National News

• Political ads that are shown coupled with the ever growing amount of video content that Americans watch online do not have the same disclosure requirements as ads on broadcast TV. That could soon change as the FEC considers some rules changes. (The Verge)
• New reports indicate that the USAID Inspector General’s office removed critical findings from a number of audits between 2011 and 2013. Meanwhile, the office hasn’t had a permanent leader since 2009. (POGO)
• Meanwhile, this article argues that IG’s are more “bark than bite” because the offices face indifference from Congress and their parent agencies. (Federal Computer Week)
• The House Majority PAC is going all in against embattled Republican Representative Michael Grimm. Despite significant legal allegations against him, Grimm is running neck and neck with the Democratic challenger in a Long Island district that has shown a high tolerance for corruption allegations. (Roll Call)

International

• The Chinese Communist Party is using a crackdown on corruption to centralize authority and exert more effective control over local officials. (Washington Post)
• Russia’s Minister for Open Government Affairs — yes, you read that right — is focused on boosting Russia’s level of technological innovation in order to better compete with the west. (Russia Beyond The Headlines)
• Italian lawmakers are considering a “Declaration of Internet Rights” and seeking public comment on the document. (Tech President)

State and Local News

• The proposed contract for recreation.gov continues to get negative attention for its provisions that could prevent free access to useful and innovative data about access to national parks. (Washington Post)

Events Today

• Governance, Corruption, and Rule of Law Working Group. Society for International Development. Tues. 10/28. 1:30 – 3:30 pm. 1828 L Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC.

Later This Week

• Challenges for Journalism in Latin America. Freedom House. Wed. 10/29. 12:00 – 1:30 pm. 1301 Connecticut Ave NW, #400, Conference Room 1301, Washington, DC.
• OGIS at Five. Newseum Institute and OpenTheGovernment.org. Fri. 10/31. Newseum, Knight Conference Center, 555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC.

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.