LobbyComply Blog

Gov. Henry McMaster called a special election in state House District 98 following the resignation of Rep. Chris Murphy. The special primary election will be held on November 4, with a special primary runoff election on November 18, if necessary. The special general election will be held on January 6, 2026.

National/Federal

Google Finds Workaround for Lobbying That Omits Big Bosses

MSN – Ted Mann (Bloomberg) | Published: 8/14/2025

Google executives in 2018 were tired of seeing stories in the media that showed the company spent more on federal lobbying than any other corporation. Then Google apparently found a workaround. A new analysis shows Google and its parent company, Alphabet Inc., used an internal reorganization to exclude the value of lobbying by its senior executives from disclosures. Google also moved its in-house lobbyists into a new subsidiary, called Google Client Services LLC. It is that unit which now files spending disclosures for Google’s lobbying activities.

Trump’s Answer to Numbers He Doesn’t Like: Change them or throw them away

MSN – Cat Zakrzewski, David Ovalle, Scott Dance, and Laura Meckler (Washington Post) | Published: 8/14/2025

President Trump presented inaccurate crime statistics to justify a federal takeover of the District of Columbia Police, announced plans for the census to stop counting undocumented immigrants, and ordered the firing of the official in charge of compiling basic statistics about the U.S. economy after a weak jobs report. It marked an escalation in Trump’s war on data, as he repeatedly tries to undermine statistics that threaten his agenda and distorts figures to bolster his policies.

Judge Dismisses 2 Counts Against US Rep. Cuellar of Texas, Moves Bribery Trial to Next Year

MSN – Juan Lozano (Associated Press) | Published: 8/14/2025

A judge granted a request by federal prosecutors to dismiss two of the 14 counts against U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife, as part of a federal bribery and conspiracy indictment. Prosecutors had asked the judge to dismiss the counts related to violating the prohibition on public officials acting as agents of a foreign principal. Prosecutors said they were dismissing the two counts following a February memorandum from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi that shifted the focus of charges filed under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

Under Trump, the Education Dept. Has Flipped Its Civil Rights Mission

MSN – Laura Meckler (Washington Post) | Published: 8/18/2025

The Trump administration has upended civil rights enforcement at K-12 schools and colleges, prioritizing cases that allege transgender students and students of color are getting unfair advantages, while severe staff cuts have left thousands of other allegations unresolved. The office has a backlog of about 25,000 unresolved cases, up from about 20,000 when President Trump took office. At the same time, the civil rights office has announced investigations of at least 99 schools, often based on news coverage or complaints from conservative groups.

Newsmax to Pay $67 Million to Settle Dominion Defamation Lawsuit

MSN – Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) | Published: 8/18/2025

The conservative cable channel Newsmax agreed to pay $67 million to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by the voting technology company Dominion Voting Systems over the network’s coverage of the 2020 presidential election. Dominion sued Newsmax in 2021, arguing the network “manufactured, endorsed, repeated, and broadcast a series of verifiable false yet devastating lies about Dominion” that made it out to be guilty in a “colossal fraud” to steal the election for Joe Biden.

Inside the DNC’s Money Problems

MSN – Jessica Piper (Politico) | Published: 8/18/2025

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has fallen far behind in the cash race. Several months into rebuilding efforts under new party leadership, the DNC trails the Republican National Committee by nearly every fundraising metric. Major Democratic donors have withheld money this year amid skepticism about the party’s direction, while the small-dollar donors who have long been a source of strength are not growing nearly enough to make up the gap. The party has quickly churned through what money it has raised in the first half of the year.

Trump Budget Officials Claim Sweeping Spending Power from Congress, Records Show

MSN – Riley Beggin and Jacob Bogage (Washington Post) | Published: 8/19/2025

The Trump administration is asserting authority to withhold billions of dollars from low-income housing services, education assistance, medical research grants, and other programs approved by Congress, according to public documents. The new practices, which increase the leverage and power of budget chief Russell Vought, are likely to reignite a clash over the administration’s power to freeze dollars approved by Congress, usurping authority the legislative branch has under the Constitution.

Foundations Step in to Offer $37 Million Lifeline to Public Media

MSN – Scott Nover (Washington Post) | Published: 8/19/2025

Major philanthropic organizations said they are committing nearly $37 million in emergency funding to keep public media stations afloat after Congress eliminated $1.1 billion in federal funding from PBS and NPR stations over the next two years. The Knight Foundation said it is most focused on helping the organizations that derived 30 percent of their annual budgets or more from federal funding doled out by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which recently announced it is shutting down in the face of defunding.

Republicans Push the Limits to Revamp Campaign Finance Operations

MSN – Ramsey Touchberry (Washington Examiner) | Published: 8/20/2025

Senate Republicans are pushing the boundaries of fundraising laws to fill their campaign coffers and stretch their ad spending to counter Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterms. The increased use of so-called joint fundraising committees to score cheaper ads is a relatively new trend that GOP operatives and candidates, particularly for the Senate, have leaned into the past year to save millions of dollars and mitigate what has historically been a Democratic fundraising advantage.

Seven Months In, Trump’s Revolving Door Reaching Full Swing

MSN – Caitlin Oprysko and Sophia Cai (Politico) | Published: 8/20/2025

Barely a half-year into President Trump’s second administration, a handful of senior White House aides are already heading for the exits and right through the “revolving door” between the federal government and K Street. The departures and the White House’s response to them illustrate the ways in which the administration continues to push the bounds of ethics norms and guardrails designed to prevent government officials from profiting off their time in public service.

California Races to Counter Texas in Nationwide Fight Over Election Maps

MSN – Maeve Reston (Washington Post) | Published: 8/21/2025

California Democrats are rushing to advance a plan to draw a new congressional map, aiming to counter Texas Republicans in a national fight between the two parties to seize an advantage in next year’s midterm elections. But the process in California has more hurdles because the state constitution requires that an independent nonpartisan panel draw its congressional maps. Voters must approve any constitutional amendment. The dueling efforts by the two most populous states mark an unusual mid-decade showdown over election maps.

Trump, GOP Portray Cities as Chaotic Dystopias in Need of Occupation

MSN – Naftali Bendavid (Washington Post) | Published: 8/21/2025

As President Trump ramps up the military presence in Washington, and hints he may move to take over other cities, his crackdown punctuates a frequent Republican message that American cities embody chaos, lawlessness, and immorality, despite widespread recent drops in violent crime. With cities increasingly liberal and rural stretches ever more conservative, Republicans have a growing incentive to attack urban areas as the epitome of all that is wrong with America.

Democrats Alarmed Over New Data Showing Voters Fleeing to GOP

MSN – Amie Parnes (The Hill) | Published: 8/21/2025

Democrats are sounding the alarm on new data showing they are losing voters to Republicans across the country. A devastating New York Times report showed that of the 30 states that maintain voter registration records by political party, Democrats fell behind Republicans in all of them between the 2020 and 2024 elections. In total, Republicans added up to 4.5 million voters compared to Democrats, creating a huge hold that could set Democrats back for years.

Government’s Demand for Trans Care Info Sought Addresses, Doctors’ Notes, Texts

MSN – Casey Parks and David Ovalle (Washington Post) | Published: 8/20/2025

The Justice Department is demanding that hospitals turn over a wide range of sensitive information related to medical care for young transgender patients, including billing documents, communication with drug manufacturers, and data such as patient dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and addresses. The government’s unprecedented effort to gather this type of information related to gender transition care is having a chilling effect. Since the subpoenas went out, more than a dozen hospitals across the U.S. have scaled back or ended gender transition programs for people under the age of 19.

Two Big Law Firms Said to Be Doing Free Work for Trump Administration

Seattle Times – Michael Schmidt, Matthew Goldstein, and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 8/20/2025

At least two large law firms that struck deals with President Trump to avoid punitive executive orders have committed to doing free legal work for the Commerce Department, according to two people briefed on the matter. In the past, some law firms have done work for the federal government at a reduced rate. But coming just months after they struck deals with the president, the free work is likely to raise new questions about whether Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison and Kirkland & Ellis felt compelled to do so to stay in Trump’s good graces.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – Exclusive Ottawa Fundraising Event Draws Dozens of Lobbyists – Despite Liberal Promises

MSN – Maeve Ellis and Carly Penrose (Investigative Journalism Foundation) | Published: 8/19/2025

The annual Laurier Club Summer Reception and Garden Party is an exclusive event for Liberal supporters who donate the legal maximum of $1,750 to the federal party each year. It is a must-attend soiree not just for politicians, but also those hoping to influence them. An analysis found dozens of registered lobbyists attended this year’s event, gaining access to cabinet ministers without triggering federal lobbying disclosure rules.

Arizona – State Refers GOP AG Hopeful Rodney Glassman for Prosecution Over Illegal Donations

Yahoo News – Caitlin Sievers (Arizona Mirror) | Published: 8/19/2025

Prosecutors are investigating Rodney Glassman, a top Republican candidate for attorney general in Arizona, after state elections officials said they believe he violated campaign finance contribution limits numerous times over the last year. In 2024, when the limit in Arizona for individual donations was $5,400, Glassman accepted 22 donations for amounts beyond that, according to a complaint submitted to the secretary of state’s office.

California – Public Funding for Elections? The Idea Is Back in California

MSN – Frank Stoltze (LAist) | Published: 8/19/2025

A group of legislators is seeking to lift the ban on public financing for elections in California, a move to counter the ever-increasing amount of money spent on campaigns in the state. Supporters say the California Fair Elections Act could be a game changer for underfunded candidates facing well-financed opponents and make races more competitive. Right now, only cities governed by their own charter may enact public financing. Five of the state’s 121 charter cities have done that.

California – An Instagram with 60,000 Followers Linked to a Nonprofit Quietly Changed to a CA-40 Candidate’s Campaign Page. Now, a Rival Is Asking the FEC to Investigate

Orange County Register – Kaitlyn Schallhorn | Published: 8/14/2025

How much are social media followers worth to a congressional campaign? That question, along with how a candidate can go about amassing a following, are at the crux of a recent campaign finance complaint involving two Democratic rivals in the race for California’s 40th Congressional District. The use of social media is not new for campaigns, but it is still a bit of a “Wild West” in terms of how it is regulated by the FEC, said Michael Kowal, an expert in campaign finance and social media who teaches at the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey.

District of Columbia – Justice Department Investigating D.C. Police Over Alleged Fake Crime Data

MSN – Perry Stein and Emily Davies (Washington Post) | Published: 8/19/2025

The Justice Department is investigating whether Distrct of Columbia police manipulated data to make crime rates appear lower, escalating tensions between the Trump administration and local officials who have repeatedly cited drops in violent crime to protest the need for a federal takeover of law enforcement. The criminal probe is expected to examine the actions of multiple police officials, according to people familiar with the investigation.

Florida – How Miami Officials Use a Private Marlins Suite Meant for Charities

MSN – Tess Riski (Miami Herald) | Published: 8/20/2025

Using more than a dozen complimentary tickets, City Commissioner Ralph Rosado attended a recent game Miami Marlins game with his family, staff from his district office, and some of their family members. The group watched the game from one of the stadium’s “MVP Suites,” which can cost as much as $4,566 per game. But the specific box Rosado was in is not meant for elected officials and their inner circle. The purpose of the box, which an operating agreement refers to as the “community suite,” is for “public or charity use.”

Indiana – Energy Lobby Ramped Up Spending on Lawmakers Amid Push for Nuclear. It Worked

Indianapolis Star – Marissa Meador | Published: 8/21/2025

The Indiana legislators ushering in a new era of nuclear power were showered with sports tickets and meals from the very utility companies that stood to benefit from the incentive-packed legislation, lobbying records show. Among those lawmakers were powerful utility committee chairs, Sen. Eric Koch and Rep. Ed Soliday, who led the charge on legislation to incentivize small modular reactors.

Louisiana – New Orleans Mayor Misused Public Funds on Romantic Getaways, Prosecutors Say

MSN – Ben Brasch (Washington Post) | Published: 8/15/2025

A federal grand jury indicted New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, accusing her of pursuing an illicit affair with her police bodyguard at taxpayers’ expense, then lying to federal officials and deleting evidence to hide the relationship. Investigators allege Cantrell cost the public about $70,000 by bringing the bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie II, on the trips. At the time, Vappie was a New Orleans police officer. Vappie was indicted on similar charges in July after allegedly joining the mayor on trips to Los Angeles, Orlando, Scotland, and the United Arab Emirates.

Michigan – Michigan Lawmaker Cites Sheetz Hiring of Local Official, Drafting Bill to Ban Practice

MSN – Dave Boucher (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 8/18/2025

State Rep. Donni Steele told local Republican leaders in Oakland County she wants to change Michigan law to bar county elected officials from holding outside jobs, citing a powerful elected Democrat who also works for a gas station empire. Steele referenced Oakland County Commission Chairperson Dave Woodward’s side job working as a consultant for Sheetz, a convenience store chain looking to expand in southeast Michigan.

Minnesota – Security Panel Tackles Question of Guns, Metal Detectors at Minnesota Capitol

MSN – Nathaniel Minor (Minneapolis Star Tribune) | Published: 8/20/2025

Guns and metal detectors at the Minnesota Capitol could become a sticking point this fall among members of a committee that advises lawmakers on security issues. Minnesota is one of about 10 states that do not require security screening such as metal detectors to enter their Capitol buildings. Security at the Minnesota Capitol complex has been under renewed scrutiny since Sen. Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed at their homes in June.

New York – Homeless People Said They Were Paid to Be Listed as Donors for a Senate Candidate

Albany Times Union – Emilie Munson | Published: 8/15/2025

An Albany Times Union investigation uncovered information that Caleb Slater, a Republican who ran unsuccessfully for the New York Senate last year in the Syracuse region, reported contributions of $250 from several homeless people who told the newspaper they never donated money to his campaign and were paid to submit contribution forms for the campaign. One man said he was paid to recruit donors and front the contributions on their behalf. Two other donors said they contributed money to the campaign and were paid double for their donations by Slater.

New York – Brother’s Keepers: How two top Adams officials helped their sibling succeed

MSN – Greg Smith (The City) | Published: 8/18/2025

David Banks, the then-chancellor of the New York City school system, appeared in a video touting the benefits of 21st Century Education products as used in city school districts. The video, posted to YouTube, ends with a solicitation by the company: “Give us a call today so we can future-proof your students and educators.” This endorsement of a for-profit firm by the head of the nation’s biggest public school system did not come about completely out of the blue. As it happened, 21st Century Education had made a prescient behind-the-scenes investment by hiring a government relations consultant: David Banks’ brother.

New York – Eric Adams Advisor Winnie Greco Handed a CITY Reporter Cash Stuffed in a Bag of Potato Chips

MSN – Greg Smith and Yoav Gonen (The City) | Published: 8/20/2025

A former top City Hall advisor and current campaign aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams attempted to give money to a reporter following a campaign event. The failed payoff – a wad of cash in an envelope stuffed inside an opened bag of potato chips – was made by Winnie Greco, who resigned last year from her position as the mayor’s liaison to the Asian community after she was targeted in multiple investigations. A spokesperson said Greco has been suspended from the campaign.

New York – Appeals Court Voids $500 Million Fine in N.Y. Case Against Trump, Leaves Fraud Finding

MSN – Shayna Jacobs and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 8/21/2025

A state appeals court voided the civil fraud penalty against President Trump, calling the roughly $500 million verdict against him and his real estate empire “excessive: while leaving in place a lower court’s finding that fraud was committed. New York Attorney General Letitia James won the civil case against Trump, his company, two of his adult children, and two former executives last year when a state court judge determined they collectively committed a long-running fraud and specific illegal acts were employed including falsification of business records, conspiracy, and insurance fraud.

New York – ‘They Can Kiss My Ass’: Top Adams aide ran brazen pressure campaign, indictments claim

Politico – Jeff Coltin | Published: 8/21/2025

The former top aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams ran bribery schemes out of City Hall, selling off her help as a public official four different times to people willing to give her money or gifts, according to a series of indictments. Ingrid Lewis-Martin is accused by a grand jury of helping friends secure city contracts and expediting their regulatory issues with city government in exchange for cash payments to her son, karaoke parties, free home renovations, nearly $10,000 worth of seafood for city events, and a guest appearance on the television show “Godfather of Harlem.”

New York – Crypto-Fueled Pro-Adams Super PAC Slow to Disclose Spending to City Panel

Yahoo News – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 8/19/2025

A cryptocurrency industry-backed super PAC that is boosting Mayor Eric Adams’ reelection run failed to disclose its spending to New York City campaign finance regulators for weeks, potentially opening it up to fines. Empower NYC has to date spent more than $330,000 on ads, consultants, and get-out-the-vote canvassing efforts as the mayor faces long odds as an independent candidate in November’s election. PACs must start reporting expenditures every Monday to the CFB once they exceed $1,000 in spending on any given race.

New York – Turkish Businessman Hit with Probation, Fines for Funneling Illegal Cash to Mayor Adams’ Campaign

Yahoo News – Chris Sommerfeldt and Molly Crane-Newman (New York Daily News) | Published: 8/15/2025

Construction company executive Erden Arkan was sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to pay more than $27,000 in fines after pleading guilty to pumping illegal straw donations into New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 campaign coffers as part of a scheme prosecutors say involved Turkey’s government. Though the related criminal case against Adams is over, it was revealed that Arkan has been cooperating in the city Campaign Finance Board’s ongoing investigation into allegations the mayor’s 2021 and 2025 campaigns engaged in a variety of straw donor schemes.

North Dakota – North Dakota Ethics Attorney Calls Out AG’s Office; Lawmakers Call for Civility

Yahoo News – Mary Steurer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 8/15/2025

A career attorney who assisted in a state Ethics Commission investigation told lawmakers that she thinks the attorney general’s office is pressuring the commission’s staff to resign. The attorney general’s office and the Ethics Commission have been at odds since this year’s legislative session. In February, the agency told lawmakers the commission would infringe on the state constitution if it tried to penalize officials who violate ethics laws. The Ethics Commission says the constitution grants it this authority.

Ohio – Ohio Ethics Commission OKs Public Officials Keeping Frequent Flyer Miles from Work Travel

MSN – Kaitlin Durbin (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 8/14/2025

Ohio public officials and government employees may now keep and personally benefit from frequent flyer miles, hotel points, and other rewards earned during official travel under certain conditions, according to a new ruling from the Ohio Ethics Commission. The advisory opinion clarifies that such rewards may be kept for personal use so long as they are accrued under the same conditions available to the public and do not increase the cost to the government.

Ohio – Cleveland Councilman Joe Jones Threatened to Kill Staffer, Report Finds

MSN – Cory Shaffer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 8/14/2025

Cleveland City Councilperson Joe Jones threatened the life of a staffer earlier this year, according to a letter from council leadership summarizing the results of an outside investigation that found credible a new set of allegations into the embattled council member. The council will vote at its September meeting to censure Jones, who was already stripped of his committee assignments in January after a separate investigation into multiple complaints of bullying and harassment.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Will Test Some Incoming Teachers with ‘America-First’ Exam

MSN – Daniel Wu (Washington Post) | Published: 8/19/2025

Teachers from New York and California who apply to teach in Oklahoma will now have to answer questions meant to screen out “woke indoctrinators” with left-wing views, the latest attempt by Oklahoma officials to push the state’s education system rightward. Teachers unions have criticized the move as a political stunt that will discourage applicants as Oklahoma faces a teacher shortage.

Oregon – Portland City Councilors Accused of Breaking Public Meetings Law Won’t Face Investigation Due to Technicality

MSN – Shane Dixon Kavanaugh (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 8/19/2025

State and local officials said they will not investigate allegations that a group of seven Portland city council members broke transparency rules, citing a state law that provides only a narrow window in which grievances can be filed. The decision drew sharp criticism from experts, who warned the provision undermines accountability. Complaints were made following a Willamette Week article that reported a council bloc constantly over a private text message thread throughout public budget meetings this spring.

Rhode Island – R.I. Ethics Commission Wrestles with Lawmaker’s Bid to Rejoin List of Attorneys Hired by State

Yahoo News – Christopher Shea (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 8/19/2025

Does a state lawmaker qualify as an independent contractor when hired by Rhode Island’s court system to represent clients who cannot otherwise rely on a public defender? Rhode Island Ethics Commission staff say the state’s ethics code bars Rep. Jason Knight from rejoining the judiciary’s roster of attorneys representing indigent clients because he is a lawmaker and thus an independent contractor that would be paid by the court. But the panel is now exploring whether there is a way to let him back without running afoul of its own “revolving door” rule.

Tennessee – Critical Report Shows How Knox County Officials Abused Their Power: Cars, hotels and data

MSN – Allie Feinberg and Tyler Whetstone (Knoxville News Sentinel) | Published: 8/9/2025

From using county SUVs and trucks for personal travel to staying in pricey hotels to making whopping profits on property transactions made with insider information, some Knox County government staff blurred the lines of legality, state watchdog investigators say. In two cases, a grand jury decided, they demolished those legal lines: Property Assessor Phil Ballard and former director of operations Jason Dobbins were charged with felony counts of official misconduct.

West Virginia – Casting a Long Shadow: Former state auditor employee, foundation president may have tested West Virginia’s lobbying rules

Parkersburg News and Sentinel – Steven Allen Adams | Published: 8/16/2025

In April, West Virginia Family Policy Council President Caiden Cowger was upstairs at the Capitol lobbying lawmakers during the recent legislative session to support bills of importance to his organization. Downstairs, Cowger was working for the state auditor’s office. Cowger is alleged to have violated state law by lobbying while working as a part-time temporary public employee and parted ways with the auditor’s office after it was brought to their attention. But questions remain about what Cowger’s role at the office was and his job responsibilities there, as well as his lobbying work.

National/Federal

Harrison Butker’s PAC Is Low on Cash. But So Far, None Has Gone to Candidates

MSN – Kacen Bayless (Kansas City Star) | Published: 8/7/2025

In the weeks before the 2024 election, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker stepped into politics, launching a PAC designed to promote politicians who fight for conservative Christian values. But the Upright PAC raised just $4,023 in the first six months of 2025 and ended June with less than $1,800 in cash on hand. None of the money Butker’s PAC spent went to Republican candidates. Most of the money went to a political consultant who is listed as an employee of a company Butker co-founded called MDKeller.

America’s CEOs Come to the White House Bearing Gifts and Flattery

MSN – Cat Zakrzewski and HyoJung Kim (Washington Post) | Published: 8/8/2025

Corporations have changed their lobbying strategies to adapt to a uniquely transactional president who prioritizes wins and deals. Executives who have long outsourced the messy practice of lobbying to consultants or dark-money groups have learned the best way to shape Donald Trump’s policies is often through a late-night call to the president or a visit to one of his golf resorts. The executives who have pulled off these charm offensives largely have been rewarded by Wall Street, with some companies reaching record valuations. But Trump has also used the powers of his office to threaten those who don’t stay on his good side.

Foreign Governments Bet Big to Lobby Trump on Tariffs. Most Came Up Empty.

MSN – Caitlin Oprysko, Daniel Desrochers, and Ari Hawkins (Politico) | Published: 8/9/2025

Countries across the globe have dropped tens of millions this year on lobbyists with ties to President Trump as they rushed to stave off tariffs that could cripple their economies. In most cases, the spending has gotten them nowhere. But employing those lobbyists appeared to bear little relation to whether the countries were able to avoid the most punishing tariffs. As Trump has taken a scattershot approach to setting tariff rates, traditional lobbying tactics in Washington appear to have had little influence.

Pentagon Plan Would Create Military ‘Reaction Force’ for Civil Unrest

MSN – Alex Horton and David Ovalle (Washington Post) | Published: 8/12/2025

The Trump administration is looking at plans to set up a 600-person National Guard “Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force” to quickly deploy to U.S. cities to quell protests or other unrest. The proposal represents another potential expansion of President Trump’s willingness to employ the armed forces on American soil. It relies on a section of U.S. Code that allows the commander in chief to circumvent limitations on the military’s use within the United States. The documents, marked pre-decisional, are comprehensive and contain extensive discussion about the potential societal implications of establishing such a program.

Trump Nominates Bureau of Labor Statistics Critic to Replace Fired Agency Head

MSN – Lauren Kaori Gurley (Washington Post) | Published: 8/11/2025

President Trump will nominate the top economist at the conservative Heritage Foundation to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics, replacing the previous commissioner whom the president fired after a report revealed a weaker-than-expected job market. E.J. Antoni, a staunch critic of the agency, had emerged in recent days as a favorite candidate. He has questioned the legitimacy of the agency’s data over the past year.

GOP Has the Edge in Redistricting Arms Race with Democrats

MSN – Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) | Published: 8/13/2025

President Trump’s push to redraw the congressional map has fueled a redistricting arms race, with blue and red states rushing to counter each other. But it is an uneven fight. Republicans appear to hold the advantage in the nationwide scramble, according to strategists and nonpartisan analysts, with more opportunities to shift the lines in their favor ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Democrats have vowed to “fight fire with fire” since the GOP moved to add five red seats in Texas, but they face many barriers.

White House Announces More Aggressive Review of Smithsonian Museums

MSN – Janay Kingsberry (Washington Post) | Published: 8/12/2025

The White House will launch a sweeping review of Smithsonian exhibitions, collections, and operations ahead of America’s 250th-birthday celebrations next year, the first time the Trump administration has detailed steps to scrutinize the institution, which officials say should reflect the president’s call to restore “truth and sanity” to American history. Trump’s focus on the Smithsonian has stoked concerns about political interference at the institution, which is not a traditional government agency and is historically considered nonpartisan.

After CDC Shooting, Its Employees Turn Their Anger to RFK Jr. and Trump

MSN – Lauren Weber and Lena Sun (Washington Post) | Published: 8/12/2025

Patrick White fired scores of bullets at the Atlanta headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), officials alleged, forcing hundreds of workers into lockdown as gunfire bombarded windows around them. White and a responding police officer died. Investigators say White targeted the public health agency because of he believed coronavirus vaccines were dangerous, according to two CDC officials briefed on the case. Days after the shooting, the initial shock has morphed into anger for many CDC employees.

Bessent Has Yet to Fully Divest Assets, Raising Concern at Ethics Agency

Seattle Times – Alan Rappaport (New York Times) | Published: 8/13/2025

The U.S. Office of Government Ethics said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has failed to fully comply with an agreement that required him to divest his financial assets, posing potential conflicts-of-interest as he leads the Trump administration’s economic policy agenda. Cabinet officials are required to shed certain holdings and investments within 90 days of being confirmed.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – Federal Court Says Alabama Must Use Map That Creates 2nd Black Majority District

MSN – Aaron Pellish (Politico) | Published: 8/7/2025

Alabama must use independently drawn congressional maps that created a second Black-majority district more favorable to Democrats in the state for the rest of the decade, a federal court said. A three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama ruled unanimously that the state must use the map drawn up by a court-appointed special master until regular redistricting is scheduled to be done in 2030. In May, the same panel of judges ruled the state’s 2023 map violated the Voting Rights Act.

Arizona – Arizona AG Says Pinal County Attorney Can’t Investigate Lawmaker’s ICE Posts

KJZZ – Wayne Schutsky | Published: 8/11/2025

After state Sen. Analise Ortiz shared a post online about real-time immigration enforcement actions in her community, Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller offered to investigate her on behalf of the Legislature. But Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said that falls outside of Miller’s authority. Republican lawmakers accused Ortiz of doxing federal immigration enforcement agents. Ortiz and other Democrats denied that, saying she shared information about activities happening in public spaces and did not include personal information about agents.

California – L.A. City Councilman Curren Price to Face New Corruption Charges

MSN – James Queally and Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 8/12/2025

Prosecutors filed two additional corruption charges against Los Angeles City Councilperson Curren Price, who already is facing multiple counts of grand theft and perjury, allegedly for voting in favor of projects in which his wife had a financial interest. Prosecutors said Price’s wife – Del Richardson, founder of the consulting company Del Richardson & Associates – received “payments totaling more than $150,000 between 2019 and 2021 from developers before [Price] voted to approve projects.”

California – Orange County Supervisors Revise Their Ethics Code in Wake of Corruption Scandal – but Does It Go Far Enough?

MSN – Jill Replogle (LAist) | Published: 8/12/2025

The Orange County Board of Supervisors revised its code of ethics Tuesday to include greater protection for whistleblowers but several of the supervisors questioned whether the measures go far enough. Among other concerns, Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento said the code lacks any enforcement mechanism. The vote comes the same week that former Supervisor Andrew Do is slated to begin a five-year prison term on a federal bribery charge related to his work when he was a sitting official.

California – This Candidate for California Governor Has a Potential Conflict of Interest in Her Own Home

MSN – Alexei Koseff (CalMatters) | Published: 8/11/2025

The California Department of General Services in 2020 hired a consulting firm to help prioritize sites, conduct market research, and evaluate applications from contractors. That firm, LeSar Development Consultants, is owned by former state Senate leader Toni Atkins’ spouse, Jennifer LeSar. Because of California’s community property law that gives couples equal ownership of assets in their marriage, the $1 million contract has been worth tens of thousands of dollars to Atkins. It is just one of the potential conflicts of interest with her spouse’s business dealings that Atkins faces as she runs for governor.

California – Matt Haney Pays Huge Lawyer Fees Amid 2 Political Watchdog Probes

San Francisco Standard – Josh Koehn | Published: 8/7/2025

California Assemblyperson Matt Haney has spent tens of thousands of dollars of campaign money on international trips, Broadway shows, and sporting events since his election in 2022, including $75,000 on 49ers, Giants, and Warriors tickets. Now he is burning through donor dollars on a far less glamorous expense: attorneys’ fees. Haney’s legal bills have surged amid two open investigations by the Fair Political Practices Commission.

California – Westminster Councilwoman Accused of Attempted Bribery to Get Ethics Training

Voice of OC – Hosam Elattar | Published: 8/11/2025

An Orange County judge ordered Westminster City Councilperson Amy Phan West to complete an in-person ethics training course and 20 hours of community service as part of a diversion program after the elected official was charged with a misdemeanor for attempted bribery. The ruling comes months after Phan West pleaded not guilty to attempting to bribe parking enforcement officers in 2023 to stop her husband’s car from being towed.

District of Columbia – Trump Readies Federal Moves on D.C. Crime, Takes Over D.C. Police

MSN – Michael Birnbaum, Kelly Kasulis Cho, and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 8/11/2025

President Trump placed the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control and deployed the National Guard to the streets of Washington to fight crime and clear the city of its homeless population, a flex of federal power that could expose residents of the nation’s capital to unpredictable encounters with a domestically deployed military force. The decision to deploy troops comes as the president has been slamming America’s cities as places where crime is out of control, despite two years of declines that have brought homicide levels in many major cities to their lowest levels in decades.

Georgia – A Top Republican in the Georgia Governor’s Race Is Suing His Rival Over Campaign Financing

MSN – Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 8/7/2025

One of the top Republicans running for Georgia governor sued the other leading GOP candidate, challenging the legality of the rival’s campaign funding. State Attorney General Chris Carr sued Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in federal court, asking a judge to permanently cut off Jones’ ability to spend money from his leadership committee, a special fundraising vehicle that allows Georgia’s governor, lieutenant governor, and legislative leaders to raise unlimited funds.

Indiana – Is Rep. Baird Using Taxpayer Funds to Prep His Son for a Congressional Seat? An Opponent Thinks So

MSN – Brittany Carloni and Kayla Dwyer (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 8/11/2025

Recently, U.S. Rep. Jim Baird has used pictures of his son, state Rep. Beau Baird, in taxpayer-funded mailers and has started omitting his first name in some materials when identifying himself in prominent spots, referring to himself instead as simply “Congressman Baird.” Jim Baird has not yet said if he is running for reelection, and legally he is not doing anything wrong, experts say. But if his son runs instead, he will get the perk of already-built-in name recognition from years of the last name being on the ballot and on official office material. For years, Beau Baird has been rumored as a future candidate for the seat should his father choose not to run.

Indiana – Certain Local Offices Now Subject to More Campaign Finance Requirements

Yahoo News – Whitney Downard (Indiana Capital Chronicle) | Published: 8/12/2025

Some locally elected officials in Indiana now have to file annual campaign finance reports following a new state law. Now, any elected official making at least $5,000 annually, which includes county council members and many township trustees, will be subject to the new requirements.

Kansas – Wyandotte County Official’s ‘Despicable’ Hand Gesture Prompts Ethics Probe

MSN – Sofi Zeman (Kansas City Star) | Published: 8/8/2025

Wyandotte County commissioners are calling on ethics officials to weigh in after a fellow commissioner allegedly threw up his hands and mimed male masturbation during a recent public meeting. Commissioner Philip Lopez commented on a resident’s social media post that the situation had been taken out of context and he was actually shaking his hand to reduce irritation in his wrists.

Louisiana – Louisiana Ethics Board Offers Top Staff Member Permanent Job Following Political Dispute

Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 8/8/2025

The Louisiana Board of Ethics voted unanimously to make a job offer to its acting ethics administrator after legislators took unprecedented steps to block his hiring. The board made David Bordelon its top staff member on a temporary basis in December to appease state lawmakers. Legislators filed an unsuccessful lawsuit last fall to try to stop the board from picking a new administrator at that time, and Bordelon’s interim status was considered a compromise.

Maryland – Judge Is Skeptical of DOJ Lawsuit Against Entire Maryland Federal Bench

MSN – Salvador Rizzo (Washington Post) | Published: 8/13/2025

The Justice Department’s lawsuit against all 15 federal district judges in Maryland over limits to the pace of deportations was met with skepticism by another judge, who presided over a rare courtroom battle pitting the executive branch against the judiciary. The lawsuit alleges the U.S. District Court in Maryland, its judges, and chief clerk have been violating federal law this year with a standing order that grants a two-day stay of removal proceedings to anyone who files a petition claiming wrongful detention, complicating the Trump administration’s efforts to ramp up immigration enforcement.

Michigan – False Statement Gets Consultant Probation in ‘Dark Money’ Probe

MSN – Paul Egan (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 8/13/2025

A fundraising consultant was sentenced to three months of probation, 20 hours of community service, and a $2,500 fine for giving a false statement in a “dark money” investigation conducted by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Nessel probed the financing of the Unlock Michigan campaign of 2020 and 2021, aimed at overturning Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minnesota – Minnesota Republican PAC Violated Campaign Finance Laws, Investigation Finds

MSN – Ryan Faircloth (Minneapolis Star Tribune) | Published: 8/9/2025

A PAC that reported spending no money on behalf of candidates and hundreds of thousands of dollars on “internet access and web hosting” services has been fined for violating Minnesota’s campaign finance laws. The Campaign Finance Board found a key figure behind Right Now Minnesota misclassified more than $240,000 in expenditures during the 2022 midterm elections. The board also found the PAC ran political ads without proper disclaimers. Right Now Minnesota and its chairperson, Elliott Olson, were each fined $10,000.

New Mexico – New Mexico Gov. Removes Game Commissioner Over Undisclosed Conflict of Interest Tied to Mexican Gray Wolf Campaign

Albuquerque Journal – Cathy Cook | Published: 8/13/2025

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham fired a game commissioner, Sabrina Pack, for failing to disclose she had worked on an outside persuasion campaign on the Mexican gray wolf. Management of the endangered Mexican gray wolf has long been a source of debate in New Mexico, with environmental advocates asking the federal government to take more aggressive action to conserve the species and livestock producers concerned about wolves killing their cattle. Pack worked on a campaign for the latter camp.

New Mexico – Nonprofit Group Discloses Hefty Trial Lawyer Contributions After Settlement Agreement

Yahoo News – Dan Boyd (Albuquerque Journal) | Published: 8/11/2025

The State Ethics Commission announced it reached a settlement agreement with New Mexico Safety Over Profit, resolving allegations the group failed to comply with provisions of the Lobbyist Regulation Act. The commission filed a lawsuit arguing New Mexico Safety Over Profit violated the law by refusing to register and disclose both its donors and expenditures. The group agreed to pay a $5,000 fine, the maximum allowable under state law. It also released a full list of donors going back to 2021.

New York – Ex-Eric Adams Aide Pleads Guilty to Federal Straw Donor Conspiracy Charge

Courthouse News Service – Josh Russell | Published: 8/12/2025

Mohamed Bahi, a former aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy related to organizing illegal campaign contributions, putting to bed one of the outstanding indictments that stemmed from multiple investigations into the mayor. Bahi said he was instructed by a volunteer of the Eric Adams 2021 campaign to organize a fundraiser where he would collect employees’ straw donor campaign contributions that both he and the Adams campaign knew would be reimbursed by their companies’ owners.

New York – Justice Department Subpoenas Letitia James About Trump Fraud Probe

MSN – Perry Stein, Shayna Jacobs, Kadia Goba, and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 8/8/2025

The U.S. Justice Department is intensifying its legal battle against New York Attorney General Letitia James, issuing at least two subpoenas to James in recent days. One of the subpoenas focused on James’s successful civil fraud case against President Trump and his real estate business, in which a judge ordered that Trump and his company pay more than $450 million in fines and interest. A second subpoena suggested the department is looking into James’s litigation against the National Rifle Association, which led to court-mandated reforms of the group.

New York – A $9,200 Portrait, $20K for Decorations: Questions raised about Frank Seddio campaign spending

Yahoo News – Graham Rayman (New York Daily News) | Published: 8/10/2025

Almost $175,000 in expenditures by Friends of Frank Seddio and the Kings County Democratic County Committee when Seddio was leading it raise questions, either because they could be seen as benefitting Seddio personally or lack required information in campaign finance records. The expenditures made between 2012 and 2024 fall into two broad categories – a series of specific purchases totaling $94,824.33, either with no listed purpose or explanation as required by law or vague justifications for the expenditure. The second totals $77,576.12 in payments by the Kings County committee via Signature Bank that have no listed purpose or explanation.

North Carolina – NC Lawmaker Returns Lobbyist Money, Following Public Scrutiny

MSN – Will Doran (WRAL) | Published: 8/12/2025

A powerful state lawmaker whose campaign took thousands of dollars from lobbyists during this year’s legislative session is giving the money back, after drawing concerns over the legality of those transactions. Rep. Sarah Stevens has spent years as a top member of House Republican leadership in North Carolina. She is not seeking reelection, choosing instead to run for a seat next year on the state Supreme Court. That is where the campaign finance issues begin.

Ohio – Sherrod Brown Plans to Run for Senate in Ohio Again

MSN – Hannah Knowles and Liz Goodwin (Washington Post) | Published: 8/12/2025

Sherrod Brown plans to run for U.S. Senate in Ohio again, according to several people familiar with his plans, boosting Democrats’ hopes of retaking a seat in the increasingly red-leaning state. First elected to the chamber in 2006, he defied his state’s rightward shift for many years and was viewed as Democrats’ best shot to keep Ohio competitive. He outperformed Democrats’ presidential ticket – courting working-class voters through his own brand of left-leaning populism – but lost by about four points last fall.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Ethics Commission Opinion Says Officeholders Can Use Campaign Funds for Some Security Costs

Yahoo News – Emma Murphy (Oklahoma Voice) | Published: 8/11/2025

Campaign funds can be used for officeholder security expenses in certain cases, the Oklahoma Ethics Commission recommended in a draft advisory opinion. Any “reasonable” expenses must be the direct result of holding the elected state office and would not be incurred if the individual did not hold the office, the draft opinion read. The opinion only covers the officeholder, not family, staff, or others connected with the individual.

Oregon – Oregon Government Ethics Commission Opens Third Investigation in 2025 for State Lawmaker

MSN – Dianne Lugo (Salem Statesman Journal) | Published: 8/8/2025

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission launched an investigation into whether Rep. Greg Smith violated state law regarding the reporting of income sources, marking the third probe into potential violations by Smith in recent months. The commission voted unanimously to open an investigation into whether Smith violated state laws when he failed to disclose income from the Morrow Development Corporation in his 2024 and 2025 Statements of Economic Interest.

Oregon – Oregon Ethics Commission Pursues Legislative Action, Further Revision on Meetings Policy

Yahoo News – Shaanth Nanguneri (Oregon Capital Chronicle) | Published: 8/8/2025

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission agreed there is not enough clarity surrounding their recently acquired power to ensure public officials only make governing decisions in front of their constituents, leaving the door open for future legislative action or additional guidance from the commission. The 2023 legislation aimed to crack down on what the law calls “serial communications,” in which a majority of members of a governing body discuss issues relevant to their work and make decisions outside of the public eye in text messages, emails, or private meetings.

Pennsylvania – As Penn State Ramps Up Lobbying, Lax Disclosure Laws Make It Difficult to Tell Who or What It’s Trying to Influence.

Spotlight PA – Wyatt Massey | Published: 8/13/2025

Penn State University outspent its peers lobbying state lawmakers in recent years, but the commonwealth’s lax disclosure requirements and the university’s protection from the open records law make following the school’s activity in Harrisburg difficult. Spotlight PA reviewed more than 15 years of quarterly lobbying reports from the Department of State and adjusted the figures for inflation to make annual comparisons. The data show Penn State increased its lobbying expenditures after 2020 and is now spending more on its influence efforts than any year since 2008.

South Carolina – SC Legislator Accused of Distributing Videos of Child Sexual Abuse Resigns House Seat

Yahoo News – Skylar Laird (South Carolina Daily Gazette) | Published: 8/11/2025

Rep. RJ May resigned his South Carolina House seat two months after his arrest on charges of distributing child sexual abuse material. May, who remains in jail without bond, has been suspended from the House without pay since his June arrest, as per state law for any public official indicted on a felony. He was also the subject of a House Ethics Commission investigation, which would have been the first step toward expelling him.

Texas – Texas Private Schools Hire Relatives and Enrich Insiders. Soon They Can Do It with Taxpayer Money.

MSN – Lexi Churchill (Texas Tribune) and Ellis Simani (ProPublica) | Published: 8/13/2025

Private schools in Texas operate largely outside those rules because they have not historically received direct taxpayer dollars. Now, as the state moves to spend at least $1 billion over the next two years on private education, lawmakers have imposed almost none of the accountability measures required of the public school system. If held to the same standards, 27 private schools identified by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune through tax filings likely would have violated state law. Supporters of the voucher program argue oversight of private schools should come not from the state, but from their boards and the marketplace.

Texas – Federal Appeals Court Sides with Texas on ID Requirements for Voting by Mail

MSN – Alex Nguyen (Texas Tribune) | Published: 8/5/2025

A federal appeals court upheld Texas’ requirement that potential voters must list their identification information in their application for a mail-in ballot. In Texas, voting by mail is only available for certain groups of people, including elderly voters and people with disabilities. Under Senate Bill 1 passed in 2021, voters must also include an ID number such as a driver’s license number on both the vote-by-mail applications and the mail-in ballots and both numbers need to match.

Utah – Stuart Adams Says He Won’t Resign Over Claims He Influenced New Law to Help Family Member

Yahoo News – Bridger Beal-Cvetko (Deseret News) | Published: 8/13/2025

Utah Senate President Stuart Adams rejected calls for his resignation, defending his decision not to disclose a personal connection to a law passed in 2024 that was inspired by a criminal case involving an 18-year-old relative accused of having sex with a 13-year-old. In a stated effort to keep the process fair, Adams did not tell legislators, except for the bill’s sponsor, that his granddaughter was currently the defendant in a Davis County criminal case falling into that narrow category.

Campaign Finance

New York: “Ex-Eric Adams Aide Pleads Guilty to Federal Straw Donor Conspiracy Charge” by Josh Russell for Courthouse News Service

Elections

Ohio: “Sherrod Brown Plans to Run for Senate in Ohio Again” by Hannah Knowles and Liz Goodwin (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

California: “L.A. City Councilman Curren Price to Face New Corruption Charges” by James Queally and Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) for MSN

National: “White House Announces More Aggressive Review of Smithsonian Museums” by Janay Kingsberry (Washington Post) for MSN

Texas: “Texas Private Schools Hire Relatives and Enrich Insiders. Soon They Can Do It with Taxpayer Money.” by Lexi Churchill (Texas Tribune) and Ellis Simani (ProPublica) for MSN

Utah: “Stuart Adams Says He Won’t Resign Over Claims He Influenced New Law to Help Family Member” by Bridger Beal-Cvetko (Deseret News) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

Pennsylvania: “As Penn State Ramps Up Lobbying, Lax Disclosure Laws Make It Difficult to Tell Who or What It’s Trying to Influence.” by Wyatt Massey for Spotlight PA

Redistricting

National: “GOP Has the Edge in Redistricting Arms Race with Democrats” by Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) for MSN

Campaign Finance

New York: “A $9,200 Portrait, $20K for Decorations: Questions raised about Frank Seddio campaign spending” by Graham Rayman (New York Daily News) for Yahoo News

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Ethics Commission Opinion Says Officeholders Can Use Campaign Funds for Some Security Costs” by Emma Murphy (Oklahoma Voice) for Yahoo News

Elections

Texas: “Federal Appeals Court Sides with Texas on ID Requirements for Voting by Mail” by Alex Nguyen (Texas Tribune) for MSN

Ethics

Arizona: “Arizona AG Says Pinal County Attorney Can’t Investigate Lawmaker’s ICE Posts” by Wayne Schutsky for KJZZ

California: “Westminster Councilwoman Accused of Attempted Bribery to Get Ethics Training” by Hosam Elattar for Voice of OC

National: “Pentagon Plan Would Create Military ‘Reaction Force’ for Civil Unrest” by Alex Horton and David Ovalle (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Trump Nominates Bureau of Labor Statistics Critic to Replace Fired Agency Head” by Lauren Kaori Gurley (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

North Carolina: “NC Lawmaker’s Judicial Campaign Faces Complaint Over Lobbyist Donation” by Ahmed Jallow (NC Newsline) for Yahoo News

Campaign Finance

California: “Matt Haney Pays Huge Lawyer Fees Amid 2 Political Watchdog Probes” by Josh Koehn for San Francisco Standard

Georgia: “A Top Republican in the Georgia Governor’s Race Is Suing His Rival Over Campaign Financing” by Jeff Amy (Associated Press) for MSN

National: “Harrison Butker’s PAC Is Low on Cash. But So Far, None Has Gone to Candidates” by Kacen Bayless (Kansas City Star) for MSN

Ethics

National: “America’s CEOs Come to the White House Bearing Gifts and Flattery” by Cat Zakrzewski and HyoJung Kim (Washington Post) for MSN

Louisiana: “Louisiana Ethics Board Offers Top Staff Member Permanent Job Following Political Dispute” by Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) for Yahoo News

New York: “Justice Department Subpoenas Letitia James About Trump Fraud Probe” by Perry Stein, Shayna Jacobs, Kadia Goba, and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) for MSN

Oregon: “Oregon Ethics Commission Pursues Legislative Action, Further Revision on Meetings Policy” by Shaanth Nanguneri (Oregon Capital Chronicle) for Yahoo News

Redistricting

Alabama: “Federal Court Says Alabama Must Use Map That Creates 2nd Black Majority District” by Aaron Pellish (Politico) for MSN

National/Federal

Push to Ban Lawmaker Stock Trading Finds New Life

MSN – Mychael Schnell (The Hill) | Published: 8/3/2025

The long effort to ban members of Congress from trading stocks is back in the spotlight following a House ethics committee report that took issue with transactions made by a member’s spouse, and after a Senate panel advanced legislation to prohibit lawmakers from making transactions. Some lawmakers are vowing to keep the topic front and center into the fall as they look to make headway on a matter that has mystified Congress.

Former Trump Prosecutor Jack Smith Faces Investigation by Office of Special Counsel

MSN – Maegan Vazquez and Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 8/2/2025

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) said it is taking the unusual step of investigating Jack Smith, the former Justice Department official who oversaw two federal prosecutions of Donald Trump, for potentially violating the law barring federal officials from political activity. If the office concludes a federal employee has violated the law, it refers the case to the president. The investigation is out of the norm for the OSC, an office responsible for looking into federal employees’ potential violations of prohibited personnel practices.

CPB Says It Is Shutting Down After Being Defunded by Congress, Targeted by Trump

MSN – Ted Anthony and Kevin Freking (Associated Press) | Published: 8/1/2025

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a cornerstone of American culture for three generations, announced it would take steps toward its own closure after being defunded by Congress. The demise of the corporation is a direct result of President Trump’s targeting of public media. The closure is expected to have a profound impact on the journalistic and cultural landscape – in particular, public radio and television stations in small communities across the United States. CPB helps fund both PBS and NPR.

Revealed: Threat of political violence is keeping parents of young children out of politics

MSN – Barbara Rodriguez (The 19th) | Published: 8/4/2025

When Liuba Grechen Shirley ran for Congress in 2018, she began a journey that helped change federal policy to ensure parents like herself could use campaign funds to pay for childcare. Less known was the harassment and threats of violence that she says she experienced at the time. Now Vote Mama, the umbrella organization Grechen Shirley founded that supports parents who run for office, is elevating the use of campaign funds for security measures.

Smithsonian to Restore Trump to Impeachment Exhibit ‘in the Coming Weeks’

MSN – Jonathan Fischer and Samantha Chery (Washington Post) | Published: 8/20/2025

The Smithsonian said it would restore information about President Trump’s two impeachments to an exhibit in the National Museum of American History within weeks. In July, the museum removed a placard describing Trump’s impeachments and reverted the exhibit to how it looked in 2008. That display – a glass case dominated by a file cabinet damaged in the Watergate break-in – says that “only three presidents have seriously faced removal”: Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton.

Trump’s Tactics Are Bending the Criminal Justice System to His Personal Preferences

MSN – Naftali Bendavid (Washington Post) | Published: 8/6/2025

President Trump’s team has mounted a direct assault on all three pillars of the justice system, attacking judges whose rulings he dislikes, firing prosecutors for doing their jobs, and taking revenge on law firms for having clients or partners he considers hostile. The president has also broken one of the chief taboos of an independent justice system by using it to attack his political enemies. He is not the first president to be accused of trying to inappropriately sway, but Trump’s actions have been more far-reaching.

Ghislaine Maxwell’s Move to ‘Country Club’ Prison Smacks of Special Treatment, Experts Say

MSN – Derek Hawkins (Washington Post) | Published: 8/5/2025

The Bryan Federal Prison Camp in Texas looks almost like a college campus, befitting its reputation as one of the nation’s most lenient lockups for nonviolent women offenders. That it is now Ghislaine Maxwell’s new home for serving her 20-year sentence for sex trafficking flouts federal guidelines on who should be held in such minimum-security facilities, according to corrections experts, who said Maxwell appeared to have received preferential treatment for answering the Justice Department’s questions about her deceased partner in crime, Jeffrey Epstein.

MAGA Antitrust Agenda Under Siege by Lobbyists Close to Trump

MSN – Dave Michaels and Annie Linskey (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 8/6/2025

The second Trump administration seemed poised to deliver on MAGA’s embrace of aggressive antitrust enforcement. Instead, those efforts have run headlong into power brokers with close ties to President Trump who have snatched up lucrative assignments helping companies facing antitrust threats. The injection of politically connected lobbyists and lawyers into antitrust investigations is a shift in an arena that for decades was a niche area dominated by specialized lawyers and economists.

Republicans Quietly Fret About ‘Disturbing’ Cory Mills Allegations

MSN – Hailey Fuchs, Gary Fineout, and Meredith Lee Hill (Politico) | Published: 8/6/2025

Rep. Cory Mills has faced accusations that he benefited from federal contracts while in office, assaulted a onetime girlfriend in his Washington apartment, and threatened another ex-girlfriend with the release of nude videos. So far, the drumbeat of tawdry allegations has raised eyebrows in Washington, but it has not translated into any overt effort to sideline Mills. GOP leaders in the House appear to be betting Mills’ various messes will sort themselves out without blowing back on the party more broadly and potentially threaten its hold on power.

House Republicans Issue Subpoena for Jeffrey Epstein Files

MSN – Kadia Goba and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 8/5/2025

The House subpoenaed the Justice Department for its files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, potentially setting up a contentious standoff between Congress and the administration over an issue that has sparked major headaches for President Trump. Oversight Committee Chairperson James Comer also subpoenaed documents or testimony from several high-profile figures, who had either investigated or associated with Epstein in the past. That list included Bill and Hillary Clinton as well as a slew of former attorneys general under Democratic and Republican administrations.

Trump Fires Labor Statistics Chief After Large Revision to Jobs Report

MSN – Andrew Ackerman and Jacob Bogage (Washington Post) | Published: 8/1/2025

President Trump said he ordered the dismissal of the official in charge of compiling basic statistics about the U.S. economy after the release of a soft jobs report that showed lackluster July employment growth and revealed large downward revisions for hiring in May and June. Trump, who announced Erika McEntarfer ouster on social media, criticized her as a Biden appointee. Without evidence, he alleged the jobs numbers had been manipulated for political purposes.

Donor List Suggests Scale of Trump’s Pay-for-Access Operation

Seattle Times – Kenneth Vogel and David Yaffe-Bellany (New York Times) | Published: 8/2/2025

Lobbyists, political consultants, and others in the influence industry have capitalized on President Trump’s aggressive fundraising while in office to deliver for clients and earn points with a president who keeps close tabs on who is delivering cash and listens to their appeals. It is a cycle that has helped Trump fill the coffers of his political groups, defying the gravity that sometimes drags down the fundraising of term-limited presidents.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Turning Point USA Political Arms Accused of Violating Arizona Dark Money Disclosure Law

Yahoo News – Jerod MacDonald-Evoy (Arizona Mirror) | Published: 7/31/2025

A student-led Democratic PAC has filed a complaint against Turning Point USA’s political arms accusing it of violating Arizona’s dark money disclosure law by not revealing its funders who are providing money to run a campaign backing U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs’ bid for governor. The complaint alleges the two political advocacy arms of Turning Point USA have not filed the needed financial disclosures that are required under the Voters’ Right to Know Act which requires that the identities of each donor who contributes “directly or indirectly” more than $5,000 for campaign media spending to be revealed in a report that is available to the public.

California – Federal Judge Rebukes California Laws Targeting Misinformation

Courthouse News Service – Alan Riquelmy | Published: 8/5/2025

A federal judge knocked down a California law requiring large social media companies to remove deceptive content from their platforms, saying federal law preempts the state. Social media giants challenged Assembly Bill 2655, which requires certain platforms to remove “materially deceptive content” about candidates, elections officials, and elected officers. They argued the federal Communications Decency Act gives service providers like social media platforms immunity from content posted by a third party.

California – Sacramento County Administrator Overseeing COVID Food Program Profited from It

MSN – Joe Rubin (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 8/4/2025

The Sacramento County official who oversaw the troubled COVID-19 food aid program not only profited from it through public money distributed to her private business but also participated in the audit that concluded the initiative improperly allocated federal funds the county should demand be returned. A review of the audit and records of the Dine-In 2 program shows Stephanie Hopkins, a program planner with the county’s Department of Human Assistance, was paid by one of the leaders of the project accused of wrongdoing while approving the very dispersal and the invoices for it.  

Connecticut – Former CT Chief State’s Attorney Colangelo Fined in Ethics Case

MSN – Andrew Brown (Connecticut Mirror) | Published: 8/4/2025

State ethics officials fined Richard Colangelo Jr., Connecticut’s former chief state’s attorney, $7,000 for allegedly hiring the daughter of former state deputy budget director Konstantinos Diamantis to secure raises for himself and other state prosecutors. The job that Diamantis’ daughter was selected for paid $99,000 per year. Diamantis, who worked as a deputy in the Office of Policy and Management at the time, had influence over the state’s budget and state employee pay.

District of Columbia – Senate Confirms Jeanine Pirro as Top Federal Prosecutor for D.C.

MSN – Grace Moon, Theodoric Meyer, and Afia Barrie (Washington Post) | Published: 8/3/2025

The Senate confirmed former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. She is one of a number of Fox hosts whom Trump has recruited for the administration. In a written response to senators’ questions ahead of her confirmation, Pirro declined to say whether those convicted in the Capitol riot cases should have been pardoned, and sidestepped several other questions, including whether there would ever be a legal basis for someone from the executive branch of government to defy a federal court order.

District of Columbia – Trump Regulatory Czar Jeffrey Clark Should Be Disbarred for Role in 2020 Election Plot, Disciplinary Board Rules

Yahoo News – Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 7/31/2025

The District of Columbia Bar’s disciplinary arm has recommended that longtime Donald Trump ally Jeffrey Clark lose his law license for assisting Trump’s failed bid to overturn the 2020 election. The recommendation now moves to the Court of Appeals for a final determination. It also triggers an automatic suspension for Clark from practicing law, unless he convinces the court within 30 days to intervene and block that immediate punishment.

Florida – Newly Released Records Linked to Hope Florida Reignite Intra-GOP Political Battle

MSN – Arek Sarkissian (Politico) | Published: 8/6/2025

Records released by the Florida attorney general revealed new details about community-based welfare program Hope Florida and its financial and legal dealings, reviving one of the state’s largest political battles this year. The documents reveal details of a $67 million settlement between Florida and the state’s largest Medicaid provider, meant to settle overbilling claims. The final drafts of the settlement included a $10 million donation to the nonprofit arm of Hope Florida, an effort spearheaded by first lady Casey DeSantis. The donation was later used to fund the campaign to defeat a marijuana initiative last year.

Illinois – Longtime ComEd Lobbyist Gets 1 Year in Prison for Role in Madigan Bribery Scheme

Capitol News Illinois – Hannah Meisel | Published: 8/5/2025

Longtime Chicago lobbyist Jay Doherty was sentenced to a year and a day in prison for his role in a yearslong bribery scheme between his biggest client, electric utility Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), and former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Doherty agreed to use his consulting company as a pass-through in order to pay several political allies of Madigan’s, who did nothing for ComEd but received monthly checks. Two separate juries found the payments were the cornerstone of a larger bribery scheme aimed at influencing Madigan while the utility pushed for major legislation in Springfield.

Kentucky – An Inside Look into Frankfort Lobbying Events: Bourbon, breakfast & Jimmy John’s

MSN – Austin Horn (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 8/7/2025

In 2024, the total reported amount that lobbying groups spent on events to influence Kentucky lawmakers was $484,000, a 160 percent increase from the pre-pandemic average. The rise has raised some eyebrows among Democrats and observers. Others argue the events, whether an elaborate reception or a quick breakfast, do little to sway policy or are merely a reflection of the increasingly active way the GOP-led Legislature is shaping the state. But what actually happens at a legislative reception?

Louisiana – The Supreme Court Just Dropped a Hint About Its Next Big Voting Rights Act Case

MSN – Zach Montellaro and Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 8/1/2025

The Supreme Court said it will weigh the constitutionality of a common form of redistricting used to protect the voting power of Black and Hispanic voters: the drawing of congressional districts where racial minorities make up at least half the population. Experts in election law said the move signals that the court may be poised to further narrow the Voting Rights Act. The order came in a case challenging Louisiana’s congressional map, which contains two majority-Black districts out of the state’s six House seats.

Michigan – MAGA Michigan Sheriff Faces New Criticism for Politicking with Official Resources

Yahoo News – Ben Solis (Michigan Advance) | Published: 8/6/2025

Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy, who is also running for the Michigan Senate, held a political fundraiser for U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers and coordinated the event using taxpayer-funded resources to do it, according to emails. Michigan law prohibits public officials from using their offices and public resources for outside political purposes. The records show he helped coordinate aspects of the event using his government work email.

Montana – Group Releases Text of Proposed Montana Constitutional Amendment to Curb Dark Money

Yahoo News – Darrell Ehrlick (Daily Montanan) | Published: 8/1/2025

Montana began the constitutional initiative process aimed at challenging dark money, corporate campaign spending, and the Citizens United ruling. The U.S. Supreme Court has said the power to spend money in elections is tantamount to free speech and so most attempts to thwart or limit it have run afoul of the Constitution and the nation’s highest courts. But the wording of the new initiative seeks to limit the amount of money corporations can spend, not through traditional campaign laws or limitations, but rather by limiting corporate charters.

Nebraska – Rep. Mike Flood Met with Anger at Nebraska Town Hall

MSN – Kadia Goba (Washington Post) | Published: 8/5/2025

U.S. Rep. Mike Flood faced about 750 voters during a contentious town hall in Lincoln, Nebraska recently. The two-term Republican lawmaker was there to explain his vote for President Trump’s signature achievement: the “One Big Beautiful Bill” that extended the 2017 tax cuts and plowed billions into immigration enforcement while slashing health care and food programs for the poor. But from the start of the 90-minute session, Flood was met with an angry crowd that asked substantive questions but rarely seemed satisfied with his answers.

Nevada – Clark County Commissioners to Face Ethics Board Over Accepting Pricey F1 Tickets

MSN – Mary Hynes (Las Vegas Review-Journal) | Published: 7/31/2025

Five current and former Clark County commissioners will face the Nevada Commission on Ethics in connection with accepting free Formula One racing tickets. Each accepted a four-day ticket worth $10,900 to the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix in November 2023. Leading up to the event, commissioners approved the use of public roads for the race and streamlined the permitting process. In January 2024, the five commissioners reported accepting the tickets in an annual disclosure form, though in some instances incorrectly or belatedly.

New Jersey – Federal Judge Will Decide Whether Trump Ally Alina Habba Can Lead Prosecutions in New Jersey

Yahoo News – Ry Rivard, Kyle Cheney, Josh Gerstein and Matt Friedman (Politico) | Published: 8/1/2025

A federal judge will decide whether President Trump’s pick to lead federal prosecutors in New Jersey, Alina Habba, has the legal authority to continue operating as the state’s acting U.S. attorney. U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Brann indicated Friday that he would delve into the thorny question following a series of unusual maneuvers by Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to keep Habba in the role on a temporary basis. That prompted some criminal defendants to raise questions about Habba’s legitimacy.

New Mexico – Most Ethics Complaints Filed Against NM Lawmakers Resolved Quietly

Yahoo News – Dan Boyd (Albuquerque Journal) | Published: 8/4/2025

The recent internal ethics investigation into Sen. Mimi Stewart marked the first time in years that a complaint against a New Mexico lawmaker led to a public hearing. But there has been no shortage of filed complaints. With the exception of the complaint against Stewart, all other allegations of misconduct filed against lawmakers in the last five years – there have been a total of 17 – were quietly resolved without any details being publicly released.

New York – NYC Campaign Finance Board Denies Mayor Eric Adams Millions in Matching Funds

MSN – Joe Anuta (Politico) | Published: 8/6/2025

The New York City Campaign Finance Board denied Mayor Eric Adams millions of dollars in matching funds for the tenth time and suggested in a strongly worded statement that Adams will not be getting a penny anytime soon. The board denied Adams the public funding for his general election bid on two grounds: his campaign has not submitted required paperwork, and the board has reason to believe the campaign violated the law.

New York – GOP Mayoral Hopeful Curtis Sliwa’s Group Bills Itself a Charity Despite Losing Tax-Exempt Status

Yahoo News – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 8/6/2025

New York City mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa’s crime prevention group, the Guardian Angels, is soliciting donations while portraying itself as a tax-exempt charity even though it was stripped of that status years ago amid tax issues and legal troubles involving the organization’s longtime treasurer. The Guardian Angels, which Sliwa founded in 1979 and still controls, has not filed a 990 Form with the IRS since 2019.

North Carolina – Lobbyist’s $6,800 Donation to Rep. Sarah Stevens’ Supreme Court Campaign Likely Violates State Law

Yahoo News – Ahmed Jallow (NC Newsline) | Published: 8/7/2025

A donation from registered lobbyist Harold Brubaker to Rep. Sarah Stevens’ campaign for North Carolina Supreme Court appears to violate a law that bars lobbyists from contributing to sitting legislators regardless of the office they are seeking. The $6,800 contribution matches the maximum allowed from an individual donor under current state limits.

Ohio – ‘He Was Not Supposed To’: Cleveland Councilman’s role in gift card giveaway draws attention from state auditors

MSN – Sean McDonnell (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 8/4/2025

State auditors are reviewing whether Cleveland City Councilperson Joe Jones breached a city contract when his office helped hand out $50,000 in taxpayer-funded gift cards, a role that was supposed to fall entirely to a nonprofit. Records suggest Jones was cautioned against participating in the giveaway. Jones denies ever receiving such a warning, and said only his staff handed out the cards, not him personally.

Ohio – Ohio Elections Commission Getting Affairs in Order Ahead of Jan. 1 Handoff

Yahoo News – Nick Evans (Ohio Capital Journal) | Published: 8/4/2025

The Ohio General Assembly tacked an expiration date on the state’s independent campaign finance watchdog as part of the latest state budget. On January 1, the Ohio Elections Commission’s responsibilities shift to a new office under the secretary of state’s umbrella. Beyond that date-certain transfer, much of what happens next is still up in the air. In the meantime, their work continues.

Oregon – Judge Overturns Campaign Finance Violations from Rene Gonzalez’s 2024 Run for Portland Mayor

MSN – Jamie Parfitt (KGW) | Published: 7/31/2025

A pair of penalties against Rene Gonzalez for campaign finance violations during his 2024 run for Portland mayor were overturned by a Circuit Court judge. While the judge’s determination does not concern the merits of the campaign violations, Gonzalez successfully argued the process under which he was penalized, which is written into the city charter’s section on campaign finance, did not afford him due process rights under the U.S. Constitution because he was not afforded a hearing.

Pennsylvania – We Finally Know Who Paid for Josh Shapiro’s Inauguration Celebrations (Kinda)

MSN – Stephen Caruso (Spotlight PA) | Published: 8/4/2025

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2023 inauguration and the ball that followed it cost more than $4 million, but the identity of the benefactors who paid the bill remained a secret. Now, through a first-of-its-kind analysis, Spotlight PA identified a portion of those donors, which include influential lobbying firms, unions, and corporations with interests before the commonwealth’s government.

Texas – The IRS Says Churches Can Now Endorse Candidates. That Could Give Texas Pastors More Power Than Ever.

MSN – Marissa Greene (Fort Worth Report) | Published: 8/4/2025

The IRS recently decided to allow religious leaders to endorse candidates from the pulpit. For decades, pastors have fought for the right to speak on political issues and actively endorse candidates in their capacity as religious leaders. Now, before a judge has weighed in on whether to allow the IRS policy change, some religious leaders are already calling on congregations to demand greater political involvement from their churches.

Texas – Texas Democrats Flee State in Effort to Block GOP’s House Map Overhaul

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 8/3/2025

With control of the U.S. House hanging in the balance in the midterm elections, Democratic lawmakers in Texas fled the state to prevent a Republican effort to redraw district boundaries. Democrats plan to stay away for two weeks to run out the clock on a special legislative session called by Gov. Greg Abbott to draw a map that would give the GOP five more seats. While some states have adopted nonpartisan systems for drawing maps, Texas and many others have not, and partisans there have free rein to give themselves as much power as possible.

Utah – A Utah Progressive Group Mentioned a GOP Lawmaker in Its Fundraising. He Sent a Legal Threat.

MSN – Emily Anderson Stern (Salt Lake Tribune) | Published: 7/31/2025

On the homepage of its website, Alliance for a Better Utah lays out a one-sentence description of its purpose: “a nonprofit that holds politicians accountable and advocates for progressive policies.” But after a Republican lawmaker saw his name in the organization’s recent fundraising messages, he sent a cease-and-desist letter demanding Better Utah remove his “name, photograph, and likeness” from its content and issue a public retraction.

Washington – Seattle Prop 1 to Fund ‘Democracy Voucher’ Program Passing

Seattle Times – Daniel Beekman | Published: 8/5/2025

Seattle voters appear to have approved a 10-year, $45 million renewal of the city’s taxpayer-funded democracy vouchers. Proposition 1 would set the city on a course to continue an unusual campaign finance program that began with fanfare in 2017. The program mails four $25 vouchers to each voter, each city election cycle. Voters can sign the vouchers over to candidates, who convert them into cash to pay for things like yard signs and consultants.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin Is Getting a New Electronic Campaign Finance System. Here’s What to Know About the New Website.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Anna Kleiber | Published: 8/6/2025

After 16 years, the Wisconsin Ethics Commission will be upgrading to a new website for its electronic Campaign Finance Information System. Candidates and other users will have about five months to learn how to use the new system before a report is due. The Ethics Commission will also do an online training seminar, which will be recorded and posted on its website.

Campaign Finance

New York: “NYC Campaign Finance Board Denies Mayor Eric Adams Millions in Matching Funds” by Joe Anuta (Politico) for MSN

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Is Getting a New Electronic Campaign Finance System. Here’s What to Know About the New Website.” by Anna Kleiber for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Elections

Texas: “The IRS Says Churches Can Now Endorse Candidates. That Could Give Texas Pastors More Power Than Ever.” by Marissa Greene (Fort Worth Report) for MSN

Ethics

California: “Federal Judge Rebukes California Laws Targeting Misinformation” by Alan Riquelmy for Courthouse News Service

National: “Trump’s Tactics Are Bending the Criminal Justice System to His Personal Preferences” by Naftali Bendavid (Washington Post) for MSN

Florida: “Newly Released Records Linked to Hope Florida Reignite Intra-GOP Political Battle” by Arek Sarkissian (Politico) for MSN

Nebraska: “Rep. Mike Flood Met with Anger at Nebraska Town Hall” by Kadia Goba (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

Kentucky: “An Inside Look into Frankfort Lobbying Events: Bourbon, breakfast & Jimmy John’s” by Austin Horn (Lexington Herald-Leader) for MSN

The city of Miami has recently attempted to change the date of elections from November 2025 to November 2026. The purpose of the change was to have the local election coincide with federal election and boost voter turnout. The change inadvertently allowed the mayor and county commissioners to have a 1-year extension to the current term. This has caused legal issues, and a mayoral candidate has sued the city stating the change was unconstitutional. Both the district court and the appeals court agreed the schedule change was unconstitutional. The city is currently exploring further appellate options. Additionally, this ruling could have further implications for other cities such as Coral Gables who have also made changes to election schedules.

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National/Federal

AOC’s Met Gala Appearance Violated House Gift Rules, Ethics Panel Says

MSN – Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 7/25/2025

The House Committee on Ethics determined U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez failed to comply with the chamber’s gift rule as part of her appearance at the 2021 Met Gala, determining she improperly accepted free admission to the gala for her partner and failed to pay full fair market value for some of the items she wore at the event. Ocasio-Cortez and her counsel, the report states, sought to comply with ethics requirements, but found she accepted more than $3,700 in rented apparel but paid less than $1,000.

Ethics Panel: Pennsylvania Republican violated code of conduct with spouse’s stock trades

MSN – Mychael Schnell (The Hill) | Published: 7/25/2025

The House ethics committee “found substantial evidence” that U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly violated the chamber’s code of conduct when his wife profited off stock trades for a company he was focusing on in Washington. The panel found Kelly breached the code of conduct “by failing to meet his duty of candor.” The committee ordered he and his wife to divest their investments in Cleveland-Cliffs, the steel manufacturer at the center of the report.

Democrats Desperately Look for a Redistricting Edge in California, New York and Maryland

MSN – Liz Crampton, Jeremy White, and Nick Reisman (Politico) | Published: 7/26/2025

Democratic leaders are feeling pressure to join a brewing redistricting battle that is threatening to upend the midterms landscape, an effort that is likely to slam into legal and political reality. As Texas Republicans pressed forward with redistricting designed to increase the number of red seats in the state, officials in the biggest Democratic states scrambled for a response.

Justice Dept. Escalates Attacks on U.S. Judge Handling Deportation Cases

MSN – Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 7/29/2025

The Justice Department is escalating its attacks on the federal judge whom it has repeatedly clashed with during the Trump administration’s efforts to deport accused Venezuelan gang members under a rarely invoked wartime law. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced her office filed a misconduct complaint against James Boasberg, the chief judge of the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.

Senate Confirms Controversial Trump Nominee Emil Bove as Federal Judge

MSN – Perry Stein and Theodoric Meyer (Washington Post) | Published: 7/29/2025

The Senate approved the nomination of Emil Bove, President Trump’s former defense lawyer, to serve on a U.S. appeals court, confirming the controversial nominee to a lifetime appointment on the federal bench. Bove has been the most controversial of the 15 judges whom Trump has nominated to date in his second term, with Senate Democrats and three whistleblowers saying he is unfit for a job in which he would be expected to make judicial rulings without consideration of politics.

Senate Democrats Try to Force Release of Epstein Files Using Arcane Law

MSN – Lauren Fox and Katelyn Polantz (CNN) | Published: 7/30/2025

Senate Democrats are using an arcane procedural tool to try to force the Department of Justice to release additional files from the Jeffrey Epstein case, the latest gambit to keep the issue front-and-center as lawmakers prepare for their August recess. Democrats are basing their request on a nearly 100-year-old law that allows five or more members of the Senate Homeland Security Committee to request information from the administration even when they are in the minority and lack subpoena power. The law has not been regularly used, nor is it clear whether it would yield the documents Democrats are seeking.

How Trump’s Personal Attorney Wound Up Investigating the Epstein Case at DOJ

MSN – Shayna Jacobs and Michael Kranish (Washington Post) | Published: 7/31/2025

Todd Blanche was asked at his Senate confirmation hearing whether being President Trump’s lawyer in his hush money trial and other cases meant he would have a “continuing duty of loyalty and confidentiality” to his former client even after becoming deputy attorney general. Now that loyalty, and the question of a potential conflict-of-interest, has become a key component of the questions swirling about Trump’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, who was charged with sex trafficking and died in prison in 2019.

Gluesenkamp Perez Wants Cognitive Standards in Congress; Colleagues Disagree

Seattle Times – Annie Karni (New York Times) | Published: 7/26/2025

U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez offered an amendment to the federal spending bill that aimed to create basic guidelines in Congress to ensure that members were able to do their jobs “unimpeded by significant irreversible cognitive impairment.” Her amendment was rejected in a committee. But Perez does not plan to drop the issue, which she said is a major concern for voters. Democrats have been grappling with generational tensions since Joe Biden’s forced exit from the presidential race last year.

Donor Who Fooled Investors She Had Access to Trump Pleads Guilty in $31.5M Scam

Yahoo News – John Annese (New York Daily News) | Published: 7/30/2025

Sherry Xue Li, a Donald Trump donor who once rubbed elbows with the president at a 2017 fundraiser, admitted to running a $31.5 million scam, falsely promising foreigners they would get green cards and a back channel to Trump for investing in an upstate New York real estate project. Li and an accomplice donated $600,000 to the Trump Victory Fund to get a dozen people from China and Singapore into a fundraiser at Trump’s Washington hotel. The money came from the foreign nationals’ wallets, and they served as straw donors.

From the States and Municipalities

Arkansas – Court Restricts Who Can Bring Voting Rights Challenges in a Case Involving Voters with Disabilities

MSN – Gary Fields (Associated Press) | Published: 7/28/2025

A federal appeals court panel ruled private individuals and organizations cannot bring voting rights cases under a section of the law that allows others to assist voters who are blind, have disabilities, or are unable to read. It is the latest ruling from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, saying only the government can bring lawsuits alleging violations of the Voting Rights Act. The findings upend decades of precedent and will likely be headed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

California – Disneyland Resort Interests Face Off in Lawsuit After Corruption Scandal

Voice of OC – Hosam Elattar | Published: 7/30/2025

The Anaheim Chamber of Commerce is suing the controversial tourism bureau, Visit Anaheim, for ending a contract state auditors concluded was entered into improperly. The chamber, which almost shuttered its doors earlier this year, demanded over $7 million dollars from Visit Anaheim, alleging they wrongfully ended their contract because of political pressure amid fallout in a corruption scandal.

Connecticut – Ex-Bridgeport Official Gets Time Served for Lying Under Oath About Political Fundraiser

MSN – Alex Wood (Journal Inquirer) | Published: 7/29/2025

Former Bridgeport Board of Education Chair Jessica Martinez was sentenced to time already spent in federal custody for lying to a federal grand jury about her knowledge of a campaign fundraiser for former state Sen. Dennis Bradley. The false testimony occurred in 2020 when a grand jury was investigating the possibility that Bradley’s campaign defrauded Connecticut’s system for public funding of campaigns by providing false information about fundraising.

Florida – Hope Florida Charity Says DeSantis Officials Didn’t Need to Report Gifts

Yahoo News – Lawrence Mower (Tampa Bay Times) | Published: 7/29/2025

Gifts over $100 from state-created charities, such as the Hope Florida Foundation that sponsored a fundraiser attended by lawmakers and executive branch officials, must be reported to the state ethics commission. But after the media wrote about the vent and the free hotel rooms and other swag that attendees received, the president of the Hope Florida Foundation instructed attendees not to report anything to the commission because these were not gifts. The attendees’ “assistance” at the event was worth more than any gifts they received, Foundation President Joshua Hay wrote.

Georgia – First Liberty-Connected PAC Is Accused of Illegally Influencing Elections in Ethics Complaint

Yahoo News – Ross Williams (Georgia Recorder) | Published: 7/30/2025

A conservative political action committee associated with the family at the heart of the ongoing First Liberty Building & Loan scandal illegally influenced elections in Georgia to the tune of more than $220,000, according to a complaint filed by the State Ethics Commission. The complaint alleges the Georgia Republican Assembly PAC failed to register as an independent committee before making expenditures to affect the outcome of recent elections. The complaint also alleges the PAC failed to file 24 required disclosure reports.

Georgia – State Election Board Accuses Lyft of Violating the Law by Offering Discounted Rides to the Polls

Yahoo News – Maya Homan | Published: 7/30/2025

The State Election Board accused Lyft of violating Georgia’s election law by offering discounted rides to users who were heading to the polls. The board alleges the rideshare company violated a provision of the election code that prohibits “giving or receiving, offering to give or receive, or participating in the giving or receiving of money or gifts for registering as a voter, voting, or voting for a particular candidate.”

Idaho – Witnesses Describe ‘Enraged’ Mayor Allegedly Pulling a Gun on City Council Due to ‘Conflict of Interest’

MSN – Kaitlyn Hart (East Idaho News) | Published: 7/30/2025

Multiple people say Butte City Mayor Kevin Turner pointed a gun at them during a city council meeting after they brought up issues about cyberbullying from a public official. Turner was arrested and charged with misdemeanor exhibition or use of a deadly weapon. Police reports state that during a council meeting, Turner slammed his holstered gun on the table “like a gavel” while attempting to fire Councilperson Steven Avery. As Avery is an elected official, he cannot be fired; he would have to be recalled by voters in an election.

Illinois – Ex-Worth Township Supervisor Gets Probation in Oak Lawn Red-Light Camera Bribery Case

Yahoo News – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 7/30/2025

John O’Sullivan, a onetime Worth Township supervisor and Illinois lawmaker, was sentenced to 18 months of probation for his role in a scheme to pay bribes to get lucrative red-light cameras installed in a Chicago suburb. O’Sullivan pleaded guilty more than four years ago to conspiring with longtime political operative Patrick Doherty and an executive representing red-light camera company SafeSpeed to pay bribes in exchange for the official support of an Oak Lawn trustee to put the ticketing cameras at additional intersections.

Illinois – 2 Years Probation for Former Assessor’s Employee Who Pleaded Guilty to Bribery

Yahoo News – Sam Charles (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 7/29/2025

A former employee in the Cook County assessor’s office was sentenced to two years of probation after a federal judge credited his extensive cooperation with investigators. Francisco Perez pleaded guilty to one count of bribery conspiracy after federal authorities accused him of accepting low-level bribes from employees of three local law firms in return for lowering property value assessments.

Indiana – Five-Star Stays and Michelin-Starred Meals: Interest groups foot the bill for congressional travel

Yahoo News – Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism staff | Published: 7/29/2025

Members of Indiana’s U.S. House delegation and their staffers accepted roughly $640,000 in privately sponsored international travel since 2020. House rules prohibit representatives from knowingly accepting privately funded travel or gifts from registered lobbyists or foreign agents, but interest groups commonly create charitable nonprofit arms to continue sponsoring congressional travel.

Kentucky – Grossberg Drops Lawsuit vs. KY Ethics Commission – but Plans to Take Case to Federal Court

MSN – Lucas Aulbach (Louisville Courier Journal) | Published: 7/30/2025

Embattled state Rep. Daniel Grossberg is dropping the lawsuit he filed against the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission. But the case is not over. Grossberg, who sought to stop the commission from continuing its misconduct investigation into complaints made against him, plans to file a separate lawsuit in federal court instead.

Maine – Maine’s Democracy Is Strong Despite Socioeconomic Barriers to Access, Report Finds

Yahoo News – Eesha Pendharkar (Maine Morning Star) | Published: 7/25/2025

Maine’s democracy remains among the most accessible and resilient in the nation, with strong voter turnout, a largely representative state Legislature, and an increased shift toward clean elections, despite some socioeconomic inequities in voting. That is according to the 2025 State of Democracy in Maine report, which offers an assessment of several areas of the state’s democratic health – voter turnout, clean elections, campaign finance, government transparency, and accountability.

Maryland – Out of Jail, Ex-Pr. George’s Council Member Becomes Another’s Chief of Staff

MSN – Lateshia Beachum (Washington Post) | Published: 7/30/2025

Former Prince George’s County council member Mel Franklin landed a county job just weeks after his release from incarceration for stealing more than $100,000 from his campaign fund and then lying about it. Franklin will be chief of staff for at-large Councilperson Calvin Hawkins II, who served nearly six years in prison after being convicted of armed robbery at 21.

Maryland – McKay Session-in-Review Books Face Critical Ethics, Campaign Finance Reviews

Yahoo News – Bryan Sears (Maryland Matters) | Published: 7/25/2025

“The 90 Day Report,” a paperback by Maryland Sen. Mike McKay and available on Amazon, provides a detailed look at every bill the veteran lawmaker sponsored or cast a final vote on during the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions. McKay sees the print-on-demand books as a cost-efficient modernization of the traditional lawmaker practice of informing constituents of their doings during the 90-day legislative session. But ethics and campaign officials are looking at it against a tangle of ethics rules. Even if strictly legal, it could run afoul of ethics laws warning of the “appearance” of an ethics issue.

Massachusetts – Amid Criticism, Healey Names Hospitals’ Top Lobbyist to State Health Policy Board

WBUR – Chris Lisinski (State House News Service) | Published: 7/25/2025

After several days of fielding criticism about the move behind the scenes, Gov. Maura Healey named the state’s top hospital lobbyist to a position at the regulatory agency that oversees virtually all major health care decisions, including those directly affecting his clients, in Massachusetts. The Healey administration defended the selection of Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association President Steve Walsh, saying he fulfills a statutory requirement for a member of the Health Policy Commission’s board to come from a hospital background.

Michigan – Subpoena Targets Michigan AG Dana Nessel Over Stalled ‘Dark Money’ Probe

Bridge Michigan – Simon Schuster | Published: 7/24/2025

More than two years after state campaign finance officials said a dark money group likely violated Michigan law by raising money for a ballot committee without disclosing donors, Republicans are questioning why the criminal referral went nowhere under Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel. The House Oversight Committee authorized a subpoena for related communications within Nessel’s office, citing her wife’s role as co-chair for the ballot committee to which the funding ultimately flowed.

Michigan – Michigan Ballot Initiative Aims to Reveal ‘Dark Money’ Donors Behind Political Ads

Bridge Michigan – Simon Schuster | Published: 7/30/2025

A potential ballot proposal to change Michigan’s campaign finance law could upend political giving and advertising in the state, hamstringing prolific political donors and revealing major sources of dark money spending. Michiganders for Money Out of Politics is seeking to put a proposal on the 2026 ballot that would ban regulated utilities and state government contractors from making contributions to state candidates and a broad array of other political spending. It would also require any outside spending group making even tangential reference to a candidate or ballot issue to report their spending totals and donors to the state.

Missouri – Grand Jury Indicts Top Democrat in St. Louis County Government on Felony Charges

Yahoo News – Rudi Keller (Missouri Independent) | Published: 7/30/2025

The top elected official in Missouri’s largest county was indicted on four criminal charges for allegedly misusing public money to oppose passage of an April ballot measure. The indictment accuses St. Louis County Executive Sam Page of spending public funds on a flyer and direct mail postcard for the vote on a proposal that would have curbed his power.

Missouri – Missouri Ethics Panel Dismisses Complaint Involving Republican State Senator

Yahoo News – Jason Hancock (Missouri Independent) | Published: 7/29/2025

A complaint alleging state Sen. Joe Nicola was using his church as a PAC was formally dismissed by the Missouri Ethics Commission. The complaint alleged New Covenant Ministries, where Nicola serves as president and pastor, should have registered as a PAC because it raised money to boost Nicola’s campaign for state Senate last year.

New Jersey – Alina Habba’s Future as New Jersey’s Top Federal Prosecutor Faces Legal Test

MSN – Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 7/29/2025

President Trump’s effort to keep Alina Habba in charge of the U.S. attorney’s office in New Jersey is facing a legal challenge that could influence his ability to extend terms for some of his other controversial picks to lead prosecutor’s offices across the country. Defendants in a drug and gun case set to go to trial in New Jersey are urging a federal court to toss the charges, arguing that Habba, a former Trump defense lawyer, has no legal standing to exercise prosecutorial powers.

New York – All in the Family: Relatives helped NY candidates garner public funds

Albany Times Union – Emilie Munson | Published: 7/27/2025

Fifty-eight candidates for the Senate and Assembly in New York donated to their own campaigns and then filed claims for matching state funds to amplify their platforms in 2024. At least 113 candidates claimed matching funds for contributions they, their spouses, or their family members made. The practice is allowed by state Election Law. Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay said rules like matching funds for candidates’ own contributions are exactly why many Republicans, like him, opposed implementation of the program.

North Dakota – Supreme Court Pauses Ruling That Weakens Voting Rights Act in Some States

MSN – Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) | Published: 7/24/2025

The Supreme Court paused a lower court ruling that bars individuals in seven Midwestern states from bringing racial discrimination lawsuits under the Voting Rights Act. The justices sided with Native American tribes that sought the emergency stay, arguing the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit gutted a powerful tool that helps ensure voting maps are drawn equitably.

North Dakota – ND Ethics Commission OKs Lawmakers’ Expenses-Paid Trip to Israel as ‘Educational’

Yahoo News – Mary Steurer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 7/30/2025

At least one North Dakota lawmaker has been invited to an all-expenses-paid trip to meet with Israel leaders in September, and the state Ethics Commission says he can accept. The five-day trip would be paid for by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which pitches the tour as an opportunity for U.S. lawmakers to learn about the nation’s culture, heritage, and government. The Ethics Commission determined the trip is fair game because the organizers say it is purely educational and no lobbying will take place.

Ohio – Despite Trump Pardon, Cincinnati Dem Pushes Appeal That Could Have Major Ramifications

MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 7/25/2025

Despite a pardon form President Trump, Former Cincinnati City Council member PG Sittenfeld is trying to get his corruption conviction overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. His appeal, which legal experts say might be the first of its kind, could have ramifications far beyond his case. Sittenfeld was convicted of bribery after accepting $20,000 from undercover FBI agents in exchange for lining up votes for a development project. The appeal asks the Supreme Court to more clearly draw a line between a legal campaign contribution and a bribe.

Oklahoma – Board Members Say Naked Women on TV in Ryan Walters’ Office During Closed Session

Yahoo News – Murray Evans (Oklahoman) | Published: 7/25/2025

An executive session of the Oklahoma State Board of Education was interrupted when images of naked women were seen on a television screen in the office of state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, where the session was held, two board members said. Board members had been meeting behind closed doors to discuss teacher licensing, student attendance appeals, and other sensitive issues. Walters chairs the board. It is unclear who was responsible for the images or why they were broadcast. Walters was seated with his back to the television screen, which would not have been in Walters’ direct view.

Texas – Texas House Democrats Are Fundraising to Potentially Leave the State to Block GOP-Backed Redistricting

MSN – Owen Dahlkamp (Texas Tribune) | Published: 7/29/2025

As Republicans in Texas move ahead with a plan to redraw the state’s congressional districts, Democrats are privately mulling their options, including an expensive and legally dicey quorum break. If they go that route, it appears they will have the backing of wealthy donors. By fleeing the state to deprive the Legislature of enough members to function, Democrats would each incur a fine of $500 per day and face the threat of arrest. Donors within the party appear ready to cover these expenses.

Texas – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Senate Hopeful, Claimed 3 Homes as His Primary Residence

MSN – Brian Slodysko (Associated Press) | Published: 7/24/2025

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and his wife are longtime owners of a $1.5 million house in a gated community outside Dallas. In 2015, they snapped up a second home in Austin, then another. But mortgages signed by the Paxtons contained inaccurate statements declaring that each of those three houses was their primary residence, enabling the now-estranged couple to improperly lock in low interest rates. The mortgage revelations are likely to become fodder in the Republican primary for a U.S. Senate seat. The situation is further complicated by the Trump administration’s criminal pursuit of Democrats over similar issues.

Texas – Texas Senate Passes Bill to Bar Local Government like Dallas from Hiring Outside Lobbyists

MSN – Karen Brooks Harper and Devyani Chhetri (Dallas News) | Published: 7/30/2025

Texas lawmakers moved a notch closer in their quest to bar local governments from using public dollars on outside lobbyists. The GOP-dominated Texas Senate approved the bill amid a debate that has largely focused on whether the state was reforming where taxpayer dollars are spent or whether it was eroding local influence.

Utah – Utah Nonprofit Spent Millions of Taxpayer Funds on Private Company, Vacations, State Auditor Finds

MSN – Brigham Tomco (Deseret News) | Published: 7/29/2025

The president of a Utah nonprofit manufacturing consultant misused millions of dollars of public funds meant for a federal and state manufacturing program, according to a state audit. The review revealed iMpact Utah spent between $1.8 and $2.8 million in transfers to a for-profit company where the president is a majority shareholder, as well as political donations, personal trips, and “excessive” executive compensation in a three-year span.

Virginia – The Largest Donor to Rouse’s Lieutenant Governor Campaign Won’t Be Known Until Months After the Primary

Cardinal News – Elizabeth Beyer | Published: 7/28/2025

A federal PAC was one of the largest donors to Virginia Sen. Aaron Rouse’s campaign for lieutenant governor. Where that money came from will not be known until months after the primary election. A difference in reporting requirements between the FEC and the State Board of Elections has created a loophole that allows federal PACs to temporarily shield the source of their money, even as they contribute to state candidates in Virginia’s off-year elections.

Virginia – Is It Time for Virginia to Stop Holding Elections Every Year? Lawmakers Are Taking a Serious Look

Virginia Mercury – Markus Schmidt | Published: 7/31/2025

The Joint Subcommittee to Study the Consolidation and Scheduling of General Elections met for the first time to begin exploring whether Virginia, one of just a handful of states with statewide elections in odd-numbered years, should sync up with the federal calendar and move all general elections to even-numbered years. The idea may seem like a bureaucratic scheduling tweak. But in practice, it would touch nearly every aspect of Virginia politics, from voter turnout and local governance to campaign finance and the nationalization of state issues.

Campaign Finance

Missouri: “Missouri Ethics Panel Dismisses Complaint Involving Republican State Senator” by Jason Hancock (Missouri Independent) for Yahoo News

Elections

Arkansas: “Court Restricts Who Can Bring Voting Rights Challenges in a Case Involving Voters with Disabilities” by Gary Fields (Associated Press) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Senate Confirms Controversial Trump Nominee Emil Bove as Federal Judge” by Perry Stein and Theodoric Meyer (Washington Post) for MSN

Florida: “Hope Florida Charity Says DeSantis Officials Didn’t Need to Report Gifts” by Lawrence Mower (Tampa Bay Times) for Yahoo News

Illinois: “2 Years Probation for Former Assessor’s Employee Who Pleaded Guilty to Bribery” by Sam Charles (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News

Indiana: “Five-Star Stays and Michelin-Starred Meals: Interest groups foot the bill for congressional travel” by Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism staff for Yahoo News

New Jersey: “Alina Habba’s Future as New Jersey’s Top Federal Prosecutor Faces Legal Test” by Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Texas: “Texas House Democrats Are Fundraising to Potentially Leave the State to Block GOP-Backed Redistricting” by Owen Dahlkamp (Texas Tribune) for MSN

On August 12, by-elections will be held for District 9 (Charlottetown-Hillsborough Park) and District 15 (Brackley-Hunter RiverPark) for the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island.

In District 9, the by-election was called because of the resignation of MLA Natalie Jameson, who resigned on February 11. Jameson will be the Conservative Party of Canada’s candidate for Charlottetown in the next federal election.

In District 15, the by-election was called because of the resignation of Premier Dennis King, who resigned on February 21. King has indicated he no longer wished to remain in politics.

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National/Federal

Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ Is Canceled by CBS and Will End in May 2026

MSN – Alicia Rancilio and Andrew Dalton (Associated Press) | Published: 7/18/2025

CBS is canceling “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” next May, shuttering a decades-old television institution in a changing media landscape and removing from air one of President Trump’s most prominent and persistent late-night critics. CBS said “Late Show” was canceled for financial reasons, not for content. But the timing – three days after Colbert criticized the settlement between Trump and Paramount Global, parent company of CBS, over a “60 Minutes” story – led two U.S. senators to publicly question the motives.

Trump Reshaped the Supreme Court. Now Emergency Appeals Are Helping Him Reshape the Government

MSN – Mark Sherman and Chris Megerian (Associated Press) | Published: 7/15/2025

Six months into his second term, President Trump has gotten almost everything he has wanted from the Supreme Court that he reshaped during his first. The legal victories are noteworthy on their own, but how the president is achieving them is remarkable. Administration lawyers are harnessing emergency appeals, which were used sparingly under previous presidencies, to fast-track cases to the Supreme Court, where decisions are often handed down with no explanation. The result is a series of green lights from the nation’s highest court without any clarity on how the law should be interpreted in the future.

For Sale: Trump is leveraging power of his office to reap profits for family businesses

MSN – Brian Slodysko and Will Weissert (Associated Press) | Published: 7/18/2025

From crypto coins to bibles, overseas development deals to an upcoming line of cellphones, Donald Trump’s family business has raked in hundreds of millions of dollars since the 2024 election, an unprecedented flood of often shadowy money from billionaires, foreign governments, and cryptocurrency tycoons with interests before the federal government. The sums amassed by the Trump Organization are far greater than those collected by the family during the president’s first term, when patronage of his hotels, resorts, and golf courses was de rigueur to curry favor.

Trump’s DOJ Has Fired Dozens of Prosecutors, Upending Decades-Old Norm

MSN – Patrick Marley, Jeremy Roebuck, and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 7/19/2025

The Justice Department under the Trump administration has fired dozens of career prosecutors during the past six months, making the dismissal of federal attorneys. The terminations have alarmed staff members and observers who worry agency officials are engaged in a broad campaign to erode civil service protections, bolster the political interests of the president, and weaken the rule of law. Prosecutors are typically fired only when they do something improper or fail to perform their duties.

Trump Officials Accused of Defying 1 in 3 Judges Who Ruled Against Him

MSN – Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) | Published: 7/21/2025

President Trump and his appointees have been accused of flouting courts in a third of the more than 160 lawsuits against the administration in which a judge has issued a substantive ruling, a Washington Post analysis found, suggesting widespread noncompliance with America’s legal system. Plaintiffs say Justice Department lawyers and the agencies they represent are snubbing rulings, providing false information, failing to turn over evidence, quietly working around court orders, and inventing pretexts to carry out actions that have been blocked.

Well-Timed or Just Lucky? Top Trump Officials’ Stock Sales Clustered Before Tariff News

MSN – Suhail Bhat and Ramon Padilla (USA Today) | Published: 7/22/2025

Several top Trump administration officials sold off stock market holdings in the days leading up to the president’s announcements of sweeping tariffs that sparked fears of a global trade war and rattled financial markets. Sales by top officials, including Cabinet members, their deputies, and senior White House officials were clustered in two 10-day periods leading up to President Trump’s major tariff announcements on February 13 and April 2. Of the stock and stock fund sales administration officials reported between January 20 and April 30, 90 percent fell within 10 days of the tariff announcements.

The Government Was Once a Steady Partner for Nonprofits. That’s Changing

MSN – Thalia Beatty (Associated Press) | Published: 7/22/2025

In his second term, President Trump froze, cut, or threatened to cut a huge range of social services programs from public safety to early childhood education to food assistance and services for refugee resettlement. Staffing cuts to federal agencies have also contributed to delays and uncertainty around future grant funds. Altogether, his policies are poised to upend decades of partnerships the federal government has built with nonprofits to help people in their communities. This vast and interconnected set of programs funded by taxpayers has been significantly dismantled in just months, nonprofit leaders, researchers, and funders say.

Supreme Court Allows Trump to Remove Consumer Product Safety Regulators

MSN – Ann Marimow and Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) | Published: 7/23/2025

A divided Supreme Court cleared the way for President Trump to remove the Democratic members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, allowing the administration to continue to seize control of the federal bureaucracy while litigation continues in the lower courts. As is common in rulings rendered on the emergency docket, the majority did not offer a rationale for its decision. The move received sharp objections from the court’s three liberal justices.

Federal Appeals Court Rules Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Unconstitutional

MSN – David Nakamura (Washington Post) | Published: 7/23/2025

A federal appeals court ruled President Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship is unconstitutional and upheld a nationwide ban on his administration from implementing the measure. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit said Trump’s directive violates the citizenship clause of the 14th Amendment. The president is seeking to deny automatic citizenship to the U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants and temporary foreign visitors.

Justice Department Told Trump in May That His Name Is Among Many in the Epstein Files

MSN – Sadie Gurman, Annie Linskey, Josh Dawsey, and Alex Lear (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 7/23/2025

When Justice Department officials reviewed what Attorney General Pam Bondi called a “truckload” of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein earlier this year, they discovered Donald Trump’s name appeared multiple times, according to senior administration officials. In May, Bondi and her deputy informed the president that his name was in the Epstein files, the officials said. Many other high-profile figures were also named, Trump was told. Being mentioned in the records is not a sign of wrongdoing.

Columbia to Pay More Than $200 Million in Deal with Trump Administration

MSN – Susan Svrluga and Emily Davies (Washington Post) | Published: 7/23/2025

Columbia University and the Trump administration have reached an agreement to resolve a months-long dispute over federal research funding that made the university a symbol of White House efforts to force cultural changes in higher education nationally. The deal requires Columbia to pay the federal government $200 million to settle claims related to discriminatory practices. It reinstates most of the $400 million in research grants that were frozen by the government.

K Street Rakes in Record Cash Thanks to Trump

MSN – Caitlin Oprysko (Politico) | Published: 7/23/2025

Top lobbying firms in Washington reported large increases in second quarter revenues, with record-breaking demand for help navigating the Trump administration’s stream of policy pronouncements and shaping the president’s “big, beautiful” tax-and-spending bill. Firms with strong ties to the White House have skyrocketed to the top of the pecking order of lobbying outfits on K Street, according to an analysis of the latest quarterly lobbying disclosures.

Trump Document Dumps Raise Questions of Distraction

MSN – Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) | Published: 7/24/2025

The Trump administration has moved to release tranches of documents from controversial past investigations amid increasing scrutiny into its handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, prompting criticism that the White House is seeking a distraction. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released documents related to the investigation into Russia’s efforts to influence the 2016 election, something President Trump raised again when he said former President Obama was guilty of treason in connection with the matter.

With His Suit Against Murdoch, Trump Signals: No one is safe

MSN – Sarah Ellison and Scott Nover (Washington Post) | Published: 7/24/2025

One day after the Wall Street Journal published a story alleging Donald Trump wrote a “bawdy” birthday letter to deceased sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein, Trump sued the newspaper, the two authors of the story, and a raft of corporate overseers including Rupert Murdoch, whose family trust controls the Journal’s parent company and that of Fox News. By suing the Wall Street Journal and Murdoch, Trump is lashing out at one of his most powerful media allies, a fellow billionaire who has been one of his most influential advisers outside the White House.

Trump’s Pick to Protect Federal Workers Shares a Disdain for Them

MSN – Meryl Kornfield and Cleve Wootson Jr. (Washington Post) | Published: 7/24/2025

Paul Ingrassia is unlike any nominee ever put forward to lead the Office of Special Counsel and his confirmation prospects are increasingly uncertain. A 2021 law school graduate with no senior government experience, Ingrassia has mostly made himself known as a loyalist to President Trump who repeats scorched-earth rhetoric, expresses admiration for controversial figures, and shares disdain for the federal workforce he would be tasked with protecting.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – New Guidelines Will Require More In-House Lobbyists to Register with Commissioner’s Office: Bélanger

iPolitics – Marco Vigliotti | Published: 7/22/2025

Lobbying Commissioner Nancy Bélanger released new guidelines for the profession lowering the threshold to trigger reporting requirements for people lobbying directly on behalf of their employer. These in-house lobbyists will now have to register if that work takes up at least eight hours of their time over a four-week period, a four-fold decrease from the current rules. Bélanger said the change would “enhance transparency” by requiring more people lobbying the federal government to publicly disclose their work.

California – Is OC’s District Attorney Leaning on His Campaign Donors to Pay a Court Fine?

Voice of OC – Noah Biesiada | Published: 7/21/2025

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer is personally responsible for $25,000 after a judge ordered him to pay restitution to a whistleblower he retaliated against. But Spitzer might have set up a new way to get the money – his campaign donors. The opening of the legal defense fund raised concerns across Orange County. “Opening it now seems to imply that he wants to raise money from donors to pay his court ordered fine,” said Jon Fleischman, former director of the California Republican Party.

Colorado – Democratic State Senator Who Resigned Amid Ethics Investigation Now Faces Felony Criminal Charge in Denver

KUNC – Jesse Paul (Colorado Capital News Alliance) | Published: 7/22/2025

Former Colorado Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, who resigned this year amid an ethics investigation into her treatment of legislative aides, was charged with attempting to influence a public servant, a felony offense. Court records show Jaquez Lewis’ alleged offense occurred before she resigned from the Legislature on February 18. She stepped down when the Senate Ethics Committee, which was investigating a complaint against her, announced Jaquez Lewis submitted at least one fabricated letter of support sent to the panel that purported to be from a former aide.

Connecticut – Audit: Elections watchdog more than a year late with some campaign reports

CT News Junkie – Viktoria Sundqvist | Published: 7/23/2025

An audit of the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) says the watchdog failed to complete several post-election campaign finance audits in a timely manner. The audit, which covers the fiscal years ending June 2022 and 2023, reviewed seven and eight candidate committee commission audits, respectively, and found the commission issued four of its final summary reports between 132 and 454 days late from the 2020 election cycle. The SEEC said it has limited resources to process the statutorily required audits without delay.

Florida – In Boon for House GOP, Florida Supreme Court Sides with DeSantis, Upholds Congressional Map

MSN – Gary Fineout (Politico) | Published: 7/17/2025

The state Supreme Court upheld Florida’s congressional map, delivering a win to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who pushed through the changes that helped Republicans flip and maintain the House majority. The ruling could be far-reaching; it suggests legislators can sidestep protections for minority voters adopted in 2010. But the legal battle may not end, as one of the groups involved in the litigation said the battle over the district is “far from over.”

Florida – With Charity Cuts Looming, Miami-Dade Steers $250,000 a Year to This New Foundation

MSN – Douglas Hanks (Miami Herald) | Published: 7/19/2025

In a year where Miami-Dade may slash tens of millions of dollars in nonprofit funding, one new charity with a sparse track record recently secured a $250,000 yearly revenue stream mandated by a county contract. The president of the charity receiving the payments is a top official in the city of Miami’s government.

Florida – Miami Can’t Delay Its Election by a Year, Judge Rules

WLRN – Patricia Mazzei (New York Times) | Published: 7/22/2025

Miami city commissioners violated the Florida Constitution when they voted to postpone this fall’s election to November 2026, a state judge ruled, saying that such a change required voter approval. The judge ruled in favor of Emilio González, a candidate for mayor. The city commission said the delay was meant to save money and improve turnout. Critics noted it would give elected city officials an extra year in office.

Illinois – ‘You Had the Power to Stop This:’ Ex-ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore sentenced to 2 years in prison in scheme to bribe Speaker Madigan

Yahoo News – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 7/21/2025

Once a rising corporate star, former Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) Chief Executive Officer Anne Pramaggiore was sentenced to two years in prison and fined $750,000 for her role in an scheme to funnel more than $1.3 million and other perks to associates of then-House Speaker Michael Madigan in exchange for help with the utility’s legislative agenda. U.S. District Court Judge Manish Shah acknowledged Pramaggiore’s transformative leadership at ComEd and her history of charitable works but said the evidence at trial showed she participated in a nearly decade-long scheme that undermined the public’s trust in government.

Illinois – Judge Hands 2 Years in Prison to Michael McClain, Lobbyist and Madigan Confidant at Center of ComEd Bribery Scandal

Yahoo News – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 7/24/2025

Michael McClain, who long served as the right-hand man and confidant of ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, was sentenced to two years in prison following his conviction in a conspiracy to bribe Madigan in exchange for passing Commonwealth Edison’s (ComEd) legislative agenda. It was through his close relationship with Illinois’ most powerful politician, prosecutors say, that McClain was able to leverage knowledge of Madigan’s thinking to induce ComEd executives to lavish money on Madigan’s cronies and meet his myriad other demands.

Iowa – Curious Iowa: What restrictions are there for ‘wining and dining’ Iowa state officials?

Cedar Rapids Gazette – Tom Barton | Published: 7/21/2025

Trade associations, companies, chambers of commerce, and other groups spent roughly $450,500 combined this year on food, drinks, entertainment, and other expenses hosting public receptions attended by Iowa lawmakers and other state officials. Lawmakers attended approximately 100 receptions during the 2025 legislative session, according to lobbyist reports. Iowa law imposes stringent restrictions on the acceptance of gifts by public officials, employees, and candidates.

Kentucky – KY Ethics Commission Lawyers Ask Judge to Dismiss Rep. Grossberg’s Lawsuit

MSN – Alex Acquisto (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 7/23/2025

The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit against it that was filed by state Rep. Daniel Grossberg, who is being investigated by the commission for alleged misconduct. The commission is following its statutory obligation to investigate the complaints filed last year against Grossberg, and as an elected representative, he does not have immunity from the outcome of that investigation, lawyers for the commission argued in their request for dismissal.

Kentucky – Public Will Be on the Outside as Kentucky Legislature Convenes in Temporary Quarters

Yahoo News – McKenna Horsley (Kentucky Lantern) | Published: 7/21/2025

The Kentucky General Assembly plans to convene in temporary chambers for at least the next three years while the Capitol undergoes renovations. During those years, there will be no public galleries where citizens can watch as the House and Senate debate and vote on bills. No rotunda where advocates and protesters can gather for rallies, and less opportunity for citizens and lobbyists to personally interact with lawmakers in the halls. People will be able to watch the Legislature in session in real time from next door in the Capitol Annex via live streams of the proceedings.

Louisiana – When the Ethics Board Pushed Back Against Gov. Jeff Landry, He Changed the Law

Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 7/21/2025

Earlier this year, the Louisiana Board of Ethics told Gov. Jeff Landry’s PAC to stop paying for the governor’s membership at the U.S. House of Representatives fitness center. But two months after receiving the letter, the PAC paid for the gym dues again. State lawmakers then approved legislation that allowed his PAC to cover the governor’s gym membership. It was one of five recent changes to anti-corruption laws that undo ethics board decisions which may have blocked Landry from getting what he wanted.

Minnesota – Sen. Nicole Mitchell to Resign by Aug. 4, Attorney Says

Yahoo News – Michelle Griffith (Minnesota Reformer) | Published: 7/21/2025

Sen. Nicole Mitchell, who was found guilty of first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools, will resign from the Minnesota Senate by August 4. The unusual resignation announcement means Mitchell will continue to represent her constituents for up to two weeks as a convicted felon. It also means Democrats will lose their one-seat majority in the Senate until Gov. Tim Walz calls a special election to replace her.

Mississippi – Indicted Jackson Prosecutor’s Latest Campaign Finance Report Rife with Errors

Mississippi Today – Caleb Bedillion (The Marshall Project) and Anna Wolfe | Published: 7/18/2025

Tangled finances, thousands of dollars in personal loans, and a campaign contribution from a supposed investor group made up of undercover FBI informants were all contained in a long overdue campaign finance report from Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, who is fighting federal bribery charges. His recent campaign finance disclosure reflects a pair of transactions that correspond with key details in the government’s allegation that Owens took money from undercover informants to pay off a local official’s debt.

New Jersey – Judges’ Move to Oust Trump U.S. Attorney Pick Habba Triggers a Showdown

MSN – Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 7/22/2025

A panel of New Jersey’s U.S. District Court judges opted not to appoint Alina Habba, President Trump’s former personal attorney, as the state’s top federal prosecutor on a permanent basis. The judges chose Desiree Leigh Grace, a career prosecutor, as her replacement. But within hours, Justice Department officials announced they fired Grace and reinstated Habba. The developments threw the leadership of the law enforcement agency into chaos and raised the prospect of another showdown between the administration and the federal judiciary.

New York – What Happened to the Federal Investigations into Mayor Adams’ Inner Circle?

Gothamist – Elizabeth Kim | Published: 7/23/2025

The criminal investigations of former senior members of New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ administration appear to be on hold as the fallout from the dismissal of the mayor’s corruption charges continues. At least eight top Adams officials resigned after federal agents seized their phones. A judge tossed bribery and campaign finance charges against Adams at the request of the Department of Justice. Now, legal experts and attorneys are concerned those officials could also get a pass. Their growing alarm comes as the once-vaunted Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office is mired in dysfunction amid resignations and firings.

New York – New Eric Adams ‘Donors’ Say They Never Gave to His Reelection Campaign

MSN – Greg Smith and Haidee Chu (The City) | Published: 7/23/2025

New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign in May once more accepted funds from individuals who appear to be straw donors and submitted them to the city’s public matching dollars program. The indictment filed against Adams last fall that was recently dismissed charged him with soliciting and accepting thousands of dollars of such contributions. To date, an Adams associate and a local businessperson have pleaded guilty to orchestrating straw donor schemes.

New York – Former Cuomo Aide Brittany Commisso Settles Sexual Harassment Lawsuit for $450,000

Yahoo News – Molly Crane-Newman (New York Daily News) | Published: 7/18/2025

New York state agreed to pay $450,000 to Brittany Commisso, a former aide to Andrew Cuomo who accused him of groping and subjecting her to persistent sexual harassment on the job at the governor’s office. The state settled a suit brought by former Cuomo aide Charlotte Bennett for the same amount in April in a case alleging similar claims. The agreement does not require Cuomo to admit to any wrongdoing, and Cuomo has repeatedly denied the accusations against him.

North Dakota – North Dakota Ethics Commissioners to Evaluate ‘Strained’ Relationship with Attorney General’s Office

North Dakota Monitor – Mary Steuer | Published: 7/16/2025

The North Dakota Ethics Commission is looking into whether strongly worded communications from the state Attorney General’s Office have negatively impacted commission staff. The decision follows a July 3 letter addressed to the commission from Attorney General Drew Wrigley that harshly criticized the commission’s recent investigation report on ethics violations by Rep. Jason Dockter.

Ohio – Ohio Aims to Reinstate Ban on Political Donations from Foreign Nationals

Courthouse News Service – Kevin Koeninger | Published: 7/23/2025

The threat of foreign influence in American elections is grave enough to allow states to ban political contributions from noncitizens, the state of Ohio argued an appeals court. Citing concerns about the “corrosive effects” of foreign money “pouring into campaign issues,” the state passed a law in 2024 that prohibited foreign nationals and those with green cards from making campaign contributions in any election. U.S. District Court Judge Michael Watson granted an injunction to prevent enforcement of the law against legal permanent residents.

Ohio – 5 Years After Ohio’s $60M Bribery Scandal, Critics Say More Could Be Done to Prevent a Repeat

MSN – Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) | Published: 7/21/2025

Five years after a $60 million bribery scheme funded by FirstEnergy came to light in Ohio, expert observers say the resulting prosecutions, lawsuits, penalties, and legislation have not led to enough change and accountability to prevent politicians and corporate executives from cutting similar deals in the future. The scheme’s prospective $2 billion-plus price tag to consumers makes it the largest infrastructure scandal in U.S. history.

Pennsylvania – Big-Dollar Donors Are Helping Fund Fixes at the Governor’s Mansion. For Now, We Don’t Know Who They Are.

Spotlight PA – Angela Couloumbis | Published: 7/17/2025

In May, Pennsylvania’s five living former governors united to hold a fundraiser at the official residence just a few miles from the Capitol. The fundraiser, an invitation-only event, was for a cause few would quibble with – restoring or replacing items damaged in the attack just weeks earlier. The fire was set as Gov. Josh Shapiro, his family, and his friends were asleep inside, but all escaped unharmed. Yet the Shapiro administration, as well as officials with a nonprofit organization that is collecting the money, have not disclosed who attended the event or how much was raised.

Texas – Divorce, Adultery Allegations Against Paxton Jolt Senate Race in Texas

MSN – Patrick Svitek and Molly Hennessy-Fiske (Washington Post) | Published: 7/21/2025

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s long record of political resilience in the face of scandal faces a new test after his wife filed for divorce and accused him of adultery, jolting a contentious primary for U.S. Senate. The race, seen as one of the biggest GOP primaries of the midterms, was already dramatic, with a longtime incumbent, John Cornyn, fighting for his political life. Now, Cornyn and his allies are bringing up the filing as they run against Paxton, and some Paxton backers are rethinking their support.

Texas – Texas Lawmakers Take Up Renewed Push to Ban Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying

The Texan – Holly Hanson | Published: 7/23/2025

In response to Gov. Greg Abbott’s special legislative session call, Texas lawmakers will once again attempt to tackle the thorny issue of taxpayer-funded lobbying in hopes of curtailing the practice. Senate Bill 12 prohibits political subdivisions such as cities, counties, or traditional public school districts from hiring or contracting with registered lobbyists for the purpose of lobbying the state government.

Elections

Florida: “Miami Can’t Delay Its Election by a Year, Judge Rules” by Patricia Mazzei (New York Times) for WLRN

Ethics

National: “Trump Officials Accused of Defying 1 in 3 Judges Who Ruled Against Him” by Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Well-Timed or Just Lucky? Top Trump Officials’ Stock Sales Clustered Before Tariff News” by Suhail Bhat and Ramon Padilla (USA Today) for MSN

National: “The Government Was Once a Steady Partner for Nonprofits. That’s Changing” by Thalia Beatty (Associated Press) for MSN

New Jersey: “Judges’ Move to Oust Trump U.S. Attorney Pick Habba Triggers a Showdown” by Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Kentucky: “Public Will Be on the Outside as Kentucky Legislature Convenes in Temporary Quarters” by McKenna Horsley (Kentucky Lantern) for Yahoo News

Minnesota: “Sen. Nicole Mitchell to Resign by Aug. 4, Attorney Says” by Michelle Griffith (Minnesota Reformer) for Yahoo News