March 6, 2026 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 6, 2026
National/Federal
New York Woman Who Duped Investors and Funneled Money to Trump Fundraiser Gets 9 Years in Prison
MSN – Associated Press | Published: 2/27/2026
Sherry Xue Li was sentenced to nine years in federal prison over a financial scheme that ripped off more than $30 million from foreign investors and funneled some of the stolen money into U.S. political campaigns, including a fundraiser for President Trump. Li pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and conspiracy to defraud the U.S. by obstructing the FEC’s administration of campaign finance laws. Her co-defendant, Lianbo Wang, also pleaded guilty to similar charges and was sentenced to five years in prison.
DOJ Sues 5 More States for Access to Voter Rolls
MSN – Jacob Wendler (Politico) | Published: 2/26/2026
The Department of Justice filed suit against five additional states, demanding they share election data with the Trump administration amid its nationwide push for access to state voter rolls. With the latest wave of legal action, the department has now sued more than two dozen states as a part of its push for access to voter files. Most of those states are controlled by Democrats, although the latest spate of suits includes four states that supported Donald Trump in 2020 and 2024 The fifth state sued was New Jersey.
MSN – Katelyn Polantz (CNN) | Published: 3/3/2026
The Justice Department told four large law firms targeted by President Trump that its decision to withdraw from court fights with them is being reversed. The latest move appears to restart Trump’s attempts to try to block the firms from federal government access over their ties to Democrats. Trump had attempted to use the powers of the presidency to prevent the firms’ lawyers from accessing federal buildings, securing classified information, and meeting with federal agencies, all mainstays of Washington-based legal work. The firms challenged the executive orders and have so far won in court.
Trump Allies Claim Victory as the Ellisons Expand Their Media Empire
MSN – Will Oremus, Liam Scott, Cat Zakrzewski, and Scott Nover (Washington Post) | Published: 2/28/2026
Netflix’s withdrawal cleared the way for David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance to take the reins of CNN, whose coverage President Trump has labeled “fake news.” Among power players in politics and media, Paramount’s acquisition is widely viewed as a win for the right amid a broader push to rein in what many conservatives view as a liberal slant in the media and entertainment industries. In Washington, questions have swirled as to what role was played by a president who famously relishes dealmaking.
Trump, Seeking Executive Power Over Elections, Is Urged to Declare Emergency
MSN – Isaac Arnsdorf (Washington Post) | Published: 2/26/2026
Pro-Trump activists who say they are in coordination with the White House are circulating a draft executive order that claims China interfered in the 2020 election as a basis to declare a national emergency that would unlock extraordinary presidential power over voting. President Trump has repeatedly previewed a plan to mandate voter ID and ban mail ballots in November’s midterm elections, and the activists expect their draft will figure into Trump’s promised executive order on the issue.
Trump Justice Department Aims to Limit Ethics Probes into Its Lawyers
MSN – Andrew Goudsward (Reuters) | Published: 3/4/2026
The U.S. Justice Department is seeking to constrain ethics investigations conducted at the state level into alleged misconduct by its lawyers, according to a proposed rule that would shield prosecutors pursuing President Trump’s agenda. The proposal would give the U.S. attorney general the right to review misconduct allegations against current or former Justice Department attorneys and request that disciplinary authorities at the state level suspend their investigations.
Cornyn, Paxton Reach Runoff; Other Takeaways from Big Election Night
MSN – Teo Armus (Washington Post) | Published: 3/3/2026
The 2026 midterm election season kicked off with primaries in Arkansas, North Carolina, and Texas, featuring several high-profile contests that will set the tone for November as voters weigh in on President Trump’s second administration and Democrats debate their party’s direction. Republicans are defending a thin majority in the House, and they have tried to bolster their efforts by redrawing congressional maps in several GOP-controlled states. The elections put a spotlight on those new maps in Texas and North Carolina, where the party has targeted six Democratic-held seats and prompted some intraparty battles in the process.
Judge Restores Lawmakers’ Unfettered Access to ICE Detention Facilities
Yahoo News – Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 3/2/2026
The Department of Homeland Security may not bar members of Congress from making unannounced visits to Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities, a federal judge ruled, blocking a policy imposed in January. U.S. District Court Judge Jia Cobb ruled Noem’s policy was crafted with funds that Congress specifically said could not be used to impede lawmakers’ visits to detention facilities, even if those visits are not announced in advance.
Bill Clinton Says He ‘Did Nothing Wrong’ with Epstein as He Faces Grilling Over Their Relationship
Yahoo News – Stephen Groves (Associated Press) | Published: 2/27/2026
Former President Bill Clinton told members of Congress he “did nothing wrong” in his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and saw no signs of Epstein’s sexual abuse as he faced grilling from lawmakers over his connections to the disgraced financier from more than two decades ago. The closed-door deposition marks the first time a former president has been compelled to testify to Congress. It came a day after Clinton’s wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, sat with lawmakers for her own deposition.
Rep. Tony Gonzales, Forced into Runoff, Admits to Affair with Aide Who Died by Suicide
Yahoo News – Gabby Birenbaum (Texas Tribune) | Published: 3/4/2026
U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales admitted to having an affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, a staff member who later died by suicide, after initially denying the allegation. The San Antonio Express-News had published a screenshot of a text sent by Santos-Aviles to a fellow staffer in which she said she had an ‘affair with our boss.” Gonzales’ admission comes after he was forced into a primary runoff against Brandon Herrera, who has criticized Gonzales on both policy and personal fronts.
From the States and Municipalities
Arizona – Arizona Senate Passes Republican ‘Pay-to-Play’ Reform Bill, Not Hobbs’ Plan
KJZZ – Wayne Schutsky | Published: 3/3/2026
A bill designed to give the public more information about state contractors who also donate to political campaigns passed the Arizona Senate with just Republican support, despite bipartisan calls to reform the state’s procurement and campaign finance reporting laws. The legislation would require state contractors and companies bidding on state business to disclose “anything of value” they have given to a governor or related political efforts over the past five years.
California – Secret Payments, Win Bonuses Discussed for Angel Stadium Deal, Other Projects
Los Angeles Times – Gabriel San Roman | Published: 2/28/2026
Todd Ament, an Anaheim Chamber of Commerce leader, emailed a lobbyist confidant, Jeff Flint, and asked for a meeting to discuss more than $500,000 in payments from companies with proposed projects in Anaheim. A ledger with handwritten notes suggests the two men, who later emerged as central figures in a political corruption probe into a self-described “cabal” that ran Anaheim, met sometime after the email was sent to divvy up the money. The documents offer a glimpse into a shadowy world where lobbyists collect big bounties for influencing legislation or securing contracts for clients from local government agencies without full disclosure.
California – QAnon Darling, Perennial GOP L.A. Congressional Candidate Sentenced to 4 Years for Fraud
MSN – Cierra Morgan and Clara Harter (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 2/23/2026
A Republican who raised hundreds of thousands of dollars running unsuccessfully against U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters four times was sentenced to four years in federal prison for misusing campaign funds. Omar Navarro pleaded guilty to a single count of wire fraud for defrauding his own election campaign. The perennial candidate had raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years from prominent right-wing figures while promoting QAnon conspiracy theories but never cracked 25 percent of the vote.
California – These Public Documents Are Hidden from View. Two California Lawmakers Want to Change That
MSN – Ryan Sabalow (CalMatters) | Published: 3/3/2026
Two California lawmakers are trying to reveal legislative documents that are technically public records but are difficult for even the most seasoned Capitol insiders to access. The documents are letters registered lobbyists and advocacy groups send the Legislature to support or oppose bills. But having to separately request letters to legislative staff for each bill before lawmakers – more than 2,000 each year – is tedious and time-consuming. Each proposal can generate dozens of letters.
California – San Jose Mayor’s Social Media Use Faces Criticism
SFGate – Keith Menconi (San Jose Spotlight) | Published: 3/2/2026
Just weeks after announcing his run for governor, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan launched two new social media accounts on X and Instagram, each one designated as a city-backed account for official messaging. The move came amid City Hall grumbles about the mayor’s longstanding practice of using individual social media accounts for both city business and to promote his own personal brand. Such complaints have grown louder as Mahan’s personal channels have turned their focus more toward promoting his gubernatorial campaign.
KUNC – Taylor Dolven (Colorado Sun) | Published: 2/27/2026
Former state Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis was sentenced to two years of probation for her attempts to mislead the Colorado Senate Ethics Committee by fabricating letters of support during an investigation into her alleged mistreatment of Capitol aides. She will also have to complete 150 hours of public service and pay a $3,000 fine.
Colorado – Colorado Governor Signals Willingness to Release Tina Peters from Prison Amid Trump Pressure
Yahoo News – Colleen Slevin and Nicholas Riccardi (Associated Press) | Published: 3/4/2026
Colorado’s Democratic governor, facing a pressure campaign from President Trump, is signaling his openness to granting clemency to a former county clerk who was convicted in a scheme that attempted to find proof of fraud in the 2020 presidential election. A social media post by Gov. Jared Polis brought swift rebuke from the state’s attorney general, secretary of state, and the association representing local election officials, who said such an action would send the wrong message to anyone seeking to interfere with elections ahead of this year’s midterms.
Illinois – Aurora Mayor John Laesch’s Proposed Ethics Reform Package Heads to a City Council Vote
Yahoo News – R. Christian Smith (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 3/4/2026
Aurora Mayor John Laesch’s promised campaign ethics reform package heads to a final City Council vote soon, but several aldermen have expressed concerns with it. The proposed regulations would prevent those who are doing business with the city or seeking a contract from donating more than $1,500 per year to candidates running for city office. It would also expand economic interest disclosures required of candidates and elected officials.
Kentucky – State Republicans Look to Reshape Louisville’s Ethics Commission
Louisville Public Media – Roberto Roldan | Published: 3/2/2026
A proposal currently before the Kentucky House would dissolve Louisville’s Ethics Commission at the end of this year, replacing all its members. House Bill 607 would require that the commission be evenly split between the two parties. One person would have to be a registered Independent or a member of a third party.
Maryland – Maryland Delegate’s Campaign Spending on Travel, Dining, and Resort Raises Legal Questions
WBFF – Gary Collins (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 3/3/2026
A review of campaign finance filings shows that first-term Del. Gary Simmons spent nearly all the money his campaign committee raised in 2025. That includes thousands of dollars on meals, out-of-state travel, and a casino. The reported expenditures raise questions about whether certain expenses complied with Maryland campaign finance law, which prohibits the personal use of donor funds.
Michigan – Up North Resort Ownership Poses More Oakland County Ethics Questions
Blue Water Healthy Living – Dave Boucher (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 2/27/2026
Royal Oak, Michigan is about 200 miles south of the Blue Haven Beach Resort on Lake Huron. But the owners of the resort are very familiar with Royal Oak and Oakland County. The owners and their families are some of that area’s most prominent elected officials. The Up North spot and the people behind it are another example of possible ethical issues in Oakland County, where relationships, investments, and votes on public deals are under scrutiny.
Mississippi – DraftKings and Entergy Spent Over $100K on a Super Bowl Weekend for Two Mississippi Politicians, Staffers and Spouses
Mississippi Today – Michael Goldberg and Taylor Vance | Published: 3/3/2026
Sports gambling giant DraftKings and energy company Entergy spent a combined $107,398 on a 2025 Super Bowl weekend for Speaker Jason White, House Public Utilities Committee Chairperson Brent Powell, White’s staff, and a couple of their spouses. The spending was only recently made public in official lobbying reports because of Mississippi’s weak reporting requirements. In 2025, days after House lawmakers voted to legalize online betting for the second time, the speaker’s staffers enjoyed the hospitality of DraftKings at its Super Bowl festivities.
Missouri – Missouri Bill Targets ‘Date Rape’ Drugs After Lawmaker Suspects She Was Drugged
Yahoo News – Jason Hancock (Missouri Independent) | Published: 3/3/2026
When state Rep. Elizabeth Fuchs first arrived in Jefferson City as a lobbyist, a woman who had been around the Capitol longer offered advice that sounded absurd for a statehouse job. Do not drink from the “special refrigerator” in someone’s office. Do not go for one-on-one drinks after hours. Do not accept an open beverage you did not see poured. Fuchs followed the rules and then won a seat in the House. During her first session last year, she broke one rule: she took a drink from someone she did not know well. After that, her memory collapses into gaps.
New Mexico – Miyagishima Says Secretary of State Guidance Led to $125K in Excess Campaign Contributions
New Mexico In Depth – Azure Mitchell | Published: 2/27/2026
Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima’s campaign for governor exceeded New Mexico’s contribution limits by more than $125,000 of in-kind support last year. He hopes to get on the fall ballot as an independent. Miyagishima said he received guidance from a staff member of the secretary of state that made him believe the amounts were allowed. In-kind contributions are goods or services provided to a candidate, rather than monetary donations.
New York – Election Officials Say Senate Candidate Defrauded State of Over $200,000
MSN – Emilie Munson (Albany Times Union) | Published: 2/26/2026
Former state Senate candidate Caleb Slater allegedly defrauded the state of more than $200,000 in a fundraising scheme during his 2024 campaign, a probe by the New York Public Campaign Finance Board concluded. A media investigation revealed Slater allegedly paid homeless people and other individuals to make donations to his campaign in exchange for prepaid cash gift cards. Slater then reported those contributions to collect generous matching funds from the state for his campaign.
Yahoo News – John Fritze (CNN) | Published: 3/2/2026
The U.S. Supreme Court approved an emergency appeal from a Republican member of Congress from New York who asked the justices to block a state court ruling that ordered her Staten Island-based district to be redrawn ahead of the midterm election. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis and state GOP election officials had urged the Supreme Court to allow New York’s current map to be used, an outcome that will benefit Republicans in the midterm amid a flurry of mid-decade redistricting in other parts of the country.
Ohio – A Dead Man’s Actions Take Center Stage in FirstEnergy Bribery Trial
MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/2/2026
Two former FirstEnergy executives have spent weeks in court facing corruption accusations. Yet much of the conversation has focused on Sam Randazzo. His death has cast a wide shadow over the trial of the company’s ex-Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones and ex-lobbyist Michael Dowling, who are accused of bribing Randazzo, a former state utility regulator. For more than a month, prosecutors and defense attorneys have sparred over Randazzo’s motivations, decisions, and his relationship with FirstEnergy.
Ohio – US Sen. Jon Husted Expected to Testify in FirstEnergy Bribery Trial, Defense Attorney Says
MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/4/2026
U.S. Sen. Jon Husted is expected to testify in the bribery trial of two former FirstEnergy executives accused of bribing a former state regulator. Husted’s potential testimony has long been a matter of speculation. He was Ohio’s incoming lieutenant governor at the time that prosecutors say Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling bribed Sam Randazzo, the pick of Husted and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to chair the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. The commission regulates utilities such as FirstEnergy.
Ohio – Longtime FirstEnergy Lobbyist Accused of Paying a $4.3 Million Bribe Speaks Out for the First Time
Signal Ohio – Jake Zuckerman | Published: 3/2/2026
“It’s greased.” That is how Mike Dowling, the former senior vice president of external affairs of FirstEnergy, described a complex amendment to pending legislation worth tens of millions per year to the company in a text message to the utility’s then-chief executive officer. Not long after, Ohio lawmakers rolled the amendment into House Bill 6, which also included a $1.3 billion bailout for nuclear plants owned by FirstEnergy Solutions, and sent it to Gov. Mike DeWine who signed it into law. Dowling’s deposition on the matter was shown to jurors in his corruption trial.
Ohio – An Ohio Newspaper Has a New Star Writer. It Isn’t Human.
Yahoo News – Will Oremus and Scott Nover (Washington Post) | Published: 3/1/2026
The Plain Dealer, Cleveland’s largest newspaper, has begun to feature a new byline. On recent articles about an ice carving festival, a medical research discovery, and a roaming pack of chicken-slaying dogs, a reporter’s name is paired with the words “Advance Local Express Desk.” It means this article was drafted by artificial intelligence (AI). As once-robust metropolitan newspapers across the country lay off reporters, shutter bureaus, and scale back ambitions, the Plain Dealer is at the forefront of an industry-wide push to reimagine journalism for the AI age.
Oklahoma – Oklahoma Ethics Board Launches Temporary Portal for Local Campaign Finance Reporting
Yahoo News – Emma Murphy (Oklahoma Watch) | Published: 3/3/2026
Oklahoma’s local election candidates can now comply with a new state campaign finance law by using a temporary electronic filing system. Oklahoma Ethics Commission officials said candidates filing for local elections will ultimately be integrated into the existing Guardian system in the coming months once upgrades are completed, but for now they can file electronically using a temporary portal.
Oklahoma – Bill to Delay Ex-Lawmakers from Becoming Lobbyists Fails Committee Vote
Yahoo News – Spencer Humphrey (KFOR) | Published: 2/25/2026
A bill that would have required former Oklahoma lawmakers to wait several years before returning to the Capitol as lobbyists failed in committee, with concerns centering on the First Amendment rights of former legislators and the groups who may want them as lobbyists. The bill’s author argues the vote shows lawmakers are beholden to special interests.
MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 3/4/2026
Oregon lawmakers are moving to revise the state’s landmark 2024 campaign finance law, even as significant confusion remains about which changes are necessary and good government advocates continue to say a proposed bill would weaken the law. Several lawmakers have acknowledged House Bill 4018 is not perfect. But with key provisions of the law set to go into effect in January, they say they are running out of time to provide the secretary of state’s office the funding and guidance needed to avoid a disastrous rollout.
Oregon – Oregon House Speaker Reprimands Republican Gubernatorial Candidate for Fundraising During Session
Yahoo News – Shaanth Nanguneri (Oregon Capital Chronicle) | Published: 2/27/2026
Oregon House Speaker Julie Fahey chided the chamber’s sole gubernatorial candidate, state Rep. Ed Diehl, for violating self-imposed House rules by collecting campaign donations during this year’s short legislative session. In a letter of correction sent to Diehl, Fahey urged him to return the money and refrain from accepting further contributions during the session, which must end by March 8.
Rhode Island – Ethics Panel Sets Hearing Date as Supervisor During Infamous Philly Trip Fights to Clear His Name
Yahoo News – Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 3/2/2026
A quasi-judicial public hearing before the Rhode Island Ethics Commission will put former Director of Administration James Thorson on trial for his behavior during a now-infamous state business trip to Philadelphia. Thorsen and David Patten, former state properties director, toured a site to see the work of Scout Ltd., a design firm awarded a state contract to redevelop the Cranston Street Armory in Providence. A state investigation found “probable cause” for ethical misconduct by Thorsen on the trip. Thorsen is seeking to clear his name and using a rarely invoked option to contest the findings of ethics investigators.
South Carolina – New Bill Aims to Eliminate Statute of Limitations for Prosecuting Illegal Lobbying
WOLO – Lee Williams | Published: 2/26/2026
A new bill making its way through the state Legislature would get rid of the current four-year statute of limitations for prosecuting illegal lobbying. “If misconduct is uncovered five years from now or 10 years from now, the people of South Carolina still deserve justice …,” said House Bill 5247’s sponsor, Rep. Joe White.
South Dakota – Some Ethics Documents Meant to Reveal State Board Members’ Conflicts Are Missing
Yahoo News – Joshua Haiar (South Dakota Searchlight) | Published: 2/27/2026
Nearly half of the financial disclosure documents for South Dakota gubernatorial appointees requiring state Senate approval were not available on the secretary of state’s website, sparking contradictory claims from state offices. When South Dakota’s governor makes a board or commission appointment that requires Senate approval, the appointee is legally obligated to file a financial disclosure document that can be scrutinized for conflicts-of-interest.
Tennessee – Cothren Sent $80,000 Fine for ‘Strawwoman’ PAC
Nashville Scene – Eli Motycka | Published: 3/4/2026
Tennessee campaign finance officials levied an $80,000 fine against former top Republican aide Cade Cothren for obscuring his involvement in the Faith Family Freedom PAC during the 2020 election cycle. State proceedings were delayed due to a federal trial related to Cothren’s involvement in another campaign finance violation. Cothren faced prison time for the scandal before receiving a pardon from President Trump in November.
Tennessee – Conflict of Interest? Lobbying Firm on Metro Schools Payroll Never Revealed Its Work for Major Vendor
WTVF – Phil Williams | Published: 3/3/2026
A high-powered Nashville lobbying firm now admits that while it was getting paid to advise Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), it was also secretly working for a longtime MNPS vendor that was vying for a multimillion-dollar contract. MNPS says the Ingram Group should have revealed the relationship, but the firm insists there was nothing to disclose since the person working on both contracts, former MNPS official Hank Clay, kept the clients separate.
Virginia – Virginia Court Allows a Referendum on Democratic-Led Redistricting That Could Flip 4 US House Seats
Yahoo News – Olivia Diaz (Associated Press) | Published: 3/4/2026
For the second time, Virginia’s Supreme Court ruled voters can cast ballots on a Democratic-led congressional redistricting plan that could help the party win four more U.S. House seats, as the justices review legal challenges to the effort. The court ruled a statewide referendum can be held on April 21 on whether to authorize mid-decade redistricting, upending a temporary restraining order put in place by a Tazewell County judge.
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