National/Federal

Auction to Dine with Trump Creates Foreign Influence Opportunity

DNyuz – Eric Lipton and David Yaffe-Bellany (New York Times) | Published: 5/12/2025

The sale of face-to-face access to President Trump using the Trump family’s own cryptocurrency has done more than benefit him financially. Trump announced in April that leading buyers of a digital coin his family is marketing would be rewarded with a private dinner with him at one of his golf courses and the very top bidders would win a tour of the White House. The auction has drawn bipartisan criticism, triggered a suspicious trading pattern, and left a sitting president open to attempts to corruptly influence him.

White South Africans Arrive at Dulles as Refugees Under Trump Order

MSN – Teo Armus and Emily Wax-Thibodeaux (Washington Post) | Published: 5/12/2025

A group of nearly 50 White South Africans landed at Dulles International Airport as refugees, coming to the United States under a humanitarian designation meant for people fleeing war or persecution that the Trump administration has suspended for all other groups worldwide. President Trump has said the Afrikaners, a minority group descended from Dutch settlers in South Africa, are facing racial discrimination due to a land redistribution law in that country that seeks to correct an imbalance in property ownership stemming from four decades of apartheid rule.

DNC Panel Finds Hogg and Another Official Weren’t Properly Elected to Leadership

MSN – Dylan Wells and Patrick Svitek (Washington Post) | Published: 5/12/2025

A Democratic National Committee (DNC) panel found David Hogg and another vice chair were not properly elected this year, setting off a process that could lead to Hogg’s ouster amid backlash to his plans to support primary challengers to House Democrats. The Credentials Committee’s recommendation will get a vote from the full DNC membership. If approved, the two vice chair elections will be invalidated, and new elections will be held as soon as practicable.

Trump Taps Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as Acting Head of Library of Congress

MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 5/12/2025

Uncertainty gripped the Library of Congress as the White House moved to assert more control over the legislative branch agency, naming Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as its acting head. It comes after President Trump fired longtime Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, followed by U.S. Copyright Office chief Shira Perlmutter. Some critics argued Blanche should not pull double duty at a legislative branch agency, while others said it opened up complicated legal questions.

House Republicans Look to Help Trump Strip Tax-Exempt Status of Nonprofits He Says Support Terrorism

MSN – Alexa St. John and Matthew Daly (Associated Press) | Published: 5/13/2025

A proposal by Republicans in Congress would allow President Trump’s administration to remove the tax-exempt status of nonprofits it says support terrorism, creating what some nonprofits say is an arbitrary standard to financially punish charities that advocate for issues that do not align with his agenda. Though past presidents have tried to influence and direct the IRS, presidents cannot order the agency to conduct tax investigations. The IRS can examine an organization’s tax-exempt status and can rescind it if it is not operating for charitable purposes as required. Still, the agency’s independence under Trump is in question.

House Ethics Watchdog Now Open for Business

MSN – Hailey Fuchs (Politico) | Published: 5/13/2025

The House’s outside ethics watchdog will soon be able to begin investigating lawmakers after the longest period of dormancy in its 17-year history. The Office of Congressional Conduct, which vets misconduct allegations against lawmakers then sends findings to the House Ethics Committee, which can recommend potential formal action, has been effectively shuttered since the start of the 119th Congress as it awaited the appointment of board members.

They Stormed the Capitol. Now They’re Selling Merch.

MSN – Ellie Silverman and Drew Harwell (Washington Post) | Published: 5/14/2025

Absolved by President Trump’s sweeping pardons and feeling vindicated by his reelection, rioters who once lay low in the aftermath of the attack on the Capitol or otherwise felt unwelcome on mainstream platforms are taking on new identities as online influencers. The Washington Post identified more than four dozen who now promote themselves online as “J6ers” and have worked to profit from their connection to the day’s chaos, recording podcasts, announcing runs for public office, and advertising merchandise lines.

Musk Adviser May Make as Much as $1 Million a Year While Helping to Dismantle Agency that Regulates Tesla and X

MSN – Jake Pearson (ProPublica) | Published: 5/14/2025

One of Elon Musk’s employees is earning between $100,001 and $1 million annually as a political adviser to Musk while simultaneously helping to dismantle the federal agency that regulates two of Musk’s biggest companies. Ethics experts said Christopher Young’s dual role working for a Musk company as well as the Department of Government Efficiency likely violates federal conflict-of-interest regulations. Musk has publicly called for the elimination of the agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, arguing it is “duplicative.”

Supreme Court Grapples with Nationwide Orders Blocking Birthright Citizenship Ban

MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 5/15/2025

The Supreme Court appeared divided about whether to scale back nationwide orders that have blocked President Trump’s ban on birthright citizenship, in a case with implications for judicial power and what it means to be an American. After more than two hours of oral argument, it was unclear how the high court would resolve the issue, with liberal justices asserting that Trump’s order to deny automatic citizenship for U.S.-born babies is at odds with more than a hundred years of Supreme Court precedent.

Trump Administration in Talks with Qatar Over Plane Gift

MSN – Karen DeYoung, Natalie Allison, and Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 5/11/2025

Qatar is discussing donating an aircraft to the U.S. government for President Trump to use temporarily, but no final agreement has been reached, according to Qatar’s media attaché to the United States. While the deal is not final, ethics experts are raising concerns about the possible donation from a foreign government, which they say would be unconstitutional, violating the emoluments clause, which forbids U.S. officials from accepting gifts or other things of value from foreign officials without congressional approval.

Fake Pizza Orders Sent to Judges Seen as Threat to Judicial Safety

MSN – Derek Hawkins (Washington Post) | Published: 5/11/2025

Federal judges say unsolicited pizza deliveries to jurists’ homes that began in February may number in the hundreds across at least seven states, prompting increased security concerns. Many of the deliveries have gone to judges presiding over lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s policies. The U.S. Marshals Service has been tracking the deliveries, and judges have been sharing details about their experiences in hopes of finding out more about what they call an ongoing attempt at intimidating the judiciary.

From Trump Whisperer to West Wing Pariah: How lobbyist Brian Ballard angered Trump

Yahoo News – Rachael Bade and Caitlin Oprysko (Politico) | Published: 5/8/2025

Since Donald Trump’s return to Washington, Brian Ballard has established a reputation as perhaps the go-to lobbyist in town. Stories about his firm often note he once employed White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and Attorney General Pam Bondi. Ballard’s firm hauled in $14 million during the first three months of 2025, more than triple its lobbying revenues from the same time a year ago. But there is a chasm between Ballard’s reputation and how he is currently perceived in the West Wing.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – B.C. Loosens Lobbying Rules, Reducing Transparency Requirements

Business in Vancouver – Stefan Labbé | Published: 5/14/2025

The British Columbia government is set to loosen a law that requires lobbyists to report how they are attempting to influence elected officials. The Lobbyists Transparency Act requires those engaged in lobbying to register their activities and report how they intend to influence government decision-making. The government passed amendments to weaken those requirements in a move that officials say will benefit smaller organizations like non-profits.

Alabama – Federal Court Strikes Down Alabama’s Version of Congressional Map

MSN – Michael Macagnone (Roll Call) | Published: 5/8/2025

A federal court ruling in Alabama could mean another new congressional map for the state, as a panel of federal judges found the version the state drew in 2023 violated the Voting Rights Act because it diluted the political voice of Black voters. The panel said it was “not a close call” to require the state to have a map with more representation for Black voters than the 2023 plan. The state is currently using a court-mandated map drawn after a preliminary ruling against the state’s 2023 version, and the most decision opened the door for Alabama to have yet another map going forward, its third since the 2020 census.

Arizona – In Taking Up ‘Dark Money’ Disclosure Law, AZ Supreme Court Could Reshape Free Speech Standards

Arizona Mirror – Jim Small | Published: 5/7/2025

The Arizona Supreme Court will decide whether a ballot measure that voters approved to require disclosure of most anonymous campaign spending is constitutional. The case centers on the Voters Right to Know Act, which requires any person or organization making campaign media expenditures of more than $50,000 on a statewide election or $25,000 on local elections to disclose the original source of any contributions totaling more than $5,000.

Arizona – This AZ Dem Paid Fiancé $48K in Public Funds, Handed Over ‘Woefully Inadequate’ Receipts

Arizona Republic – Ray Stern | Published: 5/9/2025

A state lawmaker and a former Arizona House candidate used money from public campaign funds last year to pay her fiancé́, a political consultant. State officials now want to know how the money was spent. Rep. Anna Abeytia and Hector Jaramillo, who ran unsuccessfully in the 2024 Democratic primary, said they expect to be vindicated by financial records they should have turned in earlier. For now, both candidates face the possibility of fines and repayment of the money they got from the Citizens Clean Elections Commission.

Arizona – Anonymous Donors Can Cover Hobbs’ Campaign Legal Fees Thanks to Carve Out in Campaign Finance Law

KJZZ – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) | Published: 5/13/2025

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is getting money from special interests and other donors and not disclosing who they are. It is legal because of an exception in state law. Hobbs set up a special fund to pay for the costs her campaign incurred while defending her against lawsuits by failed contender Kari Lake, who challenged the legitimacy of the 2022 election. The governor’s fund would have remained entirely secret except for the fact that one donor filed a report disclosing it gave Hobbs $100,000 last year for her legal expenses.

California – Oakland Is Planning to Eliminate All Public Financing in Local Elections

MSN – Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) | Published: 5/12/2025

In 2022, Oakland voters approved Measure W, which created a program called Democracy Dollars that aimed to level the political playing field by giving all registered voters vouchers to support candidates in local elections. Due to a financial crisis, city leaders decided to postpone the program indefinitely. Oakland fell back on a more modest program called Limited Public Financing, which reimburses candidates with city dollars for certain kinds of campaign expenses. Now, that program appears to be going away, too.

Colorado – Gov. Polis Signs Voting Rights Bill, Shielding Colorado from Federal Backsliding

Colorado Newsline – Lindsay Toomer | Published: 5/12/2025

Gov. Jared Polis signed the Colorado Voting Rights Act into law, establishing protections contained in the federal Voting Rights Act at the state level. It prohibits election practices that limit the participation of people of color and other protected groups. It also includes protections for LGBTQ+ voters, expands multilingual ballot access, and requires accommodations for people with disabilities at residential facilities. Polis also signed legislation that adds protection against intimidation, threats, or coercion to people voting or helping others to vote.

Connecticut – Lawmakers Warn ‘Reason to Believe’ Language in SEEC Bill Is Problematic

Inside Investigator – Marc Fitch | Published: 5/13/2025

Lawmakers on the Judiciary Committee both warned that language lowering the legal standard by which the State Elections and Enforcement Commission (SEEC) initiates an investigation into claims of campaign law violations was so ill-defined it should not appear in the bill if it comes to a vote in the Connecticut General Assembly. Rep. Matt Blumenthal said the provision is an attempt at a “compromise,” that would allow the SEEC to extend beyond its one-year window to determine a course of action before they have to dismiss the complaint.

District of Columbia – Trump Names Fox News Host Jeanine Pirro as Interim U.S. Attorney for D.C.

MSN – Paul Schwartzman, Jeremy Barr, and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 5/8/2025

Jeanine Pirro, a Fox News host whose misstatements about the 2020 election were cited in two defamation lawsuits against the network, was sworn in as the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. Pirro replaced Ed Martin, Trump’s initial nominee as prosecutor who has spent 15 tumultuous weeks in office. Trump did not specify the duration of Pirro’s term, nor when he would nominate a permanent successor to lead the nation’s largest U.S. attorney’s office, and among its most important.

District of Columbia – Attorney General’s Brother Vies to Lead D.C. Bar, Upending Contest

MSN – Keith Alexander (Washington Post) | Published: 5/12/2025

A fight to lead the District of Columbia’s influential bar association has drawn triple the votes of a typical cycle, animated by the candidacies of two lawyers connected to Trump appointees who some members fear could transform the body into a retaliatory arm for the president’s administration. Heightened attention has focused on the bids of Bradley Bondi, the brother of Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Alicia Long, who was principal assistant to the departing interim U.S. attorney, Ed Martin.

Illinois – Feds Dismiss Bribery Charge Against Ex-Ald. Solis As Part of ‘Unprecedented’ Deal for Testifying Against Burke, Madigan

WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 5/8/2025

A federal judge dismissed the lone criminal charge facing disgraced former Ald. Danny Solis, who admitted taking bribes as the powerful chairperson of Chicago’s Zoning Committee, as part of an “unprecedented” deal that means he will avoid prison and keep his city pension. The ruling came more than a month after federal prosecutors moved to hold up their end of the bargain that helped convict former House Speaker Michael Madigan and former Ald. Ed Burke, once two of Illinois’ most powerful politicians, of corruption.

Indiana – Indiana Elections Chief Defends Voting Ban on ‘Unsecured’ Student IDs After Legal Challenge

Indiana Capital Chronicle – Leslie Bonilla Muñiz | Published: 5/8/2025

Since Indiana enacted its photo ID law in 2005, it has allowed students to use IDs issued by public colleges or universities as proof of identification at the polls. That is changing under a bill signed by Gov. Mike Braun that goes into effect July 1. A lawsuit filed in federal court called it a “surgical attack on young voters.”

Louisiana – Confidential Ethics Complaints Against Louisiana Officials, Gov’t Workers Might Be Eliminated

Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 5/14/2025

Louisiana legislators could remove the public’s ability to confidentially or anonymously raise concerns about illegal activity by government employees and elected officials. The House and Governmental Affairs Committee approved House Bill 160 despite a warning from the state ethics board that it would have a “chilling effect” on ethics complaints about public employees and leaders.

Maryland – Appeals Court Rules Identity of Political Donors Can Be Hidden from Public View

Yahoo News – Maryland Matters | Published: 5/9/2025

A panel of the Appellate Court of Maryland ruled individual donations to a political fund are private financial information and must be protected from public disclosure. While the news organizations may argue the public interest demands that donors to political interests should be revealed, Judge Kathryn Grill Graeff said that is not what the law says, and changing the law is the job of the Legislature, not the courts.

Michigan – Former Legislative Aide Charged with Embezzlement in $25M Clare Earmark Scandal

Bridge Michigan – Jonathan Oosting | Published: 5/14/2025

A onetime aide to former Michigan House Speaker Jason Wentworth was charged with multiple counts of embezzlement and running a criminal enterprise, allegedly using state money intended for a health and fitness center to buy gold bars, vehicles, and firearm accessories. David Coker had been under investigation after creating a nonprofit that secured a $25 million no-bid grant written into a state budget by Wentworth.

Nebraska – Democrats Pull Off an Upset in Nebraska, Electing Omaha’s First Black Mayor

MSN – Maeve Reston (Washington Post) | Published: 5/13/2025

John Ewing Jr. was elected Omaha’s first Black mayor, defeating the city’s three-term Republican mayor, Jean Stothert, in a race where Democrats sought to tie her to President Trump’s unpopular agenda – another warning sign for Republicans in a critical battleground area. Omaha and its suburbs have played a unique role in national politics, as the “blue dot” in a conservative state that wields an unusual amount of power in presidential contests.

New York – Democrats Made Public Money for Campaigns Even More Generous Than Expected

Albany Times Union – Emilie Munson | Published: 5/9/2025

A state budget bill passed by the New York General Assembly included unforeseen changes to the public campaign finance system that could help candidates collect more taxpayer money for their campaigns while also leaning on bigger donors. The day after the bill passed there was still confusion among many lawmakers about what the changes would mean. Some also are arguing the new rules undermine the program that was intended to reduce the influence of big donors and help grassroots candidates wage viable campaigns.

New York – How a Manhattan Bar at the Center of a Bribery Scheme Became a Hot Spot for NYC’s Political Class

Gothamist – David Brand | Published: 5/14/2025

A New York City bar owned by real estate investor Raizaida Vaid is now at the center of a set of criminal charges against Vaid for allegedly bribing one of Mayor Eric Adams’ top aides, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, in exchange for fast-tracking approvals from city agencies. The two were arrested late last year, along with Lewis-Martin’s son and another businessperson accused of taking part in the scheme. It may be the only corruption allegation to go to trial among a litany of charges and investigations that have focused on Adams and members of his administration.

New York – Cuomo Loses Out on $600K for Suspected Coordination with Super PAC

MSN – Jeff Coltin (Politico) | Published: 5/12/2025

New York City campaign finance regulators withheld more than $600,000 in public funds from Andrew Cuomo’s mayoral campaign, saying they suspect him of illegally coordinating with a super PAC supporting his bid. It is another g misstep for a campaign that has struggled with the city’s stringent regulations, despite running on a platform of competence and experience, and it leaves the front-runner in the Democratic primary facing the threat of serious penalties.

New York – Appellate Court Says NY’s Even Year Election Law Is Constitutional, Reversing Lower Court

MSN – Tim Knauss (Syracuse Post-Standard) | Published: 5/7/2025

Five judges on an appellate court unanimously upheld the constitutionality of New York’s so-called Even Year Election Law, reversing an Onondaga County judge’s decision. The 2023 state law, which would move most town and county elections to even-numbered years, can be implemented beginning in 2026, the judges ruled.

New York – Reporters’ Notebook: Ad campaign funded by chemical industry skirted campaign finance rules

New York Focus – Colin Kinniburgh | Published: 3/14/2025

What exactly did the leading trade group for the chemical industry pay for when it spent $250,000 backing New York lawmakers for reelection? Until now, it was not clear because the group that ran the effort last fall failed to file campaign mailers with state election officials, as required by law. New York Focus revealed the American Chemistry Council gave the money to the reelection campaigns of lawmakers across the state.

New York – Bill de Blasio Fined $330K Over Public Funding of Security During Failed White House Bid

Yahoo News – Jared Gans (The Hill) | Published: 5/14/2025

Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio agreed to a fine of about $330,000 stemming from the improper use of public funds for his security detail during his short-lived 2020 presidential run. Most of the money will reimburse the city for the travel expenses for the security, including meals, airfare, and lodging. But it also includes a $10,000 penalty.

Oregon – Former Portland Commissioner, Mayoral Hopeful Threatens to Sue City Over Campaign Finance Penalties

MSN – Shane Dixon Kavanaugh (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 5/9/2025

Former Portland Commissioner Rene Gonzalez intensified an ongoing legal battle with the city and the office of its elected watchdog over campaign finance violations he faced last fall during his unsuccessful bid for mayor. Gonzalez threatened to sue both, alleging Portland’s campaign finance rules violated his due process rights and the auditor’s office had “uniquely discriminated” against him and his campaign.

Oregon – Oregon Ethics Commission Rejects $1,600 Penalty for Former Secretary of State Shemia Fagan’s ‘Indefensible’ Conduct, Says It’s Too Low

MSN – Aimee Green (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 5/9/2025

The Government Ethics Commission rejected a staff-proposed penalty of $1,600 for former Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan and instead levied $3,500 in fines for ethical lapses that led to her resignation from office. In rejecting the proposed $1,600 penalty, several commissioners said the state’s second highest elected official should be held to loftier standards and her actions amounted to a significant violation of public trust. But commissioners also said they appreciated an apology Fagan made just before their vote.

Oregon – Ethics Commission Rejects Proposed Settlement in Oregon Rare Bourbon Scandal

Salem Statesman Journal – Diane Lugo | Published: 5/9/2025

The Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) rejected a proposed settlement with former Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) Executive Director Steve Marks. The commission opened cases against six former OLCC employees after an internal investigation into officials using their positions to set aside bottles of rare bourbon for other high-ranking officials, including lawmakers. The top official should pay the top penalty, suggested Commissioner Dan Mason. The maximum civil penalty would be $5,000 in this case, said OGEC Executive Director Susan Meyers.

Texas – Bill to Limit Out-of-State Donations to Texas Candidates Gets House Approval

MSN – Kate McGee (Texas Tribune) | Published: 5/14/2025

The House approved a bill that would limit campaign contributions from out-of-state donors to statewide and local races in Texas. The bill would cap those out-of-state political donations to a candidate or lawmaker to $5,000 for a statewide election, $2,500 for a district office, and $1,000 for a county office. Out-of-state PACs would still be able to make unlimited contributions to candidates.

Wisconsin – Challenge to Wisconsin Map Adds Latest Wrinkle to 2026 House Fight

MSN – Mary Ellen McIntire (Roll Call) | Published: 5/12/2025

Two lawsuits in Wisconsin are seeking to have the state’s congressional map thrown out in a development that follows Republican warnings earlier this year that the election of a Democratic-backed state Supreme Court candidate could lead to new lines. With the lawsuits, Wisconsin joined a handful of states that could see their congressional lines redrawn ahead of next year’s midterm elections. It could add another layer of uncertainty to the burgeoning electoral landscape in 2026, when House Republicans will defend their threadbare majority.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan Is Indicted on Accusations She Helped a Man Evade Immigration Agents

MSN – Todd Richmond (Associated Press) | Published: 5/13/2025

A federal grand jury indicted a Wisconsin judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities, allowing the case against her to continue. The arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan escalated a clash between President Trump’s administration and local authorities over his sweeping immigration crackdown. Democrats have accused the administration of trying to make a national example of Dugan to chill judicial opposition to the crackdown.