Sunshine Week 2010 - March 14-20


Sunday, March 14, marked the kickoff of the sixth annual Sunshine Week, a national initiative in which journalism organizations promote open government and freedom of information.

To mark the occasion, The Associated Press moved these national stories:

SUNSHINE-ATTORNEY GENERAL

WASHINGTON — Attorney General Eric Holder delivered a speech at the Justice Department, one year after delivering new rules directing federal agencies to comply with President Barack Obama's new transparency initatives. By Pete Yost.

Monday, March 15: AG sees promising change toward open government

SUNSHINE-OPEN GOVERNMENT

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama promised to make policy decisions in the open and ordered his administration to lean toward disclosure, especially when it receives requests under the Freedom of Information Act. The Associated Press examined the state of government transparency a year into Obama's tenure. By Sharon Theimer.

Tuesday, March 16: PROMISES, PROMISES: Records not so open with Obama

SUNSHINE-LOCAL PUSHBACK

PHOENIX — When a group of citizens pressed the Congress Elementary Public School District for documents, the district responded — by suing the citizens, and asking a judge to rule that they could no longer file open records requests. At the start of the second decade of the 21st century, some local governments continue to push back against demands that information flow freely. By National Writer Pauline Arrillaga

Thursday, March 18: Tiny school district sues citizens who seek info

SUNSHINE-OMBUDSMAN

WASHINGTON — The federal government's new ombudsman, appointed to help citizens who encounter obstacles under the Freedom of Information Act, participated in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press. By Sharon Theimer.

Saturday, March 20: SUNSHINE WEEK: Q&A with the open records ombudsman

More Sunshine Week AP stories: