Lobbying

“Bill Shuster Muscled Through Transportation Bill Pushed by Lobbyist Girlfriend” by Anna Palmer, Jake Sherman, and John Bresnahan for Politico

“Taco Bell Lobbyists Thank Congressional Staff with 6,000 Tacos” by Lee Fang for The Intercept

California: “For Statewide Change, Advocates Are Making Their Battles Local” by Melanie Mason for Los Angeles Times

Indiana: “Trinkets, Website Part of Gov. Pence’s Unique Lobbying Effort” by Ryan Cook for Indianapolis Star

New York: “Skelos Probe Sparks Competing Calls for Change in Nassau County” by James Galloway for Island Now

Campaign Finance

Pennsylvania: “Council Moves to Illuminate Super PAC Money” by Tricia Nadolny for Philadelphia Inquirer

Rhode Island: “Raimondo Signs into Law New Campaign Finance Measures” by Jennifer Bogdan for Providence Journal

Ethics

Illinois: “Ex-State Rep. Smith, Who Pocketed $7,000 Bribe, Gets 5 Months in Prison” by Jason Meisner for Chicago Tribune

Elections

Missouri: “Resignations after Election of Black Mayor Put Missouri Hamlet in Spotlight” by John Eligon for New York Times

Procurement

Florida: “Inspector General Questions County Contractor Deals” by Andy Reid for South Florida Sun Sentinel