In the News

Peggy Watt Peggy Watt

WWU alumni use PRA win to support investigative reporting

After settling a PRA lawsuit against Western Washington University last year, three alumni have used the funds to establish a permanent endowment for student investigative journalism at the university. (Photo from their 2019 announcement of the suit.)

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Peggy Watt Peggy Watt

Public Records Act collides with privacy

The Washington state Public Records Act collided with a parental claim of privacy on May 2, 2025 during an hour-long online hearing in Douglas County Superior Court.

At issue is whether public records routinely available for a vehicle crash should be provided to the media or if a third party could block disclosure because a minor was involved.

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Peggy Watt Peggy Watt

Spokane journalist Melissa Luck honored with Key Award

Melissa Luck, news director of KXLY 4 News in Spokane, has been named a Key Award winner for her consistent advocacy for open government as a broadcast journalist in Washington. She has been with the station for 22 years, and is known for her passion about journalism and, particularly, local news.

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Peggy Watt Peggy Watt

WashCOG urges support for local journalism bill

WashCOG is urging transparency advocates this week to call members of the Senate Ways & Means Committee to ask that they pass SB 5400, “Supporting Local News Journalism.” Local news nourishes our democracy, keeping citizens and residents informed about ongoing issues — and this bill gives them a needed financial hand.

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Peggy Watt Peggy Watt

Sunshine Breakfast honors transparency advocates

Attorney General Nick Brown pledged support for government transparency and constituent access in his keynote address at WashCOG’s annual Sunshine Breakfast. The event also honored advocates of the public’s right to know.

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Peggy Watt Peggy Watt

WashCOG board speaks to loss of former Speaker Chopp

The death of former House Speaker Frank Chopp on Saturday, March 22, came as sad and unexpected news.

Chopp, the longest-serving speaker of the House and a longtime supporter of open government, had been honored March 14 with the Ballard-Thompson Award.

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Peggy Watt Peggy Watt

Sunshine Week celebrated

It’s the 20th anniversary of Sunshine Week, a weeklong recognition of the importance of open government and access to public records.

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Peggy Watt Peggy Watt

New AG Nick Brown to headline WashCOG’s Sunshine Breakfast

Newly-elected Attorney General Nick Brown is keynote speaker for WashCOG’s 2025 Sunshine Breakfast and Awards Program March 14. Brown said he shares WashCOG’s commitment to open and transparent government and will provide transparency advocates a blueprint for his plans.

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Peggy Watt Peggy Watt

Transparency priorities tracked in 2025 legislature

A half-dozen priorities focused on accountability, transparency and access head the wish list for the Washington Coalition for Open Government as the Washington state legislature begins its 2025 session.

We’re posting weekly reports on pending bills, votes and other action in the legislature in our Olympia Watch.

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Peggy Watt Peggy Watt

UW’s presidential search missed the mark on transparency

The University of Washington’s Board of Regents is not being transparent about its process of searching for and choosing a new president. Outside observers – that would be most of us – are unable to judge for ourselves the final vetting process and the alternative finalists. That’s troubling for a public university.

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Peggy Watt Peggy Watt

Washington’s 2025 Legislature convenes

WashCOG was on hand as lawmakers, staff, media and residents came to Olympia as the Washington State Legislature begins its 2025 session. We’ll shine a light on the next 105 days of legislative activity — and welcome your help.

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Peggy Watt Peggy Watt

Toby Nixon Award nominations wanted

WashCOG is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Toby Nixon Award, which recognizes an individual or organization whose long-term commitment to the cause of open government is demonstrated through exemplary words or deeds.

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Peggy Watt Peggy Watt

Andersen Award nominations sought

Nominations are now open for the 2024 James Andersen Award, which recognizes an individual or organization that has made extraordinary effort to advance the priorities of the Washington Coalition for Open Government.

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