National News

• The government shut down is terrible for transparency and journalism, with massive amounts of government data unavailable. (National Journal)
• A member of the House of Representatives wants lobbyists to shut down too. David Cicilline (D-RI) is circulating a letter urging Speaker John Boehner to restrict access to the Capitol to registered lobbyists as long as the government is shut down. (POLITICO)
• Two tech industry associations sent a letter to the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight board urging the body to examine transparency and oversight measures related to surveillance programs. Unfortunately, the government shutdown has forced the PCLOB to cancel an upcoming hearing and limit operations. (The Hill)
• Sean McCutcheon, the lead plaintiff in a high profile campaign finance case before the Supreme Court, exceeded existing campaign contribution limits in 2012 while donating to the Alabama Republican Party. The case in front of the Supreme Court centers around limits to the total amount individuals can donate to Federal candidates, parties, and PACs. (Public Integrity)

International News

• The Peruvian Congress recently passed a new, harsh, computer crime law with no public input and minimal debate.  (Tech Dirt)
• The European Court of Justice is expected to issue a final ruling on an important legislative transparency case this month. The case, brought by Access Info, centers around the release of information about legislative negotiations in the Council of the EU with member state names redacted. (Access-Info)
• Asia has vast gulfs between its digital have’s and have nots, creating interesting problems as the region moves towards more open data. The continent has more internet users than any other region in the world, but getting reliable, usable data from all 49 countries will prove challenging.  (Open Knowledge Blog)

State and Local News

• Local open data is taking hold with our neighbors to the North. The Canadian municipality of York approved a “comprehensive Open Data programme” after a year long pilot program was deemed successful. (Future Gov)

State Bills

• Pennsylvania HB 744 – An Act amending Title 65 (Public Officers) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in lobbying disclosure, further providing for prohibited activities, for penalties and for registration filig system.

Events Today

• The Meaning and Implication of the ‘Mensalão.’ Brazil’s Largest Trial on Political Corruption. Wilson Center. Fri. 10/4. 10 a.m. – noon. Woodrow Wilson Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

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