Keep reading for today’s look at #OpenGov news, events and analysis including the Koch brother’s endless bank account, trade “transparency” in the EU, and a partnership in Cook County, Illinois. 

National News

• The Koch brother’s likely weren’t too happy with the returns on their massive investments in the 2012 election cycle, but that isn’t stopping them from opening their wallets again in an attempt to help the GOP retake the Senate in 2014. (National Journal)
• Some members of Congress are considering giving agency Inspectors General more power to effectively investigate. Right now, according to testimony given this week, employees at agencies use a number of strategies to stall and avoid giving information to IG’s. (Government Executive)

International News

• The Philippines launched a new open data portal earlier this week. The portal, which launched with 650 data sets, comes following a Sunlight report that the government may have erected unnecessary barriers to public data. (Tech President)
• The EU Commission held an “outreach” session earlier this week, intended to engage civil society organizations on negotiations around the Trans Atlantic Free Trade Area and Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. Unfortunately, less than 20% of the organizations signed up to attend represented civil society, the others representing corporate interests that have traditionally had plenty of access to trade negotiations. (Tech Dirt)

State and Local News

• Smart Chicago Collaborative and Cook County, Illinois are officially working together to expand open data in the area. They will be working to implement the county’s open data ordinance and open government plan. (Smart Chicago)
• More transparency could be coming to courts in the District of Columbia. The D.C. Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure may recommend that District judges reveal more personal financial information. Unfortunately, any recommendations will have to be passed by Congress to go into effect. (Public Integrity)

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