NEWS ROUNDUP:

• The open data community may benefit from a central, neutral entry point to open data resources. To this end, the Web Foundation is working on the Open Data Directory. (Open Knowledge Blog)
• Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced a bill that would tackle the tricky problem of disclosing the flood of political money that has emerged in the past few years. The bill focuses on wealthy donors, corporations, and unions and its sponsors think that it hits donors on both sides of the political aisle. (NPR, Roll Call)
• South Carolina Senator Lindsay Graham wasn’t up for reelection in 2012, but he still managed to raise more money from lobbyists than all but one other member of Congress. New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, who was running, raised slightly more. (Public Integrity)
• A number of documents signed by Attorney General Erich Holder and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper that invoked the state secrets privilege were made public through a lawsuit this week. The suit focuses on the “no-fly list” kept by the US government to keep suspected terrorists from flying to or within the states. (POLITICO)
• The political group launched by former Rep. Gabby Giffords to fight for greater gun control is going on the attack with negative ads for the first time. Their initial ad buy, which will target Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Mitch McConnell (R-KY), is worth a few hundred thousand dollars. (Washington Post)
• Text messages sent by elected officials in the District of Columbia on their government funded phones are currently in a Freedom of Information grey area. FOIA requests to the DC Council and Mayor’s office for text messages were denied because neither body maintains or has access to the text messages, the exist on the phone’s and in whatever form the cell carrier maintains. (DCist)

RELEVANT BILLS INTRODUCED:

• None.

HAPPENING TODAY 4/25:

• What’s on the agenda for the new FCC? IT and Innovation Foundation. 1:00 – 2:30 pm. 1101 K Street NW, Suite 610, Washington, DC 20005.
• Striking the Right Balance: Protecting our nation’s critical infrastructure from cyber attack and ensuring privacy and civil liberties. House Homeland Security. 2:00 pm. 311 Cannon House Office Building. Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies.

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