National News

• A bipartisan group of Senators is concerned that Congressional oversight may be lagging behind the rapidly expanding “internet of things”, which is bringing up concerns about privacy, data security, and more. Several members of the Senate Commerce Committee are asking their Chairman, Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), to schedule a hearing on the topic. (The Hill)
• Byron Dorgan, formerly a Democratic Senator from North Dakota, is helping TiVo in its quest to ensure that a specific decryption technology required in all cable boxes isn’t walked back, which could hurt TiVo’s business. (The Hill)
• Open Data is making life easier for hikers and campers looking to reserve space at America’s national parks, as well as making some money for the entrepreneurs who built a new reservation system using the data. But, restrictive language in a new government RFP could restrict this helpful use of data. (O’Reilly Radar)

International

• It is Open Access Week and Open Knowledge is celebrating with a series of posts that highlight a variety of open access projects and activities. (Open Knowledge)
• African nation’s have, by and large, been moving steadily towards more stable democratic processes. However, opaque money in politics practices have emerged as a major challenge. (All Africa)

State and Local News

• A judge in New Jersey has ruled that the names of police officers who are subject to internal affairs complaints as well as the names of the complainants cannot be hidden from the public under the state’s open public records law. (NJ.com)

Events Today

• Unaccountable: How elite power brokers corrupt our finances, freedom, and security. New America Foundation. Tues. 10/21. 12:15 – 1:45 pm. 1899 L Stret NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036.

Later This Week

• Corruption, Crime, and Terrorism. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Wed. 10/22. 3:00 – 4:00 pm. 1770 Massachusetts Ave NW, 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.