Keep reading for today’s look at #OpenGov news, events and analysis the Office of Technology Assessment, turning PDFs into data in Argentina, and State Supreme Court nepotism.

National News

• One of the House’s most prominent scientists, Rush Holt (D-NJ), tried to revive the Office of Technology Assessment yesterday. The OTA offered expert advice on science and technology matters, but it has been de-funded in the 90’s. (Federal Computer Week)
• The White House is trying to shift some of the fear over massive information collection to companies like Google and Facebook. (New York Times)

International News

• An annual media watchdog report says that press freedom is at its lowest point in a decade, following regression in the Middle East and the fallout from the Edward Snowden leaks. (Ars Technica)
• A new collaborative platform allows Argentinians to turn PDFs of government information into structured data. The first challenge, converting 3 years worth of Senate expenses. (Open Knowledge)

State and Local News

• Over the past year, Chicago has emerged as a leader in open data, civic technology, and the use of technology to address urban issues. (Data-Smart City Solutions)
• A new investigation shows that Governor’s often turn to friends and donors over the most qualified candidates when selecting judges for state Supreme Courts. (Public Integrity)

Today

• The Role of Corruption in Recent Events in Ukraine. Terrorism, Transnational Crime, and Corruption Center. Fri. 5/2. 12:00 – 1:30 pm. George Mason University, Arlington Campus, 3351 Fairfax Drive, Founders Hall, Arlington, VA 22201.

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