March 13, 2026 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 13, 2026
National/Federal
Government Executive – Natalie Alms | Published: 3/10/2026
The Justice Department issued an opinion authorizing the Trump administration’s plan to allow employees from tech companies to work for the federal government while remaining employed by their companies and keeping their not-yet-vested company stocks. The administration will be onboarding managers from twenty-plus companies as part of its U.S. Tech Force program, launched last year to recruit early-career engineers after the administration pushed over 20,000 technologists out of their government posts last year.
Trump DOJ Seeks Control Over Search of Washington Post Reporter’s Devices
MSN – Jordan Rubin | Published: 3/11/2026
The Justice Department escalated its bid to search a Washington Post reporter’s electronic devices, seeking to overturn a magistrate judge’s order that the court, not the government, lead the initial review. The department obtained a search warrant for reporter Hannah Natanson’s devices as part of an investigation into Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones, who was charged with unlawfully retaining national defense information. The government said he gave Natanson top secret and other classified information that later appeared in her published articles.
Police Say Jan. 6 Plaque Is Unlawfully Hidden from Public at U.S. Capitol
MSN – Olivia George (Washington Post) | Published: 3/11/2026
Police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, asked a federal judge to allow their lawsuit over the long-delayed installation of a plaque honoring their service to continue, days after The Washington Post revealed it was quietly hung at the end of a hallway in the middle of the night. Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn and District of Columbia police officer Daniel Hodges, who sued last summer after Congress blew past its own installation deadline, argue the placement of the plaque continues to violate federal law.
Trump Sons Back New Drone Company Targeting Pentagon Sales
MSN – Heather Somerville (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 3/8/2026
Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. are backing a new drone company, Powerus, that is vying to meet fresh demand from the Pentagon and fill a hole left by the administration’s ban on new Chinese drones in the U.S. The deal brings deeper involvement by the Trump family into a multibillion-dollar sector that has new opportunities for growth following changes imposed by the Trump administration.
Pentagon Bars Press Photographers Over ‘Unflattering’ Hegseth Photos
MSN – Scott Nover (Washington Post) | Published: 3/11/2026
The Defense Department barred press photographers from briefings on the ongoing military conflict with Iran after they published photos of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that his staff deemed “unflattering,” according to sources. Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has sparred with the press since being confirmed. In October, hundreds of Pentagon reporters turned in their credentials and dozens walked out of the building after refusing to sign a policy prohibiting journalists from soliciting any information the government did not authorize.
In Trump’s Washington, Congress Has Little Power Left
MSN – Liz Goodwin (Washington Post) | Published: 3/10/2026
Donald Trump’s second presidency has marked a major advance in the expansion of executive power at the expense of the legislative branch, an acceleration the president has not been shy about pursuing. That has raised concerns for some politicians, especially those who have left office, about maintaining the balance of powers seen as central to American democracy.
Smartmatic Says It’s Being Targeted by Justice Dept. to Bolster False 2020 Claims
MSN – Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 3/10/2026
A voting machine company at the heart of President Trump’s conspiracy theories about the 2020 election accused the Justice Department of bringing a criminal case against it to further his administration’s baseless claims about that vote. The parent company of Smartmatic asked a federal judge to dismiss foreign bribery charges filed against it last year, alleging they amounted to little more than a vindictive and selective prosecution. The company also contends that Fox News and others it sued for defamation for statements about the firm’s voting machines are exploiting the criminal case.
Justice Department Publishes Documents with Sexual Assault Allegations Against Trump
MSN – Erica Orden (Politico) | Published: 3/6/2026
The Justice Department posted a trio of FBI interviews with a woman who alleged Donald Trump sexually assaulted her when she was a young teenager after she was introduced to him by Jeffrey Epstein. The files come as Democrats are investigating whether the department purposefully withheld materials that included sexual assault allegations against Trump. The president has denied wrongdoing in relation to the Epstein allegations and has not been charged with a crime in connection with them.
Rep. Gonzales Drops Reelection Bid After Admitting to Affair with Aide
MSN – Amy Wang and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) | Published: 3/6/2026
U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales dropped his bid for reelection after acknowledging he had an affair with a staff member who later set herself on fire and died. House Republican leaders had called on Gonzales to resign over the scandal. Under House rules, lawmakers are not permitted to engage in sexual relationships with staff members.
Judge Rules Kari Lake Unlawfully Ran U.S. Media Agency, Voiding Layoffs
MSN – Scott Nover (Washington Post) | Published: 3/7/2026
A federal judge ruled Kari Lake has unlawfully served as chief executive of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and nullified many actions she has taken in the role, including mass layoffs of staff. The decision is the latest in a string of legal defeats to the Trump administration’s year-long effort to dismantle USAGM, the federal agency that in addition to Voice of America oversees other U.S.-funded international broadcasters including Radio Free Asia.
The Next Redistricting Battle Might Be Who Is Counted in State Legislative Districts
NPR – Hansi Lo Wang | Published: 3/9/2026
A potential front in the redistricting war could involve which citizens counted for state legislative districts. For decades, mapmakers have drawn the districts that state lawmakers represent based on the total number of people living in an area. But Republican officials in some states have called for using a narrower population: only “eligible voters.” Such a change would likely lead to a transfer of political influence away from urban areas that are younger and more racially diverse, and toward rural areas that are older and whiter.
Millions in the Mailbox: Why both political parties are still spending big on traditional mail
OpenSecrets – Emma Sullivan | Published: 3/8/2026
National party committees spent tens of millions of dollars on printing and mailing, much of which went to direct mail, during the 2024 election cycle, even as campaigns increasingly relied on digital tools to expand fundraising and voter outreach. Some campaign strategists say direct mail remains an effective way to reach and mobilize voters who may be less responsive to digital outreach. Along with newer tools, direct mail plays a distinct role in campaigns’ broader outreach strategies, particularly when targeting certain voter demographics.
ProPublica – Corey Johnson, Brandon Roberts, and Al Shaw | Published: 3/5/2026
On the first day of his second term, President Trump rescinded an executive order required his appointees to comply with an ethics pledge. The pledge barred them from working on issues related to their former lobbying topics or clients for two years. Weeks later, Trump fired 17 inspectors general across the federal government. He removed the head of the Office of Government Ethics. Against that backdrop, ProPublica used disclosure records to investigate how personal financial interests have intersected with government decision-making inside the Trump administration.
Bulletproof Vests and Rolex Watches: The rise and fall of Kristi Noem
Seattle Times – Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Hamed Aleaziz (New York Times) | Published: 3/6/2026
The display of a Rolex at a notorious prison in El Salvador. A self-promotional advertising campaign for mass deportations. The lingering story of the killing of her dog. Kristi Noem never appeared able, or particularly keen, to step out of the spotlight during her time leading the Department of Homeland Security. But even for a White House familiar with political crises, Noem’s streak of controversies, handling of government funding and flair for theatrics might have proved too much for President Trump.
From St. Petersburg to Philly, Fraud Claims Piled Up Against Political Consultant
Yahoo News – Anna Orso (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 3/5/2026
Chris Rabb, a congressional candidate from Philadelphia, is one of many people who say Yolanda Brown owes him money. But none of them have been able to find her and the allegations of impropriety against the political consultant are piling up. Brown, a Florida-based finance manager and campaign consultant who works primarily with Democrats and social justice groups, has over the last decade faced criminal charges for embezzlement and other allegations of financial fraud in at least four states totaling more than $500,000.
From the States and Municipalities
Alaska – Lawsuit Again Asks Alaska Election Officials to Change Language in RCV Repeal Ballot Measure
Yahoo News – Iris Samuels (Anchorage Daily News) | Published: 3/5/2026
A group working to repeal Alaska’s current voting system has sued state election officials, alleging language adopted by the state for a repeal ballot measure is not “true” and “impartial” as required under state law. It is the second lawsuit filed this year challenging the wording of the ballot measure. Repeal Now is seeking to undo laws enacted through a 2020 ballot initiative that implemented nonpartisan open primaries, ranked choice general elections, and new campaign finance reporting requirements.
Arizona – FBI Obtains Voting Data from Arizona GOP’s 2020 Review That Confirmed Trump’s Loss
MSN – Isaac Arnsdorf, Perry Stein, and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 3/9/2026
A federal grand jury in Arizona subpoenaed records from a review Republican lawmakers conducted of the 2020 presidential results and that confirmed President Trump lost. The subpoena opened a new front in the Trump administration’s expanding hunt for evidence that has never surfaced to support the president’s claims of widespread fraud. The law enforcement steps have alarmed election officials and Democrats who fear the administration is building an argument for interfering in this year’s midterm elections.
California – Andrew Do’s Corruption Went Far Beyond What Was Previously Known, Audit Finds
MSN – Nick Gerda (LAist) | Published: 3/10/2026
A forensic audit released by Orange County found ex-Supervisor Andrew Do and his top aide had a longstanding pattern of misspending public money far beyond the scandal that led to federal corruption charges and landed Do in prison. The report was the first phase of an audit the Board of Supervisors commissioned last fall into county contracts in the wake of LAist’s investigation of the Do meal money scheme and his corruption conviction.
District of Columbia – Ed Martin Faces Disciplinary Proceedings Over Actions as D.C. U.S. Attorney
MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 3/10/2026
Senior Justice Department official and Trump ally Ed Martin is facing disciplinary proceedings over a letter he sent to Georgetown University’s law school asserting his then-office would not hire anyone affiliated with Georgetown because of its apparent diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. The District of Columbia Disciplinary Counsel filed a complaint that details Martin’s unusual communications with then-law school dean William Treanor. In his letter to Treanor, Martin questioned whether Georgetown was using DEI practices and, if so, demanded the school change its curriculum.
Florida – Miami-Dade Candidate Charged with Many Campaign Violations Could Catch a Break
MSN – Grethel Aguila (Miami Herald) | Published: 3/11/2026
The criminal charges against a failed Miami-Dade County Commission candidate accused of a slew of campaign finance violations might be significantly reduced, a judge said. Sophia Lacayo was charged in 2023 with 21 felonies and misdemeanors stemming from alleged violations of the law. During a hearing, Lacayo’s attorney and prosecutors sparred over conflicting interpretations of the statute used to charge her.
Georgia – Bill Requires Candidates to Raise at Least Half Their Money Within Georgia
Capitol Beat – Mark Niesse | Published: 3/6/2026
The Georgia Senate passed a bill that bans candidates from raising more than half of their campaign money from outside of the state, a limitation that Democrats said inhibits their fundraising in nationalized elections. If the bill passes the state House and is signed by Gov. Brian Kemp, violations could be prosecuted as felonies with punishments up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Hawaii – Audit: Sylvia Luke’s campaign missed thousands in donations
Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 3/9/2026
Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke’s campaign failed to report more than $7,800 worth of campaign contributions during the first six months of 2022, according to an audit of her campaign funds. The audit does not mention the $10,000 in checks Luke initially accepted from lobbyist Tobi Solidum and his stepdaughter during a dinner meeting with former Rep. Ty Cullen in January 2022. The campaign later reported returning those checks to Solidum and Kristen Pae but the donations were not recorded until the media asked about them in February.
Idaho – House Ethics Proceedings Would Be Secret Under New Bill
Boise State Public Radio – James Dawson | Published: 3/9/2026
Ethics proceedings in the Idaho House would no longer be open to the public under a new bill. The proposal would keep all ethics proceedings secret. That is unless the committee finds a member has violated the law, did not disclose conflicts-of-interest, or their conduct was unbecoming of a legislator.
Michigan – ‘No Correlation:’ Michigan lawmaker advances alcohol bills after $4.5K trip paid by industry
MLive – Danielle James | Published: 3/7/2026
State Rep. Joseph Aragona wants to increase the alcohol percentage allowed in Michigan’s canned mixed drinks. He introduced a bill to do so just months after a lobbying organization for alcohol wholesalers disclosed spending thousands on his travel expenses for a February 2025 conference. The same group has donated several thousand dollars more to Aragona’s reelection campaign over the past year.
Nebraska – Lincoln Police Now Investigating $2.5M No-Bid Contract Flagged by Nebraska Auditor
Yahoo News – Zach Wendling (Nebraska Examiner) | Published: 3/10/2026
The Lincoln Police Department is now investigating a $2.5 million no-bid emergency contract between the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and a contractor Gov. Jim Pillen recommended. State Auditor Mike Foley has said the deal “smacks of favoritism.” Part of Foley’s probe also questions actions by some top staff under Pillen’s direct control.
New Jersey – Trio Named to Replace Alina Habba as U.S. Attorney Is Also Serving Illegally, Judge Says
MSN – Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 3/9/2026
A federal judge upended the leadership of New Jersey’s U.S. attorney’s office again, ruling for the second time in less than a year that the Trump administration had illegally sought to bypass Congress and install its own picks to head the prominent prosecutorial outpost. U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Brann decision escalates a battle that has been brewing across the country and among all three branches of government over who has the ultimate authority over U.S. attorney picks.
New York – Ethics Probe Finds State Agency Supervisor Accepted Cash, Luxury Handbag
MSN – Timothy Fanning (Albany Times Union) | Published: 3/9/2026
A supervisor at a state agency in the Capitol Region admitted taking more than $2,200 in cash and designer gifts, including money for a Louis Vuitton handbag, from a subordinate employee, according to state ethics investigators. Lolita Davis, a supervisor at the state Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, was demoted and suspended for 15 weeks without pay, resulting in $19,322 of lost pay.
North Carolina – Young NC Senator Is a Big Fundraiser. How a Lobbyist and His Wife Tie into That Success
MSN – Dan Kane (Raleigh News & Observer) | Published: 3/9/2026
For the 2024 election, North Carolina’s youngest Republican state senator pulled off a rare fundraising triumph for a lawmaker who had only served one full term. Sen. Dave Craven campaign attracted more than $1.3 million in contributions, more than any other lawmaker save for Senate leader Phil Berger. Craven gave away $784,800 to other Senate GOP candidates’ campaigns. A watchdog’s review of Craven’s campaign reports shows more than a fifth of the $1.3 million he raised has links to clients of one lobbyist – Kevin Wilkinson, a former congressional aide and state government official who began lobbying in 2020.
North Carolina – Republican NC Elections Board Member Resigns Over Prohibited Campaign Donations
Yahoo News – Kyle Ingram (Raleigh News & Observer) | Published: 3/5/2026
Bob Rucho, a member of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, announced his resignation after making what appear to be prohibited campaign contributions to two candidates running for election this year. Rucho donated roughly $1,200 to the reelection campaigns of Catawba County Sheriff Don Brown and Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell. State law prohibits election board members from donating to candidates.
Ohio – Prosecution Wraps Its Case in FirstEnergy Bribery Trial. What’s Next?
MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/5/2026
Prosecutors wrapped up their case in the bribery trial of former FirstEnergy Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones and top lobbyist Michael Dowling. Jones and Dowling are accused of paying $4.3 million to former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairperson Sam Randazzo in exchange for favorable regulatory actions worth more than $1 billion. Over five weeks, jurors heard from 24 witnesses, watched two video depositions, and reviewed extensive emails and text messages. Five former FirstEnergy employees testified under immunity.
Ohio – Defense: FirstEnergy execs backed rival to man they’re accused of bribing
MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/6/2026
Two former FirstEnergy executives accused of bribery launched their defense, arguing their preferred candidate to lead the state’s utility regulator was not the man they are accused of bribing. Jason Rafeld was the first witness to testify on behalf of former Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones and ex-top lobbyist Michael Dowling, who are accused of bribing the man who beat Rafeld out for the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio chairperson in 2019, Sam Randazzo.
MSN – Tyler Carey (WKYC) | Published: 3/10/2026
A Summit County Judge dismissed the money laundering charges against two former FirstEnergy executives who are currently on trial in connection with the Ohio House Bill 6 bribery scandal. After the state rested its case, Judge Susan Baker Ross acquitted Chuck Jones Michael Dowling of each of the four money laundering charges against them, declaring the evidence presented by the prosecution was “insufficient to sustain a conviction” on those specific accusations. Ross denied the defense’s motion to throw the entire case out.
Ohio – US Sen. Jon Husted Testifies Remotely in Ex-FirstEnergy Executives’ Corruption Trial
Yahoo News – Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) | Published: 3/11/2026
U.S. Sen. Jon Husted testified he was present at a 2018 dinner with Ohio’s then-Gov.-elect Mike DeWine and two former FirstEnergy executives who are accused of bribing a top utility regulator, whom DeWine appointed shortly thereafter. But Husted said he recalled little of what was discussed that night and he was not aware that former Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones and former lobbyist Michael Dowling planned to meet with DeWine’s ultimate choice to lead the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Sam Randazzo, right afterward.
MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 3/6/2026
After ignoring warnings from campaign finance reform advocates, Oregon lawmakers approved a variety of changes to a 2024 law that establishes limits on political contributions starting next year. If Gov. Tina Kotek signs the bill, the advocates say they will bring forward a ballot measure to pass a stronger version of Oregon’s campaign finance law. Two years ago, lawmakers only moved to set contribution limits after it became clear the same advocates would likely succeed in getting a campaign finance measure on the ballot.
MSN – Andrew Seidman and Joe Yerardi (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 3/4/2026
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s gubernatorial campaign raised at least $8.5 million last year from nearly 240 chief executive officers, founders, business owners, and other top executives. During his first three years in office, Shapiro sought to build a profile as a pragmatic, business-friendly governor. At the same time, the governor has proven adept at raising campaign money from people who have business interests before state government in Harrisburg. The practice could invite scrutiny for Shapiro in a White House run, particularly among voters and activists who are dismayed by the role of money in politics.
Pennsylvania – A Silicon Valley Firm Offered Gift Cards as Part of a Campaign to Defeat Pa. Regulation. Lawmakers Say That’s Unethical.
Spotlight PA – Stephen Caruso | Published: 3/4/2026
A home financing firm offered its customers Amazon gift cards if they submitted testimony to a Pennsylvania House committee ahead of a hearing on a bill the company opposed. The offer, made in a February email by Palo Alto-based company Point to its users, has upset the committee members, who argue it calls into question the firm’s argument. Lobbyists must disclose who pays them, said Rep. Arvind Venkat, and Point is not yet registered to lobby the General Assembly.
Tennessee – Tennessee Lawmakers Push Bill That Could Make Them, and Their Donors, Richer by Triggering CVS Closures
MSN – Robert Schmad (Washington Examiner) | Published: 3/10/2026
A bill working its way through the Tennessee Legislature could serve the interests of the pharmacy industry-linked lawmakers sponsoring it by reducing competition for them and their donors. Senate Bill 2040, according to CVS, would force it to close every pharmacy it maintains in the state. Some of the lawmakers pushing the bill own pharmacies that could potentially benefit from the resulting dearth of competition, whereas others supporting the law are funded by business interests that themselves could gain from knocking out the state’s CVS locations.
Virginia – Virginia Moves to Forbid Schools from Teaching That Jan. 6 Was Peaceful
MSN – Gregory Schneider and Lauren Lumpkin (Washington Post) | Published: 3/6/2026
Virginia lawmakers passed a bill that prohibits schools from teaching the Capitol insurrection was a peaceful demonstration or there was massive fraud in the 2020 presidential election, the first Democratic state to try to shape how such events are taught. It raises questions about how far government should go in dictating how historical events are portrayed, particularly in an era when even basic facts are increasingly treated as matters of partisan debate.
Virginia – Civil Rights Imagery in Anti-Redistricting Mailers Draws Outrage in Virginia
Yahoo News – Markus Schmidt (Virginia Mercury) | Published: 3/9/2026
A PAC opposing Virginia’s April 21 redistricting referendum is facing sharp criticism after sending mailers to voters that invoke imagery and language from the civil rights movement, a tactic voting rights advocates and state officials say distorts history and risks misleading voters. There appears to be little publicly available information online about a group called Justice for Democracy, the organization listed on the mailer disclaimer.
Washington – Judge Denies Restraining Order for Conservative Media Figures Who Sought Press Passes
Yahoo News – Martha Bellisle (Associated Press) | Published: 3/10/2026
State lawmakers in Washington were within their rights when they declined to issue press passes to three conservative media figures, a federal judge ruled in a case that echoes a national discussion over who qualifies as a journalist. The House said they were not bona fide journalists because they are participants in the political arena, advocating for certain agendas and hosting or speaking at rallies.
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