The SEJ WatchDog Alert

The WatchDog Alert (formerly WatchDog TipSheet from 2008-2019) was a regular source of story ideas, articles, updates, events and other information with a focus on freedom-of-information issues of concern to environmental journalists in both the United States and Canada.

WatchDog was compiled, edited and written by Joseph A. Davis, who directs the WatchDog Project, an activity of SEJ's Freedom of Information Task Force that reports on secrecy trends and supports reporters' efforts to make better use of FOIA.

Topics on the Beat:

Journalism & Media

Public

Latest WatchDog Alert Items

May 7, 2008

MUCKRAKING NOT DEAD, NIEMAN REPORTS DECLARES

Feeling discouraged about the erosion of journalists' traditional role as watchdogs? Lighten up with the Spring 2008 issue of Nieman Reports, published by the foundation at Harvard University. Titled "21st Century Muckrakers: Who Are They? How Do They Do Their Work?" the issue includes nearly 50 articles chronicling the "Muckraker" tradition of American investigative journalism and documenting that muckraking is alive and well, even in today's digital age.

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April 23, 2008

Earmarks 101: All Pork Is a Local Story

In every Congressional district - including yours - there are dozens of "pork barrel" politics stories.

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Now's Your Chance: Talk to EPA About Information You Need

EPA has begun a "National Dialogue" about what information the public needs from the agency and how the agency can better provide that information.

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New Rail Hazmat Regs Include Non-Disclosure Provisions

A rule issued April 16, 2008, ostensibly to keep the public safe from shipments of highly hazardous materials by rail, has been little-understood by the public.

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EPA Submits Plan for Reopening Libraries, Which Remain Closed

EPA on March 26, 2008, delivered a report Congress had demanded on its plan to reopen the agency's shuttered libraries.

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After Denials, White House Caves on Censored Gerberding Climate-Health Testimony

It was news when the White House censored testimony prepared in October 2007 by Centers for Disease Control Director Julie Gerberding - testimony detailing the health hazards likely to result from climate change.

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April 9, 2008

Rail, Other Accident Reports Now Online

Environmental reporters who want to keep track of accidents on their beats may want to know about these useful tools and resources.

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Bush Administration Opposes Bill to Shield Press Sources

"Attorney General Michael Mukasey and three other top Bush administration officials are weighing in against legislation that would allow reporters to protect the identities of confidential sources..."

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New Mexico Activists Win FOIA Case Against Nuclear Agency

A federal district judge ruled that agencies can't use delay to create secrecy when the Freedom of Information Act requires them to disclose records.

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USDA May Limit Info On Meat Recalls

Under industry pressure, the U.S. Agriculture Department is considering hiding from consumers information about which retailers might be selling the tainted meat recalled because of health and safety risks.

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The SEJ WatchDog Alert

Latest WatchDog Alert Items

May 7, 2008

MUCKRAKING NOT DEAD, NIEMAN REPORTS DECLARES

April 23, 2008

Earmarks 101: All Pork Is a Local Story

Now's Your Chance: Talk to EPA About Information You Need

New Rail Hazmat Regs Include Non-Disclosure Provisions

EPA Submits Plan for Reopening Libraries, Which Remain Closed

After Denials, White House Caves on Censored Gerberding Climate-Health Testimony

April 9, 2008

Rail, Other Accident Reports Now Online

Bush Administration Opposes Bill to Shield Press Sources

New Mexico Activists Win FOIA Case Against Nuclear Agency

USDA May Limit Info On Meat Recalls

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