July 11, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 11, 2025
National/Federal
Trump Appointees Have Ties to Companies That Stand to Benefit from Privatizing Weather Forecasts
MSN – Michael Biesecker and Brian Slodysko (Associated Press) | Published: 7/9/2025
Deadly flooding in Texas has drawn a spotlight to budget cuts and staff reductions at the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, two agencies that provide the public with free climate and weather data that can be crucial during natural disasters. What has drawn less attention is how the downsizing appears to be part of an effort to privatize the work of such agencies. In several instances, the companies poised to step into the void have ties to people tapped by President Trump to run weather-related agencies.
Gabbard’s Team Has Sought Spy Agency Data to Enforce Trump’s Agenda
MSN – Ellen Nakashima, Warren Strobel, and Aaron Schaffer (Washington Post) | Published: 7/8/2025
A special team created by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has expressed a desire to gain access to emails and chat logs of the largest U.S. spy agencies with the aim of using artificial intelligence tools to ferret out what the administration deems as efforts to undermine its agenda, according to several people familiar with the matter. The mission of the Director’s Initiative Group is to enforce President Trump’s executive orders to end “weaponization” of the federal government, declassify documents, and halt diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, according to Gabbard’s office.
X CEO Linda Yaccarino Resigns After Two Years at the Helm of Elon Musk’s Social Media Platform
MSN – Matt O’Brien (Associated Press) | Published: 7/9/2025
X Chief Executive Officer Linda Yaccarino said she is stepping down after two bumpy years running Elon Musk’s social media platform. Since Musk’s takeover, a number of companies had pulled back on ad spending over concerns that his thinning of content restrictions was enabling hateful and toxic speech to flourish. Most recently, an update to Grok, the chatbot developed by Musk’s company xAI, led to a flood of antisemitic commentary from the chatbot that included praise of Adolf Hitler.
Supreme Court Allows Trump to Launch Mass Layoff and Restructuring Plans
MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 7/8/2025
The Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to launch plans for mass firings and reorganizations at 19 federal agencies and departments while litigation continues. The justices lifted a lower-court order that temporarily blocked plans to lay off thousands of federal workers, including at the State Department and the Social Security Administration, because the administration did not first consult with Congress.
California Awaits Disaster Relief as GOP Offers Full Support of Texas
MSN – Maeve Reston and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 7/9/2025
For months, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has pressed the GOP-led Congress to free up $40 billion in federal relief for swaths of Los Angeles consumed by devastating wildfires. President Trump and other Republicans have so far withheld the funds, with many arguing Newsom and other Democrats in the blue state have mishandled the fires and should be forced to rescind liberal policies in exchange for aid. But now deadly floods have struck ruby-red Texas and Trump and others promising unfettered and prompt federal support. The contrast underscores the extent to which the Trump administration treats blue and red states differently.
Former FBI, CIA Directors Under Investigation, DOJ Indicates in Statement
MSN – Perry Stein and Ellen Nakashima (Washington Post) | Published: 7/9/2025
The Justice Department acknowledged it had opened criminal probes into former FBI Director James Comey and former CIA Director John Brennan, two frequent targets of President Trump who played roles in the investigation into his 2016 campaign’s ties to Russia. CIA Director John Ratcliffe referred Brennan to the FBI to be criminally investigated for allegedly lying to Congress, according to a person familiar with the matter. The scope and nature of the investigation into Comey is unclear.
Lobbyists Revel in Trump Bonanza but Ask How Long It Can Last
MSN – Josh Dawsey, Rebecca Ballhaus, and Maggie Severns (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 7/9/2025
It is boom time on K Street for the influence industry, according to interviews with more than a dozen Republican lobbyists. The top 10 lobbying firms in Washington took in about $123 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared with about $80 million in the same time frame of both Joe Biden’s presidency and Trump’s first term. Lobbyists with close ties to Trump are having a particularly lucrative year and expanding their offices, with some firms even turning down clients because they already have too many.
Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff Unloaded Trump Media Stock the Day Before Tariff Announcement
MSN – Suhail Bhat (USA Today) | Published: 7/10/2025
Dan Scavino had months to sell off up to $5 million worth of Trump Media stock after he joined President Trump’s administration as a deputy chief of staff. But Scavino picked April 1, the day before the president announced sweeping tariffs, to make the sale. Trump Media stock fell 11 percent after the announcement. There is no evidence that Savino had knowledge of the tariffs beforehand. But experts say when trades are placed in proximity to a major news event from the White House, they raise ethical questions as well as concerns of wrongdoing.
Federal Judge Places New Block on Trump’s Ban on Birthright Citizenship
MSN – David Nakamura (Washington Post) | Published: 7/10/2025
A federal judge in New Hampshire placed a new nationwide block on President Trump’s efforts to end birthright citizenship, a decision that came two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court opened a path for the administration to begin enforcing the order. During a court hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante said he would issue the temporary injunction after agreeing to a request from civil rights groups to certify a class-action lawsuit against the administration on behalf of U.S.-born children or future children whose automatic citizenship could be jeopardized by the president’s executive order, lawyers for the plaintiffs said.
The Supreme Court and Congress Cede Powers to Trump and the Presidency
MSN – Naftali Bendavid (Washington Post) | Published: 7/4/2025
In a striking dynamic of the Trump era, analysts say, the judicial and legislative branches have been steadily transferring many of their powers to the executive – or at least acquiescing in the transfers. That has shaken up a system that depends on the three branches of government jostling sharply as each jealously guards its own prerogatives, many critics contend. But the country has become so divided, some scholars say, that leaders of the three branches are often more loyal to their parties than to their institutions.
Trump Administration’s Push to Deport Student Activists Goes on Trial
MSN – Joanna Slater and Justine McDaniel (Washington Post) | Published: 7/7/2025
The Trump administration’s attempts to deport international students and scholars involved in pro-Palestinian advocacy are unconstitutional, lawyers argued during the opening of one of the first federal trials challenging the president’s broad immigration policies. Instead of challenging individual detentions, the plaintiffs in the trial have taken a broader approach. Their case focuses on stopping what they have termed the “ideological deportation policy” of the administration, which they say includes revoking visas and extends to arrests and deportations.
Trump Administration Asserted Sweeping Power in Seeking to Bypass TikTok Ban
MSN – Charlie Savage (New York Times) | Published: 7/4/2025
Attorney General Pam Bondi told tech companies that they could lawfully violate a statute barring American companies from supporting TikTok based on a sweeping claim that President Trump has the constitutional power to set aside laws, documents show. The letters portrayed Trump as having nullified the legal effects of a statute that Congress passed by large bipartisan majorities in 2024 and the Supreme Court unanimously upheld.
MSN – Fredreka Schouten (CNN) | Published: 7/7/2025
President Trump’s demand for an investigation into ActBlue worried some Democrats who argue his order was not about allegations of campaign finance violations but an attempt to stifle liberal campaigns. So far, ActBlue remains a Democratic juggernaut. The platform brought in more than $393 million during the second quarter of this year, nearly on par with the $400 million it processed in the first quarter. The platform remains integral to Democratic campaigns trying to capitalize on progressive anger at Trump’s second-term agenda, even as some Democrats adopt ActBlue alternatives.
Roughly 140 EPA Staffers Who Signed ‘Dissent’ Letter Are Put on Leave
MSN – Hannah Natanson and Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 7/3/2025
The Trump administration has placed on leave roughly 140 staffers at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who signed a letter of dissent protesting the agency’s current direction and policies. Nearly 300 EPA workers had signed the letter sent to Administrator Lee Zeldin, which said President Trump’s changes to the agency “undermine the EPA mission of protecting human health and the environment.” More than 170 of the signatories chose to be named, and some began receiving notifications they had been placed on leave.
IRS Says Churches Can Endorse Candidates from the Pulpit
Salt Lake Tribune – David Fahrenthold (New York Times) | Published: 7/7/2025
The Internal Revenue Service said churches and other houses of worship should be allowed to endorse political candidates to their congregations, carving out an exemption in a decades-old ban on political activity by tax-exempt nonprofits. The agency made that statement in a court filing intended to settle a lawsuit filed by two Texas churches and an association of Christian broadcasters.
Military Veteran Gets a Life Sentence for Plotting an FBI Attack After His Jan. 6 Arrest
Yahoo News – Michael Kunzelman (Associated Press) | Published: 7/2/2025
A military veteran was sentenced to life in prison for plotting to attack an FBI office and assassinate law enforcement officers in retaliation for his arrest on charges he was part of the mob that stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Edward Kelley was one of the first rioters to breach the Capitol. Nearly two years later, Kelley made plans with another man to attack the FBI office in Knoxville, Tennessee. Kelley argued that his pardon was broad enough to cover his conduct in the Tennessee case, but the judge disagreed.
From the States and Municipalities
MSN – Kristen Taketa (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Published: 7/5/2025
Grossmont Union High School District teachers, parents, and community members are raising concerns about records they say suggest some board trustees and their allies manipulated last year’s board election, including a pay-to-play transaction and an effort to run fake spoiler candidates to pull votes away from their political rivals. Trustees’ text messages and emails revealed the plotting by an inner circle of select board trustees and their allies who were often instructed by Jerry Hobbs, an ousted former teacher who briefly became the district’s chief of staff before leaving with a six-figure settlement amid a dispute with trustees.
California – City Official Got Paid by Architecture Firm While Approving Its Projects
San Francisco Standard – Gabe Greschler | Published: 7/3/2025
A San Francisco planning commissioner supported the development of at least two projects in the city by an architecture firm from which she also receives income. Kathrin Moore, who was appointed to the commission in 2006 and currently serves as the body’s vice president, has reported earning between $10,000 and $100,000 each year since 2012 from the global firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. San Francisco prohibits city officials from making decisions that involve entities from which an individual has received more than $500 in the past year. The state has similar regulations.
Georgia – Georgia Appeals Court Upholds Ruling Saying Election Officials Must Certify Results
MSN – Kate Brumback (Associated Press) | Published: 7/7/2025
A Georgia appeals court upheld a lower court ruling that said county election officials in the state must vote to certify results according to deadlines set in law. Certification became a political flashpoint when Donald Trump tried to overturn his loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 general election. Republicans in several swing states refused to certify results during primary elections last year, and some sued to try to keep from being forced to sign off on election results.
Idaho – Idaho Lawmaker Worked to Legalize This Drug. He Was Among the First to Sell It
MSN – Sarah Cutler (Idaho Statesman) | Published: 7/7/2025
In the final days of this year’s legislative session, Idaho lawmakers passed a bill to allow pharmacies to sell ivermectin over the counter. Soon after, a pharmacy owned by the bill’s sponsor began selling the drug. Rep. Jordan Redman, who owns Medicine Man Prairie Pharmacy, disclosed – as required – that as a pharmacy owner, he had a conflict-of-interest in sponsoring and voting on the legislation. But after lawmakers make these declarations, they are still free to vote on the bills in question unless they volunteer to abstain.
Illinois – Ex-Ald. Carrie Austin Too Sick to Stand Trial on Corruption Charges, Federal Judge Rules
WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 7/9/2025
Former Chicago Ald. Carrie Austin is too sick to stand trial on charges she took bribes in the form of home improvements including new kitchen cabinets and granite countertops from a developer and lied to federal agents, a federal judge ruled. Prosecutors argued Austin was healthy enough to stand trial and agreed to ensure she had access to additional supplies of oxygen, access to medication during the day, and breaks when needed during a trial. Austin’s attorneys argued a trial could prove fatal for the former city council member.
Yahoo News – Dan Petrella (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 7/7/2025
A lawyer for Illinois Senate President Don Harmon’s political operation says state election authorities reached an “absurd” conclusion earlier this year in issuing nearly $10 million in penalties against Harmon’s campaign fund after determining he violated fundraising limits. Attorney Michael Kasper also laid out what amounted to a legal justification for Harmon’s unsuccessful attempt in the closing hours of this spring’s legislative session to pass a measure that could have negated the case and the $9.8 million potential penalty.
Kentucky – Probable Cause Rep. Daniel Grossberg Violated KY Ethics Code, Commission Finds
MSN – Alex Acquisto (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 7/9/2025
The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission found probable cause that Rep. Daniel Grossberg violated the state ethics code on three different counts, including when he invited a young woman to his legislative office, asked her sexually intimate questions, and offered her alcohol. There also exists probable cause that Grossberg violated the Code of Ethics when he made “intimidating statements (and) actions toward a private business.”
Louisiana – Longest Serving Louisiana Ethics Board Member Says Lawmakers Want the Board Dismantled
Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 7/3/2025
La Koshia Roberts, the immediate past chairperson of the Louisiana Board of Ethics, said Gov. Jef Landry and state lawmakers are tearing down government ethics enforcement with the massive overhaul of ethics and campaign finance laws they enacted in June. At the urging of Landry, lawmakers passed sweeping changes to ethics and campaign finance laws that loosen dozens of existing restrictions on public servants and create new ways for people accused of government misconduct to push back on charges they face for allegedly breaking the law.
Maryland – Lobbyists Increase Donations to Maryland Politicians by 75% Since Last Election
MSN – Sam Janesch (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 7/7/2025
Lobbyists seeking to influence Maryland officials donated about $2.6 million to the campaigns of those officials since the last statewide election in 2022, a nearly 75 percent increase compared to the same period during the previous four-year term, according to an analysis by The Baltimore Sun. Companies with a stake in decisions made by state lawmakers have spent millions of dollars every year on lobbying. Critics say the spending reflects the complex, and generally spreading, web of money involved in Maryland policymaking.
Missouri – How Missouri’s Ethical Watchdog Was ‘Quietly Dismantled,’ According to New Report
MSN – Kacen Bayless (Kansas City Star) | Published: 7/8/2025
Dozens of complaints of misconduct have been effectively dismissed over the past two years as the Missouri Ethics Commission remains hobbled by vacancies. A new report from Progress MO, a progressive advocacy group, argues that failures by Gov. Mike Kehoe and his predecessor to fill those vacancies have “quietly dismantled” the commission, leaving it unable to investigate complaints, issue fines, or hold meetings. “The consequence is a system vulnerable to corruption, where big donors influence decisions and there is no oversight for those in power,” the report’s executive summary said.
Nevada – LVCVA Fires Executive, Alleging Conflict of Interest, Appoints New Chief Sports Officer
MSN – Mick Akers (Las Vegas Review-Journal) | Published: 7/9/2025
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority fired an executive in charge of sports deals over conflict-of-interest concerns related to the hiring of her ex-husband for a contracted position. The authority appointed Brian Yost to the new role of chief sports officer to replace Lisa Motley. She was fired after the hiring of sports marketing firm Position Sports for services tied to the 2027 College Football Playoff national championship game.
New York – NY Public Campaign Program Fuels Spending for Political Consultants
Albany Times Union – Emilie Munson | Published: 7/6/2025
New York’s new public campaign finance program has triggered big business for political strategists, fundraisers, accountants, and advertisers. Legislative candidates in New York spent more money last year than in any election in the past 25 years, except one when accounting for inflation, and much of that money flowed to the legion of professionals who orchestrate campaigns behind the scenes.
New York – Eric Adams’ Chances of Getting Public Campaign Matching Funds Just Got Worse
MSN – Greg Smith (The City) | Published: 7/9/2025
The New York City’s campaign finance watchdog has greatly expanded its investigation into Mayor Eric Adams’ fundraising, targeting alleged illegal straw donations arranged by an agent of the Uzbekistan government and demanding records related to several fundraisers Adams failed to disclose. The Campaign Finance Board has repeatedly denied Adams’ requests for public matching funds as he runs for re-election, charging that credible evidence of illegal donations render him ineligible for generous matching funds paid for by taxpayers. In response, Adams has sued the board.
Ohio – Ohio Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Free Sports Tickets for Legislators
MSN – Frances McGowan (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 7/8/2025
An Ohio lawmaker wants to ban state legislators from accepting free or discounted tickets to professional sporting events, pointing to ethical concerns raised by the state’s $600 million commitment to a new Cleveland Browns stadium. Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan said the legislation would close a loophole that allows lobbyists and team officials to offer lawmakers perks to high-profile games. The bill would require state lawmakers to pay fair market value for any tickets to professional sporting events, regardless of who offers them.
Oregon – Powerful Oregon Union May Have Skirted Lobbying Laws, Republican Lawmakers Allege
MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 7/9/2025
In a complaint filed with the Government Ethics Commission, some lawmakers contend the Oregon chapter of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) provided false information on letters they delivered to lawmakers supporting a bill they lobbied for this year. The union represents thousands of workers who could have benefited from provisions in the bill. The complaint said SEIU violated state lobbying rules by providing information to legislators that misrepresented individuals’ support.
Oregon – Portland’s Campaign Finance Program Met Expectations in Unusual 2024 Election, Report Finds
Oregon Public Broadcasting – Alex Zielinski | Published: 7/8/2025
Faced with a new election system, limited cash, and questionable politicking, Portland’s campaign finance program appeared to met expectations during the November 2024 election cycle, according to an analysis by the city’s independent elections commission. The commission found the Small Donor Election program, paired with massive changes to the city’s form of government, created a clear path for candidates to win races with small donor contributions.
Pennsylvania – CEO of Pa.’s Largest Cyber School Made $700K on the Side from Its Bank
MSN – Oliver Morrison (PennLive.com) | Published: 7/9/2025
The leader of Pennsylvania’s largest cyber charter school earned more than $700,000 from his side job as a bank director from 2016 through 2024. The bank, Orrstown, was the school’s primary financial institution during that time and now holds more than $230 million in deposits from Commonwealth Charter Academy. Acting as chief executive for the charter school while getting income from its bank raises conflict-of-interest questions for Tom Longenecker, ethics experts said.
Rhode Island – How an Amendment, a Lobbyist and a Phone Call Led to Big Drama Over a New Self-Storage Law
USA Today – Patrick Anderson (Providence Journal) | Published: 7/7/2025
Nothing seems to slow the growth of self-storage units across Rhode Island, and at the state Legislature, the industry also appears unstoppable. In the most improbable sequence of this year’s General Assembly legislative session finale, industry critics passed a rare amendment to a self-storage bill against the wishes of General Assembly leadership, only to have that win snatched from them minutes later.
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