Policy Intern Adeeb Sahar wrote this post.

Here is your serving of today’s transparency-related news items, congressional committee hearings, transparency-related bills introduced in Congress, and local events involving open government.

NEWS ROUNDUP:

International

• Police unable to locate substantial bribe cash: Unable to find the $620,000 bribe collected by House of Representatives member Farouk Lawan from businessman Femi Otedola, the Nigerian government is set to file charges against the lawmaker. (The Nation)
• Are Chinese leaders ready to tackle corruption?: Although China remains vocal in its determination to stop corruption, the country continues to rank lowly among international peers in the Corruptions Perception Index. There are indications, however, that suggest the country is getting serious about its anti-corruption initiatives. (Transparency International)

Government

• Congressman Andrews faces campaign finance questions: Congressman Rob Andrews (D-NJ) has recently found himself under the heat of the U.S. House Ethics Committee for using campaign funds to pay for a family vacation to Scotland and other miscellaneous expenses. (Examiner)
• State ethics officials allow Daniels to lobby former colleagues: Indiana’s top official on ethics issues announced in an informal opinion that Gov. Mitch Daniels (R-IN) will be free to exert pressure on former colleagues at the Statehouse for funding when he becomes Purdue University president next year. (Indy Star)
• Column: A look at the fine line between campaign contribution and bribe: Washington Post reporter and editor Robert Barnes enters the debate over where the line is drawn between a campaign contribution and a bribe, an especially relevant distinction in a year when campaign spending has become a paramount issue. (Washington Post)

RELEVANT BILLS INTRODUCED:

• None

HAPPENING THIS WEEK 8/13 – 8/17:

• None

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

• None

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