In “The Week Ahead in Congress,” Donny Shaw  from Open Congress gives us this week’s agenda for U.S. Congress and the legislation that is being considered.

From Govloop: Christopher Whitaker discusses the ten app winners in round two of the contest where people write helpful apps using open government data from the city of Chicago. “Chicago Apps Contest Round II: Community Apps that bring the civic awesomeness”

From the Washington Post: Marjorie Censer writes about a new government contracting trend in here article “Federal agencies turn to contractors for social media help.”

The American League of Lobbyists website posted a new Lobbyist Certificate Program opportunity – “Effective Communications: Congress and the Media – A Lobbying Certificate Program Session with Media and Issue Ad Experts.” The session will discuss how to use social and traditional media effectively and  how to get a high return on your efforts.

From the Evansville Courier and Press: Ellie Price describes IN.gov’s use of QR codes to bring traffice to government websites in “Indiana to take smartphone plunge.”