262 Groups Urge Congress To Protect Whistleblowers

February 11, 2009–A coalition of 262 citizen groups from many walks of life urge the new Congress to pass legislation ending the widespread practice of government retaliation against federal employees who reveal government waste, fraud, and abuse.

Are You Ready for Sunshine Week? — March 15-21

January 28, 2009–News media across the country will again be undertaking open-government projects in 2009. The Sunshine Week website offers you ideas on stories you could dig out of hard-to-see public records.

Perchlorates Offer Early Test of EPA Openness

January 28, 2009–Incoming EPA administrator Lisa Jackson faces an immediate test on perchlorate secrecy, as the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia rejects EPA's argument for FOIA exemption. Will EPA and the Justice Department appeal, even though Obama urges agency openness?

Whistleblower Bill Awaits Congressional Action

January 28, 2009–An amendment adding whistleblower protection to the economic stimulus bill before the House will be voted on soon.

Obama Orders Rollback of Bush Secrecy on 1st Day

January 22, 2009–President Barack Obama signalled that open access to information will be a top priority for his administration, issuing two memos to all executive agencies and one executive order at a January 21, 2009, session open to reporters and cabinet members.

House and Senate Leadership Begins To Shape Up

January 21, 2009–The heads of Obama administration Congressional committees and subcommittees will likely be in the spotlight in the coming months. This overview will help you get a feel for who these people are, or who will soon be chosen.

Oversight Report: Agency Inspectors General Often Ignored

January 21, 2009–A US House Oversight Committee report released in January 2009 found that federal agencies frequently ignore the findings and recommendations of their inspectors general.

Review: Diagnosis: Mercury, Money, Politics & Poison

January 15, 2009–Written by Jane Hightower; reviewed by Jennifer Weeks.

SEJ Urges Energy Department To Drop New Secrecy Rule

January 14, 2009–The Society of Environmental Journalists has urged the Energy Department to abandon a new rule making it easier for the agency to deny or resist Freedom of Information Act requests.

Comments Sought On Formaldehyde In Wood Products

January 7, 2009–Concerns over emissions from formaldehyde in pressed-wood products have been building for many years. California's new rules addressing the problem went into effect Jan. 1, 2009. Now EPA is looking at following suit.