Keep reading for today’s look at #OpenGov news, events and analysis including drone regulations, monitoring Italian development, and a big donor wins an election for himself in Nebraska. 

National News

• Candidates don’t often return PAC contributions, but it does happen from time to time. Most often, retiring elected officials send back some of the big checks that they won’t be needing. (Roll Call)
• The FAA is working hard to regulate how drones can be used in US airspace and an army of lobbyists is working hard to make sure their bosses get to use drones how they want. Industries from Hollywood to agriculture are working to influence drone policy. (The Hill)
• The Labor Department is turning to the private sector to help it with an online procurement information service. (Next Gov)

International News

• An independent initiative in Italy is trying to crowdsource online monitoring of projects funded by the European Union. The project was initially conceived by a group of Italian civil servants, but has since taken on a life of its own outside of the government. (Tech President)

State and Local News

• Pete Ricketts (R) won a close, four way race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination in Nebraska. The Ricketts family is a big spender on the national political stage and attracted many prominent, tea party aligned politicians with Presidential ambitions. (National Journal)
• Parking is a key part of a healthy city ecosystem and taking a smart approach to it can have major effects. (Government Technology)

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