Policy & Regulation Outlook for 2009 (Part 2)

December 24, 2008–Environmental policy, legislation, and regulation are likely to be different under the Obama administration than the Bush administration. It's difficult to know yet what the priorities will be, or what shifts will occur. This is the second half of potential topics for journalists to keep an eye on.

Energy Department Midnight Reg Seeks To Bind Obama To Keep Old Secrets

December 17, 2008–The Energy Department in December 2008 published an 11th-hour proposed amendment to the Bush administration's secrecy rules that shroud the policies that brought Americans Enron, California blackouts, and $4 gasoline.

In a Pinch? On Deadline? Remember FOIA Friends

December 17, 2008–The Freedom of Information Act is still one of the most powerful tools in a reporter's toolbelt. Here's our short list of useful FOIA helpers.

MSHA Publishes Long-Withheld (but Legally Required) FOIA Report

December 17, 2008–The Labor Department's Mine Safety and Health Administration finally released its Freedom of Information Act annual reports — after fighting veteran FOIA requester Mike Ravnitsky for some 18 months.

Federal Workers Union Wants Burrowers Lists

December 3, 2008–Federal employee unions want lists of political appointees whose status has been transferred to career civil service positions at the end of the Bush administration.

PACER Turns 20 — Still a Workhorse for Reporters

December 3, 2008–The PACER system puts many — but not all — federal court records on line. It's an easy-to-use information access tool for journalists.

Terrorism Database Speaks of Environmental Secrecy

December 3, 2008–For the past decade, federal and state officials have put an immense amount of environmental information behind a veil of secrecy, justifying it on the grounds that the information could help terrorists. A look at the most comprehensive open-source terrorism database offers strong evidence that such fears are ill-founded.

Whistleblowers Might Be Your Best Sources

December 3, 2008–Whistleblowers can be a reporter's best friend — although friends that must often be handled with care. If you know a federal agency employee who tells you "Call me on January 21" — be sure to do it.

TOOLBOX: Contractor Misconduct Database Offers Gumshoes Leads

November 20, 2008–The Project on Government Oversight (POGO) has a new tool for investigative journalists. Reporters can now snoop around the Federal Contractor Misconduct Database to find misdeeds by federal contractors.

Groups, Media Pitch Open-Government Proposals To New Administration

November 20, 2008–In an effort to increase government accountability and transparency, media groups put forward a new "21st Century Right-to-Know Agenda."