Keep reading for today’s look at #OpenGov news, events, and analysis, including big problems for Hungarian NGO’s, repackaged federal spending data, and mapping infrastructure improvements in Georgia. 

National News

• FindTheBest.com, a for profit company that surfaces and repackages publicly available data, is tackling the tricky topic of federal spending. Their new portal takes data from USASpending and creates user friendly profiles of federal agency spending. (Federal Computer Week)
• Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) is looking for answers from the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency about their recent, prolonged investigation into wrongdoing by former NARA IG Paul Brachfeld. (Washington Post)
• K Street has been struggling recently, but two billionaires may be coming to the rescue with expensive policy fights. Sheldon Adelson is focused on online gambling while William Ackman is trying to destroy Herbalife. The campaigns are employing over 100 lobbyists on one side or the other.  (POLITICO)
• MayDay PAC has taken its fair share of criticism given that it’s stated goal is to end big money in politics by spending big money on politics. But, but all accounts it is having a significant effect on the GOP Senate primary in New Hampshire, where its chosen candidate is making a spirited run that looked unlikely before MayDay stepped in.  (Public Integrity)

International News

• Two NGO’s that help distribute foreign donor money to local Civil Society groups in Hungary were raided by Hungarian police this week. The raids, which are merely the latest step in a recent crackdown on Hungarian Civil Society, drew protests. (Human Rights Watch)

State and Local News

• Better access to data and new technology can make regulatory reform, which is often particularly useful on the local level, an easier process. (Data-Smart City Solutions)
• Infrastructure Map, a new Code for America project out of Atlanta, aims to make it easier for people to see the specific projects and locations that infrastructure money is going to improve. (Code for America)

Events This Week

• Data For Social Justice: The Impact of Data on Underserved Communities. The Center for Data Innovation. Wed. 9/10. 9:00 – 10:30 am. 1101 K Street NW, #610, Washington, DC 20005.
• Automating Compliance: Taking the Pain out of Disclosure Management. Government Executive. Wed. 9/10. 2:00 – 3:00 pm. Webcast.

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.