An Oregon law firm has created a new web site to assist people interested in accessing public records through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or state public records laws. It has links to the public records laws of all 50 States as well as relevant branches of the federal government. It also has materials to assist in the making of initial document or fee waiver requests, their appeals, litigation and a discussion of the FOIA exemptions.

A new industry-sponsored cheering section for Bush/Cheney's energy policies has been formed, called the "Alliance for Energy and Economic Growth."

The Bulldog Reporter, a publication that specializes in compiling dossiers on journalists for corporate PR use, has given its "gold award" in "crisis communications" to Michael Fineman of Fineman Associates Public Relations for his work on behalf of the Pacifica radio network. Fineman was hired to help contain the image problems that arose when the Pacifica's management used armed guards to forcibly expel veteran broadcasters, arrested demonstrators, and shut down station KPFA in Berkeley, CA. For further details about the ongoing crisis at Pacifica, visit www.savepacifica.net.

Private foundations are using their tax-sheltered money to influence news and entertainment media according to a Poynter Institute study. Foundations like the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trust have funded journalist and media outlet with the intention to "shape" policy. "