From World: Legal watchdog Judicial Watch has filed suit under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) demanding the U.S. Department of Defense turn over all records of communications between Pentagon officials and controversial anti-Christian activ ...

From Portage Daily Register: The First Amendment is very clear in its 45 words that it protects a “free press” along with our rights to religious freedom, free speech and the rights to assemble and petition. But the founders, in effect, placed a responsibility on that free press in return for being the only profession named in the Bill of Rights: The news media were to be a “watchdog on government,” providing us with the facts, perspective and sometimes contrarian views that help citizens better chart the course of their government. read more ...

From Santa Fe New Mexican: Just weeks before the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government sued Gov. Susana Martinez’s administration for withholding a controversial audit report, the chairwoman of the foundation’s executive board was pitching the idea of giving Martinez — as well as Attorney General Gary King — an award for government transparency. read more ...

From Huffington Post: Neil Abercrombie’s job as Hawaii governor takes him around the world. Tourism meetings in Tokyo. A trade show in Los Angeles. A forum in Beijing. Those kinds of trips sound pricey. But independently reviewing the ...

From Chicago Tribune: (Reuters) - Wall Street's industry-funded watchdog issued new guidance late Monday that gives arbitrators more information about their responsibilities in a process that allows securities brokers to request the removal of cus ...

From Cleveland.com: OLMSTED FALLS, Ohio — Mayor Robert Blomquist has filed a public records request against Councilwoman at Large Ann Marie Donegan. He is seeking emails related to a health fair for senior citizens she organized with another council member. To date, Donegan has not provided the requested emails, and Blomquist said he will seek further legal action. Visit Cleveland.com for more. ====== ...

From The Denver Post:  BERTHOUD — It was supposed to be a two-hour public meeting during which information concerning an investigation into the Berthoud Police department would be revealed. Instead, the meeting took no more than 45 minutes and residents left disappointed and angry. Citizens were told that, on Sept. 25, town officials received an email accusing a Berthoud police officer of domestic abuse. Shortly after, the Berthoud police chief was informed Loveland police were investigating the officer on those abuse allegations, according to the Berthoud city attorney. The officer was placed on leave by Chief Glenn Johnson. Soon after, ...

From Washington Coalition for Open Government: The Washington Coalition for Open Government (WCOG) invites the public to attend a free workshop from 1:00 to 4:00PM on Saturday, October 26 at the Seattle Public Library - University Branch, 5009 Roo ...

From Virginia Coalition for Open Government: In this issue: FOIA Council steps up, Lt. Gov. proposes FOIA reform, RTD's Public Square, VCOG's annual conference line-up, Open government in the news, and more. FOIA Council steps up At its Sept. 12 meeting, the FOIA Council took two encouraging steps toward open government in Virginia. read more ...

From Journal Gazette: WASHINGTON – In the recent stream of disclosures about National Security Agency surveillance programs, one document, sources say, has been conspicuously absent: the original – and still classified – judicial interpretation that held that the bulk collection of Americans’ data was lawful. read more ...