New OMB Open Government Directive Offers FOI Opportunities

December 16, 2009–While there are plenty of EPA databases already on line, not all of them are in a form that can be quickly downloaded in their entirety and imported into standard database software. That's a key criterion specified, and one that will ease computer-assisted reporting for journalists.

Senate Judiciary Panel OKs Shield Law, Sends Bill to Floor

December 16, 2009–There is no word yet on when the full Senate will take it up. The House has already passed a different shield bill — raising hopes that one could become law during this Congress.

Senators, J-Groups, White House Agree on Shield Law Provisions

November 4, 2009–Federal legislation to protect reporters from having to reveal confidential sources may be back on track. A markup in the Senate Judiciary Committee, possibly November 5, 2009, could tell.

Supreme Court Property Rights Case Has Environmental Implications

October 14, 2009–The Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on Dec. 2, 2009. The case, which started with legal action in 2004, involves a dispute over restoration of a stretch of Florida panhandle beaches damaged by storms.

FOIA Not Fixed Yet: Senate Panel

October 7, 2009–Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) says Congress has to do more to fix the Freedom of Information Act — especially stemming the hundreds of special exemptions created by Congress itself.

Sen. Schumer Pushes Back Against WH Effort To Weaken Shield Law

October 7, 2009–A federal law protecting reporters who maintain the confidentiality of their sources is currently stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee as Obama breaks campaign promise.

Supreme Court Hears Animal Video Case

October 7, 2009–Some justices skeptically questioned a 10-year-old law, intended to outlaw "crush videos," making it a criminal offense to possess or publish many depictions of cruelty to animals.

CA Set To Curb Energy-Guzzling TVs

September 30, 2009–Flat-screen TVs can be stunningly energy-inefficient. New California standards could shift manufacturing processes significantly.

SEJ Joins Amicus Brief on Dangerously Expanded FOIA Exemption

September 23, 2009–Several media organizations have joined the case of a Puget Sound resident denied information, under the "law enforcement" exemption to FOIA, that would identify the locations and potential blast ranges of explosive ordnance stored in the area.

Senate Dents Shield Law for Reporters

September 23, 2009–A de facto filibuster by several Republicans, plus quibbling by some Democrats, caused a long-awaited markup of bill S 448 to end with no action.