donal brown

City government data released to public mined for useful information

Cities around the country are now releasing large amounts of data to programmers and the public. In Washington, D.C., a web site “Stumble Safely” uses public data to plot safe ways home for customers of bars and restaurants. -DB The New York Times December 7, 2009 By Claire Cain Miller SAN FRANCISCO — A big pile of city crime reports is not all that useful. But what if you could combine that data with information on

Read More »

Claremont school district asked to reconsider action after charge they violated California’s open government act

An open government activist has alleged that the Claremont Unified School District violated the Brown Act in firing a school nurse in a closed meeting without allowing her supporters to speak on her behalf. -DB Contra Costa Times December 5, 2009 By Wes Woods II CLAREMONT – Open government activist Richard McKee has asked the Claremont Unified School District to rescind its actions from a closed session on Nov. 19 because of an alleged Brown Act

Read More »

Open government group launches new database to improve access to stimulus data

OMB Watch has released a beta version of a new data base on FedSpending.org to improve access and searchability of stimulus data. -DB OMB Watch Press Release December 3, 2009 WASHINGTON, D.C. – OMB Watch released a beta version of a new database on FedSpending.org that gives the public improved access to and searchability of Recovery Act recipient report data. The database allows users to search more than 160,000 reports from recipients of almost $159

Read More »

U.S. needs federal shield law

The Senate should move forward on a federal shield law for reporters writes an ACLU blogger because such a law strengthens democracy by allowing journalists to reveal government malfeasance without fear of going to jail. -DB American Civil Liberties Union Opinion December 2, 2009 By Sandra Fulton Most people don’t realize that the American government is in the habit of locking up journalists. We are disgusted when governments like China and Cuba criminalize the press,

Read More »

Government watchdog asks Senate to investigate use of ‘Secret Holds’

Citizens for Responsiblity and Ethics in Washington has asked the Senate ethics committee to look into the practice of stalling or halting laws or nominations without public announcement given a 2007 law barring the practice. -DB Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington Press Release December 2, 2009 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) today asked the Senate Select Committee on Ethics to investigate senators’ failure to abide by a provision

Read More »