Americans' freedom depends largely on knowing what their government is doing. While journalists are often at the fore in seeking access to government information, all Americans have a stake in keeping government open. To further that ideal, media and other groups nationwide are sponsoring, beginning today, "Sunshine Week: Your Right to Know."

For more information, go to www.sunshineweek.org.

The Deseret Morning News is running stories through Thursday highlighting different issues to consider during Sunshine Week.

• Today: How much are taxpayers paying their city officials — and what does it take to get that information?

• Monday: Does GRAMA make the grade? A new University of Florida study ranks Utah's GRAMA law third in the nation for openness, giving it a B-. This means the language of the law, not practice. Local freedom-of-information experts weigh in on the law, as does the father of GRAMA, former House Speaker Marty Stephens.

• Tuesday: When it comes to the importance of open government, few branches carry as much life-changing impact as the courts. Local media, including the Deseret Morning News, recently fought attempts to have the competency hearings of Brian David Mitchell closed to the public. Experts say a public's right to observe legal proceedings is a cornerstone of a free society. Media recently negotiated with state court officials regarding the openness of electronic court records.

• Wednesday: A recent sexual-harassment investigation of a Salt Lake County official led to a firestorm of controversy as the district attorney's office maneuvered through GRAMA to keep key reports away from the public eye, including the media.

• Thursday: Legal action by the Deseret Morning News and The Salt Lake Tribune against the Utah Association of Counties characterizes the debate of just how open quasi-governmental entities must be.