relationships. I have a huge problem with that. FOI doesn't care who you are or why you want info. Media shouldn't get special treatment.
You've probably been told your FOIA request is too vague at some point. Language is subjective, but if agencies are making decisions that affect what's responsive, they should be talking to you. More about how that's an issue in our CSCU FOIC case here:
insideinvestigator.org/transparency...
insideinvestigator.org/transparency...
Transparency Update: An inherent information imbalance
Read More at Inside Investigator >>
insideinvestigator.org
October 17, 2025 at 6:18 PM
I ran out of space to talk about it, but CSCU also said at a hearing that they route media requests through their comms department rather than GovQA to facilitate relationships. I have a huge problem with that. FOI doesn't care who you are or why you want info. Media shouldn't get special treatment.
You've probably been told your FOIA request is too vague at some point. Language is subjective, but if agencies are making decisions that affect what's responsive, they should be talking to you. More about how that's an issue in our CSCU FOIC case here:
insideinvestigator.org/transparency...
insideinvestigator.org/transparency...
Transparency Update: An inherent information imbalance
Read More at Inside Investigator >>
insideinvestigator.org
October 17, 2025 at 6:17 PM
You've probably been told your FOIA request is too vague at some point. Language is subjective, but if agencies are making decisions that affect what's responsive, they should be talking to you. More about how that's an issue in our CSCU FOIC case here:
insideinvestigator.org/transparency...
insideinvestigator.org/transparency...
Reposted by Katherine Revello
As Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Act celebrates its 50th anniversary, @foiakatherine.bsky.social for @insideinvestigator.bsky.social takes a look at how enforcement of the law has evolved. insideinvestigator.org/sunshine-on-...
Sunshine on a Cloudy Day? The State of FOIA at 50
Read More at Inside Investigator >>
insideinvestigator.org
October 16, 2025 at 3:13 PM
As Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Act celebrates its 50th anniversary, @foiakatherine.bsky.social for @insideinvestigator.bsky.social takes a look at how enforcement of the law has evolved. insideinvestigator.org/sunshine-on-...
Connecticut's FOI law turned 50 earlier this month. I'm a huge proponent of FOIA being a tool for all the public, but local journalists have unquestionably shaped the law. So what does FOI's future look like as local journalism dies?
insideinvestigator.org/sunshine-on-...
insideinvestigator.org/sunshine-on-...
Sunshine on a Cloudy Day? The State of FOIA at 50
Read More at Inside Investigator >>
insideinvestigator.org
October 15, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Connecticut's FOI law turned 50 earlier this month. I'm a huge proponent of FOIA being a tool for all the public, but local journalists have unquestionably shaped the law. So what does FOI's future look like as local journalism dies?
insideinvestigator.org/sunshine-on-...
insideinvestigator.org/sunshine-on-...
I'm incredibly honored to be receiving special recognition from NEFAC.
NEFAC to Honor Connecticut @insideinvestigator.bsky.social's krevellowrites.bsky.social for #OpenGov Reporting nefac.org/news/nefac-t... #journalism
October 3, 2025 at 8:10 PM
I'm incredibly honored to be receiving special recognition from NEFAC.
Today is the 50th birthday of Connecticut's FOIA statute. The law gets some things right, but also has a glaring flaw: a lack of deadline by which agencies have to respond to requests. insideinvestigator.org/transparency...
Transparency Update: FOIA turns 50
Read More at Inside Investigator >>
insideinvestigator.org
October 1, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Today is the 50th birthday of Connecticut's FOIA statute. The law gets some things right, but also has a glaring flaw: a lack of deadline by which agencies have to respond to requests. insideinvestigator.org/transparency...
I'm incredibly honored to receive a Pearlman award from CFOG this year. It's such a crucial moment for freedom of information and fighting to preserve public access to it is a fundamental drive in my work as a journalist.
September 12, 2025 at 6:38 PM
I'm incredibly honored to receive a Pearlman award from CFOG this year. It's such a crucial moment for freedom of information and fighting to preserve public access to it is a fundamental drive in my work as a journalist.