Three stories worth noting this morning:

• The St. Petersburg Times' Washington bureau chief Bill Adair examines the historical role of the White House briefings and how they've largely lost their usefulness. Well-written and educational, it's worth a read--and not just because Fishbowl is mentioned.
  
• Also the Post provides a write-up of last night's quasi-off-the-record Gridiron dinner, although it doesn't answer the key question: What was up with Tim Russert?
  
• It's the start of Sunshine Week! Read more at Blogshine.org.