National News

• A subcommittee of the Freedom of Information Act Advisory Council is launching a project to survey the current state of FOIA oversight across the Federal government. (Fierce Government)
• Despite the midterm elections keeping members of Congress away from Washington for large swaths of time during the second part of this year, lobbying firms across the city saw their revenues rise in the third quarter. (The Hill)
• Left leaning groups held a super PAC cash advantage throughout much of the year, but as the election draws closer conservative groups are catching up. (POLITICO)
• The White House launched its first website 20 years ago this week. Enjoy this blast from the past. (National Journal)
• Super PACs are required to report their donors, but a loophole in the law regulating them allows the committees to conceal donors that give in the few weeks leading up to election day until December, more than a month after votes have been cast. (Public Integrity)

International

• The Financial Action Task Force, made up of government officials and experts, are meeting in Pars this week in part to adopt guidance on beneficial ownership and company transparency. Unfortunately, the creation of this document has been conducted in relative secrecy. (Transparency International)

State and Local News

• A group pushing for paid sick day legislation in Florida is suing the mayor of Orange County, alleging that her office used Dropbox, the could based-file sharing service, to evade public records laws and provide lobbyists with inside access. (PRWatch)
• The Supreme Court will consider a case questioning whether or not local laws that allow police to seize hotel guest registries without a warrant violate the 4th amendment. (Ars Technica)
• The Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives was charged with 23 felony counts 2 weeks before election day. The charges include allegations that he voted for legislation despite conflicts of interest and using his public office for personal gain. (New York Times)

Events Today

• 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.