News You Can Use – May 29, 2026

National/Federal

How This Age of Extreme Gerrymandering Is Transforming American Politics

MSN – Patrick Marley and Olivia George (Washington Post) | Published: 5/25/2026

The nationwide redistricting battle that erupted last year has evolved into a forever war. Politicians, no longer content to leave elections to chance, are working with increased precision to choose their voters, with plans to recalibrate as often as every two years. The potential result is a congressional map that looks more like a presidential map, with winner-take-all elections in many states. That could increase the chances for minority rule and further divide an already polarized country.

Trump Bought Stock in Drugmaker as His Government Boosted Its Obesity Drugs

MSN – Darius Tahir (KFF Health News) | Published: 5/22/2026

President Trump earlier this year bought as much as $680,000 in stock of Eli Lilly, the maker of blockbuster obesity drugs. The timing of Trump’s purchases coincides with several favorable government decisions benefiting Lilly’s GLP-1 medication business, including progress toward a long-held goal: qualifying the drugs for reimbursement from Medicare when they are prescribed for weight loss. The disclosure forms, which bear Trump’s distinct signature, show seven purchases of Lilly stock made on the president’s behalf through the end of March.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Complaint Raises Conflict of Interest Issues for Arizona Officials Who Are Also Candidates

KJZZ – Mary Jo Pitzl (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 5/25/2026

When he filed a campaign finance complaint with the Arizona secretary of state, a legislative candidate unwittingly provoked a question that pops up during election years: can election officials carry out their duties while also exercising their free speech rights? Arizona law does not bar endorsements or, more widely, block an election official’s management and oversight of elections when they themselves are on the ballot. The National Association of Secretaries of State had a similar assessment when looking at conflict of interest policies nationwide.

California – What Are They Trying to Hide? California Lawmakers Kill Lobbying Transparency Bills

MSN – Ryan Sabalow (CalMatters) | Published: 5/20/2026

California lawmakers are poised to defeat legislation that would have forced them to immediately release lobbying letters from business and advocacy groups and given the public a new window into the secretive world of Capitol lobbying. Two bills that would have required the Legislature to post the letters lawmakers receive from registered lobbyists and groups trying to influence legislation never received a hearing in the state Assembly. Now, the lawmaker in charge of the committee that would have to approve the measures for them to advance says the Legislature does not need a law to put the letters online.

Illinois – Fundraiser for Illinois GOP Governor Candidate Darren Bailey Delayed After Tribune Raised Ethics Law Questions

Yahoo News – Dan Petrella (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 5/27/2026

A political dinner that had been scheduled to benefit gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey was postponed after the Chicago Tribune raised questions about whether the event complied with a law prohibiting candidates from holding fundraisers anywhere in the state when the Legislature is in session. The prohibition also applies to “any political committee on behalf of” those elected officials or candidates. But it is unclear who is ultimately responsible for policing any potential violations.

Kansas – Kansas Official Running for Governor Received $300K in Donations Before Key Decision

Yahoo News – Matthew Kelly (Kansas City Star) | Published: 5/24/2026

A top Kansas regulator who is running for governor is facing scrutiny over a deluge of campaign contributions that she received from interested parties in the weeks before a key regulatory decision, raising ethical questions about a potential influence campaign. Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt denies any connection between the more than $300,000 she accepted from billionaire Todd Boehly and his allies and her office’s support for slower implementation of new capital rules that Boehly’s financial services company, Security Benefit, advocated forcefully for delaying.

Maine – Maine Ethics Suggests Going Further Than Federal Rules in Policing Candidate Communications

Yahoo News – Lauren McCauley (Maine Morning Star) | Published: 5/28/2026

Maine’s ethics commission is adopting a more stringent approach than the federal government regarding candidate communications, particularly those seemingly targeting outside groups seeking to advertise on a candidate’s behalf. State and federal campaign finance laws bar candidates from coordinating with PACs, which can spend unlimited funds and often do not disclose their donors. One way that candidates evade those restrictions is through so-called red boxing, a tactic in which a campaign publishes messaging and instructions to supportive PACs on their website.

Michigan – Bid to Reshape How Cash Flows in Michigan Politics Submits Petitions

AOL – Craig Mauger (Detroit News) | Published: 5/27/2026

A ballot proposal campaign that aims to ban some of Michigan’s largest corporations from spending money on state politics submitted more than 562,000 petition signatures to the secretary of state’s office. The filing might set off a high-stakes battle in Michigan, entangling powerful utilities and insurance heavyweights while potentially testing the legal ability of the public to limit the political influence of big businesses.

North Carolina – Warrant Reveals New Details in Case Against NC Lobbyists Charged Over Bourbon Tours, Gifts

MSN – Will Doran (WRAL) | Published: 5/26/2026

Powerful North Carolina lawmakers were treated to at least one other trip to Kentucky in addition to a 2024 bourbon tour, replete with free alcohol and other gifts, that has since resulted in criminal charges against four lobbyists, according to a search warrant. Investigators are also looking into a 2022 trip that they believe served as the model for the 2024 trip at the heart of the criminal case, according to the warrant. It also indicates more lobbyists, political fundraisers, and others were involved in the effort, including a top North Carolina Republican Party official. But there have been no additional charges.

Texas – Paxton’s Texas Victory Opens a New Front in the Battle for the Senate

Seattle Times – Lisa Lerer and Reid Epstein (New York Times) | Published: 5/27/2026

Ken Paxton’s primary election victory in Texas transformed the deep red state into the nation’s newest political battleground, expanding the U.S. Senate map, previewing lines of attack from both parties, and offering a test of President Trump’s influence in the general election. Democrats still face an uphill battle in their quest to turn Texas blue, even with the excitement surrounding their nominee, James Talarico, a state legislator and seminary student who is pitching a brand of inclusive politics.