Today’s look at #OpenGov news, events, and analysis returns from a brief hiatus with stories on Democrats’ embrace of PAC money, attempts to fix Virginia’s reputation, a few new government transparency websites, and more.

National News

• Congress.gov moved out of Beta mode last week, adding a slew of new features as it did so. (FedScoop)
• Congressional watchdogs have been hinting at the need for clearer conflict of interest rules for a couple of years now. Last week, the Office of Congressional Ethics released a report that brought the issue back into the news. The House Ethics Committee has convened a “working group” and recommended a “task force” to examine the issue. (Washington Post)
• The Federal government launched a new website to disclose information about payments to doctors and teaching hospitals by drug and medical device manufacturers. Unfortunately, the site has been met with some early negative reviews. (New York Times)
• Democrats have embraced big money PACs as they fight to retain control of the Senate and limit their losses in the House. (New York Times)

State and Local News

• Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe (D) is moving to repair his state’s damaged ethical reputation. He announced the creation of a commission to focus on ethics and accountability in state government. (Public Integrity)

Events This week

• The Future of Data Driven Innovation. US Chamber of Commerce. Tues. 10/7. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. 1615 H Street NW, Hall of Flags, Washington, DC 20062.
• Publish What You Fund’s 2014 Aid Transparency Index Launch. Center for Global Development. Wed. 10/8. 9:00 – 11:00 am. 2055 L Street NW, 5th Floor, 20036.
• Major Drivers for the Development Agenda: The Trade and Development Nexus, Science and Technology, and Governance in the Extractive Industries. Center for Strategic and International Studies. Thurs. 10/9. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. 1616 Rhode Island ave NW, Second Floor Conference Room, Washington, DC 20036.
• Outside, In: eDiplomacy. POLITICO. Thurs. 10/9. 11:30 am. Carnegie Library, 801 K Street NW, Washington, DC.
• Delivering on the Data Revolution in Sub-Saharan Africa. Center for Global Development. Thurs. 10/9. 3:00 – 4:00 pm. 2055 L Street NW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20036.

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.