Keep reading for today’s look at #OpenGov news, events, and analysis, including big money, corporate disclosure in South Africa, and cameras in Ferguson — a little too late. 

National News

• A broad coalition, including several members of Congress, sent a letter to the Obama Administration urging them to open up a swath of secret law related to surveillance. (The Hill)
• Big political donors have been taking full advantage of their new ability to spend even more, and to gain even more access to their preferred candidates. (Washington Post)
• Two weeks after leaving Congress, former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor has accepted a high paying job with a Wall Street firm. The short break indicates a problem with a law intended to shed light on negotiation for outside employment. (National Journal)
• The battle for the Senate is coming down to around 9 races that are attracting huge amounts of campaign cash. Over $150 million has been spent on the Senate elections already and that number is expected to rocket forward by election day. (Public Integrity)

International News

• Corruption Watch, an anti-corruption group, pledges to petition the South African government for full disclosure from companies bidding for state contracts. (BD Live)
• Code for Germany, formed recently via Open Knowledge Germany, announced all of the city-based projects that have sprouted this summer. (Code for Germany)

State and Local News

• A team of Harvard professors is out with a book aimed at helping local leaders leverage data for responsive governance. (Data-Smart City Solutions)
• New York City’s restaurant grading system has gotten a lot of press over the years. While sometimes controversial, the grades are data based and seemingly sound. (Five Thirty Eight)
• Better late than never? Ferguson police officers will now be wearing body cameras during their shifts after the department was gifted 50 units. (Ars Technica)

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