News You Can Use Digest – September 19, 2025

National/Federal

After Kirk Killing, Political Leaders Pull Back from Public Appearances

MSN – Patrick Marley and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 9/13/2025

Elected officials and other political leaders are canceling or postponing in-person events, aiming to beef up security, and weighing how to engage with the public after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk intensified concerns that once-routine appearances have become too dangerous. Even before Kirk was shot dead, a wave of political violence had increased unease among public officials. Now, that anxiety has reached a new level, adding urgency to discussions in Congress, at state Capitols, and among activists and candidates.

Nadine Menendez, Wife of Ex-New Jersey Senator, Sentenced to 4.5 Years in Prison

MSN – Ella Lee (The Hill) | Published: 9/11/2025

The wife of former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez was sentenced to more than four years in prison for her role in a scheme to trade her husband’s political power for lavish bribes. Nadine Menendez was convicted in April of plotting with her husband, the former chair of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to exchange his clout for hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, gold bars, and a Mercedes-Benz.

Appeals Court Allows Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook to Keep Her Job

MSN – Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) | Published: 9/15/2025

A divided federal appeals court ruled Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook can keep her job, turning aside an appeal by the Trump administration that sought to fire her ahead of the central bank’s key meeting this week on setting interest rates. Trump has accused Cook of mortgage fraud, a charge she denies, and has sought her dismissal, but the three-judge panel said the president violated Cook’s rights by not giving her a chance to defend herself against the accusations.

More Employers Fire Workers Over Kirk Posts as Pressure from Right Mounts

MSN – Taylor Telford and Faiz Siddiqui (Washington Post) | Published: 9/16/2025

The wave of companies and other institutions firing or suspending employees over what they have said in reaction to the killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk has expanded in recent days, as some of his supporters in and outside the government amp up a push against speech they say crosses lines. At a time when people have unprecedented ability to share their instant reactions with vast audiences on social media, the actions by employers have stirred a debate over employees’ speech rights, the role of public pressure campaigns, and what is appropriate public commentary on a violent event like Kirk’s killing.

Retired 4-Star Navy Admiral Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Bribery Plot

MSN – Michael Kunzelman (Associated Press) | Published: 9/16/2025

A retired four-star U.S. Navy admiral was sentenced to six years in prison for his conviction on corruption charges that he agreed to exchange a military contract for a lucrative postretirement job. Retired Admiral Robert Burke, once the second-highest uniformed officer in the Navy, was commanding its forces in Europe and Africa when he engaged in a bribery plot with two business executives, according to federal prosecutors.

ActBlue Acquiring Dem Digital Firm as Its Mission Grows

MSN – Jessica Piper (Politico) | Published: 9/17/2025

ActBlue is expanding beyond online fundraising by buying the Democratic digital organizing firm Impactive. It is the latest example of steps taken by ActBlue, the biggest donation processing tool for Democrats for two decades, to further expand its role in the campaign ecosystem. The platform has pitched the acquisition as serving smaller campaigns that cannot afford the more advanced digital tools used by large national groups.

Effort to Censure Rep. Ilhan Omar Over Charlie Kirk Comments Fails

MSN – Kadia Goba (Washington Post) | Published: 9/17/2025

A resolution to censure U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar over comments and a social media repost she made regarding conservative leader Charlie Kirk’s death failed. The resolution to censure Omar was the first legislative effort to punish someone perceived as a Kirk critic to come to a vote. Though it has failed, others remain in motion.

ABC Yanks Jimmy Kimmel’s Show ‘Indefinitely’ After Threat from Trump’s FCC Chair

MSN – Brian Stelter, Elizabeth Wagmeister, and Liam Reilly (CNN) | Published: 9/18/2025

Walt Disney-owned ABC said it was pulling “Jimmy Kimmel Live” off the air indefinitely, after comments by the late-night show’s host about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk prompted a threat by the head of the Federal Communications Commission against Disney. At least two major owners of ABC-affiliated stations subsequently said they would preempt Kimmel’s show, sparking speculation the owners were trying to curry favor with the Trump administration. The local media conglomerates are each seeking mergers that would require administration approval.

From the States and Municipalities

Europe – France Targets Non-EU Lobbyists in New Foreign Interference Crackdown

Euractiv – Magnus Lund Nielsen | Published: 9/18/2025

France will set up a new public transparency registry of foreign influence activities next year, as part of broader efforts to curb external interference. Under a new decree, anyone lobbying or carrying out political influence work in France “under the direction or control” of a non-European Union country will be required to sign up with France’s lobbyists watchdog, the High Authority for Transparency in Public Life.

Alaska – Former Alaska AG Treg Taylor Asks for Exemption from Financial Disclosure Requirements

Yahoo News – James Brooks (Alaska Beacon) | Published: 9/12/2025

Ahead of an expected run for governor, former Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor is asking the state’s campaign finance regulator to exempt him from a law that requires he disclose who is renting apartments in several Anchorage buildings he owns. Under state law, public officials must file an annual financial disclosure form that lists the sources of their income, including rental income, if it is above $1,000.

Arizona – Arizona Supreme Court Weighs Fate of Voter-Approved ‘Dark Money’ Disclosure Law

Yahoo News – Jerod MacDonald-Evoy (Arizona Mirror) | Published: 9/11/2025

Since Arizona voters in 2022 approved Proposition 211, the Voters Right to Know Act, opponents of the law have challenged its constitutionality. It requires the disclosure of any “original source” of contributions greater than $5,000 if the money is used to pay for media expenditures of more than $50,000 in a statewide election or $25,000 in a local election. At the Arizona Supreme Court, plaintiffs said mandating disclosure of the source of political spending violates the state constitution’s protections of free speech, association, and separation of powers.

Arizona – Coconino Prosecutors Will Investigate Rodney Glassman Over Alleged Campaign Finance Violations

Yahoo News – Jerod MacDonald-Evoy (Arizona Mirror) | Published: 9/12/2025

After numerous counties turned down the case over the past few weeks, Coconino County agreed to investigate allegations that Republican candidate for state Attorney General Rodney Glassman violated campaign finance law. Glassman, a perennial candidate for elected office in Arizona, is accused of accepting at least 30 contributions above the contribution limits spelled out by state law.

California – California Passes Bill Curbing Utilities Use of Ratepayer Money for Political Spending

Energy and Policy Institute – Stephanie Chase | Published: 9/16/2025

California is the seventh state to pass a bill limiting investor-owned utilities from using customer money to pay for political and lobbying costs. Assembly Bill 1167 includes provisions prohibiting investor-owned utilities from using customer money to support utility political activities, promotional advertising, and dues for trade associations that conduct political activities.

California – Alameda County Board Rejects Bid to Raise Donation Limits in Supervisor Campaigns

MSN – Kiley Russell (Bay City News) | Published: 9/12/2025

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors declined a proposal to substantially increase campaign contribution limits. The proposal would have increased the amount of money individual donors can give supervisor candidates from $20,000 to $40,000 per election. It would have also increased the limit for donors giving to candidates for countywide offices like district attorney or sheriff from $40,000 to $60,000 per election.

California – Jesus Cardenas Fined $5,000 for San Diego Ethics Violation

MSN – Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Published: 9/12/2025

Jesus Cardenas agreed to pay $5,000 to settle allegations he violated San Diego’s ethics rules when he participated in lobbying contacts as a city official. Cardenas ran the political consulting firm Grassroots Resources while also serving as chief of staff to Councilperson Stephen Whitburn. Cardenas took meetings with client Blue Water Government Affairs in 2021, months after disclosing the lobbying firm paid him more than $10,000 for political consulting work.

California – UC Takes Heat for Sharing Student, Faculty Names with Trump Administration

Yahoo News – Eric He (Politico) | Published: 9/16/2025

The University of California at Berkeley faced continued backlash for its decision to disclose the names of 160 students, faculty, and staff to Trump administration officials as part of an investigation into allegations the school fostered an atmosphere of antisemitism. The disclosure of the names comes as the federal government continues to wage a campaign to upend elite institutions of higher education that it launched in the wake of campus protests over Israel’s war against Hamas.

Florida – Former Miami-Dade Commissioner Gets Prison Time but Allowed to Remain Free for Now

Yahoo News – Douglas Hanks (Miami Herald) | Published: 9/15/2025

Former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Joe Martinez received a nearly three-year prison sentence for what a jury concluded was accepting money in exchange for sponsoring legislation to help a business owner. Judge Miguel de la O said he thought the 34-month minimum sentence called for under state guidelines was too harsh. He is allowing Martinez to remain free during the appeals process, which is expected to take at least a year.

Georgia – Fani Willis Loses Bid to Regain Control of Trump Georgia Case

MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 9/16/2025

The Georgia Supreme Court declined to hear Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’s appeal of a lower-court decision that disqualified her from the criminal racketeering case against President Trump and several allies charged with illegally conspiring to overturn Trump’s 2020 election loss in the state. The decision probably dooms the high-profile prosecution, the last active criminal case against Trump, who has sought to have charges dropped, citing his return to the presidency.

Hawaii – Hawai’i Supreme Court: OHA trustees bound by state ethics code

Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 9/17/2025

The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs are considered state employees and must abide by the state ethics code. The ruling stems from a series of ethics violations against former Trustee Rowena Akana, who was found to have accepted illegal gifts and used her trustee allowance for personal use on food purchases and Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club membership. The court’s opinion also upheld the 47 ethics violations against Akana as well as a $23,000 fine.

Illinois – Ex-Ald. Walter Burnett, Mayor’s Pick to Head the CHA, and His Wife Got Over $260,000 in Subsidized Rent Payments as Landlords, Records Show

Chicago Sun Times – Lizzie Kane | Published: 9/15/2025

Former Ald. Walter Burnett – Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pick to run the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) – and his wife Darlena Williams-Burnett have been paid more than $260,000 as housing voucher landlords for the agency since 2007. The Burnetts have had 10 contracts for properties rented to CHA voucher holders, including two ongoing contracts and five that were active while Williams-Burnett worked for the city agency. The payments to Burnett and his wife could be a roadblock to his appointment to lead the nation’s third-largest public housing authority.

Maryland – Campaign Announcements Highlight ‘Glaring Hole’ in Maryland Election Law

MSN – Sam Janesch (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 9/17/2025

When Sen. Steve Hershey said he might run for governor of Maryland, he said he would launch an exploratory committee to begin raising money and engage with voters before making a final decision. That was a slight misnomer, according to the State Board of Elections. Hershey, instead, is in the process of creating the type of formal campaign committee he could continue to use if he decides to run later this year. But the announcement reignited concerns about a loophole in the law in which a potential candidate can raise money in unlimited amounts without disclosing the donors to “explore” their viability.

Massachusetts – Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott Accused of Using Campaign Cash for Personal Use

MSN – Chris Van Buskirk (Boston Herald) | Published: 9/15/2025

Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott agreed to pay a $7,500 penalty and hand over tens of thousands of dollars in campaign cash to resolve allegations he misused political funds to contract services for personal business ventures instead of efforts to stay in elected office. In an agreement with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance, regulators said McDermott made more than $31,000 in payments to 10 vendors where the documentation was either incomplete or indicated the money was used to serve a now-defunct real estate holding company or himself.

Massachusetts – MassGOP to Pay $36K After Allegations of Illegal Donations

MSN – Ross Cristantiello (Boston.com) | Published: 9/11/2025

The Massachusetts Republican Party faced allegations of taking tens of thousands of dollars in unlawful donation, including from the campaign of a congressional candidate who is now serving prison time, and has now agreed to pay the state more than $36,000 in a settlement agreement. The Office of Campaign and Political Finance flagged 11 donations the GOP received in 2022. By far the largest contribution, a check for $27,723.45, came from the congressional campaign of Dean Tran.

Michigan – Michigan Democrats Propose Penalties for Lying About Elections

Yahoo News – Hayley Harding (Votebeat) | Published: 9/11/2025

Intentionally lying about elections could draw a fine under a new bill proposed by Michigan Senate Democrats. The legislation would impose a $1,000 fine on anyone who knowingly lies about elections or a voter’s eligibility. Employers who had someone working for them “for election-related purposes,” such as a lobbyist who suggests certain groups are not eligible to vote early, could face a fine of up to $10,000.

Minnesota – Democrat Elected to Fill Seat of Minnesota Lawmaker Killed in June

MSN – Patrick Svitek and Sabrina Rodriguez (Washington Post) | Published: 9/16/2025

Democrat Xp Lee won a somber special election to fill the seat of former Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman. Lee was projected to defeat Republican Ruth Bittner, keeping the seat in Democratic hands and restoring an even divide between the two major parties in the House. The candidates competed in a race they wished was not happening. Hortman was shot dead, along with her husband, at their home in June.

Missouri – Missouri Senate Passes Trump-Backed Plan That Could Help Republicans Win an Additional US House Seat

MSN – David Lieb (Associated Press) | Published: 9/12/2025

Missouri Republicans passed a redistricting plan that could help Republicans win an additional U.S. House seat in next year’s elections. The Senate vote sends the redistricting plan to Gov. Mike Kehoe, who said he will sign it into law soon. But opponents immediately announced a referendum petition that, if successful, could force a statewide vote on the new map.

New York – Former New York Prosecutor Maurene Comey Sues Over Firing by Justice Department

MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 9/15/2025

Maurene Comey, a former federal prosecutor who handled cases against sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, sued the Justice Department for firing her allegedly because her father is disliked by President Trump. The lawsuit alleges the Justice Department offered no rationale for Comey’s firing and it was an illegal and political move. Her father is James Comey, a former FBI director whom Trump has long criticized.

New York – Cuomo’s Campaign Unlocked Matching Funds on Donations from Minors in Violation of CFB Rules

Yahoo News – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 9/10/2025

Andrew Cuomo’s New York City mayoral campaign unlocked $4,000 in public matching funds off donations made in the names of minors in violation of fundraising compliance laws, according to records. The donors whose contributions produced the questionable matching cash include a five-year-old son of a prominent Cuomo supporter. The program’s rules are strict and include a prohibition on candidates seeking matching funds on contributions from anyone under 18.

Ohio – Cleveland City Council Votes to Censure Joe Jones After ‘Joking Remark’ About Killing a Staff Member

MSN – Sean McDonnell (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 9/15/2025

The Cleveland City Council censured Councilperson Joe Jones for breaking the workplace violence and standards of conduct policies. Jones said a “joking remark” he made was twisted and magnified into a controversy. Jones, who is accused of threatening to kill a staffer, said what was happening to him proved any member of the council could be targeted and punished without due process.

Oklahoma – Former Oklahoma Lawmaker Files Ballot Measure to Overhaul Legislative Process

Yahoo News – Barbara Hoberock (Oklahoma Voice) | Published: 9/17/2025

A former Oklahoma lawmaker wants to dramatically alter how the Legislature conducts business. Former Rep. Charles Key filed paperwork to circulate a proposed constitutional amendment that would require three bills from every lawmaker to be heard in committee. State Question 839 would also require any bills advanced from committee to be heard on the House or Senate floor. Key said lobbyists and large money donors behind the scenes pick which bills get heard.

Oklahoma – Gamefowl Commission to Pay $10,000 in Settlement with Oklahoma Ethics Commission

Yahoo News – Emma Murphy (Oklahoma Voice) | Published: 9/17/2025

The Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission PAC will pay $10,000 and dissolve following a settlement with the state Ethics Commission for violating campaign finance laws. The Gamefowl Commission, which had advocated for lessening cockfighting penalties, must dissolve within 30 days and cannot form a new affiliated PAC for two years.

Oregon – Oregon Ethics Commission to Investigate Travel by 4 Washington County Commissioners

MSN – Jamie Goldberg (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 9/12/2025

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission voted to investigate whether four members of the Washington County commission violated state ethics law during trips they took on behalf of the county sewer agency. Investigators said Chairperson Kathryn Harrington and commissioners Pam Treece, Jerry Willey, and Nafisa Fai may have committed violations by receiving airline miles for trips they took on behalf of the agency, Clean Water Services. In addition, investigators said Harrington and Treece may have violated rules by tacking on personal vacation to the business trips.

Rhode Island – Lawmakers Changed RI’s Campaign Finance Rules. It’s Giving Foulkes a 2026 Fundraising Edge.

USA Today – Patrick Anderson (Providence Journal) | Published: 9/15/2025

Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes, who is challenging Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee in a rematch of 2022, has built a healthy financial advantage, in part thanks to the higher individual donation limit that went into effect in 2024. Her ability to extract twice as much from each donor annually – $2,000 instead of $1,000 – has not only helped her to build a money edge over McKee, but also to narrow the financial gap with Rhode Island’s reigning fundraising champion, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, who shepherded the bill through the House and who could still decide to jump into the gubernatorial race.

Rhode Island – Former R.I. Senator and Housing Leader Fined $2,500 for Breaking Campaign Finance Laws

Yahoo News – Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 9/17/2025

Former Rhode Island Senate Majority Leader Daniel Connors paid a $2,500 fine for unreported and misused campaign finance funds under an agreement with the Board of Elections. Connors has not held elected office since 2010. But he kept his campaign finance account open through subsequent jobs as a senior adviser to Gov. Gina Raimondo, and a high-ranking official under Gov. Dan McKee, including as interim secretary of the Department of Housing.

South Carolina – SC Supreme Court Upholds Voting Map, Throws Out Partisan Gerrymandering Claim

Yahoo News – Jessica Holdman (South Carolina Daily Gazette) | Published: 9/17/2025

The state Supreme Court upheld South Carolina’s congressional voting lines by ruling there is nothing unconstitutional about partisan gerrymandering. After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in May 2024 that the lines did not racially discriminate, the League of Women Voters sued in state court, using Republicans’ arguments it was party, not race, that influenced the redrawing.

Tennessee – Cade Cothren, Aide to Ex-TN House Speaker Casada, Sentenced to 2.5 Years Prison

Yahoo News – Evan Mealins (Tennessean) | Published: 9/16/2025

Cade Cothren, former chief of staff to Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and fined $25,000 for corruption tied to a political mailer scheme. Casada and Cothren were convicted of setting up a secret company called Phoenix Solutions that tapped into the state’s postage and printing program that provides House members $3,000 a year for constituent mailers.

Texas – Did the Top Texas Funeral Regulator Illegally Lobby the Legislature? The Law Is Murky, Experts Say

KERA – Toluwani Osibamowo | Published: 9/10/2025

In just two months, the Texas Funeral Service Commission (TFSC) fired its executive director, along with three people who supported him, sued the ex-employees who publicly discussed their firings, then dismissed that lawsuit. Before and after their firings, the former staffers maintained that Kristin Tips, TFSC’s head commissioner, improperly advocated for bills in the Legislature that could benefit her own funeral business and used state resources to do it, actions they say constitute illegal lobbying.

Utah – Utah Supreme Court Rejects Legislature’s Bid to Extend Use of Gerrymandered Congressional Maps, for Now

MSN – Emily Anderson Stern (Salt Lake Tribune) | Published: 9/15/2025

Current congressional maps drawn by the Utah Legislature in defiance of a passed voter initiative banning gerrymandering will, for now, not be reinstated, the state Supreme Court ruled. Attorneys for lawmakers asked that justices pause the portion of a District Court ruling that would have kept the boundaries in place until the Legislature adopts new ones and any appeals of the ruling conclude. If the high court had agreed, it would have opened the possibility of the current maps remaining in place for at least the 2026 midterm elections, if not longer.

Vermont – Ethics Take a Backseat in Vermont, Under-Funded Commission Not Taking New Municipal Cases

VTDigger.org – Auditi Guha | Published: 9/16/2025

The Vermont State Ethics Commission was established by the Legislature in 2018 as an independent, non-partisan agency to promote standards of ethical conduct in state government. A 2024 law gave it more purview over ethical standards for local governments, but the commission stopped offering services to municipalities in May, according to an announcement on the website, “due to lack of staffing.” It is continuing to accept complaints related to state government.

West Virginia – West Virginia Ethics Commission Promises to Focus on Mandatory Lobbyist Training

Parkersburg News and Sentinel – Steven Allen Adams | Published: 9/11/2025

A performance review of the West Virginia Ethics Commission conducted by legislative auditors revealed disparities between the commission The Performance Evaluation and Research Division found that while the commission demonstrated high effectiveness in ensuring lobbyists report their activities, the audit identified critical failures in the administration of ethics training requirements.

Campaign Finance

Maryland: “Campaign Announcements Highlight ‘Glaring Hole’ in Maryland Election Law” by Sam Janesch (Baltimore Sun) for MSN

National: “ActBlue Acquiring Dem Digital Firm as Its Mission Grows” by Jessica Piper (Politico) for MSN

Rhode Island: “Former R.I. Senator and Housing Leader Fined $2,500 for Breaking Campaign Finance Laws” by Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) for Yahoo News

Elections

Georgia: “Fani Willis Loses Bid to Regain Control of Trump Georgia Case” by Holly Bailey (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “ABC Takes Jimmy Kimmel Off the Air Over Remarks on Charlie Kirk’s Killing” by Jeremy Barr and Scott Nover (Washington Post) for MSN

Tennessee: “Cade Cothren, Aide to Ex-TN House Speaker Casada, Sentenced to 2.5 Years Prison” by Evan Mealins (Tennessean) for Yahoo News

Vermont: “Ethics Take a Backseat in Vermont, Under-Funded Commission Not Taking New Municipal Cases” by Auditi Guha for VTDigger.org

Lobbying

California: “California Passes Bill Curbing Utilities Use of Ratepayer Money for Political Spending” by Stephanie Chase for Energy and Policy Institute

Campaign Finance

Massachusetts: “Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott Accused of Using Campaign Cash for Personal Use” by Chris Van Buskirk (Boston Herald) for MSN

Elections

Minnesota: “Democrat Elected to Fill Seat of Minnesota Lawmaker Killed in June” by Patrick Svitek and Sabrina Rodriguez (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Appeals Court Allows Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook to Keep Her Job” by Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Retired 4-Star Navy Admiral Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Bribery Plot” by Michael Kunzelman (Associated Press) for MSN

National: “More Employers Fire Workers Over Kirk Posts as Pressure from Right Mounts” by Taylor Telford and Faiz Siddiqui (Washington Post) for MSN

New York: “Former New York Prosecutor Maurene Comey Sues Over Firing by Justice Department” by Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) for MSN

Ohio: “Cleveland City Council Votes to Censure Joe Jones After ‘Joking Remark’ About Killing a Staff Member” by Sean McDonnell (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Redistricting

Utah: “Utah Supreme Court Rejects Legislature’s Bid to Extend Use of Gerrymandered Congressional Maps, for Now” by Emily Anderson Stern (Salt Lake Tribune) for MSN

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Coconino Prosecutors Will Investigate Rodney Glassman Over Alleged Campaign Finance Violations” by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy (Arizona Mirror) for Yahoo News

California: “Alameda County Board Rejects Bid to Raise Donation Limits in Supervisor Campaigns” by Kiley Russell (Bay City News) for MSN

Rhode Island: “Lawmakers Changed RI’s Campaign Finance Rules. It’s Giving Foulkes a 2026 Fundraising Edge.” by Patrick Anderson (Providence Journal) for USA Today

Elections

Michigan: “Michigan Democrats Propose Penalties for Lying About Elections” by Hayley Harding (Votebeat) for Yahoo News

Ethics

Alaska: “Former Alaska AG Treg Taylor Asks for Exemption from Financial Disclosure Requirements” by James Brooks (Alaska Beacon) for Yahoo News

National: “Nadine Menendez, Wife of Ex-New Jersey Senator, Sentenced to 4.5 Years in Prison” by Ella Lee (The Hill) for MSN

Florida: “Former Miami-Dade Commissioner Gets Prison Time but Allowed to Remain Free for Now” by Douglas Hanks (Miami Herald) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

West Virginia: “West Virginia Ethics Commission Promises to Focus on Mandatory Lobbyist Training” by Steven Allen Adams for Parkersburg News and Sentinel

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Arizona Supreme Court Weighs Fate of Voter-Approved ‘Dark Money’ Disclosure Law” by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy (Arizona Mirror) for Yahoo News

Massachusetts: “MassGOP to Pay $36K After Allegations of Illegal Donations” by Ross Cristantiello (Boston.com) for MSN

New York: “Cuomo’s Campaign Unlocked Matching Funds on Donations from Minors in Violation of CFB Rules” by Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) for Yahoo News

Ethics

National: “After Kirk Killing, Political Leaders Pull Back from Public Appearances” by Patrick Marley and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) for MSN

Oregon: “Oregon Ethics Commission to Investigate Travel by 4 Washington County Commissioners” by Jamie Goldberg (Portland Oregonian) for MSN

Lobbying

California: “Jesus Cardenas Fined $5,000 for San Diego Ethics Violation” by Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union-Tribune) for MSN

Texas: “Did the Top Texas Funeral Regulator Illegally Lobby the Legislature? The Law Is Murky, Experts Say” by Toluwani Osibamowo for KERA

Redistricting

Missouri: “Missouri Senate Passes Trump-Backed Plan That Could Help Republicans Win an Additional US House Seat” by David Lieb (Associated Press) for MSN

National/Federal

FBI Seized Computers, Papers Labeled ‘Trump’ During Bolton Search

MSN – Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 9/4/2025

FBI agents seized computers, phones and reams of documents in the search of the home and office of former national security adviser John Bolton. Search warrant records confirmed prosecutors are seeking to build a case against Bolton for alleged unauthorized removal of classified documents and violations of the Espionage Act involving improper transmission of national defense information. The most serious of those crimes carries potential punishment of up to a decade in prison.

Historic Peace Vigil Partially Dismantled After Trump Orders: ‘Take it down’

MSN – Marissa Land (Washington Post) | Published: 9/7/2025

Law enforcement officials dismantled parts of the White House Peace Vigil, which had stood for more than forty years and called for nuclear disarmament and an end to global conflict, after President Trump ordered it to be taken down as part of the clearing of homeless encampments in the nation’s capital. Federal officers picked apart the structure that shields protesters and their signs from the elements. The vigil is maintained by a rotating cast of volunteers who keep the protest going 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Appeals Court Upholds E. Jean Carroll’s $83.3 Million Defamation Judgment Against President Trump

MSN – Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) | Published: 9/8/2025

A federal appeals court upheld a civil jury’s finding that President Trump must pay $83.3 million to E. Jean Carroll for his repeated social media attacks against the longtime advice columnist after she accused him of sexual assault. A three-judge panel of the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Trump’s appeal of the defamation award, finding that the “jury’s damages awards are fair and reasonable.”

House Committee Releases More Epstein Documents, Including ‘Birthday Book’

MSN – Kadia Goba and Katie Tarrant (Washington Post) | Published: 9/8/2025

The House Oversight Committee released hundreds of pages of documents it received from sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s estate, including a redacted version of a “birthday book” allegedly gifted to the deceased financier on his 50th birthday with messages from high-profile friends. Earlier in the day, Democrats on the committee released portions of the book, including a suggestive picture and note allegedly drawn by President Trump when he and Epstein were friends. White House officials have denied Trump drew the sketch or signed the note.

Chief Justice Allows Trump to Fire a Democratic FTC Commissioner for Now

MSN – Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) | Published: 9/8/2025

President Trump can fire a Democrat on the Federal Trade Commission while the Supreme Court considers whether to weigh in on a lawsuit challenging her dismissal, Chief Justice John Roberts ruled. Roberts did not offer a reason for the temporary ruling, but it signals the high court may be inclined to overturn an appeals court decision that affirmed Rebecca Slaughter’s reinstatement.

Paramount Picks Ombudsman to Review Complaints of Bias at CBS News

MSN – Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) | Published: 9/8/2025

Paramount selected Kenneth Weinstein, the former president and chief executive of the conservative-leaning Hudson Institute think tank, to serve as ombudsman and review editorial complaints raised against CBS News. The company agreed to appoint an ombudsman for at least two years as a condition of its merger with Skydance Media, which was approved by the Federal Communications Commission in July.

Rep. Luna’s Investment in a Donor’s Energy Firm Illustrates Potential Limits of a Stock Trading Ban

MSN – Scott Wong (NBC News) | Published: 9/8/2025

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna has threatened to force a vote a bill banning lawmakers from owning or trading stocks. But Luna’s most recent financial disclosure shows she has a significant investment of her own, illustrating how lawmakers could hold assets that pose potential conflicts-of-interest, even if the stock trading ban becomes law. Luna invested $250,001 to $500,000 in America First Natural Resources (AFNR), a company founded by one of her political donors. Luna’s office said she owns no stock in AFNR, emphasizing she has another kind of “investment” and does not own stock in any company.

Judge Temporarily Halts Firing of Fed Governor Lisa Cook

MSN – Andrew Ackerman (Washington Post) | Published: 9/9/2025

A federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump from removing Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, an early victory in her push to remain on the central bank board while she challenges the president’s authority to dismiss her. Trump moved to fire Cook in August, citing allegations by a member of his administration that she had committed mortgage fraud. No criminal charges have been filed, and Cook denies wrongdoing. She sued to stop Trump from ousting her.

Defying Past Criticism, Trump Plans G-20 Summit at His Doral Resort

MSN – Natalie Allison and Michael Birnbaum (Washington Post) | Published: 9/5/2025

President Trump plans to host next year’s Group of 20 summit at his Doral golf resort in Florida, fulfilling his wish to host a major gathering of world leaders at one of his properties after bowing to criticism of self-dealing over a similar proposal during his first term. Trump’s decision reflects the unconstrained approach he has taken during his second term, rejecting the guardrails that once constrained him when it came to mixing personal business with his public office.

Trump Ally Charlie Kirk Gunned Down in Brazen Act of Public Violence

MSN – Jeremy Roebuck, Natalie Allison, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, and Angie Orellana Hernandez (Washington Post) | Published: 9/10/2025

Charlie Kirk, a key ally of President Trump, was fatally shot during a campus event at a Utah university, a slaying that shook the worlds of politics and media and horrified a vast audience who watched viral video of the attack on their phones. Kirk was known as one of the right’s most prominent and polarizing figures after amassing a significant following through Turning Point USA, his conservative youth organization that has chapters on more than 3,500 college campuses.

Trump Administration Halts I.R.S. Crackdown on Major Tax Shelters

Seattle Times – Jesse Drucker (New York Times) | Published: 9/9/2025

The Trump administration is dismantling efforts by the IRS to shut down aggressive tax shelters used by America’s biggest multinational companies and wealthiest people. The administration, bowing to pressure from industry groups, right-wing activists, and congressional Republicans, is rolling back several IRS law enforcement efforts, including one aimed at a lucrative tax shelter used by companies. The IRS crackdown was projected to raise more than $100 billion over 10 years.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Horne Seeks Recusal of Justice Who Prosecuted Him Over Campaign Finance Laws

Yahoo News – Gloria Rebecca Gomez (Arizona Mirror) | Published: 9/5/2025

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne wants an Arizona Supreme Court justice who accused him of violating state campaign finance laws more than a decade ago to step away from a case that has the potential to give Horne drastically more power over how students are taught. In the motion, attorney Dennis Wilenchik argued that a political spat between Horne and Justice Bill Montgomery means the latter should not have any role in deciding the fate of Horne’s ongoing lawsuit.

Arizona – An Arizona Law Promised to End Secret Political Donations. Did It Work?

Yahoo News – Taylor Seely (Arizona Republic) | Published: 9/10/2025

A voter-approved law intended to force groups to reveal the “true sources” behind campaign spending, but a review of public records showed that often did not happen. In the first election where the disclosure law was in place, 40 percent of campaigns listed no donors at all. More often, the reports showed groups funneling tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to other groups, without reporting where the money originated.

California – How California Legislators Got More Than $820,000 in Travel in 2024

MSN – Jeremia Kimelman (CalMatters) | Published: 9/8/2025

Last year, corporations and nonprofits spent more than $820,000 to take dozens of California legislators on domestic and international trips. Nearly 100 groups sponsored trips for 92 lawmakers, about three-quarters of the Legislature, to destinations that included far-flung places such as Europe, Southeast Asia, and Israel. State law requires that organizations annually disclose any major donors who travel alongside elected officials, if the travel for elected officials in a year totals more than $10,000 or at least $5,000 to a single official and if the trip sponsorship accounts for at least one-third of the organization’s total expenses.

California – SF Eyes Subtle Spending Reform After Priciest Election Ever

San Francisco Examiner – Adam Shanks | Published: 9/9/2025

In an era of big money in local politics, watchdogs are proposing a set of changes to San Francisco’s campaign finance laws. The proposal comes less than a year after Mayor Daniel Lurie vastly outspent his opponents in a crowded mayoral race largely by funneling his own money into the campaign. In total, 2024 was the most expensive election year in San Francisco history, according to the city Ethics Commission.

California – Supreme Court Lifts Restrictions on ‘Roving’ ICE Raids in Los Angeles

Yahoo News – Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 9/8/2025

Los Angeles area based on broad criteria such as speaking Spanish or gathering at locations day laborers often congregate. The justices put on hold a lower court order that reined in what critics called “roving” raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That judge found the tactics were likely unconstitutional because agents were detaining people without probable cause. Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote it was reasonable to briefly question people who meet multiple “common sense” criteria for possible illegal presence.

Florida – U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds Skirts Campaign Finance Laws in Dual Bids for Congress, Governor

WUSF – Melanie Payne (Florida Trident) | Published: 9/8/2025

In February, after an endorsement by President Trump, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds announced he was running to be Florida’s next governor. Donations began pouring into the Friends of Byron Donalds PAC totaling more than $22 million. But contributions to Byron Donalds for Congress did not stop, and the FEC has an issue with the Donalds’ campaign soliciting and collecting money for both.

Hawaii – Ex-Mitsunaga Secretary Charged for Illegal Political Donations

Honolulu Civil Beat – Christina Jedra | Published: 9/3/2025

A former secretary for a prominent Hawaii engineering firm was criminally charged with making illegal political contributions, a rare campaign finance indictment in a state with a history of “pay-to-play.” The attorney general’s office indicted Terri Ann Otani on four counts of making false name contributions. In July 2020, Otani allegedly donated a total of $2,000 to Honolulu mayoral candidate Colleen Hanabusa in the names of her sister and niece even though those family members were not the actual source of the money.

Illinois – ICE Launches ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ Targeting Immigrants in Chicago

MSN – Mariana Alfaro, Arelis Hernández, Marianne LeVine, and Kim Bellware (Washington Post) | Published: 9/8/2025

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said it launched an operation in Chicago as part of the Trump administration’s effort to target “sanctuary cities,” and immigrant advocates said several people in Hispanic communities have been detained. The number of reported arrests is relatively few, but immigrant rights advocates said the operation appears to mark a shift in tactics. Local activists said before this operation, agents presented warrants at specific homes or detained people at immigration court. They said stopping people on the street in what appeared to be a fairly random fashion is new.

Indiana – Remediation Document Reveals Ethics Concerns Before Indiana Cabinet Secretary Resignation

Yahoo News – Casey Smith and Niki Kelly (Indiana Capital Chronicle) | Published: 9/9/2025

A remediation agreement signed in July shows Jennifer-Ruth Green was already the subject of an inspector general investigation into alleged misuse of state resources and workplace misconduct before her sudden resignation as Indiana’s public safety secretary. Among the allegations against Green are claims she used state vehicles and travel cards for personal and political purposes and directed state employees to assist with those activities during work hours.

Louisiana – Landry Pays Fine, Discloses $13,540 in Free Travel in Deal to Drop Ethics Charges

Yahoo News – Greg LaRose and Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 9/5/2025

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry admitted to failing to report 19 instances of free travel he accepted as attorney general and governor, worth more than $13,500, under a settlement reached with the Louisiana Board of Ethics. The board fined the governor $900, though Landry could have faced tens of thousands of dollars in penalties for failing to disclose the complementary travel. The decision to drop the charges against Landry ends more than two years of deliberations with Landry’s attorneys since the charges were filed.

Massachusetts – Former Boston Councilor Sentenced for Kickback Scheme

MSN – Tréa Lavery (MassLive) | Published: 9/5/2025

A former Boston city councilor convicted on federal corruption charges was sentenced to one month in prison after pleading guilty to a kickback scheme earlier this year. In addition to the prison time, Tania Fernandes Anderson will serve three years of supervised release, during which she cannot hold any position with financial discretion, among other conditions. She will also be required to pay restitution and forfeiture of $13,000 and special assessments of $200.

Michigan – Judge Throws Out Charges Against GOP Would-Be Electors in Michigan

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 9/9/2025

A Michigan judge dismissed criminal charges against a group of people who were accused of attempting to falsely certify President Trump as the winner of the 2020 election in the battleground state, a major blow to prosecutors as similar cases in four other states have been muddied with setbacks. District Court Judge Kristen Simmons said she saw no intent to commit fraud in the defendants’ actions. They “seriously believed” there were problems with the election, the judge said. “… I believe they were executing their constitutional right to seek redress,” Simmons added.

Michigan – Consultant Charged in ‘Dark Money’ Scheme Continues to Aid Several Michigan GOP Candidates

Yahoo News – Kyle Davidson (Michigan Advance) | Published: 9/5/2025

A Republican consultant accused of fundraising violations in connection to a “dark money” scheme remains a key financial advisor for several GOP candidates and causes. Last year, the attorney general’s office brought several charges against Bright Spark Strategies co-founder Heather Lombardini, following an investigation into an alleged scheme in which two nonprofits funneled $2.6 million into the Unlock Michigan campaign, which aimed to repeal the emergency powers Gov. Gretchen Whitmer utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lombardini faces three misdemeanor charges and a felony for allegedly failing to file campaign finance disclosures.

Minnesota – Minneapolis Election Door-Knocking Dispute: Council member, park candidate feud with developer

MSN – Deena Winter (Minneapolis Star Tribune) | Published: 9/8/2025

A Minneapolis City Council member and a Park Board candidate claim a developer violated state law by refusing to allow their campaign workers into his buildings to knock on doors of potential voters. The law enacted last year allows candidates and campaign workers to campaign door-to-door in apartments, condo buildings, townhouses, college dorms, nursing homes, and mobile home parks. Building owners or managers who violate the law can face a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation and a petty misdemeanor charge.

Mississippi – It’s Not Just Trump. Red States Are Cracking Down on Their Own Blue Cities.

MSN – Molly Hennessy-Fiske (Washington Post) | Published: 9/8/2025

Defendants who appear in Jackson’s dilapidated county courthouse often wait more than a year to have cases heard, a backlog that local officials blame on too few judges and a shortage of resources. Since January, though, some individuals charged under the same statutes have gotten their version of justice in a parallel operation created by the Republican-run Mississippi Legislature. State leaders defend the new system as necessary to address a spike in crime and court backlogs. Critics say it was imposed by White GOP lawmakers on an overwhelmingly Black, majority-Democratic city.

New Jersey – N.J. Comptroller Alleges Conflicts of Interest Involving George Norcross’ Firm and Local Government Insurance Funds

MSN – Andrew Seidman (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 9/9/2025

Health insurance funds that serve more than 100,000 local government employees in New Jersey have been hijacked by a single private company that effectively controls their contracts, a state watchdog agency said. The New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller said Conner Strong & Buckelew, the insurance brokerage founded by Democratic power broker George Norcross III, and a related entity have violated public contracting laws and failed to disclose conflicts-of-interest to state regulators.

New York – The Secret Bundlers Behind Eric Adams’ Campaign Fundraising Revealed

MSN – Greg Smith and Yoav Gonen (The City) | Published: 9/5/2025

A loophole in the New York City law says campaigns do not have to disclose bundlers as intermediaries – money-raisers who choreograph multiple donations to campaigns – if they are doing this fundraising in connection to an event paid for by the campaign. A media investigation found Mayor Eric Adams did not disclose a slew of these secret bundlers to the Campaign Finance Board, a lapse that is legal, but ethically dubious, campaign finance experts say.

North Carolina – Campaign Watchdog Calls for Probe into Indian-American Group’s Fundraiser.

MSN – Dan Kane (Raleigh News & Observer) | Published: 9/3/2025

A campaign finance watchdog asked the State Board of Elections to investigate what he called an “eye-popping” fundraiser that he says drew more than $165,000 each to the campaigns of two of the state’s most powerful leaders. Bob Hall said he found evidence of “straw donors” and possible payments from business funds, both of which are illegal under North Carolina election laws. It was one of two complaints related to the fundraiser filed with the elections board.

Rhode Island – He’s a State Senator. She’s a Councilwoman. Why Controversy Follows Foster’s Power Couple.

USA Today – Katherine Gregg (Providence Journal) | Published: 9/8/2020

While Rhode Island Senate Minority Whip Gordon Rogers may be number two in the Republican leadership, his political influence is tempered by his party holding only four seats in the 38-member state Senate. But Rogers and his wife, Town Councilor Heidi Weston Rogers, are the political power couple in their hometown of Foster. That has led to an ethics complaint about what role, if any, she played in preventing his removal as the town’s $84,872-a-year director of public works.

Rhode Island – No Time Like the Present to Change Lobbyist Gift Rules, Open Government Advocates Tell Ethics Panel

Yahoo News – Alexander Castro (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 9/9/2025

The Rhode Island Ethics Commission heard public feedback on the possibility of changing state ethics rules to limit lobbyists’ influence on the lawmaking process. One change would increase the limit on individual gifts to public officials from $25 to $50 and from $75 to $150 annually in aggregate. The other would broaden the definition of “interested person” to explicitly cover lobbyists and their employers, filling a gap that lets public officials and employees accept potentially unlimited gifts from these parties.

Tennessee – Judge Acquits Casada, Cothren on 3 Charges for Insufficient Evidence, Other Counts Stand

Yahoo News – Vivian Jones (Tennessean) | Published: 9/9/2025

Months after a guilty verdict, a federal judge acquitted former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and a former top aide on three counts of public corruption but declined to acquit the men on more than a dozen other charges. A jury found Casada and his former chief of staff, Cade Cothren, guilty on more than a dozen counts each of public corruption charges, including fraud, bribery, theft, conspiracy, and money laundering.

Utah – Utahns Love to Call Their Members of Congress – Now They May Dial State Lawmakers More Often

Yahoo News – Alixel Cabrera (Utah Dispatch News) | Published: 9/5/2025

5 Calls, a website and app that finds users’ U.S. representatives and senators and provides them with a phone number and a script to discuss some of the hottest issues on Capitol Hill, is now expanding to include members of the Utah Legislature in partnership with Elevate PAC. On the list of federal issues, platform users in the state may now notice items with a red banner, marking state-wide issues. The experience has also been different with Utah lawmakers, as many personally answer their phone calls, as opposed to delegating calls to a staffer.

Washington – What Happens to Money Set Aside for Unused Seattle ‘Democracy Vouchers’?

KNKX – Nate Sanford | Published: 9/9/2025

People who support Seattle’s “democracy voucher” program outnumber those who use it. In the August 5 primary election, about 114,000 Seattleites approved Proposition 1, which will renew the property tax funding Seattle’s unique public campaign financing system for another decade. It passed with 59 percent of the vote. But as of September 3, only 36,882 Seattleites had returned their vouchers. Voters still have up to November 28, nearly a month after the general election, to donate their vouchers, and participation may continue to grow. But if past elections are any indication, participation is unlikely to get significantly higher.

Campaign Finance

California: “SF Eyes Subtle Spending Reform After Priciest Election Ever” by Adam Shanks for San Francisco Examiner

Elections

Michigan: “Judge Throws Out Charges Against GOP Would-Be Electors in Michigan” by Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Trump Administration Halts I.R.S. Crackdown on Major Tax Shelters” by Jesse Drucker (New York Times) for Seattle Times

National: “Defying Past Criticism, Trump Plans G-20 Summit at His Doral Resort” by Natalie Allison and Michael Birnbaum (Washington Post) for MSN

Indiana: “Remediation Document Reveals Ethics Concerns Before Indiana Cabinet Secretary Resignation” by Casey Smith and Niki Kelly (Indiana Capital Chronicle) for Yahoo News

New Jersey: “N.J. Comptroller Alleges Conflicts of Interest Involving George Norcross’ Firm and Local Government Insurance Funds” by Andrew Seidman (Philadelphia Inquirer) for MSN

Tennessee: “Judge Acquits Casada, Cothren on 3 Charges for Insufficient Evidence, Other Counts Stand” by Vivian Jones (Tennessean) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

Rhode Island: “No Time Like the Present to Change Lobbyist Gift Rules, Open Government Advocates Tell Ethics Panel” by Alexander Castro (Rhode Island Current) for Yahoo News

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Arizonans Said ‘No’ to Secret Political Donations. They Could Be Overruled” by Taylor Seely (Arizona Republic) for Yahoo News

Washington: “What Happens to Money Set Aside for Unused Seattle ‘Democracy Vouchers’?” by Nate Sanford for KNKX

Elections

Minnesota: “Minneapolis Election Door-Knocking Dispute: Council member, park candidate feud with developer” by Deena Winter (Minneapolis Star Tribune) for MSN

Ethics

California: “How California Legislators Got More Than $820,000 in Travel in 2024” by Jeremia Kimelman (CalMatters) for MSN

National: “Judge Temporarily Halts Firing of Fed Governor Lisa Cook” by Andrew Ackerman (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Rep. Luna’s Investment in a Donor’s Energy Firm Illustrates Potential Limits of a Stock Trading Ban” by Scott Wong (NBC News) for MSN

National: “Chief Justice Allows Trump to Fire a Democratic FTC Commissioner for Now” by Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) for MSN

Mississippi: “It’s Not Just Trump. Red States Are Cracking Down on Their Own Blue Cities.” by Molly Hennessy-Fiske (Washington Post) for MSN

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Horne Seeks Recusal of Justice Who Prosecuted Him Over Campaign Finance Laws” by Gloria Rebecca Gomez (Arizona Mirror) for Yahoo News

Florida: “U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds Skirts Campaign Finance Laws in Dual Bids for Congress, Governor” by Melanie Payne (Florida Trident) for WUSF

Ethics

California: “Supreme Court Lifts Restrictions on ‘Roving’ ICE Raids in Los Angeles” by Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney (Politico) for Yahoo News

National: “Historic Peace Vigil Partially Dismantled After Trump Orders: ‘Take it down'” by Marissa Land (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Appeals Court Upholds E. Jean Carroll’s $83.3 Million Defamation Judgment Against President Trump” by Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) for MSN

National: “House Committee Releases More Epstein Documents, Including ‘Birthday Book'” by Kadia Goba and Katie Tarrant (Washington Post) for MSN

Illinois: “ICE Launches ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ Targeting Immigrants in Chicago” by Mariana Alfaro, Arelis Hernández, Marianne LeVine, and Kim Bellware (Washington Post) for MSN

Rhode Island: “He’s a State Senator. She’s a Councilwoman. Why Controversy Follows Foster’s Power Couple.” by Katherine Gregg (Providence Journal) for USA Today

Campaign Finance

Hawaii: “Ex-Mitsunaga Secretary Charged for Illegal Political Donations” by Christina Jedra for Honolulu Civil Beat

Michigan: “Consultant Charged in ‘Dark Money’ Scheme Continues to Aid Several Michigan GOP Candidates” by Kyle Davidson (Michigan Advance) for Yahoo News

New York: “The Secret Bundlers Behind Eric Adams’ Campaign Fundraising Revealed” by Greg Smith and Yoav Gonen (The City) for MSN

North Carolina: “Campaign Watchdog Calls for Probe into Indian-American Group’s Fundraiser.” by Dan Kane (Raleigh News & Observer) for MSN

Ethics

National: “FBI Seized Computers, Papers Labeled ‘Trump’ During Bolton Search” by Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) for MSN

Louisiana: “Landry Pays Fine, Discloses $13,540 in Free Travel in Deal to Drop Ethics Charges” by Greg LaRose and Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) for Yahoo News

Massachusetts: “Former Boston Councilor Sentenced for Kickback Scheme” by Tréa Lavery (MassLive) for MSN

Lobbying

Utah: “Utahns Love to Call Their Members of Congress – Now They May Dial State Lawmakers More Often” by Alixel Cabrera (Utah Dispatch News) for Yahoo News

National/Federal

Federal Appellate Panel Rejects Trump’s Deportations Under Wartime Law

MSN – Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 9/3/2025

A federal court ruled President Trump unlawfully invoked a centuries-old wartime law to deport Venezuelan migrants, blocking one of his most contentious immigration initiatives and teeing up a legal battle sure to end up before the Supreme Court. A divided three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit rejected Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to remove alleged members of the Venezuela-based Tren de Aragua gang, concluding their presence in the country did not amount to the type of invasion or “predatory incursion” lawmakers envisioned when they drafted the statute allowing fast-tracked deportations.

Mark Warner Says Spy Agency Visit Canceled Over Posts by Laura Loomer

MSN – Noah Robertson and Warren Strobel (Washington Post) | Published: 9/3/2025

The top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee said he was blocked from a planned visit to a major U.S. spy agency as part of his routine congressional oversight duties after a series of social media posts by Laura Loomer, the far-right activist and provocateur. Sen. Mark Warner had arranged meetings with top officials at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which analyzes data from spy satellites for the Pentagon and intelligence community, but said his visit was abruptly canceled after Loomer attacked him and the agency’s director online.

Republicans Fail to Censure Rep. LaMonica McIver as Democrats Threaten Retaliation

MSN – Marianna Sotomayor, Kadia Goba, and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 9/3/2025

House Republicans surprisingly failed to censure Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver and strip her from a committee assignment. The Republican-led vote came in response to McIver’s indictment by a federal grand jury earlier this year for allegedly interfering with law enforcement while attempting to enter an immigration detention facility. The House will also soon consider another resolution, this one to censure a Republican, brought by Democrats retaliating in defense of McIver.

Judge Rules Trump Administration Cannot Withhold Funding from Harvard

MSN – Susan Svrluga, Joanna Slater, and Laura Meckler (Washington Post) | Published: 9/4/2025

A federal judge ruled the Trump administration violated the Constitution by freezing federal research funding at Harvard University, dealing the White House a setback in its efforts to force change at the country’s oldest university and higher education nationwide. U.S. District Court Judge Allison Burroughs said freezing and canceling more than $2 billion in research grants and other federal actions violated Harvard’s First Amendment rights and amounted to “retaliation, unconstitutional conditions, and unconstitutional coercion.”

Epstein Accusers Join Lawmakers to Push for Full Release of Documents

MSN – Amy Wang, Mariana Alfaro, Kadia Goba, Marianna Sotomayor, and Katie Tarrant (Washington Post) | Published: 9/3/2025

About a dozen accusers of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein joined House lawmakers and a crowd of hundreds at the U.S. Capitol to push for the Justice Department to release all its files related to its investigations of the disgraced financier and of his imprisoned associate Ghislaine Maxwell. In emotional testimony, the women recounted how they were lured as teenagers into a sex-trafficking operation run by Epstein and Maxwell and abused for years. All voiced their support for lawmakers to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act that would compel the Trump administration to publicly disclose far more documents on Epstein.

The Supreme Court Has Expanded Trump’s Power. He’s Seeking Much More.

MSN – Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) | Published: 9/1/2025

The Supreme Court has expanded President Trump’s authority in a string of emergency rulings, but in his firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook and other issues probably headed to the court, he is signaling that he continues to seek broader powers for the executive branch. The cases could serve as tests of how much further the high court is willing to go to bless the president’s assertion of executive authority. They differ from previous showdowns because of the magnitude of the authority Trump is seeking to wield and because he wants greater control over powers the Constitution ascribes to another branch of government.

Bipartisan Group of House Lawmakers Introduce Stock Trading Ban Legislation

MSN – Annie Grayer (CNN) | Published: 9/3/2025

A bipartisan group of House lawmakers introduced legislation to ban stock trading for members of Congress as pressure has escalated for elected officials to weed out corruption and restore public trust. The bill introduced in the House comes after Sen. Josh Hawley led a similar effort that advanced out of committee in July and is awaiting a Senate floor vote. One key difference is Hawley’s bill reaches into the executive branch and would impact President Trump as a result, while the House bill only addresses Congress.

Trump’s Pick for Federal Reserve Plans to Keep His White House Job While on Fed

MSN – Andrew Ackerman (Washington Post) | Published: 9/4/2025

Federal Reserve nominee Stephen Miran, a senior White House economic adviser, told senators he does not plan to resign from the Trump administration if confirmed to the Federal Reserve’s board of governors, an unusual arrangement likely to raise concerns about the central bank’s independence. Miran said he plans to take an unpaid leave instead of stepping down from the White House because he would only be filling a short-term slot on the board. He said repeatedly he was citing the advice of an attorney. If confirmed, he would be the first modern-day Federal Reserve Board member to maintain such close ties to the White House.

Wall Street Is Coming for K Street

WAMU – Taylor Giorno (NOTUS) | Published: 9/3/2025

Shamrock Capital recently purchased strategic communications and public affairs firm Penta Group from another private equity company, infusing a degree of confidence in these deals, which have been popping up along K Street in earnest over the past five years. Advisers on both sides of these deals also observe a growing comfort with investments in lobbying shops like Monument Advocacy, which made its first acquisition since the firm secured an investment from Everlane Equity Partners.

From the States and Municipalities

California – Trump’s Use of the National Guard During Los Angeles Immigration Protests Is Illegal, a Judge Says

Yahoo News – Olga Rodriguez (Associated Press) | Published: 9/2/2025

The Trump administration violated federal law by sending National Guard troops to Southern California during immigration enforcement operations and accompanying protests, a federal judge ruled. The order comes after California sued, saying the troops sent to Los Angeles over the summer were violating a law that prohibits military enforcement of domestic laws. Lawyers for the administration argued the Posse Comitatus Act does not apply because the troops were protecting federal officers, not enforcing laws.

Florida – Nonprofit Tied to Florida’s Lt. Gov. Won State Contracts During His Senate Stint

Yahoo News – Jeffrey Schweers (Orlando Sentinel) | Published: 9/2/2025

In three years, Jay Collins has gone from nonprofit executive to state senator to a lieutenant governor viewed as having an inside track in the North Carolina governor’s race. During that time, the nonprofit organization where Collins served as a top officer entered the Florida market and received $16 million in disaster relief business from the state. The Legislature is responsible for deciding the state’s spending plan each year and setting rules for the awarding of grants and contracts. As a senator, Collins does not appear to have voted on any money going directly to his organization or appear to have disclosed any conflicts-of-interest.

Georgia – Judge Throws Out Campaign Finance Lawsuit Between Republican Rivals in Georgia Governor’s Race

Yahoo News – Russ Bynum (Associated Press) | Published: 8/28/2025

A federal judge threw out a lawsuit by one of Georgia’s top Republican officials against his chief rival for the 2026 GOP nomination for governor that claimed the opponent had an unfair advantage in campaign fundraising. The judge’s ruling allows Lt. Gov. Burt Jones to continue raising unlimited campaign funds using a special leadership committee granted to a select group of Georgia officials under a 2021 law.

Iowa – Joni Ernst Expected to Announce She Won’t Seek Reelection in 2026, Sources Say

MSN – Stephen Gruber-Miller (Des Moines Register) | Published: 8/30/2025

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst will not seek reelection in 2026, according to people familiar with her decision, setting off a major upheaval in one of Iowa’s marquee midterm contests. Ernst has endured national scrutiny over comments she made at a May town hall, saying, “well, we all are going to die,” after a constituent shouted that people would die because of Medicaid cuts in President Trump’s spending bill. The next day, after facing backlash, Ernst shared a sarcastic apology video she filmed while walking through a cemetery.

Kansas – Advocates’ Lawsuit Against Foreign Contributions Ban Stalls as Kansas Crafts Rules

Yahoo News – Anna Kaminski (Kansas Reflector) | Published: 8/27/2025

Kansas officials brought clarity to a new law that bans financial contributions from foreign nationals to campaigns for or against state constitutional amendments, a law at the center of an ongoing lawsuit. The case in federal court has stagnated while parties waited for the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission to straighten out details of the law. A recent meeting was one of the first times commissioners were able to publicly weigh the law’s framework and craft rules for enforcement. Now, it is up to a judge whether the court case will continue.

Kentucky – Louisville Ethics Commission Sues City Over Alleged Power Grab by County Attorney’s Office

MSN – Lucas Aulbach (Louisville Courier Journal) | Published: 8/29/2025

The Louisville Ethics Commission is taking the city to court, claiming the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office is pushing for improper control over the advisory board. County Attorney Mike O’Connell’s office, meanwhile, has contended the commission’s lawyer has conflicts-of-interest that could lead to serious issues as he represents the board in charge of ensuring city employees are following the Ethics Code.

Maryland – Baltimore County Council Approves IG Appointment Board, Sends Question to Voters

MSN – Natalie Jones (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 9/2/2025

Baltimore County voters will decide whether the county’s inspector general should be selected by an independent appointment board in the future. The Baltimore County Council unanimously approved a charter amendment that would create a seven-member panel to appoint or reappoint an inspector general to the role. Under current laws, the county executive is responsible for appointing an inspector general, who the county council must also confirm.

Michigan – Records: Beydoun, other MEDC officials skipped conflict of interest reports

Bridge Michigan – Paula Gardner | Published: 9/2/2025

Members of the board in charge of Michigan’s billion-dollar economic development strategy skipped filing just over half of their required annual conflict-of-interest certification documents from 2019 to 2022. Records show the omissions peaked in 2022, when just four of 18 members on the Michigan Economic Development Corp. executive committee signed the documents – all of them in March, two months after they were due.

Missouri – Republicans Eye Next House Carveout with Missouri Special Session

MSN – Dylan Wells, Hannah Knowles, and Kadia Goba (Washington Post) | Published: 8/29/2025

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe moved toward helping the Republican Party gain another seat in the U.S. House, announcing a special session to redraw the state’s congressional maps. The session follows a nationwide pressure campaign from President Trump aimed at beefing up his party’s chances in the 2026 midterm elections with an aggressive and rare mid-cycle overhauling of congressional maps.

Missouri – Trump’s DOJ Seeks Election Equipment in Red State Ahead of 2026 Election

MSN – Yvonne Winget Sanchez and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 9/3/2025

A top official for President Trump’s Justice Department recently sought access to voting equipment used by two Republican clerks in Missouri during the 2020 election, an unusual request from federal officials amid continued efforts by the president to malign the integrity of the nation’s voting systems. Trump overwhelmingly won each of his three elections in Missouri, yet many of his supporters there and elsewhere continue to champion the president’s false claim that voting equipment was rigged against him in 2020 and ballots should be tallied by hand.

Missouri – Council Member Revives Effort to Cap Campaign Contributions for City Council Elections

Springfield Daily Citizen – Jack McGee | Published: 8/28/2025

The Springfield City Council will once again consider capping campaign contributions for city council and mayoral candidates. In 2016, Missouri voters passed a constitutional amendment establishing limits on campaign contributions to political parties and candidates for statewide offices, among other changes to campaign finance law. But the contribution limit did not apply to municipal elections, leaving Springfield without any cap on campaign contributions after a previous change to state law nullified the city’s $500 limit.

Nevada – A Majority of Nevada’s Legislation Aimed at Government Transparency Failed During the 2025 Session

MSN – Annie Vong (Nevada Independent) | Published: 9/2/2025

Though Nevada lawmakers in 2025 were able to pass some transparency laws focused on certain areas, such as requiring more reporting on school police use of force and creating a public records task force, the vast majority of transparency bills failed to make it across the finish line. According to a Nevada Independent analysis, 26 bills and resolutions were introduced in 2025 that sought to increase transparency in government and campaigns. Only eight were signed into law.

New Jersey – NJ to Regulate Campaign Spending on Security as Political Violence Mounts

Yahoo News – Dana DiFilippo (News Jersey Monitor) | Published: 8/28/2025

As political violence becomes a growing threat and reality, New Jersey’s election watchdog has moved to officially allow candidates to use campaign money to pay for security services and devices. The Election Law Enforcement Commission has historically permitted such expenses, but commission members voted to propose regulations to codify and standardize the use of campaign funds to bolster security.

New York – Campaign Board Deepens Probe into Eric Adams Fundraising

Yahoo News – Joe Anuta (Politico) | Published: 8/29/2025

A New York City oversight board petitioned the Department of Justice, hired an outside investigator, and issued subpoenas as part of a widening probe into Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign fundraising practices. Those revelations came in a trove of federal court papers that paint the clearest picture yet of the Campaign Finance Board’s independent investigation into Adams’ 2021 and 2025 mayoral runs, along with more detailed reasoning behind the board’s decision to repeatedly deny the mayor public matching funds.

New York – Talks Underway Over Trump Administration Role for NYC Mayor Adams Amid Efforts to Stop Mamdani, Sources Say

Yahoo News – Chris Sommerfeldt and Josephine Stratman (New York Daily News) | Published: 9/3/2025

While vowing to still run for reelection, New York City Mayor Eric Adams did not dismiss the possibility of joining President Trump’s administration as sources said conversations are underway about a potential job opportunity. Adams remains dogged in his reelection efforts by accusations that he is beholden to Trump, whose Justice Department quashed the mayor’s corruption indictment in a controversial move. It was reported that the push to get Adams a job is aimed at culling the mayoral race field to maximize chances of stopping Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee, who is polling as the favorite to win November’s contest.

North Carolina – NC Indian-American Group Promoted Event as Political Fundraiser. Was That Legit?

MSN – Dan Kane (Raleigh News & Observer) | Published: 9/2/2025

The North Carolina Association of Indian Americans hosted a fundraiser on May 31 that benefitted longtime Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall. The association’s filings with the state describe it as a nonprofit under the 501(c)(3) designation in the federal tax code, which means it is not supposed to engage in political fundraising. Bob Hall, the retired executive director of Democracy North Carolina, is preparing a complaint to the State Board of Elections about the fundraiser.

North Dakota – Ethics Commission Highlights Time Management in Annual Report

Yahoo News – Mary Steurer (Noth Dakota Monitor) | Published: 8/29/2025

A new report shows that North Dakota Ethics Commission complaints that do not require a full investigation are usually closed in fewer than six months. The commission was directed by the state Legislature to compile annual reports to help the public understand how it operates, especially in light of ongoing concerns from state officials that the agency takes too long to resolve baseless allegations.

Oklahoma – Lobbyists Spent Hundreds of Thousands in Oklahoma’s Legislative Session. Here’s Where the Money Went

Golfweek – Alexia Aston (Oklahoman) | Published: 9/3/2025

A push to cut income taxes, solve a state agency’s financial crisis, and reduce government spending dominated the 2025 legislative session in Oklahoma. Lobbyists spent over $460,000 during the session, largely on meals and events with lawmakers. Lobbyists often play an outsize role in shaping policy, and they are required to disclose how much they spend on behalf of clients and who they spend it on. The Oklahoman analyzed their expense reports, as well as lobbying data compiled by the state Ethics Commission, from the 2025 session.

Oklahoma – Education Department Forced to Release Key Card Data for Matt Langston

Oklahoma Watch – Jennifer Palmer | Published: 9/3/2025

Texan Matt Langston has kept his campaign business in Texas running while collecting a six-figure salary as the Oklahoma Department of Education’s chief policy advisor, though he rarely comes into the office. He has spent just 42 days in the office since Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters hired Langston in January 2023 and issued a directive ending telework for the agency’s employees. Since 2023, Langston’s political consulting firm, Engage Right, has sent campaign emails on Walters’ behalf.

Pennsylvania – Lobbying: How public agencies spend millions to shape state government

LancasterOnline – Gregory Scott | Published: 8/30/2025

From school districts and townships to transit agencies and boroughs, public entities across Pennsylvania are paying big money to be heard in the Capitol. At least 90 local governments have paid nearly $7 million in taxpayer money to hire 38 private lobbying firms since last year, all to influence lawmakers and secure more state funding. Many of those firms were founded by or employ political insiders who know the system and have connections to the major players in the Legislature and the executive branch.

Rhode Island – Cranston City Council President, Lawyer Resign Over Relationship Concerns

Cranston Herald – Rosegalie Cineus | Published: 8/28/2025

Cranston City Council President Jessica Marino and council lawyer Stephen Angell resigned. Their departure from city government followed public allegations, including comments by Mayor Ken Hopkins, of a romantic relationship between the two and contentions it created conflicts-of-interest. Marino and Angell neither confirmed nor denied the existence of a personal relationship, but both said they had committed no wrongdoing.

Texas – Measures Seeking to Prevent Future Quorum Breaks by Texas Lawmakers Approved Wednesday

MSN – Aarón Torres (Dallas Morning News) | Published: 9/4/2025

Texas Republicans passed measures that aim to prevent future walkouts by increasing the punishments for lawmakers who break quorum and preventing them from fundraising during that time. House Bill 18 would ban any state lawmaker who is absent for the purposes of impeding legislative action from accepting campaign contributions greater than $221, the amount lawmakers receive as a daily per diem during a regular or special session.

Virginia – Public Housing Director in Virginia Caught Living in One of His Agency’s Units

MSN – Daniel Wu and Teo Armus (Washington Post) | Published: 9/2/2025

The city of Alexandria’s public housing agency is investigating its chief executive officer, Erik Johnson, after he was found to be living in a public housing unit near the Potomac River, sparking outrage in the wealthy Northern Virginia community where access to affordable housing has long been a challenge. His move into the project effectively allowed him to jump ahead of a decade-long waiting list that is rarely opened up to new families, officials and advocates said.

Campaign Finance

Texas: “Texas House Advances Fundraising Restrictions for Lawmakers Who Leave State to Block Legislation” by Alejandro Serrano (Texas Tribune) for MSN

Elections

Missouri: “Trump’s DOJ Seeks Election Equipment in Red State Ahead of 2026 Election” by Yvonne Winget Sanchez and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Mark Warner Says Spy Agency Visit Canceled Over Posts by Laura Loomer” by Noah Robertson and Warren Strobel (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Republicans Fail to Censure Rep. LaMonica McIver as Democrats Threaten Retaliation” by Marianna Sotomayor, Kadia Goba, and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) for MSN

Maryland: “Baltimore County Council Approves IG Appointment Board, Sends Question to Voters” by Natalie Jones (Baltimore Sun) for MSN

Michigan: “Records: Beydoun, other MEDC officials skipped conflict of interest reports” by Paula Gardner for Bridge Michigan

New York: “Talks Underway Over Trump Administration Role for NYC Mayor Adams Amid Efforts to Stop Mamdani, Sources Say” by Chris Sommerfeldt and Josephine Stratman (New York Daily News) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

National: “Wall Street Is Coming for K Street” by Taylor Giorno (NOTUS) for WAMU

Oklahoma: “Lobbyists Spent Hundreds of Thousands in Oklahoma’s Legislative Session. Here’s Where the Money Went” by Alexia Aston (Oklahoman) for Golfweek

Campaign Finance

Missouri: “Council Member Revives Effort to Cap Campaign Contributions for City Council Elections” by Jack McGee for Springfield Daily Citizen

New Jersey: “NJ to Regulate Campaign Spending on Security as Political Violence Mounts” by Dana DiFilippo (News Jersey Monitor) for Yahoo News

North Carolina: “NC Indian-American Group Promoted Event as Political Fundraiser. Was That Legit?” by Dan Kane (Raleigh News & Observer) for MSN

Ethics

California: “Trump’s Use of the National Guard During Los Angeles Immigration Protests Is Illegal, a Judge Says” by Olga Rodriguez (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

National: “Federal Appellate Panel Rejects Trump’s Deportations Under Wartime Law” by Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) for MSN

Florida: “Nonprofit Tied to Florida’s Lt. Gov. Won State Contracts During His Senate Stint” by Jeffrey Schweers (Orlando Sentinel) for Yahoo News

Nevada: “A Majority of Nevada’s Legislation Aimed at Government Transparency Failed During the 2025 Session” by Annie Vong (Nevada Independent) for MSN

Virginia: “Public Housing Director in Virginia Caught Living in One of His Agency’s Units” by Daniel Wu and Teo Armus (Washington Post) for MSN

Campaign Finance

Georgia: “Judge Throws Out Campaign Finance Lawsuit Between Republican Rivals in Georgia Governor’s Race” by Russ Bynum (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

Kansas: “Advocates’ Lawsuit Against Foreign Contributions Ban Stalls as Kansas Crafts Rules” by Anna Kaminski (Kansas Reflector) for Yahoo News

New York: “Campaign Board Deepens Probe into Eric Adams Fundraising” by Joe Anuta (Politico) for Yahoo News

Elections

Iowa: “Joni Ernst Expected to Announce She Won’t Seek Reelection in 2026, Sources Say” by Stephen Gruber-Miller (Des Moines Register) for MSN

Ethics

Kentucky: “Louisville Ethics Commission Sues City Over Alleged Power Grab by County Attorney’s Office” by Lucas Aulbach (Louisville Courier Journal) for MSN

North Dakota: “Ethics Commission Highlights Time Management in Annual Report” by Mary Steurer (Noth Dakota Monitor) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

Pennsylvania: “Lobbying: How public agencies spend millions to shape state government” by Gregory Scott for LancasterOnline

Redistricting

Missouri: “Republicans Eye Next House Carveout with Missouri Special Session” by Dylan Wells, Hannah Knowles, and Kadia Goba (Washington Post) for MSN