This week's round-up of news and analysis regarding President Trumps' conflicts of interest.
Continue readingHelp document the state of open data and journalism in 2018
In 2018, we're collaborating on an ambitious new international research project that's assessing the state of open data across a range of issues and themes, culminating in a book that will be introduced at the 5th International Open Government Data Conference in Buenos Aires in the fall of 2018. Please weigh in on all of the history, events, research, organizations, data-driven journalism projects, and other details we missed in our first draft, and get involved in the 21 environment scans that are underway.
Continue readingAs the threat of “fake news” to democracy grows, public trust in the media wavers
Influential journalists and media scholars come together in DC to discuss new research on public views of journalism and media, including what “fake news” means and the risks it poses.
Continue readingUnder Trump, U.S. government moves from /open to /closed
What happens when an administration hands off unfulfilled promises to open government to one that's allergic to transparency? Benign neglect shifts into secrecy and a lack of accountability.
Continue reading6 Ways to Free the Freedom of Information Act
In its first meeting of 2018, the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Advisory Committee unanimously voted to approve a series of recommendations. If implemented, they would improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in administering the nation's preeminent public records law at federal government agencies. Bonus news: a new FOIA.gov is coming soon.
Continue readingIn its first year, the Trump administration has reduced public information online
Almost a year into the Trump presidency, we have seen are substantial public information removals and overhauls of federal webpages, documents, and entire websites, as well as significant shifts in language and messaging across the federal Web domain.
Continue readingA voice for American democracy, today and tomorrow
This year was unlike any other, and Sunlight's work making government transparent and accountable is more important than ever.
Continue readingNational Park Service removes climate action plans from website
The National Park Service (NPS) removed 92 documents describing park climate action plans from their website. The NPS claimed that the removals are temporary while reports are updated to improve usability compliance, but no advance notice, public Web archive, or explanation why the documents could not remain on the site until material is prepared was provided.
Continue readingFederal judge says it is the role of Congress to address Trump’s emolumental issues
A federal judge has dismissed a foreign emoluments lawsuit against President Donald J. Trump, which alleged Constitutional violations through his businesses. The judge said the plaintiffs lacked standing, and that this should be resolved by Congress. We hope to see more oversight and accountability in DC in the New Year.
Continue readingA web of accountability for Trumpian conflicts
As Sunlight continues to catalogue conflicting presidential conflicts of interests, we’re driven by a collaborative vision that includes amplifying the great accountability reporting we see on social media and on our blog to bring attention to major developments. Here are some of the projects we’re tracking. If you notice something we’re missing, please let us know at conflicts@sunlightfoundation.com.
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