Ellen Miller details the launch of StimulusWatch.org.

Paul Blumenthal discusses Senator Chris Dodd’s mortgage disclosures to dispel rumors of “VIP” treatment by Countrywide.

Paul Blumenthal updates us with new information on the Jack Abramoff scandal, and posting a comprehensive list of those associated with the scandal who have either pleaded guilty, been convicted, indicted, named in court documents, or had their career brought to an abrupt end by being mentioned in the scandal.

Paul Blumenthal informs us about Eric Holder’s (Attorney General) new demand that the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) Memos should be made publicly available.

Paul Blumenthal addresses the difficulty the Obama administration has had in posting legislation to the web before its passage. It is also noted that the White House blog announced that they will post the S-CHIP expansion bill.

Paul Blumenthal briefly reminds us that the Sen. Finance Committee released their version of the stimulus bill, and a CRS report on the proposed position of CTO is on the web.

Paul Blumenthal posts a National Journal article about the difficulties the White House is encountering regarding enabling public comment on bills and getting technology to work and run smoothly.

Paul Blumenthal directs our attention to the Senate’s version of the Stimulus Bill, which does not include the required creation of recovery.gov, as in the House bill.

Paul Blumenthal points out that even though organizations are receiving bailout money, they still have enough money to host lawmakers by paying for charity events in their honor.

Ellen Miller discusses the depth of government’s embrace of social media as a method of communication and transparency, and relays a positive attitude towards the Obama administration’s attempts at expanding government transparency.

Nisha Thompson gives us a local Sunlight update, detailing transparency sites in Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, and Hawaii.

Nisha Thompson applauds Arturo Perez for a job well done in the YouTube Challenge for citizen journalists.

Paul Blumenthal reflects on Tom Daschle’s withdrawal for Sec. of Health and Human Services and emphasizes the role government transparency plays in exposing corruption.

Ellen Miller notes the effectiveness of the UK’s Directgov.com in keeping UK citizens informed and engaged and presses for the US government to do the same.

Paul Blumenthal posts a video of Tom Daschle before he dropped out, and that also discusses ethics in Washington.

John Wonderlich links to OMBWatch’s analysis of the accountability and transparency provisions from the House and Senate versions of the stimulus bill.

Bill Allison leads us into Real Time Investigation’s report on Rep. Charles Rangel’s failure to report assets between $239,026 and $831,000.

Paul Blumenthal notes the new and improved look of the House Judiciary Committee website.

Jim Morris alerts us that the cost of TARP subsidies is reaching about $200 billion, adding an increased cost for the bailout to taxpayers.