Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #SunshineWeek
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The @opengovpart launched its new strategy & encouraged people to engage multistakeholder fora about it.
The USA never established such a forum, & @WhiteHouse has declined to restore @OpenGov44 & lead a U.S. government revival of #OpenGov domestically: obamawhitehouse.gov/open
The USA never established such a forum, & @WhiteHouse has declined to restore @OpenGov44 & lead a U.S. government revival of #OpenGov domestically: obamawhitehouse.gov/open
As with #SunshineWeek, this @WhiteHouse is not hosting any public events for #OpenGovWeek, despite the US government being elected to @opengovpart leadership: groups.google.com/g/us-open-gove… & the void in public updates on US commitments. @POTUS isn’t leading by the power of our example.
Ongoing efforts to improve public participation in rulemaking at @WhiteHouse OIRA are a ray of sunshine: governing.digital/2023/04/25/pub… as are efforts across agencies, from @USNatArchives to @CommerceGov.
This #OpenGovWeek, this @POTUS should be building on @OpenGov44, not ignoring it.
This #OpenGovWeek, this @POTUS should be building on @OpenGov44, not ignoring it.
It’s #SunshineWeek!
Here’s how our viral #BeagleGate campaign is finding, exposing & defunding cruel & wasteful NIH dog experiments 🧵🐶✂️💸
Here’s how our viral #BeagleGate campaign is finding, exposing & defunding cruel & wasteful NIH dog experiments 🧵🐶✂️💸
Back in 2016, our Spending To Death report 1st exposed how Fauci’s in-house NIH labs strapped capsules full of biting sand flies to beagles’ bare skin in max pain experiments 💉🐶🪰💸
#SunshineWeek #BeagleGate
blog.whitecoatwaste.org/2016/11/13/wcw…
#SunshineWeek #BeagleGate
blog.whitecoatwaste.org/2016/11/13/wcw…
Using #FOIA, we exposed how Fauci’s NIAID funded a lab that infested puppies with biting flies & how the dogs “vocalized in pain” 💉🐶🪰💸
#SunshineWeek #BeagleGate
blog.whitecoatwaste.org/2021/07/30/fau…
#SunshineWeek #BeagleGate
blog.whitecoatwaste.org/2021/07/30/fau…
NEW: Darkness during this #SunshineWeek celebration
In court filings, DOJ & FBI refuse to say -one way or another- in response to my/@business #FOIA lawsuit whether Trump had a "standing order" to instadeclassify docs that he removed from Oval Office🧵
bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
In court filings, DOJ & FBI refuse to say -one way or another- in response to my/@business #FOIA lawsuit whether Trump had a "standing order" to instadeclassify docs that he removed from Oval Office🧵
bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
“The existence or non-existence of the alleged ‘Standing Order’ would bear on whether records with apparent classification markings were in fact classified - a key fact in the investigation,” wrote Joseph Bender, one of the FBI’s top FOIA officials, in a declaration
In FOIA circles, that response is known as a Glomar, named for a CIA ship designed to recover a sunken Soviet submarine, whose existence the CIA refused to confirm or deny in the 1970s.
By now, everyone's heard about the #WuhanLab & #lableak 🧪🦠🦇🐭
But did you know that in April 2020, WCW was the 1st to expose (& cut!) taxpayer funding for the Wuhan animal lab? 🔎💸✂️
A #SunshineWeek 🧵
buzzfeednews.com/article/petera…
But did you know that in April 2020, WCW was the 1st to expose (& cut!) taxpayer funding for the Wuhan animal lab? 🔎💸✂️
A #SunshineWeek 🧵
buzzfeednews.com/article/petera…
Via #FOIA, we uncovered the infamous 2016 emails where NIH & EcoHealth conspire to violate the federal #GainOfFunction ban & Peter Dazsak exclaims "This is terrific!" when NIH approves the dangerous animal tests at the #WuhanLab 🧪🦠🦇🐭💸
#SunshineWeek
blog.whitecoatwaste.org/2021/11/04/bom…
#SunshineWeek
blog.whitecoatwaste.org/2021/11/04/bom…
Via #FOIA, we unearthed documents showing that EcoHealth was collecting dangerous bat coronaviruses around the world (incl in Laos) & shipping them to the #WuhanLab for experiments 🦇🦠🧪💸
#SunshineWeek
blog.whitecoatwaste.org/2021/12/07/fro…
#SunshineWeek
blog.whitecoatwaste.org/2021/12/07/fro…
It’s #SunshineWeek and the annual Foilies — which “name and shame” agencies and officials that have been obstacles to government transparency — are out! This year’s highlight two sets of records requests we made.
eff.org/deeplinks/2023…
eff.org/deeplinks/2023…
The “Transparently Proud of Destroying Public Records Award” went to attorney Michael Gableman based on our lawsuit for records related to the Wisconsin Assembly’s partisan review of the 2020 election.
Despite initial claims that the inquiry was intended to bolster public confidence in elections, it rapidly became clear that Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and lead investigator Gableman’s review would be anything but transparent.
It’s #SunshineWeek, a week that celebrates & promotes access to information and open government nationwide.
Today, we’re highlighting the power of #FOIA with a thread about its past, present, and future.
Today, we’re highlighting the power of #FOIA with a thread about its past, present, and future.
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed FOIA into law on July 4, 1966. Records show LBJ personally removed strong language supporting open government from the press statement. He only agreed to sign it after DOJ suggested he include a signing statement.
nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/…
nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/…
In his signing statement, LBJ praised the importance of openness for democracy and said the legislation affirmed American principles. But he also wrote that he felt some documents shouldn’t be available to the public.
nsarchive2.gwu.edu//nsa/foia/FOIA…
nsarchive2.gwu.edu//nsa/foia/FOIA…
This #SunshineWeek, American Oversight is celebrating our sixth anniversary of fighting to bring government records to light.
Here are six of our biggest wins for public accountability and transparency.
americanoversight.org/this-sunshine-…
Here are six of our biggest wins for public accountability and transparency.
americanoversight.org/this-sunshine-…
1. Reaffirming proper records retainment practices to combat election denial in Arizona and Wisconsin.
Our public records litigation in Arizona and Wisconsin reaffirmed the importance of document preservation and public accountability.
americanoversight.org/american-overs…
Our public records litigation in Arizona and Wisconsin reaffirmed the importance of document preservation and public accountability.
americanoversight.org/american-overs…
Our investigation revealed that leaders of the Wisconsin Assembly’s election review failed to properly maintain documents.
Multiple court decisions affirmed the public’s right to those records and the importance of preservation.
apnews.com/article/2022-m…
Multiple court decisions affirmed the public’s right to those records and the importance of preservation.
apnews.com/article/2022-m…
Today is the first day of #SunshineWeek, a week that celebrates & promotes access to information and open government nationwide.
To kick things off, we’ll explain exactly what the Freedom of Information Act is and why it’s such a powerful tool.
To kick things off, we’ll explain exactly what the Freedom of Information Act is and why it’s such a powerful tool.
The Freedom of Information Act was signed into law by President Johnson in 1966, giving anyone the right to request federal records from executive branch agencies.
Yes, anyone can file a FOIA request! Journalists, scholars, and watchdog organizations use FOIA requests to find out what goes on behind the scenes in government. You can request records like emails, text messages, paper documents, videos, and more.
It’s #SunshineWeek! Throughout the week, we will talk about #FOIA and transparency.
We’re also highlighting how other transparency organizations are celebrating this week. Here are a few events we’re excited about:
We’re also highlighting how other transparency organizations are celebrating this week. Here are a few events we’re excited about:
.@NARA is live-streaming a panel discussion on “Making Access Happen: FOIA at the National Archives.” Watch on their YouTube channel TODAY at 1 p.m. ET.
On Wednesday, High Country News is hosting a live virtual event and Q&A on the power of open records laws and how you can use them to hold the government accountable.
sunshineweek.org/event/how-to-u…
sunshineweek.org/event/how-to-u…
It’s #SunshineWeek, a week that celebrates and promotes access to information and open government nationwide.
This #FOIAFriday, we’re highlighting the power of #FOIA with a thread about its past, present, and future.
This #FOIAFriday, we’re highlighting the power of #FOIA with a thread about its past, present, and future.
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed FOIA into law on July 4, 1966. Records show LBJ personally removed strong language supporting open government from the press statement. He only agreed to sign it after DOJ suggested he include a signing statement.
nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/…
nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/…
In his signing statement, LBJ praised the importance of openness to democracy and said the legislation affirmed American principles. But he also wrote that he felt some documents shouldn’t be available to the public.
nsarchive2.gwu.edu//nsa/foia/FOIA…
nsarchive2.gwu.edu//nsa/foia/FOIA…
As #SunshineWeek winds down, just a quick thread about a pretty awesome tradition here in North Carolina.
For 8 years now, we've brought together a coalition of journalists from across the state interested in telling stories to promote open government and transparency.
For 8 years now, we've brought together a coalition of journalists from across the state interested in telling stories to promote open government and transparency.
It started in 2015, when we examined a year's worth of travel records from the state's top leaders, combining the forces of @wral, @newsobserver, @theobserver, @SpecNews1RDU, @fayobserver & @wectnews. wral.com/records-show-b…
wral.com/governor-s-off…
wral.com/governor-s-off…
In 2016, @wral, @ap, @newsobserver, @theobserver, @SpecNews1RDU and @wectnews teamed up to probe state and local officials' use of private email to conduct public business (anyone remember Nick Danger?). wral.com/private-email-…
#SunshineWeek 🧵on e-carceration, profiteering, and how long ICE has known about allegations and criminal convictions of its largest (and often, only) gps ankle shackle contractor, courtesy of DHS-OIG #FOIA
1/
1/
Since Congress started funding “Alternatives to Detention” for migrants in the US, in the mid-2000s, ICE has received allegations of serious criminal misconduct by this contractor’s personnel. documentcloud.org/documents/2141… / 2
Allegations like this one in Miami dating back to 2007. 3/
Our outlet asked @ChathamCoSch questions about the 'Slave Auction' incident the district refuses to answer, instead saying "What we have posted on the website is our statement."
We've also asked for emails/records which are so far also being denied.
#nced #ncpol #SunshineWeek
We've also asked for emails/records which are so far also being denied.
#nced #ncpol #SunshineWeek
Questions asked:
Was this 'mock auction' was part of a classroom demonstration or lesson? How many students involved?
Where the staff/teachers were during this 'mock slave auction'?
Why has the district failed to explain the circumstances surrounding this incident?
/more
Was this 'mock auction' was part of a classroom demonstration or lesson? How many students involved?
Where the staff/teachers were during this 'mock slave auction'?
Why has the district failed to explain the circumstances surrounding this incident?
/more
Also asked:
When was the incident first reported to the school?
Related to that question, we also asked for copies of any emails or communications involved in reporting this incident.
The district has not yet responded if they will be denying this records req.
When was the incident first reported to the school?
Related to that question, we also asked for copies of any emails or communications involved in reporting this incident.
The district has not yet responded if they will be denying this records req.
In honor of #SunshineWeek, the #DetentionKills Transparency Initiative
is releasing these recently obtained DHS-OIG offered these records of alleged misconduct and abuse by DHS contractors. You probably don’t have time to read all 547 pages. So we did. 🧵 documentcloud.org/documents/2141…
is releasing these recently obtained DHS-OIG offered these records of alleged misconduct and abuse by DHS contractors. You probably don’t have time to read all 547 pages. So we did. 🧵 documentcloud.org/documents/2141…
On page 3, OIG documents receiving a complaint in 2006 regarding the allegations in the litigation LeTisha Tapia’s family brought against $GEO.
Those allegations are shocking, but unsurprising.
@POGOwatchdog’s contractor database has more: contractormisconduct.org/misconduct/256…
2/x
Those allegations are shocking, but unsurprising.
@POGOwatchdog’s contractor database has more: contractormisconduct.org/misconduct/256…
2/x
OIG appears to have referred the allegations to ICE in early February 2007 and closed the file. Wonder how ICE responded 🤔
In the years that followed, at least three senior ICE officials who would have received this complaint from OIG went on to join $GEO’s board or C-Suite.
3/x
In the years that followed, at least three senior ICE officials who would have received this complaint from OIG went on to join $GEO’s board or C-Suite.
3/x
A historical note from AOTUS @dferriero: Before FDR signed a law creating @USNatArchives in 1934, @librarycongress held some public records & others were scattered across our union.
(In 2022, many records are digital & online: archives.gov/foia/january-6…)
#SunshineWeek #OpenGov
(In 2022, many records are digital & online: archives.gov/foia/january-6…)
#SunshineWeek #OpenGov
@dferriero @USNatArchives @librarycongress AOTUS: That's the plan, to digitize everything, but we won't see it in our lifetimes.
Most info generated today has no paper equivalent: it's born digital.
What we're talking about is digitizing our history.
Cf @USNatArchives strategic plan: archives.gov/about/plans-re… #SunshineWeek
Most info generated today has no paper equivalent: it's born digital.
What we're talking about is digitizing our history.
Cf @USNatArchives strategic plan: archives.gov/about/plans-re… #SunshineWeek
AOTUS: All of the #JFKFiles are not disclosed yet, but NARA is working on it: politico.com/news/2021/12/1…
If @POTUS invested more time & $$ in declassification, maybe @USNatArchives could hit a 2023 goal?
#SunshineWeek #OpenGov
If @POTUS invested more time & $$ in declassification, maybe @USNatArchives could hit a 2023 goal?
#SunshineWeek #OpenGov
Today is the first day of #SunshineWeek, a week that celebrates and promotes access to information and open government nationwide.
To kick things off, we want to explain exactly what the Freedom of Information Act is and why it is such a powerful transparency tool. #FOIA
To kick things off, we want to explain exactly what the Freedom of Information Act is and why it is such a powerful transparency tool. #FOIA
The Freedom of Information Act was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1966. FOIA is a law that gives anyone the right to request records from agencies in the executive branch.
Yes, anyone can file a FOIA request! Many journalists, scholars, watchdog organizations, and more use FOIA requests to research what goes on behind the scenes in government. You can request records such as emails, text messages, paper documents, videos, and more.
It’s #SunshineWeek! Throughout the week, we will talk about #FOIA and transparency.
We also want to highlight what other transparency organizations are doing this week. Here’s a few events we’re excited about.
We also want to highlight what other transparency organizations are doing this week. Here’s a few events we’re excited about.
Today, @NARA will host a conversation about the importance of open government between Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero and Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden.
Tuesday at 1 PM ET, @POGOwatchdog is hosting a #SunshineWeek Twitter Spaces discussion about #FOIA and whistleblowers. We’ll be joining moderator @Melissa_Wasser for a great conversation.
The @WhiteHouse posted something to /Disclosures: a link to financial disclosures
whitehouse.gov/disclosures/fi…
No ethics waivers yet. (Best not to grant them at all, IMO.)
Like @ObamaWhiteHouse & @whitehouse46, public must request access to disclosures.
Still no /opengov
#SunshineWeek
whitehouse.gov/disclosures/fi…
No ethics waivers yet. (Best not to grant them at all, IMO.)
Like @ObamaWhiteHouse & @whitehouse46, public must request access to disclosures.
Still no /opengov
#SunshineWeek
If @WHCOS @WHCommsDir are listening, I'd suggest editing wh.gov menu down to /Disclosures, where Americans would assume @WhiteHouse visitor logs will be, & welcome any answers they @POTUS +@VP have to the coalition's questions on #opengov governing.digital/letters/letter…
This would be a good day for @OMBPress to tweet a link to its FOIA page: whitehouse.gov/omb/freedom-of…
Ditto @WHOSTP whitehouse.gov/ostp/legal/WHO…
The Executive Office of the President is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act, but @WhiteHouse can & should celebrate it.
#SunshineWeek
Ditto @WHOSTP whitehouse.gov/ostp/legal/WHO…
The Executive Office of the President is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act, but @WhiteHouse can & should celebrate it.
#SunshineWeek
It’s #SunshineWeek, a week that celebrates & promotes access to information and open government nationwide.
This #FOIAFriday, we’re highlighting the power of #FOIA with a thread about its past, present, and future.
This #FOIAFriday, we’re highlighting the power of #FOIA with a thread about its past, present, and future.
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed FOIA into law on July 4, 1966. Records show LBJ personally removed strong language supporting open government from the press statement. He only agreed to sign it after DOJ suggested he include a signing statement.
nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/…
nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/…
In his signing statement, LBJ praised the importance of openness to democracy and said the legislation affirmed American principles. But he also wrote that he felt some documents shouldn’t be available to the public.
nsarchive2.gwu.edu//nsa/foia/FOIA…
nsarchive2.gwu.edu//nsa/foia/FOIA…
Now listening to the 2021 DC #OpenGov Summit. dcogc.org/blog/2021-open…
In past years, the annual #SunshineWeek event was at @PressClubDC. The wifi is (much) better at home, but I miss seeing people. Thanks to @DCOGC for putting this together!
In past years, the annual #SunshineWeek event was at @PressClubDC. The wifi is (much) better at home, but I miss seeing people. Thanks to @DCOGC for putting this together!
To lead off, @GingerMcCall asked @CouncilOfDC Members @chenderson & @CMBrookePinto why #opengov is important.
Henderson it's not just posting info online, but helping people to understand & engage, helping govt to be more responsive.
Henderson it's not just posting info online, but helping people to understand & engage, helping govt to be more responsive.
#OpenGov is fundamental to everything we do, said @CMBrookePinto, who was at the Office of @AGKarlRacine, including we're doing, why, & what our processes are as we go.
Pinto also said residents should be educated about how to make FOIA requests. cc @CouncilOfDC @DCOPENGOV
Pinto also said residents should be educated about how to make FOIA requests. cc @CouncilOfDC @DCOPENGOV
In honor #SunshineWeek, we think this is the perfect time to highlight some of @BuzzFeedNews’ biggest #FOIA wins!
Our reporters have seen firsthand the importance of government transparency and accountability through the Freedom of Information Act. We filed 58 #FOIA lawsuits during Trump's presidency — more than any other media organization in the U.S.
buzzfeednews.com/article/jasonl…
buzzfeednews.com/article/jasonl…
This includes revealing summaries of FBI interviews with key White House officials from former special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. More interviews would be revealed by the #MuellerMemos through 2020.
buzzfeednews.com/collection/the…
buzzfeednews.com/collection/the…
It’s #SunshineWeek, so it’s a good time to talk about how the #ForThePeopleAct (#HR1 / #S1) will increase transparency in our politics, government, and campaigns.
Here is a 🧵 on the at least 30 ways this bill increases our right to know what is going on in our government.
Here is a 🧵 on the at least 30 ways this bill increases our right to know what is going on in our government.
1) The #ForThePeopleAct guarantees online voter registration. How does that increase transparency? Well, not only does it allow voters to securely register to vote online, but it gives them more access to info about how to update their registration when they move. #SunshineWeek
2) The #ForThePeopleAct would also require a creation of a program where voters can track the status of the #VoteByMail ballot online and get confirmation when it has been received by your local election official. #SunshineWeek
A vital tool for the preservation of a democratic government is the Freedom of Information Act. As the abuses of the Trump administration have made clear, FOIA contains significant weaknesses. This #SunshineWeek, we outline 7 reforms to improve transparency and accountability.
1. Require adequate resources for responding to FOIA requests. Many of the problems with modern FOIA backlogs are a question of supply and demand: There are too many requests for agencies to satisfy with too few resources.
foiaproject.org/2019/12/15/foi…
foiaproject.org/2019/12/15/foi…
The statute requires that agencies respond to requests within 20 working days, but in practice, the deadline is meaningless. Agencies rarely come close to meeting it, and many don’t produce records for years.
americanoversight.org/seven-reforms-…
americanoversight.org/seven-reforms-…
It's frustrating to see an administration @POTUS committed to "truth & transparency" revert to the practice of "senior administration officials" talking with the press.
Why wasn't this briefing on the record during #SunshineWeek, @StateDeptSpox @PressSec? whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/…
Why wasn't this briefing on the record during #SunshineWeek, @StateDeptSpox @PressSec? whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/…
Per @NBCNews, the Biden administration is restricting info @CBP staff share with media in an unofficial gag order & denying "ride-a-longs," & US officials aren't going on the record *during #SunshineWeek* nbcnews.com/politics/immig…
@cbptroymiller should host a press conference.
@cbptroymiller should host a press conference.
“Senior Administration Officials Preview of National Security Advisor @JakeSullivan46 & @SecBlinken’s Trip to Anchorage, Alaska”
state.gov/senior-adminis…
@StateDept attributes journalists by name in transcripts, but not US officials. That’s not leading by example.
#SunshineWeek
state.gov/senior-adminis…
@StateDept attributes journalists by name in transcripts, but not US officials. That’s not leading by example.
#SunshineWeek
