It is unusual for us to use this space to praise one of our competitors. When it comes to open government, though, the media should be allies. And we're glad to have Betsy Russell on our side. The Spokane Spokesman-Review Statehouse reporter is a passionate, proven - and persuasive - advocate for the public's right to know. Idaho has a better open meetings law, one that's more enforceable and more clear for local agencies, thanks in part to Russell's work as longtime president of the Idaho Press Club/Kevin Richert, Idaho Statesman. More here.

• Denying the Statesman an interview/Adam's Blog
• Tempestuous teapot/Fort Boise
• Another Idaho wingnut makes national stage/Sisyphus, 43rd State Blues
• Enjoy awesome Earth Day eats in Sandpoint/Susan Drumheller, ICL
• Virginia guv assault on public TV sounds familiar/The Johnson Post
• 2-fer: Treasure Valley blogging photographers, and: Daily Politics Briefs/Treasured Valley

Question: Does anyone but the media care about open government in Idaho?