Last week for Golden Padlock nominations

Investigative Reporters & Editors has launched a new award -- dubbed the Golden Padlock -- recognizing the most secretive publicly-funded agency or person in the United States. It is calling on journalists and the public for worthy nominees, and sumbissions are due by the end of the week.

"This honor acknowledges the dedication of government officials working tirelessly to keep vital information hidden from the public," said David Cay Johnston, president of IRE . "Their abiding commitment to secrecy and impressive skill in information suppression routinely keeps knowledge about everything from public health risks to government waste beyond the reach of citizens who pay their salaries."

IRE is now accepting nominations for the inaugural Golden Padlock. Nominations should be emailed to goldenpadlock@ire.org by May 24. Submissions should include the name of the agency or individual along with reasons and/or media coverage detailing the intransigence.

Governments at all levels -- from local to federal -- are eligible for the award. A list of finalists will be announced in early June and the award will be handed out annually at IRE's national conference.

The winning public agency or individual will be invited to attend the award ceremony to be "honored". This year's conference is June 20 - 23 in San Antonio, Texas.

For further information, contact IRE Executive Director Mark Horvi, at (573) 882-1984 or mhorvit@ire.org.