National/Federal

Justice Dept. to Take Narrow Approach to Prosecuting Corporate Bribery Abroad

DNyuz – Glenn Thrush (New York Times) | Published: 6/10/2025

The Justice Department closed about half of its open investigations into bribery by U.S. businesses overseas but plans to initiate prosecutions to more narrowly focus on misconduct that hurts the country’s capacity to compete with foreign companies. The department plans to assign responsibility for investigating bribery by U.S. businesses and people overseas to local law enforcement and regulatory bodies when appropriate, officials said. Good government groups criticized the freeze as the elimination of guardrails needed to prevent corporate abuses.

Trump White House Opens Door to Historic Military Deployment on U.S. Soil

MSN – Cat Zakrzewski, Natalie Allison, and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 6/11/2025

President Trump is prepared to send National Guard troops into more cities if protests against immigration raids expand beyond Los Angeles, potentially opening the door to the most extensive use of military force on American soil in modern history. In threatening the use of force against protesters in a speech at Fort Bragg, Trump notably did not distinguish between those committing acts of violence and those peacefully protesting his policies. Trump has given himself more flexibility this term to upend democratic norms with fewer constraints.

David Hogg to Depart as DNC Vice Chair After Months of Turmoil

MSN – Patrick Svitek and Dylan Wells (Washington Post) | Published: 6/11/2025

David Hogg will step down from his role as Democratic National Committee (DNC) vice chair, capping months of party infighting and turmoil centering on the Gen Z activist’s pledge to involve himself in primaries and back challengers against some incumbents. A DNC panel found Hogg was not properly elected earlier this year because the election ran afoul of gender-diversity rules. The ruling added to Hogg’s problems inside the party and created a mechanism by which his critics could push him out.

Gabbard Placed Top Adviser Inside the ODNI’s Watchdog Office, Officials Say

MSN – Meryl Kornfield and Ellen Nakashima (Washington Post) | Published: 6/5/2025

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard installed one of her top advisers to a position within the office of the inspector general of the intelligence community, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the matter. The move potentially compromises the integrity of the independent watchdog office while it is investigating the use of the Signal messaging app by top government officials to discuss classified details of a pending U.S. military strike in March.

Judge Tosses Democratic Party Challenge to Trump Order’s Impact on FEC

MSN – Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 6/4/2025

U.S. District Court Judge Amir Ali dismissed a Democratic Party lawsuit claiming an executive order issued by President Trump was intruding on the independence of the FEC. Ali said the Democratic Party groups’ case was too speculative to justify emergency intervention from the court. The FEC had pledged to remain independent, had received no directive from the White House to change its practices, and vowed to abide by the law. Without evidence undermining those promises, Ali said he was compelled to dismiss the suit.

Appeals Court Hands AP an Incremental Loss in Its Attempt to Regain Its Access to Trump Events

MSN – David Bauder (Associated Press) | Published: 6/6/2025

A federal appeals court panel handed The Associated Press (AP) a loss in its continuing battle with the Trump administration over access by its journalists to cover presidential events. The judges granted Trump a stay in enforcement of a lower court ruling that the administration had improperly punished the AP for the content of its speech, in this case not renaming the Gulf of Mexico. The majority and dissenting opinions delved into First Amendment precedents and questions about whether places like the Oval Office and Air Force One were, in effect, private spaces.

ABC News Suspends Journalist Terry Moran After Post Criticizing Stephen Miller

MSN – Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) | Published: 6/8/2025

ABC News suspended senior national correspondent Terry Moran after he sharply criticized White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller on the social media platform X, the latest flash point in the long-running clash between the Trump administration and the network. The White House contacted the network about the post, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

The Days Around Trump’s Trade War Announcements Saw Spikes in Lawmaker Stock Market Transactions

MSN – Annie Grayer and Alex Leeds Matthews (CNN) | Published: 6/11/2025

In the days before President Trump suddenly paused most of the punishing tariffs on foreign countries he had revealed in early April, more than a dozen members of Congress were tied to thousands of dollars’ worth of stock transactions, including significant purchases as the U.S. stock market tumbled, a CNN analysis of financial filings shows. Some on Capitol Hill say questions around the timing of the transactions strike at the heart of an ethical question that has long dogged Congress: can lawmakers play the market without generating suspicion their access to information gives them an unfair advantage, or should they ban the practice.

California Sen. Alex Padilla Handcuffed at Noem News Conference in LA

Yahoo News – Melanie Mason and Lisa Kashinsky (Politico) | Published: 6/12/2025

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and handcuffed after interrupting a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Video provided by Padilla’s office shows the senator approaching the lectern as Noem was speaking. He was stopped and shoved back by multiple men. The video shows Padilla being forced to the ground and his arms handcuffed behind his back.

From the States and Municipalities

Arkansas – Arkansas Attorney General Challenges DEI Law by Refusing Ethics Commission Appointment

MSN – Andrew Mobley (KATV) | Published: 6/5/2025

State Attorney General Tim Griffin refused to appoint a new member to the Arkansas Ethics Commission in protest of a state law that requires at least one member be of a minority race. Griffin says the law is unconstitutional. This may be the first time in state history the attorney general has rejected his duty to appoint a member to the Ethics Commission on these grounds.

California – Oaklanders Voted to Take Money Out of Politics. City Council Just Undid That

MSN – Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) | Published: 6/4/2025

In 2022, Oakland voters approved changes to the city’s campaign finance law to reduce the influence of big money in elections. Under Measure W, the city would give qualifying voters vouchers worth $100 to give to candidates. The measure also lowered how much money people can give to campaigns. The city council recently increased the amount that individuals and broad-based political committees can give to candidates. Additionally, council members voted to give themselves access to a lot more money through their officeholder accounts.

California – Former O.C. Supervisor Andrew Do Headed to Prison for COVID Relief Bribery Scheme

MSN – Christopher Goffard (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 6/9/2025

Former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to bribery in a conspiracy to steal millions of dollars in COVID-relief money. Do admitted he funneled more than $10 million in federal pandemic funds to a nonprofit that in turn steered money to his two daughters. It was reported that Do approved contracts worth millions to the nonprofit, which promised to provide meals to poor, elderly, and disabled residents but could show scant evidence of its effort.

California – L.A. Councilmember Lee Breaks Silence on Infamous Vegas Trip, Ethics Allegations

MSN – Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 6/11/2025

For years, Los Angeles City Councilperson John Lee declined to publicly discuss a fateful Las Vegas trip he took in 2017 with his then-boss Mitch Englander and a trio of businesspeople. That trip led to an FBI investigation of Englander, then a council member, who accepted an envelope of cash in a casino bathroom from one of the businesspeople and later pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators. In court to address allegations from the city Ethics Commission, Lee finally broke his silence, divulging details of the trip and insisting he paid for his share.

Florida – Florida Agency Tells Newspaper to Halt Reporting Angle on Foundation Associated with Governor’s Wife

MSN – Mike Schneider (Associated Press) | Published: 6/9/2025

Florida’s child welfare agency sent a letter to a newspaper telling it to “cease and desist” its reporting on foster families for a story about a nonprofit associated with Gov. Ron DeSantis’s wife that is the subject of an investigation. The Orlando Sentinel received the letter from the state Department of Children and Families, whose top official is appointed by the governor. The letter claimed the newspaper’s Tallahassee reporter had used threats to coerce foster families into making negative statements about the Hope Florida Foundation when he contacted them about the nonprofit behind the signature initiative of Casey DeSantis.

Illinois – Feds to Retry State Sen. Emil Jones III After Mistrial on Bribery, Lying to FBI Charges

WTTW – Hannah Meisel (Capitol News Illinois) | Published: 6/10/2025

Federal prosecutors announced they intend to retry Illinois Sen. Emil Jones III after his April trial on charges of bribery and lying to the FBI ended in a hung jury. Jones stands accused of agreeing to take bribes from red-light camera entrepreneur-turned-government cooperator Omar Maani in 2019, then lying to FBI agents about it.

Illinois – Illinois Senate President Don Harmon Faces Potential $9.8 Million Fine for Improperly Accepting Campaign Cash

Yahoo News – Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 6/11/2025

State election officials informed Illinois Senate President Don Harmon that he will face more than $9.8 million in penalties pending an appeal of a case alleging he broke an election law designed to rein in big money in political campaigns. The calculation of the potential penalty emerged only days after Harmon attempted to pass legislation designed to wipe away the case and the potential penalties, a maneuver stymied amid bipartisan backlash only hours before the spring session adjourned June 1.

Illinois – Troubled Cook County Tech Firm Used Insider Lobbyist Who Was Later Convicted in ComEd Corruption Scheme

Yahoo News – David Jackson and A.D. Quig (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 6/11/2025

As a fledgling tech contractor looking to build its business in the insular world of Cook County politics, Texas-based Tyler Technologies turned to one of Illinois’ most well-connected lobbyists to get the job done. In 2016, Jay Doherty not only lobbied Chicago, Cook County, and state agencies, he was also the longtime president of the City Club of Chicago, a popular nonprofit civic organization. The dual roles granted Doherty access to the halls of power. At the time Tyler hired Doherty, there was no indication any of the Tyler executives involved knew their new man in Illinois was also corrupt.

Louisiana – Lafayette School Board Member’s Bar Can’t Let LPSS Vendors Sponsor Events: Ethics panel

Acadiana Advocate – Ashley White | Published: 6/11/2025

The Louisiana Board of Ethics said a Lafayette School Board member Jeremy Hidalgo’s business cannot allow school district vendors to sponsor customer appreciation nights while he serves on the board. Hidalgo owns a bar that hosts a customer appreciation night once a month where other businesses partner with him to provide free meals for attendees. The ethics board said it is not allowed under the state’s ethics code.

Louisiana – As Charges Linger Over Landry, Louisiana Legislature Passes Dramatic Changes to Ethics Law

Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 6/4/2025

Louisiana lawmakers approved a set of dramatic changes to state ethics laws. House Bill 674 alters the process the state ethics board used to bring charges against Gov. Jeff Landry that are still pending. Beyond making it harder to bring ethics charges against elected officials and state employees, the legislation also loosens limits on public officials’ travel, weakens restrictions on government contracts with officials and their families, and reduces requirements for officeholders and candidates to disclose financial interests.

Maine – It Just Got Easier for This Maine Politician to Run for Governor as an Independent

Bangor Daily News – Billy Koban | Published: 6/12/2025

A new Maine law equalizing campaign contribution limits for gubernatorial candidates could end up helping a veteran legislator if he runs as an independent. Gov. Janet Mills decided to allow a bill establishing a primary election period for unenrolled candidates to become law without her signature. Neither the bill nor testimony mentioned his name, but Sen. Rick Bennett could benefit from the new law.

Massachusetts – Fernandes Anderson Officially Resigns from Boston City Council

MSN – Ross Cristantiello (Boston.com) | Published: 6/12/2025

Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson announced she submitted her letter of resignation, about six months after she was first arrested on public corruption charges. Fernandes Anderson pleaded guilty in May to one count of wire fraud and one count of theft concerning a program receiving federal funds. She was accused of pocketing thousands of dollars through a kickback scheme involving a family member who was part of her staff.

Michigan – ‘No One Will Know’: Records reveal secret money flowing through Lansing

ArcaMax – Craig Mauger (Detroit News) | Published: 6/6/2025

Money from some of Michigan’s largest companies and wealthiest business executives secretly flowed to a fundraising account for state Senate Republicans during the early days of the pandemic, according to court records. Documents show consultants, along with then-Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, privately promoted Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility to potential donors as a vehicle to move political money without the public’s knowledge. Those who gave secretly were often individuals with direct connections to bills before the Legislature.

Michigan – Ex-Speaker Lee Chatfield, Wife to Stand Trial Over Alleged Misuse of Political Money

MSN – Arpan Lobo (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 5/30/2025

Former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield and his wife will stand trial over the alleged mishandling of thousands of dollars raised through political funds. The state attorney general’s office claims he knowingly used the money to pay for vacations, dinners at upscale restaurants, and other non-permitted items when he was a lawmaker. Prosecutors also claim Chatfield submitted mileage reimbursement requests from the House for trips he did not take. Stephanie Chatfield is alleged to have aided the scheme and was charged with embezzlement.

New Jersey – Mikie Sherrill to Face Trump-Backed Jack Ciattarelli for N.J. Governor

MSN – Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) | Published: 6/10/2025

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill will face former state Rep. Jack Ciattarelli in the New Jersey governor’s race this fall in a national bellwether for voters’ views in the first year of Donald Trump’s second term. Sherrill prevailed in a crowded Democratic primary in which candidates vowed to bring down costs and stand up to the White House. Ciattarelli easily won the Republican nomination with Trump’s endorsement.

New Jersey – Rep. McIver Indicted on 3 Charges in Clash Outside ICE Detention Center

MSN – Perry Stein and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 6/10/2025

A federal grand jury indicted U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver over a confrontation with immigration authorities at a detention center in Newark. Prosecutors allege she assaulted two officers as they attempted to arrest Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. The unusual decision to bring charges against a member of Congress for a standoff in which no one was injured reflects the Justice Department’s pledge to prosecute officials who it thinks are hindering President Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts.

New York – Cuomo Super PAC Got $2.7 Million From Donors with Business Before the City

MSN – Greg Smith (The City) | Published: 6/9/2025

Under New York City laws that aim to curb the potential for or appearance of pay-to-play corruption, no one on the official list of companies and individuals doing or seeking business with the city can give more than $400 to a citywide candidate in any election cycle. But there is another option: so-called independent expenditure committees, New York’s version of super PACS, that allow wealthy players to spend unlimited amounts of money backing one candidate. This election cycle, the overwhelming beneficiary of such spending has been former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and those seeking to influence the vote in his favor in the mayor’s race.

New York – Trump Lawyers Ask Appeals Court to Move His Hush Money Case to Federal Court

MSN – Erica Orden (Politico) | Published: 6/11/2025

One year after his criminal conviction in the Manhattan election interference case, Donald Trump is still fighting to shed his felon status. The president’s personal lawyers appeared before a federal appeals court, urging a three-judge panel to transfer his state criminal case to federal court. Such a move would pave the way for him to eventually ask the U.S. Supreme Court to erase his criminal record by throwing out his conviction on presidential immunity grounds.

New York – A Powerful Bronx Politician Dines on Developers’ Double Donations

New York Focus – Chris Bragg | Published: 6/5/2025

As chair of the New York City Council’s Land Use Committee, Rafael Salamanca Jr. has the power to determine whether development projects move forward, and it has made him a magnet for campaign donations from the real estate industry. Salamanca, who is now running for Bronx borough president, has maintained a campaign committee for his city races. It is bound by strict contribution limits for individuals doing business with the city. Salamanca has opened a second campaign committee, one which funds his campaigns for an unpaid position in the Bronx Democratic Party, that is subject to much looser rules.

North Dakota – ND Ethics Commission Has No Authority to Punish Officials Violating Ethics Laws, State Leaders Argue

Yahoo News – Mary Steurer and Jacob Orledge (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 6/9/2025

State lawmakers shut down many requests from the North Dakota Ethics Commission during the recent legislative session, keeping the agency on a modest budget and rebuffing measures that would have given it more latitude in its investigations. North Dakota was one of the last states to establish an ethics agency and it has struggled to fulfill its mission. The ballot measure that created the commission left some ambiguity about its role and whether the commission can enforce ethics laws, leading to ongoing disagreements about how it operates.

Ohio – Ohio Senate GOP Budget Bill Would Loosen State’s Ban on Political Spending by Corporations, Unions

MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 6/5/2025

Language tucked into Ohio Senate Republicans’ new budget plan would eliminate the state’s ban on corporations and labor unions making independent expenditures for or against candidates, as well as end contribution limits to independent dark-money groups. At the same time, the budget bill would also impose new limits on donations to ballot-issue campaigns, which Democrats have used during the past few years to pass liberal policies despite GOP dominance over state government.

Oregon – Oregon Bill Would Make Big Tech Pay for Local News

Courthouse News Service – Monique Merrill | Published: 6/11/2025

For years, big tech companies have profited from ad revenue generated from news content, and Oregon may become the first state in the country with a law handing some of that profit back to newsrooms if lawmakers can push it through before the end of the legislative session. Senate Bill 686 would require tech giants like Google and Facebook to pay for access to local journalism. The bill would also create the Oregon Civic Information Consortium, housed at the University of Oregon, to award grants for civic information initiatives.

Rhode Island – Should Nonprofits Have to Disclose Their Top Salaries to Get State Money? These Bills Say So.

USA Today – Katherine Gregg (Providence Journal) | Published: 6/4/2025

Rhode Island lawmakers in the House and Senate have passed bills requiring nonprofits receiving over $50,000 in state funds to disclose top executive salaries and benefits. Supporters argue this measure increases transparency and accountability, while opponents cite increased administrative burdens and privacy concerns. Some opponents suggest the focus should be on the grant process itself, rather than the organizations receiving funds.

Rhode Island – Ethics Panel Says R.I. Senate President Valarie Lawson Can Lead Chamber Despite Union Day Job

Yahoo News – Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 6/10/2020

The state’s ethics code does not explicitly prevent Senate President Valarie Lawson from leading the chamber while also heading one of the state teachers unions. That is why the Rhode Island Ethics Commission saw no conflict for Lawson to continue both jobs. The opinion offers several caveats, noting its recommendation cannot be tailored to any specific legislation, since Lawson’s request did not reference any bills being considered or discussed.

Texas – Texas Bill That Could Impact Ethics Cases Involving Houston-Area Politicians on Verge of Becoming Law

Houston Public Media – Natalie Weber | Published: 6/5/2025

A bill awaiting the governor’s signature could reverse the effects of a court ruling that requires prosecutors to seek permission from the Texas Ethics Commission before bringing criminal charges against politicians accused of certain violations. Senate Bill 1220 would effectively undercut this ruling.