State mum on $300,000 settlement involving Adult Protective Services

New Mexico’s state government recently paid $300,000 to settle potential “claims of wrongdoing” involving Adult Protective Services, yet few details have been released. FOG’s legal director insists the public deserves transparency, igniting a broader debate over government accountability.

State mum on $300,000 settlement involving Adult Protective Services

Is the Freedom of Information Act delivering on its promise?

For six decades, the Freedom of Information Act has given Americans a powerful tool for civic engagement. But as democracy evolves, many question whether FOIA still truly delivers on its promise. This article explores the Act’s role, its challenges, and its powerful legacy in revealing government operations.

Is the Freedom of Information Act delivering on its promise?

UFO disclosure is a test of whether citizens still own reality

A plethora of newly released documents, combined with congressional testimony from seasoned witnesses, have reignited debates over unidentified flying objects in the United States. As officials weigh “controlled” versus “full” disclosure, Americans confront a deeper question: who truly owns reality?

Transparency advocates push for NY reforms amid Sunshine Week

In the midst of Sunshine Week, advocates are calling on New York to improve its open-government efforts. They say the state continues to fall short in enforcing laws that allow citizens greater access to information and government proceedings.

Transparency advocates push for NY reforms amid Sunshine Week

Volunteers need to apply to serve on County’s Civil Grand Jury by May 4

Santa Barbara County’s Civil Grand Jury is seeking volunteers to help scrutinize local government operations and programs. The deadline to submit applications is May 4, making this a unique opportunity for interested residents to serve their community and ensure transparency.

Volunteers need to apply to serve on County’s Civil Grand Jury by May 4

EDITORIAL: Welcome to Sunshine Week

For generations, Americans have cherished their right to question government officials and demand accountability. This editorial—originally published to mark Sunshine Week—reminds us that openness and transparency are deeply woven into our nation’s fabric.

EDITORIAL: Welcome to Sunshine Week

Sunshine Week highlights public right to government transparency

As concern over government fraud, waste, and abuse grows, Sunshine Week returns to champion the public’s right to know. The initiative underscores the importance of open government, free speech, and robust press freedoms to ensure accountability at all levels.

Sunshine Week highlights public right to government transparency

Montana’s elected officials have failed Montanans | Walter Schweitzer

Montana’s elected officials, according to Walter Schweitzer, have not lived up to their promises, leaving citizens frustrated and seeking immediate action. With government finances and legislative concerns on the table, this opinion piece argues it’s time for honest answers and meaningful change.

Montana’s elected officials have failed Montanans | Walter Schweitzer

Nebraska bill would require competitive bids for attorney general’s outside lawyers

Nebraska legislator Sen. Danielle Conrad has proposed a bill to require competitive bidding before the attorney general hires outside counsel costing more than $10,000. The measure, designed to promote accountability, has drawn resistance from the AG’s office, sparking debates over transparency and legal spending.

Nebraska bill would require competitive bids for attorney general’s outside lawyers

Second Senate debate: Democrats talk fighting Trump, restoring trust in government

In their second debate, the top three Democrats vying for an Illinois Senate seat stressed the need to push back against the Trump administration. They also pledged to rebuild trust between elected officials and the public by emphasizing transparency and accountability.

Second Senate debate: Democrats talk fighting Trump, restoring trust in government