Keep reading for today’s look at #OpenGov news, events, and analysis including an FCC website crash following numerous public comments on net neutrality, Germany re-embracing the typewriter as a means of private communication, and plenty of state and local news.

National News

• As the FCC deliberates on Open Internet proceedings, public comments on the Commission’s net neutrality proposals overwhelmed and crashed the FCC’s commenting platform. Accordingly, the comment deadline has been extended to Friday midnight. (Roll Call)
• After a year of attacks on high-profile entities like the Pentagon, Chinese hackers have turned their attention to smaller agencies. The Government Accountability Office, as well as the Office of Personnel Management. Those agencies’ tech infrastructure and networks were so outdated, apparently the hackers struggled to navigate them, officials said. (The New York Times)
• Racetrack owners are gearing up efforts to protect a “NASCAR” tax break. Motor sports companies recently hired high-priced K Street lobbyists to accelerate their efforts. (The Hill)

International News

• 72% of government departments in New Zealand have become more efficient by reusing other agencies’ data, according to the latest progress report on open government in the country. Additionally, 28% of departments saved processing and labor costs through more efficient and open data portals. (FutureGov)
• Following a recent string of spying allegations between the US and Germany, the chairman of the German parliament’s National Security Agency investigative committee now says he’s considering expanding the use of manual typewriters to carry out his group’s work. The suggestion isn’t too farfetched–last year, the Russian Kremlin announced that it wanted to spend 486,000 rubles (about $14,800) to buy 20 electric typewriters as a way to avoid digital leaks. (Ars Technica)

State and Local News

• Two ex-Utah attorneys general were arrested Tuesday for a battery of bribery charges linked to their close relationships with several businesspeople. (Politico)
• Although New York Mayor Bill de Blasio fashions himself as a strong proponent for transparency, his schedule and office haven’t mentioned his appearance at a fundraiser for a lobbying group advocating for his mayoral agenda. (The New York Times)
• Washington state’s government issued a mandate for officials to undergo training on laws on open meetings and public records. New members of city councils, county commissions, school boards, fire commissions and special districts as well as statewide elected officials must participate. (Union Bulletin)

Events Today

• The State of VA Healthcare. United States Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Wed., 7/16. 10:00 AM. Room G50, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.
• Big Data at Work for Citizens: Applying Data Analytics for Empowerment and Fraud Prevention. Software and Information Industry Association. Wed., 7/16. 12:00 PM. Room G11, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.
• Publishing Content: If Not in PDF, Then What? OpenGov Hub. Wed., 7/16. 12:30 PM. 1110 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005.

Events Tomorrow

• White House Office of Political Affairs: Is Supporting Candidates and Campaign Fund-Raising an Appropriate Use of a Government Office? House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Thurs., 7/16. 10:00 AM.  2154 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C.
• Examining the Justice Department’s Response to the IRS Targeting Scandal. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Thurs., 7/17. 9:00 AM.  2154 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C.

Do you want to track transparency news? You can follow the progress of relevant bills, court cases, and regulations using Scout. You can also get Today in #OpenGov sent directly to your preferred news reader. If you would like suggest an event, please email mrumsey@sunlightfoundation.com by 7 am on the Monday prior to the event.