For Sunshine Week, we wanted to look at how public records has been behind some of the biggest headlines of the year, and how those stories can inspire a whole new crop of reporting. Sunlight may be the best disinfectant, but transparency is contagious.

At the federal level, FOIA reporting tells the stories that matter.

Thanks to some creative request ideas, FOIA helps puts the “fun” in “functioning democracy.”

Transparency begins at home - all across the country, journalists are using state public records laws to hold agencies accountable.

MuckRock’s API allows easy access to FOIA response data on thousands of different agencies, towns, counties, and cities across America. Now, we want your feedback on what data to surface to make it even more useful.

Today, we launched more ways for you to see exactly how and where your MuckRock requests are getting sent — and tweak the submission as you see fit. We’ve also been continuing to make progress on our Sunshine Week project at Code for Boston.

Last week, our Code for Boston team hacked together some more designs and early prototypes for our Sunshine Week FOIA suggestion project. Stop by Tuesday evening or online to get an early preview and help out!

Have a clever request you want to share with other requesters? Now’s your chance as we’re building the ultimate directory of FOIA and public records ideas to help new requesters get inspired while showcasing how valuable public records are in keeping government open and accountable.