Lobbying

South Carolina: “Golf, Beaches and Power: How utilities wine and dine the public officials that set your rates” by Andrew Brown for Charleston Post and Courier

Campaign Finance

Maryland: “Democrats Slam Hogan Over RGA Donation from Poultry Company” by Fenit Nirappil for Washington Post

Massachusetts: “Pro-Charter School Group Fined for Hiding 2016 Campaign Donors including Mitt Romney’s Campaign” by Shira Schoenberg for MassLive

Virginia: “Several New Delegates Form Caucus to Reduce Corporate Money in Virginia Politics” by Patrick Wilson for Richmond Times-Dispatch

Ethics

“Partisans, Wielding Money, Begin Seeking to Exploit Harassment Claims” by Kenneth Vogel for New York Times

“Paul Manafort Sues Mueller and Asks a Judge to Narrow the Russia Investigation” by Matt Apuzzo for New York Times

“How the Federal Government Hides Sexual Harassment Payouts” by Andrew Restuccia, Emily Goldberg, and Rebecca Morin for Politico

Illinois: “CPS Employees Stole Gift Cards Meant for Students, Watchdog Says” by Juan Perez Jr. for Chicago Tribune

Michigan: “Ex-Detroit Police Official Waffles, Pleads Guilty” by Robert Snell for Detroit News

Missouri: “Missouri Democrats Place Target on Greitens Through Pre-Filed Legislation” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune

New York: “Corruption Trials Loom over Albany as New Year Begins” by Joe Mahoney for Oneonta Daily Star

Legislative Issues

Kentucky: “House Speaker Who Resigned Over Harassment Claim Reconsiders” by Adam Beam (Associated Press) for Columbus Ledger-Enquirer