News You Can Use Digest – January 2, 2026

National/Federal

Kennedy, Other Trump Officials Balk at Requests to Testify on Capitol Hill

MSN – Theodoric Meyer, Dan Diamond, and Noah Robertson (Washington Post) | Published: 12/27/2025

When Sen. Bill Cassidy announced in February he would vote to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary despite concerns about his skepticism of vaccines, Cassidy said he had secured a commitment from Kennedy to testify before the committee Cassidy chairs once a quarter if asked. But Kennedy has not come before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee since May, and he is hardly the only administration official who has frustrated senators by failing to show up.

With More Than a Million Pages to Go, Justice Struggles with Epstein Files

MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 12/24/2025

The Justice Department has had a choppy and often frenetic rollout of the massive Epstein investigatory files. In mid-November, Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which ordered the release of nearly all unclassified government files on Epstein by December 19, with necessary redactions to ensure the identities of victims are protected. More than a week past the deadline, the department appears to still be struggling to get its arms around the massive project and find an orderly way to make the files available to the public.

Trump Suffers Several Defeats in Effort to Punish Opposing Lawyers

MSN – Julian Mark (Washington Post) | Published: 12/28/2025

Since taking office for the second time, President Trump has suffered multiple losses in his efforts to strip security clearances from political opponents and prestigious law firms. With several of those cases working through the courts, the issue could become one of the next Supreme Court fights over presidential power. The president’s latest loss came when a federal judge temporarily blocked Trump’s efforts to strip a security clearance from national security attorney Mark Zaid.

Pipe Bomb Suspect Told FBI He Targeted US Political Parties Because They Were ‘in Charge,’ Memo Says

MSN – Eric Tucker (Associated Press) | Published: 12/28/2025

The man accused of placing two pipe bombs in Washington on the eve of the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol told investigators after his arrest he believed someone needed to “speak up” for people who believed the 2020 election was stolen and he wanted to target the country’s political parties because they were “in charge,” prosecutors said. The allegations were laid out in a Justice Department memo arguing Brian Cole Jr., who was arrested on charges of placing pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican national committees, should remain locked up while the case moves forward.

‘I Ultimately Had to Comply’: ’60 Minutes’ EP faces fallout after Bari Weiss shelves story

MSN – Liam Scott and Scott Nover (Washington Post) | Published: 12/22/2025

The executive producer of “60 Minutes” responded to criticism after CBS News abruptly pulled a segment on the Trump administration’s deportations, telling colleagues in a private meeting she stood by the investigation but could not allay the concerns of the network’s editor in chief, Bari Weiss. The last-minute change has fueled internal tension at “60 Minutes” and CBS News, with some staffers arguing the decision hamstrings the network’s reporters. The segment’s correspondent, Sharyn Alfonsi, called the decision “political” in an internal email to producers.

Why Trump’s EEOC Wants to Talk to White Men About Discrimination

MSN – Taylor Telford (Washington Post) | Published: 12/30/2025

In December, the nation’s leading workplace civil rights enforcer took to social media to pose a question: “Are you a white male who has experienced discrimination at work based on your race or sex?” Andrea Lucas, chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), appeared in the video, urging those who have to contact the agency. It was an unusual move, because the EEOC does not typically solicit complaints. But it underscores the sea change at an agency central to President Trump’s civil rights agenda, one that began with executive orders gutting the last vestiges of affirmative action.

Can Congress Find a Path on Government ‘Jawboning’ Limits?

MSN – Allison Mollenkamp (Roll Call) | Published: 12/24/2025

Members of both parties want government officials to stop putting pressure on social media platforms to censor speech but turning that stance into law would require getting specific about what kind of pressure is inappropriate, and what those censored can do about it. U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairperson Ted Cruz has said he will “soon introduce” legislation that would “provide transparency” about government contacts with social media companies and allow individuals to sue if their speech has been indirectly censored due to government pressure, known as jawboning.

Kennedy Center Changed Board Rules Months Before Vote to Add Trump’s Name

MSN – Janay Kingsberry and Kelsey Ables (Washington Post) | Published: 12/31/2025

The Kennedy Center adopted bylaws earlier this year that limited voting to presidentially appointed trustees, a move that preceded a unanimous decision by board members installed by President Trump to add his name to the center. Legal experts say the move may conflict with the institution’s charter. Trump took over the Kennedy Center in February, purging its board of members he had not appointed. The months that followed saw struggling ticket sales and programming changes that began to align the arts complex with the Trump administration’s broader cultural aims.

The Federal Government’s Top Watchdog Has Retired. Now Congress Has to Pick a Replacement.

MSN – Jennifer Scholtes (Politico) | Published: 12/30/2025

For the first time in nearly two decades, Congress is on the hunt for a new boss at the federal government’s top watchdog agency. With the retirement of Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, congressional leaders are now supposed to recommend candidates for President Trump to nominate for a 15-year term to lead the Government Accountability Office. That person would lead the agency as it works through dozens of investigations into whether the Trump administration broke the law by withholding billions of dollars Congress previously approved.

Twins in Congress: Nehls brothers and a potentially history-making transition

MSN – Nick Eskow (Roll Call) | Published: 12/31/2025

Trever Nehls is the identical twin brother of U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, and he is running for his brother’s seat in the midterms. The three-term Trump loyalist was quick to endorse his brother after announcing he would not be running for reelection in 2026. If Trevor Nehls wins, it will be the first time in U.S. history that a member of Congress is succeeded in office by their identical twin.

The Plot to Redraw America

Politico – Adam Wren and Andrew Howard | Published: 12/31/2025

President Trump’s top political aide, James Blair, pitched a novel gambit to Trump – Republicans could begin padding their narrow U.S. House majority well before voters went to the polls in November 2026 through redistricting. If successful, the move could insulate the White House from a potentially brutal midterm election. But things did not go quite as planned, as Trump triggered a conflict he could not easily win. Republicans fell far short of the 18 congressional seats which party strategists initially believed they could flip, and whatever gains they did make likely came at significant enduring cost for Trump’s White House.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Arizona Bill Aims to Shield Small-Dollar Donors’ Information

MSN – Zachery Schmidt (Center Square) | Published: 12/29/2025

Arizona Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh pre-filed a 2026 bill designed to protect the information of small-dollar campaign donors. Under Senate Bill 1006, campaign finance reports would not include personal information on donors who give $200 or less. The only exception would happen if donors give their permission.

California – Why Do California Cities, Counties Pay Millions to Lobby Their Own Statehouse?

MSN – Andrew Graham (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 12/21/2025

Through the first three quarters of this year, the 35 largest California cities have spent a combined $3.4 million in public funds on private lobbying firms. Only two cities on that list did not report hiring a lobbying firm. City and county officials interviewed by The Sacramento Bee said such fees were necessary expenditures for local governments competing with each other and with private industries in a political system flooded with lobbying and campaign finance dollars. But the spending raises questions about equity between rich and poor cities.

Florida – After 20 Years of Florida’s Gift Ban, Some Would Like to Make a Return

MSN – Gary Fineout (Politico) | Published: 12/25/2025

Florida’s gift ban, which prohibits legislators and others in top roles in state government from accepting anything of value from lobbyists or the principals that hire them, took effect January 1, 2006. In the years since its passage, the law has either been ignored or sidestepped in various ways, while making it awkward for a lawmaker to accept token items such as a bottle of water. But Tom Lee, the former state Senate president who championed the legislation, still thinks it was the right thing to do.

Georgia – Bill Eliminates Last Minute Ethics Complaints in Georgia Elections

Yahoo News – Kim Jarrett (Center Square) | Published: 12/29/2025

A bill that took effect on January 1 bars Georgia’s State Ethics Commission from investigating complaints filed 60 days or fewer before an election. Senate Bill 199 will also require PACs that make contributions or expenditures on behalf of candidates to have separate bank accounts.

Illinois – Supreme Court Blocks National Guard Deployment to Chicago Area

MSN – James Romoser (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 12/23/2025

The U.S. Supreme Court blocked President Trump from sending the National Guard into the Chicago area, dealing a rare loss to the president on an issue of executive power. The decision, issued in an unsigned order on the court’s emergency docket, is the first time the justices have weighed in on Trump’s efforts to dispatch the military to American cities. Though the order is preliminary and applies only in Illinois, it suggests the court is unwilling to rubber-stamp Trump’s assertions of broad authority to use the National Guard to manage protests and violent crime.

Iowa – Dems Tout Another Special Election as a Boost for Their Party Ahead of Midterms

MSN – Kelly Kasulis Cho and Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 12/31/2025

West Des Moines City Councilperson Renee Hardman won a special election for a state Senate seat in Iowa, denying Republicans the opportunity to regain a supermajority in the chamber and handing the Democratic Party a large-margin victory ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Hardman will be the first Black woman to serve in the Iowa Senate. Democrats tend to over-perform in off-year races and special elections, but in the wake of 2024 losses, the party has attributed several recent off-year gains around the country to national momentum against President Trump and Republicans.

Maine – Conservative Groups Push Back on Maine Law in Latest Campaign Finance Court Battle Filing

Maine Morning Star – Emma Davis | Published: 12/22/2025

The conservative groups that sued Maine over a voter-approved law that established stricter regulations on money in elections filed their rebuttal in the case, claiming it violates free speech. In 2024, voters overwhelmingly passed a law that set a $5,000 limit on contributions to PACs that independently spend money to try to support or defeat candidates, commonly referred to as super PACs. Those behind the law welcomed the lawsuit as it was a key part of their ultimate goal: to get the U.S. Supreme Court to regulate super PACs.

Maryland – Lobbyists Spend Big on ‘Committee Dinners’ with Maryland Lawmakers

MSN – Katie Shepherd (Washington Post) | Published: 12/30/2025

Energy companies, climate advocacy groups, nonprofits, trade associations for nurses, restaurateurs, and chicken farmers, and many other groups took Maryland legislators out for dinner over the last lobbying year. The meals are part of a long-standing practice known as committee dinners that dates back more than 30 years. Del. Joe Vogel is taking aim at the legislative perk with a bill that would bar lobbyists, corporations, and special interest groups from taking lawmakers out on the town, except in a few limited circumstances.

Massachusetts – Mass. Legislation Aims to Point Light at Dark Money in Local Politics

Cape Cod Times – Sam Drysdale (State House News Service) | Published: 12/23/2025

Legislation requiring public disclosure for people and groups spending significant sums to influence town meeting votes is gaining some traction in Massachusetts. House Bill 806 won initial approval and would amend the law to cover spending aimed at influencing the outcome of warrant articles taken up at the local government level. The bill would apply statewide but is driven in part by spending intended to influence short-term rental and housing decisions on Cape Cod and the Islands.

Massachusetts – Lawmakers Push for Tighter Disclosure Rules on Ballot Question Funding

WBUR – Sam Drysdale (State House News Service) | Published: 12/30/2025

Facing a potentially crowded and costly 2026 election cycle, Massachusetts lawmakers advanced legislation to tighten disclosure rules for ballot question campaigns and reveal who is funding them. The votes signal interest among lawmakers in updating laws that critics say have not kept pace with the scale and sophistication of modern ballot campaigns. The Ballot Spending Transparency Act would expand what ballot question committees must report to state regulators, increase the frequency of required filings, and more clearly define non-cash political support that currently can remain largely out of public view for much of a campaign cycle.

Michigan – Benson Declines to Rule on Constitutionality of Michigan Endorsement Conventions, Concerns Persist

Yahoo News – Ben Solis (Michigan Advance) | Published: 12/22/2025

Election lawyers from both sides of the political spectrum said Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson correctly declined to issue a declarative ruling on whether the major party’s endorsement conventions were constitutional. But the attorneys, in interviews with Michigan Advance, were split on whether the initial concerns of potential special-interest meddling in party decisions at those conventions – engaging in so-called bribery of delegates in the worst-case scenario or pushing issue advocacy influence campaigns as a lesser evil – held water.

Minnesota – HHS Freezes All Child Care Funding for Minnesota

MSN – Jacob Wendler (Politico) | Published: 12/30/2025

The Department of Health and Human Services froze hundreds of millions of dollars in childcare funding for Minnesota, the latest in a series of moves against Gov. Tim Walz’s administration as it attempts to manage allegations of fraud. The funding freeze comes as Minnesota faces probes by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security over allegations the state’s Democratic leaders were complicit in exploiting federal funds for nutrition and childcare.

New Jersey – Man at Center of Murder-for-Hire Plot Says Corruption Probe Was a ‘Sham’

New Jersey Monitor – Nancy Solomon | Published: 12/23/2025

When campaign consultant Sean Caddle pleaded guilty in 2022 to murder-for-hire, he was allowed to remain at home for nearly two years while he cooperated with federal prosecutors on a political corruption investigation. But that probe went nowhere, and now a series of prison interviews with Caddle raises questions about why the U.S. attorney’s office in Newark was not able to bring charges stemming from a sweeping “pay-to-play” scheme that Caddle ran.

New York – NYC Board Probes Pro-Cuomo PACs Spearheaded by Finance CEOs

MSN – Laura Nahmias (Bloomberg) | Published: 12/22/2025

New York City’s Campaign Finance Board is probing whether a group of PACs that spent more than $20 million supporting Andrew Cuomo’s unsuccessful bid for mayor illegally coordinated with the former governor and his campaign, according to people with knowledge of the investigation. Zohran Mamdani’s campaign alleges donors gave to Put NYC First, a PAC, which then transferred funds to an array of Super PACs. These entities have fewer restrictions than traditional PACs and are allowed to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money but are not allowed to co-ordinate with candidates or campaigns.

New York – Hung Jury Ends Trial of Ex-New York Governors’ Aide Accused of Selling Influence to China

MSN – Philip Marcelo (Associated Press) | Published: 12/22/2025

A judge declared a mistrial in the corruption case of Linda Sun, a former aide to New York governors, after jurors said they were hopelessly deadlocked and could not reach a verdict. Sun was accused of using her state government position to subtly advance China’s agenda in exchange for financial benefits worth millions of dollars. They say Sun also took kickbacks from Chinese companies to steer lucrative state contracts for face masks and other critical medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

New York – Eric Adams Reigned Over a Run of Scandal Not Seen Since Boss Tweed

MSN – Greg Smith and Yoav Gonen (The City) | Published: 12/24/2025

In his last days in office, New York Mayor Eric Adams has doubled down on attacking his corruption indictment, dismissing it as “lawfare” brought by a Biden administration angry at his criticism of policies he blamed for triggering a flood of migrants to New York City. He has repeated his mantra that the media unfairly focused on the indictment, which a federal judge was forced to void after the Trump administration dropped the case. But by any number of telling measures, Adams’ four tumultuous years at City Hall could generate a highlight reel of notoriety that would surpass that of any mayor of the 20th and 21st centuries.

North Carolina – A Company Invited Cary Staff to Dinner. The Offer Came from the Mayor.

MSN – Dan Kane (Raleigh News and Observer) | Published: 12/29/2025

The engineering and land development firm WithersRavenel has a prominent presence in its hometown of Cary, North Carolina. In recent years it has helped develop the town’s downtown park and design a new fire station. One of the people helping the firm win projects beyond the town is Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, who began consulting for WithersRavenel in 2023. An action Weinbrecht took in 2023 is now raising questions about how much separation exists between his public work as mayor and his private work as a consultant.

Ohio – New Ohio Election Integrity Commission Begins to Take Shape

Ohio Capital Journal – Nick Evans | Published: 12/30/2025

Secretary of State Frank LaRose has tapped leadership for the new Ohio Election Integrity Commission. As part of last summer’s budget, state lawmakers axed the state’s existing independent campaign watchdog and replaced it with a new office under the secretary’s control. The board’s membership shrinks from seven to five, and instead of a bipartisan panel selecting a nonpartisan colleague, all commissioners will be chosen by state leaders.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Ethics Watchdog to Implement Original Election Reporting System

Oklahoma Voice – Emma Murphy | Published: 12/19/2025

After three months without a fully functioning campaign finance system, the Oklahoma Ethics Commission voted to immediately terminate the vendor’s contract and to authorize pursuing legal action. The commission also voted to reinstate the original Guardian system operated by the previous vendor, Civix. It voted to enter into a $217,000 contract with Carahsoft, a partner of Civix, that lasts three years.

Washington – Seattle Passes New Transparency Law Aimed at Political Consultants

Seattle Times – David Kroman | Published: 12/17/2025

The Seattle City Council passed a new law requiring political consultants to register with the city when accepting taxpayer-funded work. Concerns over viability and the broadness of the original bill spurred members to cut back on some provisions, reducing it instead to a transparency-focused law that puts consultants into a similar category as lobbyists. In addition to registering with the city, consultants must say whom they are advising outside of the city and on what issues.