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

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.

The Society of Professional Journalists has called on President-elect Obama and the incoming Congress to complete action on a federal shield law for journalists.

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.

EPA asks for comments on proposed regulation of 104 chemicals found in drinking water

Scorecard reports environmental records of US Representatives and Senators

The US Navy seeks comments on its proposed rules for using sonar for its Atlantic Fleet training exercises

Escaped pythons and other tropical pet snakes may be able to survive in one-third of Southern states, USGS predicts in new report.

EPA is scheduled to announce by March 12, 2008, its final rule for a new ground-level ozone standard, last updated more than a decade ago.

The strategy of changing chemical processes at industrial facilities so they use less hazardous materials, and pose less of a threat from terrorism and accidents, gained little traction in the Bush administration after 9/11. But a number of organizations continue to push the idea.