Keep reading for an abbreviated look at #OpenGov news, events, and analysis including a lost appeal, from CEO to whistleblower, and scandal in South Carolina.

National News

• A federal appeals court overturned a lower-court ruling that would have allowed a criminal defense attorney to see evidence against his client that was deemed classified under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The ruling means lawyers in similar cases will continue to lack access to key evidence. (Washington Post)
• The IRS lost a big chunk of emails sent and received by Lois Lerner, the former official that resigned under continued pressure from Congressional Republicans. The administration line is that a computer crash resulted in the data loss. (The Hill)
• The Koch’s have a new super PAC, allowing them to spend even more unlimited money one the 2014 elections. (Roll Call)

International News

• A study examining the open data movement in Kenya and Uganda found that tech advances have led to potentially transformative data releases and new information flows, but real change will require current power structures to embrace openness. (Women of Uganda Network)
• Michael Woodford was quickly fired from his position as CEO of Olympus after he discovered evidence of massive fraud and presented the board with his case. Instead of going into hiding or refusing to speak out against his former company, he turned into a whistleblower, cooperating with investigations. His new book explains the situation. (Transparency International)

State and Local News

• The Lens, a reader-supported online newsroom in New Orleans, is working on a comprehensive database of all of the city government’s contracts. (Knight Foundation)
• Currently, it is difficult to track the activities of the New York City Council, mostly thanks to technical issues. But, new legislation, requiring machine readable data could help modernize current systems and make the body more open. (Tech President)
• A major scandal roiling South Carolina politics is exposing the privileged position held by state lawmakers, who are essentially out of reach of traditional law enforcement. (Public Integrity)

Events today

• Conflicts of Interest, Investor Loss of Confidence, and Hight Speed Trading in U.S. Stock Markets. The Senate Committee on Homeland Security Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Tue. 6/17. 9:30 am. 216, Hart Senate Office Building.
• Whistleblowers: A Critical Anti-Corruption Tool and Challenge. AU Washington College of Law. Tues. 6/17. 1:45 am – 1:15 pm. 4801 Massachusetts Ave NW, 6th Floor Student Lounges, Washington, DC 20016.

Do you want to track transparency news? You can follow the progress of relevant bills on our Scout page. You can also get Today in #OpenGov sent directly to your preferred news reader. If you would like suggest an event, please email mrumsey@sunlightfoundation.com the week before.