New England First Amendment Coalition
@nefac.bsky.social
NEFAC is the region’s leading defender of First Amendment freedoms and government transparency — the foundation of a healthy democracy. How you can support our work: http://nefac.org/support
In this month's Commentary and Coverage newsletter:
- Healey Admin. Won't Release Records Tied to Former Aide Accused of Trafficking Cocaine | "We are all left in the dark with a lot of questions that cast a shadow on the governor's office and the way it is operating."
Read more: conta.cc/43FQ5qd
- Healey Admin. Won't Release Records Tied to Former Aide Accused of Trafficking Cocaine | "We are all left in the dark with a lot of questions that cast a shadow on the governor's office and the way it is operating."
Read more: conta.cc/43FQ5qd
November 20, 2025 at 6:31 PM
In this month's Commentary and Coverage newsletter:
- Healey Admin. Won't Release Records Tied to Former Aide Accused of Trafficking Cocaine | "We are all left in the dark with a lot of questions that cast a shadow on the governor's office and the way it is operating."
Read more: conta.cc/43FQ5qd
- Healey Admin. Won't Release Records Tied to Former Aide Accused of Trafficking Cocaine | "We are all left in the dark with a lot of questions that cast a shadow on the governor's office and the way it is operating."
Read more: conta.cc/43FQ5qd
Kyle York had concerns about Lexington (Mass.) Public Schools. He felt officials were stonewalling his requests, or charging him exorbitant fees, hoping he would go away. An email he discovered shows, at least in one instance, his suspicions were dead on.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/20/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/20/m...
November 20, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Kyle York had concerns about Lexington (Mass.) Public Schools. He felt officials were stonewalling his requests, or charging him exorbitant fees, hoping he would go away. An email he discovered shows, at least in one instance, his suspicions were dead on.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/20/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/20/m...
As NEFAC President Gregory V. Sullivan explains, the U.S. Constitution can be summed up by the four largest words on the document: We the people. Done.
Thank you to the Norwell (Mass.) Public Library for inviting us to discuss our constitutional rights and the role of a free press.
Thank you to the Norwell (Mass.) Public Library for inviting us to discuss our constitutional rights and the role of a free press.
November 19, 2025 at 5:15 PM
As NEFAC President Gregory V. Sullivan explains, the U.S. Constitution can be summed up by the four largest words on the document: We the people. Done.
Thank you to the Norwell (Mass.) Public Library for inviting us to discuss our constitutional rights and the role of a free press.
Thank you to the Norwell (Mass.) Public Library for inviting us to discuss our constitutional rights and the role of a free press.
Thanks to the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association for inviting NEFAC's Jenifer McKim to provide keynote remarks at its annual conference. She spoke about the need for stronger #opengov laws in the state and how we are helping newsrooms throughout the region. (Credit: Terrence Adderly Photography)
November 18, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Thanks to the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association for inviting NEFAC's Jenifer McKim to provide keynote remarks at its annual conference. She spoke about the need for stronger #opengov laws in the state and how we are helping newsrooms throughout the region. (Credit: Terrence Adderly Photography)
Mass. Gov. Maura Healey’s administration is refusing to release info about about a former aide recently arrested on drug trafficking charges, including details about a background check and whether a 2001 gun arrest came up during the vetting process.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/18/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/18/m...
November 18, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Mass. Gov. Maura Healey’s administration is refusing to release info about about a former aide recently arrested on drug trafficking charges, including details about a background check and whether a 2001 gun arrest came up during the vetting process.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/18/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/18/m...
Check out this month's Community newsletter for our Institute and awards ceremony wrap-up, registration links to new classes, and a list of NEFAC discussions and presentations: conta.cc/3K1aG1k #opengov #journalism #FirstAmendment
November 17, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Check out this month's Community newsletter for our Institute and awards ceremony wrap-up, registration links to new classes, and a list of NEFAC discussions and presentations: conta.cc/3K1aG1k #opengov #journalism #FirstAmendment
NEFAC, VPA Call on Vermont Truth & Reconciliation Commission to Rescind Press Restrictions nefac.org/news/nefac-v... #journalism #FirstAmendment #RightToRecord
November 14, 2025 at 8:38 PM
NEFAC, VPA Call on Vermont Truth & Reconciliation Commission to Rescind Press Restrictions nefac.org/news/nefac-v... #journalism #FirstAmendment #RightToRecord
#OpenGov advocates in Mass. are up against a deadline. By Nov. 19 they need more than 74,000 signatures to secure a spot for two questions on the 2026 ballot. NEFAC's Justin Silverman spoke to Isabelle Oss about why it's so difficult to require more transparency.
newbedfordlight.org/massachusett...
newbedfordlight.org/massachusett...
November 13, 2025 at 6:32 PM
#OpenGov advocates in Mass. are up against a deadline. By Nov. 19 they need more than 74,000 signatures to secure a spot for two questions on the 2026 ballot. NEFAC's Justin Silverman spoke to Isabelle Oss about why it's so difficult to require more transparency.
newbedfordlight.org/massachusett...
newbedfordlight.org/massachusett...
NEFAC President Gregory V. Sullivan recently discussed the #FirstAmendment and legal practice at Suffolk University Law School. Learn how you can reserve a guest speaker for your next class or event: nefac.org/1afreepress/
November 12, 2025 at 6:16 PM
NEFAC President Gregory V. Sullivan recently discussed the #FirstAmendment and legal practice at Suffolk University Law School. Learn how you can reserve a guest speaker for your next class or event: nefac.org/1afreepress/
The Vassalboro Sanitary District is being accused of failing to comply with the state public access and records law over the past two years. NEFAC's Justin Silverman spoke to the Kennebec Journal about why it can be difficult to hold officials accountable.
www.centralmaine.com/2025/11/09/v...
www.centralmaine.com/2025/11/09/v...
November 11, 2025 at 3:01 PM
The Vassalboro Sanitary District is being accused of failing to comply with the state public access and records law over the past two years. NEFAC's Justin Silverman spoke to the Kennebec Journal about why it can be difficult to hold officials accountable.
www.centralmaine.com/2025/11/09/v...
www.centralmaine.com/2025/11/09/v...
NEFAC's Justin Silverman recently visited the University of Massachusetts Amherst to speak with several classes about the First Amendment and journalism. Big thanks to the faculty for coordinating our visit! Need an expert speaker for your class or event? Learn more here: nefac.org/1afreepress/
November 10, 2025 at 2:15 PM
NEFAC's Justin Silverman recently visited the University of Massachusetts Amherst to speak with several classes about the First Amendment and journalism. Big thanks to the faculty for coordinating our visit! Need an expert speaker for your class or event? Learn more here: nefac.org/1afreepress/
In this month's First Amendment and Sunshine News newsletter:
- Open Government in Connecticut
- Public Records and Schools
- Social Media, Free Speech
- Immigration Transparency
- Federal Threats to Press, Right to Know
Read more and subscribe: conta.cc/47ZFlVZ
- Open Government in Connecticut
- Public Records and Schools
- Social Media, Free Speech
- Immigration Transparency
- Federal Threats to Press, Right to Know
Read more and subscribe: conta.cc/47ZFlVZ
November 7, 2025 at 6:10 PM
In this month's First Amendment and Sunshine News newsletter:
- Open Government in Connecticut
- Public Records and Schools
- Social Media, Free Speech
- Immigration Transparency
- Federal Threats to Press, Right to Know
Read more and subscribe: conta.cc/47ZFlVZ
- Open Government in Connecticut
- Public Records and Schools
- Social Media, Free Speech
- Immigration Transparency
- Federal Threats to Press, Right to Know
Read more and subscribe: conta.cc/47ZFlVZ
Join us tomorrow to discuss ways journalists (and journalism students) can best position themselves for a successful career or professional transition. Comment below with any questions or topics you would like Kevin to address👇 and remember to register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #journalism
November 5, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Join us tomorrow to discuss ways journalists (and journalism students) can best position themselves for a successful career or professional transition. Comment below with any questions or topics you would like Kevin to address👇 and remember to register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #journalism
Register now for upcoming lessons on state public records laws, vibe coding, and networking for journalists. We hope to see you there! conta.cc/43PJyce #opengov #FirstAmendment #journalism
November 3, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Register now for upcoming lessons on state public records laws, vibe coding, and networking for journalists. We hope to see you there! conta.cc/43PJyce #opengov #FirstAmendment #journalism
In this month's Advocacy newsletter:
- NEFAC Continues Mass. Open Meeting Law Reform Advocacy, Pushes for Required Hybrid Access
- Coalition Fights Secrecy in Succession Actor’s N.H. DUI Case, Argues for Arrest Records Release
Read more and subscribe: conta.cc/4oK7GFj
- NEFAC Continues Mass. Open Meeting Law Reform Advocacy, Pushes for Required Hybrid Access
- Coalition Fights Secrecy in Succession Actor’s N.H. DUI Case, Argues for Arrest Records Release
Read more and subscribe: conta.cc/4oK7GFj
October 31, 2025 at 1:40 PM
In this month's Advocacy newsletter:
- NEFAC Continues Mass. Open Meeting Law Reform Advocacy, Pushes for Required Hybrid Access
- Coalition Fights Secrecy in Succession Actor’s N.H. DUI Case, Argues for Arrest Records Release
Read more and subscribe: conta.cc/4oK7GFj
- NEFAC Continues Mass. Open Meeting Law Reform Advocacy, Pushes for Required Hybrid Access
- Coalition Fights Secrecy in Succession Actor’s N.H. DUI Case, Argues for Arrest Records Release
Read more and subscribe: conta.cc/4oK7GFj
A big thank you to the team at Simmons University for hosting a half-day conference on the #FirstAmendment and #opengov earlier this week. NEFAC Executive Director Justin Silverman joined coalition president Gregory V. Sullivan and Beryl Lipton at @eff.org to lead discussions.
October 30, 2025 at 4:19 PM
A big thank you to the team at Simmons University for hosting a half-day conference on the #FirstAmendment and #opengov earlier this week. NEFAC Executive Director Justin Silverman joined coalition president Gregory V. Sullivan and Beryl Lipton at @eff.org to lead discussions.
Registration now open! Come join us for an update on #RhodeIsland #publicrecords law with @johnmarion.bsky.social at @commoncauseri.bsky.social. Learn more and register here: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #opengov
October 30, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Registration now open! Come join us for an update on #RhodeIsland #publicrecords law with @johnmarion.bsky.social at @commoncauseri.bsky.social. Learn more and register here: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #opengov
Read this month's Commentary and Coverage newsletter: conta.cc/3W8OBk8 #journalism #opengov #FirstAmendment
October 29, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Read this month's Commentary and Coverage newsletter: conta.cc/3W8OBk8 #journalism #opengov #FirstAmendment
Join us today for a podcasting lesson with Edward Fitzpatrick at The Boston Globe and producer Megan Hall us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #journalism
October 20, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Join us today for a podcasting lesson with Edward Fitzpatrick at The Boston Globe and producer Megan Hall us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #journalism
Come join us at Simmons University on October 27!
October 15, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Come join us at Simmons University on October 27!
NEFAC Fights Secrecy in Succession Actor’s DUI Case, Argues for Release of N.H. Arrest Records nefac.org/news/nefac-f... #opengov
October 14, 2025 at 1:41 PM
NEFAC Fights Secrecy in Succession Actor’s DUI Case, Argues for Release of N.H. Arrest Records nefac.org/news/nefac-f... #opengov
In this month's Community newsletter:
- Meet NEFAC's 2025 Negri Institute Fellows
- Learn About Our 2025 New England First Amendment Award Honorees
- View: How to Start a Non-Profit Newsroom
- Register: How to Start Your Own Podcast
Read more and subscribe: conta.cc/4mYqxeD
- Meet NEFAC's 2025 Negri Institute Fellows
- Learn About Our 2025 New England First Amendment Award Honorees
- View: How to Start a Non-Profit Newsroom
- Register: How to Start Your Own Podcast
Read more and subscribe: conta.cc/4mYqxeD
October 10, 2025 at 7:49 PM
In this month's Community newsletter:
- Meet NEFAC's 2025 Negri Institute Fellows
- Learn About Our 2025 New England First Amendment Award Honorees
- View: How to Start a Non-Profit Newsroom
- Register: How to Start Your Own Podcast
Read more and subscribe: conta.cc/4mYqxeD
- Meet NEFAC's 2025 Negri Institute Fellows
- Learn About Our 2025 New England First Amendment Award Honorees
- View: How to Start a Non-Profit Newsroom
- Register: How to Start Your Own Podcast
Read more and subscribe: conta.cc/4mYqxeD
New Bedford police are investigating how a man who was arrested last week came into possession of an officer’s firearm. The initial police report, however, lacked any information about the weapon's connection to the officer. youtu.be/snoDCj-yQjg?... @wpri12.bsky.social #opengov
October 10, 2025 at 12:58 PM
New Bedford police are investigating how a man who was arrested last week came into possession of an officer’s firearm. The initial police report, however, lacked any information about the weapon's connection to the officer. youtu.be/snoDCj-yQjg?... @wpri12.bsky.social #opengov
A firefighter has been sanctioned by his department after making a Facebook post about the death of Charlie Kirk. NEFAC Executive Director Justin Silverman recently spoke with Brooke Kushwaha at @newbedfordlight.bsky.social about public employees and free speech.
newbedfordlight.org/new-bedford-...
newbedfordlight.org/new-bedford-...
October 9, 2025 at 12:55 PM
A firefighter has been sanctioned by his department after making a Facebook post about the death of Charlie Kirk. NEFAC Executive Director Justin Silverman recently spoke with Brooke Kushwaha at @newbedfordlight.bsky.social about public employees and free speech.
newbedfordlight.org/new-bedford-...
newbedfordlight.org/new-bedford-...
Rhode Island and Mass. Students to Attend 15th Annual Gloria L. Negri First Amendment Institute nefac.org/news/rhode-i...
👏 👏 👏 Sadie Brandt, Luke Macannuco, Addison Mason, Adam Nuñez, Anna Rubenstein, Emily Spatz and Timothy Yean 👏 👏 👏
👏 👏 👏 Sadie Brandt, Luke Macannuco, Addison Mason, Adam Nuñez, Anna Rubenstein, Emily Spatz and Timothy Yean 👏 👏 👏
October 8, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Rhode Island and Mass. Students to Attend 15th Annual Gloria L. Negri First Amendment Institute nefac.org/news/rhode-i...
👏 👏 👏 Sadie Brandt, Luke Macannuco, Addison Mason, Adam Nuñez, Anna Rubenstein, Emily Spatz and Timothy Yean 👏 👏 👏
👏 👏 👏 Sadie Brandt, Luke Macannuco, Addison Mason, Adam Nuñez, Anna Rubenstein, Emily Spatz and Timothy Yean 👏 👏 👏