Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, has called for snap provincial elections to be held on February 27. On January 28, the 43rd Parliament of the Province of Ontario was dissolved.

Ford has argued he needs a four-year mandate to fight the tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump.

On January 29 the issuance of writs for the general election were issued and February 27 was selected by the Lieutenant Governor as the date of Ontario’s next general election.

Campaign Finance

Alaska: “Ranked Choice Voting Opponents Fined $157K for Repeated Violations of Campaign Reporting Requirements” by Iris Samuels (Anchorage Daily News) for Yahoo News

California: “California Blesses Political Donors’ Strategy to Multiply Their Influence” by Alexei Koseff (CalMatters) for MSN

National: “Prosecutors Seek Dismissal of Campaign Finance Case Against Ex-Nebraska Congressman Fortenberry” by Associated Press for MSN

Elections

National: “Democrats Elect Ken Martin, Head of Minnesota Party, as Next Chair” by Patrick Svitek (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Ethics Pledges by Trump Cabinet Draw Questions and Skepticism” by Eric Lipton (New York Times) for DNyuz

Illinois: “Illinois Governor Bans Jan. 6 Rioters Pardoned by Trump from State Jobs” by Tobi Raji (Washington Post) for MSN

North Dakota: “Bill Offers Immunity from Conflict Crimes to North Dakota Lawmakers If They Follow Ethics Rules” by Jeff Beach (North Dakota Monitor) for Yahoo Ndews

Utah: “Audit: Utah AG Reyes’ office lacked transparency and his involvement in the office was minimal” by Emma Pitts (Deseret News) for MSN

National/Federal

How Redistricting Helped Republicans Win the House

DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti and Michael Wines (New York Times) | Published: 1/26/2025

Competition is an endangered species in legislative elections. A New York Times analysis of the nearly 6,000 congressional and state legislative elections in November shows just how few races were true races. Nearly all were dominated by an incumbent or played out in a district drawn to favor one party overwhelmingly. The result was a blizzard of blowouts, even in a country that is narrowly divided on politics. Roughly 90 percent of races are now decided not by general-election voters in November but by the partisans who tend to vote in primaries.

Denmark and Other Nations Under Pressure Seek Lobbyists with Trump Ties

DNyuz – Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) | Published: 1/27/2025

The government of Denmark has not historically been a big spender on Washington lobbying. But days before Donald Trump took office for a second time, Denmark’s embassy started shopping for a lobbyist with ties to the new president, who has proclaimed his intention to try to take over the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland. The Danes are not alone. A number of countries that would be affected by Trump’s threatened acquisitions, tariffs, aid reductions, or deportations have been urgently seeking help on K Street to navigate his administration.

Powerless, Democrats Debate Just How Deep in the Wilderness They Are

DNyuz – Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) | Published: 1/29/2025

Democratic lawmakers, activists, and strategists across the ideological spectrum are engaged in a fierce debate over how badly damaged the 2024 election left the party’s brand, a consequential internal argument that is already shaping early efforts to rebuild. While there is none of the denialism that gripped Republicans after Donald Trump lost in 2020, Democratic leaders are in sharp disagreement over how to interpret losses that not only returned Trump to power but also put Republicans in total control of the federal government.

DOJ Fires Officials Who Worked on Jack Smith’s Trump Investigations

MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 1/27/2025

The Justice Department fired more than a dozen officials who worked on the special counsel team that investigated Donald Trump in two separate criminal cases, citing a lack of trust in them. The terminations are the latest example of the Trump administration reshaping the Justice Department, transferring or firing veteran career officials who the president’s allies believe would impede or interfere with their agenda.

House GOP Holds Retreat at a Trump Property, a Windfall to President’s Resort

MSN – Cleve Wootson, Jr., Paul Kane, and Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) | Published: 1/28/2025

Congressional Republicans are hashing out President Trump’s legislative agenda at the Miami-area golf resort that bears his name, offering a windfall for the once-underperforming property owned by a president who spent his first term battling criticism that he used his political position to enrich himself. Regardless of how the budget talks go, the biggest immediate beneficiary of the discussion will probably be Trump National Doral Golf Club.

Pete Hegseth Confirmed as Defense Secretary After Vance Breaks Tie

MSN – Abigail Hauslohner, Liz Goodwin, and Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 1/24/2025

The Senate confirmed President Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News personality, to become the country’s next defense secretary. The appointment of Hegseth, a Trump loyalist who has called for a “frontal assault” to rid the Pentagon of what he has said is a leftist ideology, marks a dramatic political shift in the United States’ national security policy and leadership. Hegseth secured his post in a vote of 51-50. It marks the second time in U.S. history that a vice president’s vote was necessary to confirm a Cabinet official.

Trump Defends Ousting at Least 15 Independent Inspectors General in Late-Night Purge

MSN – David Nakamura, Lisa Rein, and Matt Viser (Washington Post) | Published: 1/25/2025

The White House removed the independent inspectors general of nearly every Cabinet-level agency in an unprecedented purge that could clear the way for Donald Trump to install loyalists in the crucial role of identifying fraud, waste, and abuse in the government. The dismissals appeared to violate federal law, which requires Congress to receive 30 days’ notice of any intent to fire a Senate-confirmed inspector general.

Johnson Aide Discouraged Hutchinson Subpoena Over Concerns About Lawmakers’ ‘Sexual Texts’

MSN – Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) | Published: 1/23/2025

An aide to House Speaker Mike Johnson advised Republican colleagues against subpoenaing former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson as part of their investigation into the Capitol riot in to prevent the release of sexually explicit texts lawmakers sent her. Johnson revived the investigation as part of an effort by Donald Trump and his allies to seek retribution against perceived political enemies, including those who investigated his role in the January 6 attack.

Elon Musk’s Business Conflicts Draw Scrutiny Amid White House Role

MSN – Faiz Siddiqui (Washington Post) | Published: 1/24/2025

Elon Musk criticized a private-sector partnership touted by the Trump administration to hasten the development of artificial intelligence infrastructure. What was left unsaid was that Musk’s artificial intelligence business, xAI, is directly challenging OpenAI for the lead in the race to transform society with the technology. The debate reflects the inherent conflict in the highly unusual arrangement of having the world’s foremost business leader, and its richest person, actively working in the White House without having stepped aside from his business roles.

Former Senator Bob Menendez Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison in Corruption Case

MSN – Salvador Rizzo and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 1/29/2025

Former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison following his conviction on bribery and corruption charges. A jury found Menendez took bribes from three New Jersey businesspeople who sought his help quashing criminal investigations and securing lucrative deals with officials from Egypt and Qatar. The bribes totaled nearly $1 million, and included cash, gold bars, and a Mercedes-Benz. Menendez is the first public official in the United States to be convicted of acting as a foreign agent.

Trump’s Perceived Enemies Brace for Retribution with Plans, Dark Humor

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, Sarah Ellison, Patrick Marley, and Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 1/28/2025

Around the nation, those who have crossed Donald Trump are readying themselves, their families, and their colleagues for the retribution that the president and his allies have pledged will come. Those who fear they could be targeted include election officials, prosecutors, current and former elected officials, democracy advocates, people who worked in Trump’s first administration, and those who appeared on a list of perceived enemies. They are bracing for criminal investigations, tax audits, congressional or state legislative scrutiny, arrests, online harassment, and physical threats.

Meta Will Pay $25 Million to Settle Trump Lawsuit Alleging Censorship

MSN – Naomi Nix and Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) | Published: 1/29/2025

Meta agreed to pay $25 million to resolve a lawsuit brought by Donald Trump alleging the company’s suspension of his social media accounts after the attack on the U.S. Capitol amounted to an act of censorship. The settlement is a major concession by Meta, which for years has maintained its right to determine which posts and accounts should be allowed to remain on its social networks.

Trump White House Rescinds Order Freezing Federal Spending, Reversing Course

MSN – Jeff Stein and Tony Romm (Washington Post) | Published: 1/29/2025

The White House budget office rescinded an order freezing federal grants after the administration’s move to halt spending provoked a backlash. The order freezing grants caused mass chaos and confusion across Washington, appearing to imperil government programs that fund schools, provide housing, and ensure that low-income Americans have access to health care.

Navajo Nation Leaders Raise Alarm Over Reports of Indigenous People Being Questioned and Detained During Immigration Sweeps

Yahoo News – Alaa Elassar (CNN) | Published: 1/27/2025

At least 15 Indigenous people in Arizona and New Mexico have reported being stopped at their homes and workplaces, questioned or detained by federal law enforcement, and asked to produce proof of citizenship during immigration raids, according to Navajo Nation officials. The reports, which have caused panic amongst tribal communities in both states, come amid the Trump administration’s attempt to ramp up undocumented immigrant arrests nationwide and amass a larger force to carry out the president’s deportation pledge.

DOJ Moves to Drop Prosecution of Former Trump Co-Defendants in Classified Documents Case

Yahoo News – Josh Gerstein and Kyke Cheney (Politico) | Published: 1/29/2025

The Justice Department moved to drop its effort to prosecute Donald Trump’s former co-defendants in special counsel Jack Smith’s classified documents case. Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira were accused of helping Trump obstruct the investigation into classified documents stored at Mar-a-Lago after Trump’s first term. Smith charged them with obstructing justice and making false statements. If the appeals court grants the government’s request, it will end the last remnant of the federal criminal prosecutions against Trump.

From the States and Municipalities

California – ‘Pay-to-Play’ Claim Shakes Sonoma County’s $114 Million Real Estate Plans

Santa Rosa Press Democrat – Emma Murphy | Published: 1/29/2025

Sonoma County largest public employee labor union has come out swinging against a set of proposed county office acquisitions totaling $114 million and its attack, including allegations of pay-to-play politics involving at least one elected county supervisor, have derailed at least temporarily the deals’ advance. The Service Employees International Union Local 1021 alleges. Supervisor David Rabbitt improperly participated in closed-session discussions about the properties in question after receiving a campaign contribution from the agent of one of the brokerage firms involved in the deals.

California – Sacramento Has Contracts of Over $1 Million with Leader Accused of Bribery in Mayor’s Race

Yahoo News – Joe Rubin (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 1/29/2025

In December, runner-up mayoral candidate Flojaune Cofer introduced intrigue at a Sacramento City Council meeting, commenting publicly to oppose extending City Manager Howard Chan’s contract a year. “In late September, I was told that I would be given a campaign contribution in exchange for agreeing to extend the city manager’s contract by one year,” Carter said. The alleged bribe involved Jay King, the president of the California Black Chamber of Commerce, and developer Paul Petrovich.

Colorado – Democratic Lawmakers Seek to Expand Ethics Commission Jurisdiction to Colorado School Boards, Special Districts

Colorado Politics – Marianne Goodland | Published: 1/29/2025

Democratic lawmakers in Colorado are on their fourth attempt to expand the jurisdiction of the state’s independent ethics commission. House Bill 1079 would add school board members and their direct hires for 178 school districts, such as superintendents and boards of the state’s more than 3,000 special districts and their direct hires, to the jurisdiction of the ethics commission.

District of Columbia – Interim D.C. U.S. Attorney Ed Martin Launches Probe of Jan. 6 Prosecutions

MSN – Spencer Hsu, Keith Alexander, and Tom Jackman (Washington Post) | Published: 1/27/2025

Edward Martin Jr., interim U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., asked two top prosecutors in his office to undertake an internal review of its handling of Capitol riot prosecutions, a move that follows a White House executive order to the Justice Department and intelligence agencies to hunt for political bias in their ranks. Martin’s move to carry out the review is likely to stoke criticism from Democrats that he is helping the Trump administration sow discord in the office, divert prosecutorial resources. and punish prosecutors making reasonable legal judgments.

District of Columbia – D.C. Council Member Trayon White Denies Wrongdoing Ahead of Expulsion Vote

MSN – Jenny Gathright and Meagan Flynn (Washington Post) | Published: 1/28/2025

An attorney for District of Columbia Councilperson Trayon White Sr. offered the lawmaker’s first extended public response to the council’s looming expulsion of him, arguing during a council proceeding that the legislative body’s disciplinary process violated his client’s rights. The council, however, appears poised to expel White through a final vote. White is accused of accepting bribes in exchange for promising to influence contracts at city government agencies.

Georgia – Georgia Asks Federal Appeals Court to Tighten Voting Rights Act

MSN – Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 1/23/2025

Georgia is seeking another U.S. Supreme Court showdown over the Voting Rights Act, asking a federal appeals court to interpret the law in a way that could make it much harder to prove minority votes have been illegally diluted. A lawyer for the state asked a three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals to overturn a lower court that required lawmakers to draw more Black-majority electoral districts.

Illinois – Brandon Johnson’s Campaign Gives Back Most of a $50,000 Contribution from Fund Run by a City Hall Lobbyist

Chicago Sun Times – Robert Herguth and Mitchell Armentrout | Published: 1/24/2025

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s campaign returned most of a $50,000 contribution it accepted from a PAC led by a City Hall lobbyist whose law firm has a city contract to collect outstanding utility bills. City ethics rules bar campaign donations to a mayor by city lobbyists and city contractors. The Friends of Brandon Johnson campaign fund appears to have repeatedly violated those restrictions since Johnson took office in May 2023, prompting tens of thousands of dollars in refunds.

Illinois – OIG Report Finds Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Office Improperly Blocked Access to Gift Room with Gucci Bags, Other Designer Items

MSN – Alice Yin (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 1/29/2025

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office improperly blocked public access to a City Hall room where they said they store Gucci bags, designer cufflinks, and other gifts. City Inspector General Deborah Witzburg found Johnson’s office violated the ethics policy that requires mayors to record gifts above $50 and “accepted on behalf of the City” in a publicly available log maintained on the fifth floor of City Hall. Covert investigators visited the mayor’s office last June but were denied access to the log.

Louisiana – Louisiana Environmental Activist Loses Freedom of Speech Lawsuit Against Parish Officials

MSN – Jack Brook (Associated Press) | Published: 1/29/2025

Louisiana parish officials who threatened to arrest and imprison an environmental activist as she attempted to speak during a public meeting did not violate her right to freedom of speech, a civil jury ruled. Joy Banner had sought more than $2 million in damages from two St. John the Baptist parish officials, President Jaclyn Hotard and Councilperson Michael Wright, who she said blocked her from raising allegations of corruption tied to industrial development at a public meeting.

Massachusetts – Massachusetts Water Employee Faces $6,000 Fine After Accepting Free Ski Trips

MSN – Rick Sobey (Boston Herald) | Published: 1/29/2025

Another local water employee in Massachusetts is facing a $6,000 fine from the state after accepting free ski trips from a water meter manufacturer and distributor. The State Ethics Commission ruled Auburn Water District Foreman Scott Callahan violated the conflict-of-interest law by accepting two free ski trips from the manufacturer and its distributor.

Mississippi – US Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to Mississippi Lifetime Ban on Voting by Felons

Yahoo News – Andrew Chung (Reuters) | Published: 1/27/2025

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to Mississippi’s lifetime ban on voting by people convicted of a wide range of felonies, a policy adopted in 1890 during the Jim Crow era that stands as one of the toughest such restrictions in the nation. The justices turned away an appeal of a lower court’s decision rejecting a lawsuit that claimed the ban violates the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment promise of equal protection and Eighth Amendment bar on cruel and unusual punishments.

Montana – Montana Senate Convening Ethics Committee to Investigate its Former President

Montana Free Press – Tom Lutey | Published: 1/27/2025

The Montana Senate will conduct an ethics investigation into a $170,100 government contract brokered by former Senate President Jason Ellsworth with his business associate. Department of Administration (DOA) Director Misty Ann Giles acknowledged the Ellsworth contract violated state law, but the DOA saw the deal through, nonetheless. The investigation concluded Ellsworth’s actions with state funds were both wasteful and abusive.

Nebraska – Scott Danigole Is Next Head of Nebraska Campaign Finance Agency NADC

Yahoo News – Paul Hammel (Nebraska Examiner) | Published: 1/27/2025

Scott Danigole was selected as the next executive director of the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission. Danigole, who has served as a fiscal analyst for the state Legislature for the past 27 years, said he sought the position to continue to serve the state and due to a commitment to ensure “doing the right thing.”

New Jersey – Bill Spadea Has Improperly Benefited from Radio Show, Rival Claims in Governor’s Race Row

Yahoo News – Nikita Biryukov (New Jersey Monitor) | Published: 1/28/2025

Attorneys for gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli called on New Jersey’s campaign finance watchdog to withhold matching funds from rival Bill Spadea, arguing Spadea’s campaign has improperly reaped benefits from his morning radio show. The complaint revives protests made months ago that claimed Spadea’s daily presence on New Jersey 101.5 amounted to in-kind contributions from the station’s owner worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in violation of contribution limits and other rules on New Jersey’s gubernatorial public financing program.

New Mexico – Lawmakers, Ethics Commission Want More Lobbying Information Disclosed to Public

New Mexico In Depth – Marjorie Childress | Published: 1/24/2025

In New Mexico, some lobbyists report political contributions, but there is no record of what company may have provided that money. Some lobbyists report thousands of dollars spent on meals with lawmakers, but no information about which lawmakers enjoyed those meals, or which of their clients paid for the food. Even for those in office, or for journalists, knowing who the lobbyists are, who is paying for the campaign donations they make, or the meals they buy, or what legislation they are trying to pass or kill, can be challenging.

New York – Justice Dept. Is Said to Discuss Dropping Case Against Eric Adams

DNyuz – Maggie Haberman, William Rashbaum, Devlin Barrett, and Jonah Bromwich (New York Times) | Published: 1/29/2025

Senior Justice Department officials under President Trump have held discussions with federal prosecutors in Manhattan about the possibility of dropping their corruption case against Mayor Eric Adams. Trump has the power to pardon Adams, who as New York City’s mayor could aid his plans for mass deportations. If prosecutors were to dismiss the case entirely, it could allow Adams to insist on his innocence to voters as he seeks another term as mayor, while allowing Trump to avoid the appearance of a pardon that many might view as unwarranted.

New York – NYC Council Votes to Expand Lobbying Ban on Ex-City Hall Officials Amid ‘Revolving Door’ Concerns

MSN – Chris Sommerfeldt and Josephine Stratman (New York Daily News) | Published: 1/23/2025

Senior New York City Hall officials, like deputy mayors and chiefs of staff, are barred from lobbying the mayor’s office for a year after leaving public service. They can lobby other city agencies besides the mayor’s office immediately upon departing under existing regulations. A new bill passed by the city council would beef up the law so ex-senior City Hall officials could not lobby any city agencies for two years after departing. It would also subject multiple positions to the ban that are not covered now.

New York – Prominent New York Lobbying Firm Racks Up Fines

New York Focus – Chris Bragg | Published: 1/23/2025

Over four years, a prominent New York lobbying firm, Patrick B. Jenkins and Associates, missed disclosure deadlines more than 230 times and paid more than $123,000 in late fees. Every two months, lobbying firms must file reports that provide insight into each public official and the issues they are seeking to influence on behalf of each of their clients. If filings are submitted late, the public cannot access this information in a timely manner.

North Dakota – Voter Registration, Campaign Finance Reporting Debated by North Dakota Lawmakers

Yahoo News – Mary Steuer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 1/27/2025

The latest bill to require voter registration in North Dakota met strong opposition. North Dakota is the only state in the country without voter registration. Instead, voters must provide valid identification at the polls or when they request a mail-in ballot. Lawmakers also debated House Bill 1286, which is meant to address the use of dark money. The bill proposes a complex system for reporting contributions to political committees, campaigns, and ballot measures, and for investigating possible violations.

Ohio – Panel Suspends East Cleveland Mayor from Office

MSN – Cliff Pinckard (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/29/2025

A panel of three retired judges decided to suspend from office East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King, who currently is facing public corruption charges. King is accused of using more than $75,000 in city money to pay companies he or his relatives owned and giving a city-owned car and gas card to a former council member.

Oregon – Oregon Government Ethics Commission Will Probe Kotek’s Spending on Parking, Dinner

Yahoo News – Julia Shumway (Oregon Capital Chronicle) | Published: 1/24/2025

Members of the Oregon Government Ethics Commission voted to investigate Gov. Tina Kotek’s reported spending on parking, concert tickets, and an employee recognition buffet. Auditors flagged the spending which they described as “minor” and “unintentional” apparent violations of state ethics law, earlier in January. The ethics commission discussed the findings and concluded it did not have enough information to decide how to move forward. But commission Chairperson David Fiskum said they needed “not to do nothing.”

Oregon – Ethics Commission Faults Oregon Rep. Greg Smith for Not Naming Clients

Yahoo News – Julia Shumway (Oregon Capital Chronicle) | Published: 1/24/2025

Oregon’s government ethics watchdog dinged a state representative for failing to follow a law he voted for that requires government officials to disclose some sources of business income. The Oregon Government Ethics Commission voted unanimously to move ahead with an investigation into Rep. Greg Smith. Last year was the first that officials had to disclose some sources of income for businesses they own.

Texas – Texas Lawmakers Race Against Fundraising Blackout to Fill Campaign Coffers

MSN – Karen Brooks Harper and Nolan McCaskill (Dallas Morning News) | Published: 1/23/2025

December 14 was the last day to raise campaign money for the legislative session that began Texas recently, and the state’s 181 lawmakers raised a combined $13 million in two weeks, a number that jumps closer to $17 million when fundraising by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, is added. The fundraising in the two weeks preceding the session moratorium awes even the most veteran of political insiders, particularly as the skyrocketing cost of running a campaign requires officials to raise ever more money.

Utah – Here’s the Loophole Allowing Utah Lawmakers to Become Lobbyists Without ‘Cooling Off’

Salt Lake Tribune – Robert Gehrke | Published: 1/23/2025

Days after wrapping up a 24-year career in the Utah Senate, Curt Bramble filed to lobby the state Legislature, despite a law intended to prevent legislators from becoming “revolving-door” lobbyists. Bramble said there is a provision in the law that allows him to represent clients through his accounting and business consulting firm. “If lobbying or government relations isn’t your primary business then there’s an exception,” Bramble said.

West Virginia – Head of West Virginia Gun Lobby Appointed to Replace Lawmaker-Elect Arrested for Making Threats

MSN – Leah Willingham (Associated Press) | Published: 1/23/2025

The president of West Virginia’s largest gun-lobbying group was appointed to fill the seat of a lawmaker-elect who was ousted while confined to his house on charges related to terroristic threats against his colleagues. Ian Masters, president of the West Virginia Citizens Defense League, was appointed to take over the vacated seat of Joseph de Soto.

Elections

Mississippi: “US Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to Mississippi Lifetime Ban on Voting by Felons” by Andrew Chung (Reuters) for Yahoo News

North Dakota: “Voter Registration, Campaign Finance Reporting Debated by North Dakota Lawmakers” by Mary Steuer (North Dakota Monitor) for Yahoo News

Ethics

National: “Trump Defends Ousting at Least 15 Independent Inspectors General in Late-Night Purge” by David Nakamura, Lisa Rein, and Matt Viser (Washington Post) for MSN

Oregon: “Ethics Commission Faults Oregon Rep. Greg Smith for Not Naming Clients” by Julia Shumway (Oregon Capital Chronicle) for Yahoo News

Legislative Issues

National: “Pete Hegseth Confirmed as Defense Secretary After Vance Breaks Tie” by Abigail Hauslohner, Liz Goodwin, and Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

National: “Denmark and Other Nations Under Pressure Seek Lobbyists with Trump Ties” by Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) for DNyuz

New York: “Prominent New York Lobbying Firm Racks Up Fines” by Chris Bragg for New York Focus

Redistricting

National: “How Redistricting Helped Republicans Win the House” by Nick Corasaniti and Michael Wines (New York Times) for DNyuz

National/Federal

Trump’s D.E.I. Order Creates ‘Fear and Confusion’ Among Corporate Leaders

DNyuz – Emma Goldberg (New York Times) | Published: 1/23/2025

In his first days in office, with series of sweeping moves, President Trump took aim at diversity efforts. Trump ordered federal officials overseeing government diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to be put on leave. His order did not stop with government employment. He revoked an executive order signed in 1965 that prohibited discriminatory hiring and employment practices for private government contractors. Perhaps most alarming for business leaders was the order’s focus on private corporations, whether they do business with the government or not.

Justice Department Says It Will Prosecute Local Officials Over Immigration Enforcement

MSN – Maria Sacchetti and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 1/22/2025

The Trump administration directed federal prosecutors nationwide to investigate and potentially prosecute state and local officials who do not cooperate with the president’s plans to carry out the largest mass deportation campaign in U.S. history. The directive is likely to face fierce blowback from legal advocacy groups and officials in cities and states led by Democrats. Many lawyers say it is legal for state and local officials to stay out of most immigration enforcement.

Who Is Mariann Budde, the Bishop Who Told Trump to ‘Have Mercy’?

MSN – Olivia George and Gaya Gupta (Washington Post) | Published: 1/22/2025

While speaking at an interfaith inauguration prayer service at Washington National Cathedral, a bishop pleaded with President Trump to show compassion toward immigrants, LGBTQ+ children, and “the people in our country who are scared now.” The Right Rev. Mariann Budde also criticized Trump during his first term, particularly over his handling of protests during the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. She has served as the spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington since 2011 and was the first woman to be elected to the position.

Justice Department Issues Freeze for Civil Rights Division

MSN – Perry Stein and David Nakamura (Washington Post) | Published: 1/22/2025

The U.S. Justice Department ordered the civil rights division to halt much of its investigative activity dating from the Biden administration and not pursue new indictments, cases, or settlements. Cases that have already been filed would be subject to the discretion of the judge overseeing them. Within the Justice Department, the civil rights division typically experiences the sharpest shift in priorities between Republican and Democratic administrations. But the division typically decides on a case-by-case basis what litigation to pursue from the previous administration.

CNN Found Guilty of Defaming Security Contractor, Ordered to Pay $5 Million

MSN – Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) | Published: 1/17/2025

A jury found CNN guilty of defaming security contractor Zachary Young, who argued his reputation and business were destroyed after he was featured in a segment on the network about the high costs of evacuating Afghans from the country after the Taliban took power. Young was awarded $5 million. The high-dollar verdict could also incentivize more lawsuits against media companies, particularly in a climate of hostility toward the press.

Washington Lobbyists Turn to Musk’s DOGE to Influence Trump

MSN – Gregory Korte and Ted Mann (Bloomberg) | Published: 1/19/2025

The Department of Government Efficiency, run by Elon Musk, is supposed to advise Donald Trump on spending cuts and regulatory reform. It does not yet, and may never, have any formalized responsibilities or authority. So far, its recruits have been organizing in clandestine meetings blocks from the White House. But already, companies and industry groups have started looking to the department, above the more traditional committees of Congress and federal agencies, to advance their agendas and protect their interests.

Biden Preemptively Pardons Milley, Fauci, Jan. 6 Panel – and His Family

MSN – Sabrina Rodriguez and Matt Viser (Washington Post) | Published: 1/20/2025

President Biden issued preemptive pardons to retired Gen. Mark Milley, Anthony Fauci, members and staff of the January 6 congressional committee, and police officers who testified before the panel, just hours before Donald Trump’s inauguration. Biden’s decision comes after Trump has repeatedly threatened to go after those who have crossed him politically or attempted to hold him accountable for his role in the attack on the U.S. Capitol and his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Trump Signs Order to End ‘Government Censorship’ of Social Media

MSN – Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) | Published: 1/20/2025

President Trump signed an executive order intended to “immediately stop all government censorship,” a sweeping action that could chill years of efforts to combat the proliferation of false information online. Conservatives have argued in multiple lawsuits that efforts to limit the spread of false information online about public health and elections amount to illegal censorship. The order will create legal uncertainty for government officials who communicate with tech companies.

DOJ Can’t Show Jack Smith’s Report on Trump Classified Docs Case to Lawmakers, Cannon Rules

MSN – Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 1/21/2025

U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon blocked the Justice Department from showing selected lawmakers portions of special counsel Jack Smith’s report on the classified documents case against Donald Trump. Cannon said there is no legal basis for the department to confidentially share the report with leaders of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees. The ruling could make it easier for the Trump administration to bury the report, which recounts Smith’s investigation into the classified records that Trump stored at his Mar-a-Lago home and his alleged attempt to obstruct efforts to retrieve them.

Clemency for Oath Keepers, Proud Boys Fuels Extremism Threat, Experts Say

MSN – Spencer Hsu, Ellie Silverman, and Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) | Published: 1/21/2025

Counterterrorism experts say Donald Trump’s decision to free all the roughly 1,600 January 6 riot defendants, including the leaders of two extremist groups who played outsize roles in the Capitol riot, could further embolden fringe groups and hamper the Justice Department’s fight against political violence. Extremism researchers raised concerns over the message their freedom sends to armed militia-style groups or others with violent anti-government views. If those convicted of plotting such violence against the government walked free with support from the nation’s commander in chief, would others be energized to take up more action?

Trump Promotes Meme Coin, Raising Ethics Issues as Value Soars

MSN – Tony Romm (Washington Post) | Published: 1/19/2025

Ahead of his inauguration, Donald Trump launched and promoted a new cryptocurrency venture, raising fresh ethical questions about his attempts to monetize the incoming administration’s deepening political ties to the industry. Trump’s new project is known as a meme coin, a highly volatile sort of token that crypto enthusiasts can buy and sell tied to an online trend or personality.

Patagonia’s Ties to Nonprofit Raise Campaign Finance Concerns

Yahoo News – Tony Biasotti (Ventura County Star) | Published: 1/21/2025

A new nonprofit filed its incorporation paperwork with an address in Ventura and the name Save Our Home Planet Action. Its stated purposes included “raising awareness of the current environmental crisis,” land preservation and restoration, and lobbying and advocacy. It had no website, no known donors, and no apparent source of revenue. But it did have money. Ten days after its founding, it gave nearly $900,000 to two PACs.

Trump Revokes Lobbying Ban for Biden Appointees

Yahoo News – Caitlin Oprysko (Politico) | Published: 1/22/2025

President Trump revoked an executive order signed by Joe Biden that set ethics and lobbying rules for appointees. Biden’s order banned outgoing appointees from registering to lobby until the end of his administration or for two years, whichever is later. It extended an existing ban on officials communicating with their former agency to include communications with senior White House staff. Trump’s order could make it easier for Biden alumni to land well-paying jobs in the private sector, where former officials can immediately cash in on their intimate knowledge of how the levers of power work to influence policy.

From the States and Municipalities

California – Santa Clara County Weighs Raising Campaign Donation Limits

MSN – Brandon Pho (San Jose Spotlight) | Published: 1/16/2025

Santa Clara County supervisors could relax restrictions on how much they can raise for their reelection campaigns. The issue sparked a debate at a Board of Supervisors meeting about whether a higher ceiling for candidate fundraising would help or hurt poorer people’s chances of winning elected county office.

California – Sheng Thao and Partner Andre Jones Sought More than $300,000 in Bribes, Feds Allege

MSN – Natalie Orenstein and Darwin BondGraham (Oaklandside) | Published: 1/17/2025

Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao was indicted on bribery charges, along with her longtime boyfriend and a father-son team who run the company on contract for the city’s recycling services, alleging a corruption scheme involving cash payments and campaign mailers in exchange for city contracts. The indictment alleges Thao and Andre Jones accepted bribes from David and Andy Duong in exchange for promising to extend their recycling services contract and purchase housing units from a company the Duongs ran if Thao was elected in 2022.

Colorado – Colorado Senate Committee to Review Ethics Complaint Against Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis

Colorado Politics – Marianne Goodland | Published: 1/21/2025

The Colorado Senate formed an ethics committee to investigate claims that Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis mistreated staff members, a move that could ultimately lead to a reprimand or removal from office. A workplace misconduct complaint alleged she paid an aide to do landscaping work and tend bar and paid him with a campaign check. She did not report those expenditures in her campaign finance reports.

Florida – Ethics Commission Dismisses Baxter Complaint but Says She ‘Probably Violated’ County Code

MSN – Mike Diamond (Palm Beach Post) | Published: 1/22/2025

The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics dismissed a complaint against county Commissioner Sara Baxter over gifts she received from lobbyist Ron Book. The commission upheld a staff finding there was “probable cause” to conclude Baxter violated the law for failing to report the gifts. But it rejected a staff recommendation to issue “a letter of instruction” to her, which would have warned her not to do it again. It may be one of the last anonymous complaints to be investigated by an ethics commission in Florida.

Florida – Judge Dismisses Díaz de la Portilla ‘Shakedown’ Lawsuit, Citing Legislative Immunity

MSN – Tess Riski (Miami Herald) | Published: 1/17/2025

A judge dismissed a lawsuit accusing former Miami City Commissioner Alex Díaz de la Portilla of orchestrating a “shakedown” scheme by pressuring the longtime operator of the Rickenbacker Marina to take on the commissioner’s associate as a business partner in exchange for the commissioner’s vote on a redevelopment deal. The ruling marks the second legal victory for Díaz de la Portilla. The Broward State Attorney’s Office dismissed a criminal corruption case against him.

Florida – DeSantis Picks Florida Attorney General to Replace Marco Rubio in Senate

MSN – Hannah Knowles and Lori Rozsa (Washington Post) | Published: 1/16/2025

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he would appoint Ashley Moody, his state’s attorney general, to replace Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate, elevating a close ally. Moody previously worked as a federal prosecutor in Florida and became the youngest judge in the state when she won election to the Circuit Court in Hillsborough County. DeSantis also announced he will select his chief of staff, James Uthmeier, to take Moody’s place as attorney general.

Georgia – Giuliani and Georgia Election Workers Reach Settlement in Defamation Case

MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 1/16/2025

Rudy Giuliani and two Georgia election workers reached a settlement in a case to determine whether he would be forced to give up World Series rings, his Florida condominium, and other assets as part of a $148 million defamation judgment. A trial on the matter was scheduled to begin January 16 involving Giuliani and election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, a mother and daughter. Freeman and Moss were included in a false election fraud narrative presented by Giuliani after the 2020 presidential race Donald Trump lost to Joe Biden.

Illinois – Man Banned from Chicago Park District Jobs After Scandal Now Working for Alderman

MSN – Jake Sheridan (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 1/20/2025

A November 2021 investigation cited Alonzo Williams, then the Chicago Park District’s chief programs officer, and other executives for mishandling allegations of abuse and sexual harassment in the lifeguard program. Williams resigned when the report came out and was designated “do not rehire” by the agency. But Williams quickly found contracting work in the city council. Despite the still-in-place label from the sister city agency, Ald. Greg Mitchell has hired Williams, payroll records show.

Illinois – Regardless of Verdict, Could Madigan Trial Be Make-or-Break Moment for Illinois?

MSN – Ray Long, Megan Crepeau, and Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 1/19/2025

The outcome of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial will be watched closely well beyond Chicago’s federal courthouse, with the verdict representing a potential make-or-break moment at the Illinois Capitol. Gov. JB Pritzker and state lawmakers must now brace themselves for the culmination of a trial that has put a spotlight on Illinois’ messy intersection of money, special interests, and power politics.

Indiana – 3 More Women Accuse Indiana Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor of Sexual Misconduct

MSN – Hayleigh Colombo, Tony Cook, and Kayla Dwyer (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 1/19/2025

Three more women are accusing Indiana Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor of sexual misconduct, the latest in a string of allegations against the chamber’s most powerful Democrat.  The new accusations date back to Taylor’s early years in the Legislature, but together with more recent allegations show a nearly decade-long pattern of unwelcomed sexual conduct toward younger interns, lobbyists, and staff.

Kentucky – Biden Pardons Kentuckian Jerry Lundergan for Campaign Finance Conviction

Yahoo News – Jack Brammer (Kentucky Lantern) | Published: 1/20/2025

President Biden pardoned businessperson Jerry Lundergan for his conviction on federal campaign finance charges. Lundergan was sentenced to 21 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for making illegal contributions to the failed U.S. Senate campaign of his daughter, former Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, and for causing the concealment of those contributions from the FEC.

Kentucky – He Ran Kentucky’s Nursing Home Inspections. Now He’s a Nursing Home Lobbyist. Is That OK?

Yahoo News – John Cheves (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 1/16/2025

The state official in charge of nursing home inspections might have violated Kentucky’s ethics law by moving too quickly a year ago into a job as a nursing home industry lobbyist, promoting the interests of his new employer throughout 2024 in meetings and communications with his old employer. In December 2023, Adam Mather quit his $135,086 state job and registered as a Frankfort lobbyist for the nursing home industry’s trade group, becoming president of the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities.

Maryland – Delegate’s Canceled Check Answers One Campaign Finance Question, Raises Another

Yahoo News – Bryan Sears (Maryland Matters) | Published: 1/23/2025

A state delegate may have inadvertently run afoul of Maryland campaign finance law as she sought to address questions recently about a missing 2023 payment to rent a venue for a campaign event. There were allegations that Del. Dana Jones failed to report a payment or in-kind contribution for the venue. Jones produced canceled checks that show her campaign paid the Annapolis Maritime Museum $850 for use of the venue.  But the checks also showed something else: Jones’s signature at the bottom of the payments.

Mississippi – MS Secretary of State Outlines Campaign Finance Reform Among His Legislative Priorities for 2025

MSN – Pam Dankins (Mississippi Clarion Ledger) | Published: 1/16/2025

Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson outlined his legislative priorities during a press conference, continuing his call for campaign finance reform and voicing the importance of election integrity in the state. During last year’s legislative session, Watson pushed lawmakers to approve and pay for a new campaign finance reporting system, so the public can easily view and search donations to candidates. His efforts were struck down.

Montana – Montana Senate Republican Leaders Looking into Use of $170K of State Funds by Former President

Yahoo News – Micah Drew (Daily Montanan) | Published: 1/17/2025

Sen. Jason Ellsworth, the former Montana Senate president, denied any wrongdoing in connection with a $170,000 no-bid contract he signed in his final days in office, an expenditure that is now under scrutiny by new Senate leadership. The contract is between Ellsworth and Bryce Eggleston of Agile Analytics. A Federal Trade Commission case from more than a decade ago identified Ellsworth and Eggleston as having a previous professional relationship, with businesses registered at the same address.

New Jersey – George Norcross’ Attorneys Argue in Court Their ‘Well-Connected’ Client Turned Camden Around as They Seek Dismissal

WHYY – P. Kenneth Burns | Published: 1/22/2025

New Jersey Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw heard arguments over whether the corruption indictment against George Norcross III and his five co-defendants should be dismissed. They are accused of executing an enterprise that muscled out Norcross’s business rivals from owning properties on the Camden waterfront, while reaping benefits of a tax incentive program that was written by Philip Norcross. Defense attorney Michael Critchley described the arguments as “a complaint about how our political and economic system begins and operates.”

New York – NYC Council Pushing Lobbying Ban on Mayor’s Office Staffers – but Excludes Itself from Crackdown

MSN – Carl Campanile (New York Post) | Published: 1/17/2025

The New York City Council is poised to pass legislation that extends lobbying restrictions to cover more power brokers in the mayor’s office after they leave the government but the tougher regulation to crack down on potential influence peddling excludes the council’s own members and staff. The measure comes at a time when Mayor Eric Adams is contesting federal corruption and bribery charges, and several former top aides have also either resigned or face criminal charges.

New York – Adams Legal Defense Fund Almost $1 Million in Debt as Donations Dwindle

The City – Yoav Gonan | Published: 1/16/2025

New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ legal defense fund raised just $2,200 from two donors over the last three months, even as his expenses to battle federal corruption charges mount ahead of an expected April trial, new filings show. The trust has refunded roughly $167,000 in contributions, many of which came from family members of people engaged in business with city government, who are prohibited from giving.

North Carolina – To Gain a Court Seat, Republicans Seek to Throw Out Thousands of Votes

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 1/23/2025

The election for an open seat on the North Carolina Supreme Cort may be decided by the very justices who will sit alongside whoever is ultimately declared the winner. The fight over the court seat reveals the intensifying politics of judicial elections and the spread of election litigation in the years since Donald Trump unsuccessfully challenged his 2020 presidential loss. The state Supreme Court justices blocked the elections board from certifying Justice Allison Riggs’ narrow win so they could consider a challenge. The justices recently kept that order in place but said they would let a lower court consider the challenge first.

Ohio – Ramaswamy Will Bow Out of Cost-Cutting Project and Run for Governor in Ohio

DNyuz – Theodore Schleifer and Madeleine Ngo (New York Times) | Published: 1/20/2025

The advisory group called the Department of Government Efficiency is losing one of its leaders before it even begins. Vivek Ramaswamy, whom President Trump named in November as co-leader of the initiative alongside Elon Musk, will quit the project because he plans to run for governor of Ohio.

Ohio – American Electric Power Pays $19M to Settle with SEC Over Its HB6 Entanglement

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/22/2025

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission agreed to enter a $19 million settlement with American Electric Power (AEP) after regulators accused the company of misleading investors about its involvement in a criminal corruption scandal. Four men, including ex-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, have been criminally convicted of racketeering. AEP had insisted that neither the company nor its subsidiaries contributed to a dark money nonprofit Householder controlled. But tax records show AEP contributed $1.2 million between 2017 and 2020 to two Householder-controlled groups.

Ohio – Feds Charge Former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones, Ex-Senior Vice President in Bribery Scheme

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/17/2025

Former FirstEnergy Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling, a former lobbyist for the company, face federal racketeering charges for their roles in a public corruption scandal to pass a $1 billion bailout for the utility’s nuclear plants. The charges come nearly a year after Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost charged the men in state court over some of the same conduct. Typically, the U.S. Justice Department does not charge for the same crimes after the state, but the new indictment covers more ground.

Ohio – Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted Will Succeed JD Vance in the US Senate

MSN – Julie Carr Smyth and Stephen Groves (Associated Press) | Published: 1/17/2025

Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted will succeed Vice President JD Vance in the U.S. Senate. Gov. Mike DeWine’s decision ends months of jockeying among top Ohio Republicans for the seat, which Vance had held for less than two years. DeWine said a large consideration was that Husted has extensive government experience that Ohio’s last two U.S. senators, Vance and businessperson Bernie Moreno, both political novices when elected, lacked.

Ohio – Ohio Utility Regulators Move Ethics Questions to Start of Application Process as Part of Reforms

WOSU – Renee Fox | Published: 1/16/2025

Five people have applied to fill an opening on the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). There is something new about the process this year. PUCO spokesperson Matt Schilling said this time the agency required applicants to fill out Ohio Ethics Commission forms in order to apply, instead of later in the process.

Oklahoma – Second Ethics Probe Examines Ryan Walters for Social Media, Political Activity

NonDoc – Michael McNutt and Sasha Ndisabiye | Published: 1/17/2025

With his handling of 2022 campaign funds already being questioned, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters is also being investigated over whether certain posts on social media and certain comments on issues mostly concerning Donald Trump violate ethics rules about the use of state money, property, or time. The Oklahoma Ethics Commission authorized Executive Director Lee Anne Bruce Boone to “pursue prosecution in district court.”

Oregon – New Report Scrutinizes Lobbyists Working for NW Natural Gas and for Public Health, Climate Groups

Yahoo News – Alex Baumhardt (Oregon Capital Chronicle) | Published: 1/16/2025

Two lobbying firms advocating on behalf of Oregon’s largest gas utility are also lobbying on behalf of conservation and public health groups and local governments interested in ending natural gas hookups and combating climate change caused by burning gas. Conflicts-of-interest between NW Natural and a number of government bodies and nonprofits were analyzed in a new report. It calls on the Oregon Legislature to require lobbyists to disclose their compensation and their positions on specific bills, so they are not being paid to fight for and against policies that are at odds with one another.

Wyoming – Wyoming’s Money Managers Fear Losses from Freedom Caucus’ Investment Restrictions

WyoFile – Andrew Graham | Published: 1/20/2025

The House Freedom Caucus’ proposed ban on “environmental, social and governance” investing threatens Wyoming’s pensions and stock market returns, the state’s investment chiefs say. Those warnings sparked a flurry of changes by the legislation’s sponsor, Rep. Christopher Knapp, as he scrambled to achieve the caucus’ ideological goals without tanking the state’s returns.

Campaign Finance

Mississippi: “MS Secretary of State Outlines Campaign Finance Reform Among His Legislative Priorities for 2025” by Pam Dankins (Mississippi Clarion Ledger) for MSN

National: “Patagonia’s Ties to Nonprofit Raise Campaign Finance Concerns” by Tony Biasotti (Ventura County Star) for Yahoo News

Elections

Ohio: “Ramaswamy Will Bow Out of Cost-Cutting Project and Run for Governor in Ohio” by Theodore Schleifer and Madeleine Ngo (New York Times) for DNyuz

Ethics

Colorado: “Colorado Senate Committee to Review Ethics Complaint Against Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis” by Marianne Goodland for Colorado Politics

National: “Trump Promotes Meme Coin, Raising Ethics Issues as Value Soars” by Tony Romm (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Justice Department Says It Will Prosecute Local Officials Over Immigration Enforcement” by Maria Sacchetti and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) for MSN

Ohio: “American Electric Power Pays $19M to Settle with SEC Over Its HB6 Entanglement” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Lobbying

National: “Trump Revokes Lobbying Ban for Biden Appointees” by Caitlin Oprysko (Politico) for Yahoo News

Elections

Georgia: “Giuliani and Georgia Election Workers Reach Settlement in Defamation Case” by Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

California: “Sheng Thao and Partner Andre Jones Sought More than $300,000 in Bribes, Feds Allege” by Natalie Orenstein and Darwin BondGraham for Oaklandside

National: “CNN Found Guilty of Defaming Security Contractor, Ordered to Pay $5 Million” by Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) for MSN

New York: “Adams Legal Defense Fund Almost $1 Million in Debt as Donations Dwindle” by Yoav Gonan for The City

Ohio: “Feds Charge Former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones, Ex-Senior Vice President in Bribery Scheme” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for NonDoc

Legislative Issues

Florida: “DeSantis Picks Florida Attorney General to Replace Marco Rubio in Senate” by Hannah Knowles and Lori Rozsa (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

Kentucky: “He Ran Kentucky’s Nursing Home Inspections. Now He’s a Nursing Home Lobbyist. Is That OK?” by John Cheves (Lexington Herald-Leader) for Yahoo News

Oregon: “New Report Scrutinizes Lobbyists Working for NW Natural Gas and for Public Health, Climate Groups” by Alex Baumhardt (Oregon Capital Chronicle) for Yahoo News

National/Federal

News Outlets Batten Down the Hatches for Trump’s Return

DNyuz – David Enrich and Katie Robertson (New York Times) | Published: 1/13/2025

With Donald Trump returning to the White House, media outlets large and small are taking steps to prepare for what they fear could be a legal and political onslaught against them from the new administration and Trump’s allies inside and outside the government. While Trump is prone to hyperbole and saber-rattling, many reporters, editors, and media lawyers are taking him seriously. As a result, even before Trump returns to power, he is altering how the press is operating.

Pardoned by Trump, Manafort Is Back and Looking for Foreign Work

DNyuz – Kenneth Vogel, Kim Barker, Constant Méheut, and Michael Schwirtz (New York Times) | Published: 1/12/2025

Four years after receiving a pardon from Donald Trump for crimes related to foreign lobbying, Paul Manafort is again seeking business from political interests abroad. Manafort, who led Trump’s 2016 campaign for a few months, has assembled a team of consultants who helped run Trump’s 2024 effort and is looking to advise campaigns for opposition and far-right political factions in Latin America and Europe, according to documents and interviews.

Trump-Appointed FEC Commissioner to Resign on Inauguration

MSN – Caroline Vakil (The Hill) | Published: 1/13/2025

FEC member Sean Cooksey announced he would be resigning on Donald Trump’s first day in office. Cooksey also said he hoped Trump would nominate new appointees to the FEC for commissioners whose terms had already expired.

Jack Smith, Special Counsel in Trump Cases, Resigns

MSN – Perry Stein and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 1/11/2025

Special counsel Jack Smith resigned from the Justice Department after completing his work overseeing two federal prosecutions of Donald Trump. Though Smith’s departure was expected, official word of the end of his two-year appointment was another step in the winding down of the criminal cases against the former and future president, just over a week before Inauguration Day.

The Trump Company Is Not Banning Private Foreign Deals, a Break with Its First Term Policy

MSN – Bernard Condon (Associated Press) | Published: 1/9/2025

The Trump family business released a voluntary ethics agreement that allows it to strike deals with private foreign companies, a move that could help outside actors try to buy influence with the new administration. The so-called ethics white paper bars the Trump Organization from striking deals directly with foreign governments, but allows ones with private companies abroad, a significant departure from Donald Trump’s first term. The company also announced it would commit to several safeguards designed to stop his private financial interests from shaping policy. That includes hiring an outside ethics adviser to vet deals.

This Group Says Natural Gas Bans Hurt Minorities. It Has Gas Industry Ties.

MSN – Maxine Joselow (Washington Post) | Published: 1/13/2025

Documents show how the fossil fuel industry has relied on advocacy groups to persuade policymakers nationwide that its products benefit communities of color. Critics say these efforts come despite the fact that Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans are disproportionately exposed to deadly air pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels, which also is driving climate change. Blue states have advanced more aggressive climate policies for years. The gas industry has responded by hiring Democrats and other advocates who are better positioned to appeal to liberal voters.

Justice Dept. Releases Trump Special Counsel Report on Jan. 6 Case

MSN – Perry Stein, Spencer Hsu, Jeremy Roebuck, and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 1/14/2025

Special counsel Jack Smith released a report detailing the incriminating evidence he says he collected against Donald Trump over his two-year investigation, portraying the incoming president as a man who allegedly wielded his power to deceive state lawmakers, Republican Party activists, and presidential electors to claim victory in the 2020 election he knew he lost. The report serves as the final public record of a historic prosecution that never made it to trial, with the federal government abandoning the case after Trump became the president-elect.

These 5 Former Lobbyists Are Poised to Join Trump’s Cabinet

MSN – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 1/16/2025

Five former lobbyists have been appointed or nominated to Donald Trump’s Cabinet, signaling he may not be as closed off to these hired guns as he appeared on the campaign trail. On the campaign trail, Trump said he is “not a big person for lobbyists” and floated a ban on government and elected officials becoming lobbyists after they leave public service.

Inside Elon Musk’s Plan for DOGE to Slash Government Costs

Seattle Times – Theodore Schleifer and Madeleine Ngo (New York Times) | Published: 1/12/2025

An unpaid group of billionaires, tech executives, and some disciples of Peter Thiel, a powerful Republican donor, are preparing to take up unofficial positions in the U.S. government in the name of cost-cutting. As Donald Trump’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DODGE) girds for battle against “wasteful” spending, it is preparing to dispatch individuals with ties to its co-leaders, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, to agencies across the federal government. The structure of DOGE is still amorphous and closely held.

Democratic Senators Say a Campaign Treasurer Stole Their Money

Yahoo News – Dave Levinthal (Rolling Stone) | Published: 1/14/2025

At least four Democratic political committees suspect their former campaign treasurer is behind the “misappropriation” of hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign funds, according to federal records. They are the latest in a string of high-profile thefts and unauthorized financial transactions that have recently hit federal political committees of all partisan stripes, collectively costing them millions of dollars.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Arizona Supreme Court to Weigh Fate of ‘Dark Money’ Disclosure Law

Yahoo News – Jim Small (Arizona Mirror) | Published: 1/9/2025

The Arizona Supreme Court will consider whether Republican legislative leaders have the right to challenge “dark money” disclosure rules created by the Citizens Clean Elections Commission under Proposition 211, which voters approved in 2022. The court will also determine if a provision limiting legislative oversight can be separated from the rest of the law. Proposition 211 requires disclosure of the original sources of contributions exceeding $5,000 used for campaign spending.

California – As Wildfires Burn, a Corruption Probe Left the Senate’s Insurance Committee Chair Vacant

MSN – Ryan Sabalow (CalMatters) | Published: 1/13/2025

As fires rage through Southern California and exacerbate the state’s insurance crisis, the California Senate has no one in charge of its Insurance Committee due to questions surrounding a federal corruption investigation. Federal officials have not identified Sen. Susan Rubio by name in the case. But there is nobody else matching the description of “Person 20,” who is accused in federal court documents of asking for $240,000 in bribes from a cannabis company and accepting $30,000 in illegal campaign contributions.

California – Republicans Say They Want to Put Conditions on Wildfire Aid to California

MSN – Jacob Bogage and Toluse Olorunnipa (Washington Post) | Published: 1/13/2025

Leading congressional Republicans say they want to place conditions on aid for California’s wildfire victims, trying to force the state to fix what one lawmaker called “bad behavior” on policies ranging from taxes to land management in exchange for billions of dollars in federal help to recover from a natural disaster. Lawmakers typically approve federal aid after natural disasters without requiring states to change policies first.

Florida – Commission on Ethics Chief Describes Rollout of Controversial New Ethics Law

Florida Phoenix – Mitch Perry | Published: 1/14/2025

Last year, the Florida Legislature passed a law that critics claim would allow unethical conduct to continue unchecked. Tina Descovich, vice chair of the Florida Commission on Ethics, said the agency is recommending that state lawmakers pass legislation this year to provide “whistleblower-like protection” for individuals who file ethics complaints.

Florida – Ethics Worries Grow for Florida Democrat as State Sues Over $5 Million Covid Payment

MSN – Jacqueline Alemany and Clara Ence Morse (Washington Post) | Published: 1/14/2025

Questions surrounding a newly reelected Democratic lawmaker deepened in recent weeks as Florida moved to sue the company that she once led in an attempt to recoup a more than $5 million coronavirus overpayment. U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick reported her income increased by more than $6 million between 2020 and 2021, the year of the alleged overpayment to Trinity Health Care Services, which she led, according to her official financial disclosures.

Georgia – Pro-Stacey Abrams Groups Fined $300,000 After Admitting They Broke Georgia Campaign Finance Law

Yahoo News – Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 1/15/2025

Two nonprofits settled a complaint with the Georgia Ethics Commission and will pay $300,000 for illegally spending millions of dollars to bolster Stacey Abrams’ gubernatorial bid in 2018. The commission found the New Georgia Project and its affiliated New Georgia Project Action Fund illegally did election work for Abrams and others without disclosing their campaign contributions and spending.

Idaho – After Major Spending in 2024 Elections, Updates to Idaho’s Sunshine Laws Are in the Works

Idaho Press – Laura Guido | Published: 1/14/2025

An unprecedented year of campaign spending has led some officials to consider amendments to Idaho’s campaign finance laws to make it easier to track electioneering messaging. This year, legislation is expected to be introduced to move up deadlines for reporting because currently there is a lag between when large amounts of money are spent and when that spending is publicly accessible through reports. In some cases, spending is not reported until after the election is over.

Illinois – Advisory Referendum Question on Political Contribution Rules Thrown Out by Aurora Electoral Board

MSN – R. Christian Smith (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 1/13/2025

A non-binding referendum question that was set to ask Aurora voters whether the city should limit the amount of money candidates can receive from those who do business with the city has been thrown out by the Aurora Electoral Board. The referendum would have asked if the city of Aurora should create campaign finance rules that cap at $1,000 political donations to city elected officials and candidates for city office if the business, organization, or person donating to the campaign has previously received or is currently asking for a city contract, tax increment financing district, or any other official action from the city.

Illinois – Former IDPH Chief Fined $150,000 For Breach of Illinois Ethics Act

MSN – Jonah Meadows (Patch) | Published: 1/11/2025

Former Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike accepted a $150,000 fine from a state ethics commission after admitting to violating the “revolving door” prohibition. The settlement and fine from the Executive Ethics Commission stems from Ezike’s acceptance of a position as president and chief executive of Sinai Chicago within a year of her March 2022 departure from state government, during which the hospital operator received substantial funding and oversight from her former agency.

Illinois – Supreme Court Weighs Appeal of Ex-Chicago Alderman’s Corruption Conviction

Yahoo News – Ella Lee (The Hill) | Published: 1/14/2025

The Supreme Court signaled it may send a Chicago political scion’s appeal of his conviction for lying to regulators back to a lower court to flesh out the difference between false and misleading statements. Patrick Daley Thompson was convicted in 2022 of lying to regulators about the amount he borrowed from a now-defunct bank. If the justices rule in Thompson’s favor, it could mark a second case in as many years where the Supreme Court found federal prosecutors overstepped while cracking down on local politicians.

Indiana – Indiana Ethics Commission Approves Waivers for 4 Outgoing Agency Heads

Yahoo News – Leslie Bonilla Muñiz (Indiana Capital Chronicle) | Published: 1/10/2025

Indiana’s Ethics Commission approved post-employment waivers for four agency heads moving on from state government as Gov. Mike Braun takes over. That includes David Rosenberg, president of the controversial Indiana Economic Development Corporation. The waivers allow state employees to take their next jobs despite potential conflicts-of-interest.

Kansas – Kansas House Panel Asked to Reform Commission with Oversight of Campaign-Finance Laws

Yahoo News – Tim Carpenter (Kansas Reflector) | Published: 1/15/2025

A lawyer representing politically active clients dealing with campaign finance disputes at the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission wants the 2025 Legislature to declaw the agency because it allegedly took a hammer to free-speech rights through enforcement of “Keystone Cop” procedures. He complained that unconstitutionally vague statutes were left open to distortion by commission, including Executive Director Mark Skoglund.

Kentucky – KY Ethics Commission Will Investigate a New Complaint Against Rep. Daniel Grossberg

Yahoo News – Austin Horn and Alex Acquisto (Lexington Herald Leader) | Published: 1/14/2025

The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission voted unanimously to move forward in investigating a second complaint filed against state Rep. Daniel Grossberg, combining it with a previous complaint against him.  Grossberg has been the subject of scrutiny in the media and by the ethics commission for various issues. There have been calls for his resignation after the media reported his alleged sexually inappropriate behavior with women.

Maine – Maine Legislature Eyes Campaign Finance Reforms as Courts Weigh Voter-Backed Referenda

Yahoo News – Emma Davis (Maine Morning Star) | Published: 1/13/2025

While Maine voters have overwhelmingly passed laws in the past two general elections to place stricter regulations on money in politics, those reforms have so far been blocked as legal battles play out in the courts. Despite those obstacles, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and advocates are planning to introduce new reforms, or kickstart long-standing efforts, though there remains some disagreement on the best path forward for better regulating political spending.

Maryland – Maryland’s Legislative Session Opens Amid Concerns Over $86M Lobbying influence

MSN – Gary Collins (Spotlight on Maryland) | Published: 1/9/2025

A state consumer advocate raised concerns about lobbyist influence as the Maryland General Assembly convened its annual 90-day session in Annapolis. Mollie Woods, an attorney with the Maryland Office of the People’s Counsel, said special interest groups wield significant influence in the General Assembly due to their financial resources and “the size of their lobbying efforts.” Companies and organizations spent over $86 million in the state during the 2024 reporting period. This represents a twenty-eight percent increase in lobbying dollars spent since 2021.

Massachusetts – Boston City Council Kills Ethics Committee Push Amid Fernandes Anderson Corruption Charges

MSN – Gayla Cawley (Boston Herald) | Published: 1/9/2025

The Boston City Council, tarred by federal public corruption charges leveled against Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, overwhelmingly defeated a measure that sought to establish an ethics commission for internal oversight of the body. Fernandes Anderson was indicted on six public corruption charges that allege she pocketed $7,000 of a $13,000 bonus she doled out to one of her staffers. The money was allegedly kicked back to the councilor in an exchange with the staff member that took place in a City Hall bathroom in 2023.

Michigan – Who Funds Michigan Lawmakers? Most Get Cash from PACs, Not Voters They Represent

Bridge Michigan – Simon Schuster | Published: 1/14/2025

Local voters send representatives to the Michigan Capitol, but outside donors are far more likely to send those lawmakers checks. An analysis of campaign finance disclosures shows most lawmakers elected to the state House last year received only a small fraction of their political contributions from their constituents. Instead, most of their donations came from PACs that typically represent industries and other special interests.

New Jersey – New Jersey’s Race for Governor Is Poised to Be One of the Least Transparent

Yahoo News – Matt Friedman (Politico) | Published: 1/12/2025

New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial election could be the least transparent in memory thanks to a new campaign finance law that lets super PACs keep their donors secret until shortly before the primary. It will be the biggest test yet of the financial overhaul, and supporters of a few candidates have already sought to leverage it by forming independent expenditure committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts.

New Jersey – N.J. Corruption Watchdog Leader Abruptly Resigns After Scrutiny

Yahoo News – Jelani Gibson (New Jersey Advance Media) | Published: 1/10/2025

The leader of the state commission that investigates waste, fraud, and abuse in New Jersey government resigned under fire, a day after a published report revealed she claimed residency in two states and had a second, full-time job out of state. State Commission of Investigation Chief Executive Officer Tiffany Williams Brewer handed in her resignation just four days after she was formally appointed to lead the watchdog agency.

New Jersey – Benjie Wimberly Spent Campaign Money for Personal Use on Hotels, Airfare, Complaint Says

Yahoo News – Joe Malinconico (Bergen Record) | Published: 1/9/2025

State Assemblyperson Benjie Wimberly was accused of spending campaign money for his personal use, mostly payments for hotels and airfare, in a complaint filed by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission. Wimberly, as speaker pro tempore, is the second-highest ranking member of the Assembly, where he has served since 2012. He is also on the Paterson school district’s payroll as director of recreational programs with a $188,328 salary.

New York – State Investigating Assembly Race Donation Under Lewd Pseudonym

MSN – Wendy Liberatore (Albany Times Union) | Published: 1/14/2025

A $100 contribution to the unsuccessful New York Assembly campaign of well-known local activist Joe Seeman is under review by the state Campaign Finance Board because it appears to have been made under a false name. The donation under the lewd alias “Jack Meehoff” was made through ActBlue using the address and Paypal account of Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Accounts Dillon Moran, who denies donating under that name. According to the state Board of Elections, making a contribution under a false name is a violation of the law.

New York – Ex-NYC Mayor de Blasio Still on the Hook for $475K Fine Over Misused Public Funds, Judge Rules

MSN – Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) | Published: 1/15/2025

Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio must pay a $475,000 fine levied against him for misusing public funds on a police security detail during his failed White House bid, a judge ruled, dismissing the ex-mayor’s legal challenge as “entirely baseless.” The decision blocks de Blasio’s latest effort to erase the hefty fine issued against him by the Conflicts of Interest Board. In his motion for dismissal, de Blasio argued the board provided him with murky guidance around the use of public funds for security purposes, then overstepped its authority in imposing the fine.

New York – Turkish Businessman Pleads Guilty in NYC Mayor Adams’ Corruption Case, Could Testify Against Mayor

MSN – Molly Crane-Newman, Josephine Stratman, and Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 1/10/2025

Real estate magnate Erden Arkan pleaded guilty in federal court to funneling thousands of dollars to New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 campaign in coordination with a Turkish government official, setting him up to testify against the mayor. Arkan admitted to orchestrating straw donations to Adams through workers of the construction company he partly owns, KSK, and then reimbursing them. It is the first plea resulting from the ongoing probe of illicit foreign donations to the mayor’s campaign.

New York – Trump Sentenced in Hush Money Case, Will Not Face Jail or Probation

MSN – Shayna Jacobs, Derek Hawkins, and Mark Berman (Washington Post) | Published: 1/10/2025

Donald Trump was sentenced without penalty for his felony conviction in his hush money trial, appearing virtually at what was likely his final court hearing as a criminal defendant before he is sworn in for another term in the White House. New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, who oversaw the trial and handed down the sentence, gave Trump an unconditional discharge, meaning the president-elect will not face time behind bars, a fine, or probation.

North Dakota – As Governor, Burgum Promised to Manage Conflicts. They Still Cropped Up.

DNyuz – Alexandra Berzon (New York Times) | Published: 1/15/2025

On the day after Doug Burgum became governor of North Dakota in 2016, he addressed questions about what he would do about all of his investments. They included extensive real estate developments benefiting from state programs he was suddenly in a position to oversee. His answer was that he would “manage” his conflicts-of-interest, but he would not divest from his holdings in the state. Since then, however, his range of holdings intersected with his policy decisions as governor, a New York Times review found.

North Dakota – North Dakota Ethics Commission Receives Early Pushback in Legislative Hearing

Yahoo News – Mary Steurer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 1/8/2025

The North Dakota Ethics Commission received pushback from lawmakers on one of its first bills, with a nearly unanimous recommendation to reject it. The commission can issue advisory opinions to help officials under its jurisdiction understand how ethics laws and rules apply in certain circumstances. Currently, the commission may only publish opinions if someone specifically requests it. House Bill 1046 would change this to allow the commission to issue advisory opinions of its own volition.

Ohio – Cleveland Guardians Tried to Give Cuyahoga Council Free Tickets. Ohio Ethics Commission Said No

MSN – Kaitlin Durbin (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/9/2025

Cuyahoga County Inspector General Alexa Beeler sought the Ohio Ethics Commission’s guidance after the Cleveland Guardians twice offered each county council member 100 tickets to distribute or use themselves at up to three games in the 2022 baseball season. This was after the Guardians received a new lease that included upgrades for Progressive Field. The commission blocked them both times.

Ohio – Ohio’s New Voter ID Law Blocked at Least 7,000 Votes from Being Counted in November Election

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/13/2025

Election officials rejected more than 7,000 Ohioans’ provisional ballots in the 2024 elections for lack of proper identification, new state data shows, a record number and massive increase from years past. The spike in rejections comes after Republicans in 2023 enacted one of the strictest voter photo identification requirements in the nation.

Oregon – Gov. Tina Kotek’s Office Dinged for ‘Minor’ Spending on Catered Party, Concert Tickets That May Have Broken Ethics Rules

MSN – Betsy Hammond (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 1/9/2025

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s office spent about $11,000 on a catered employee celebration, concert tickets, and monthly parking passes during her first 16 months in office that may have violated state ethics laws. The findings, reached by state auditors. were forwarded to the state ethics commission, which will determine whether Kotek’s administration in fact broke the rules and, if so, what consequences to impose.

Texas – ‘Obvious Subversion’: Advocates criticize DART director’s lobbying ties to Uber

KERA – Pablo Arauz Peña | Published: 1/14/2025

Plano residents and public transit advocates are criticizing a member of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) board of directors for lobbying for Uber. Plano is among several DART member cities pushing to reduce their funding to the agency, or to restructure some of its services. The criticism arose after a social media post noted that Paul Wageman was advocating for increased on-demand ride services in Plano while also being paid as a lobbyist for Uber.

Campaign Finance

National: “Democratic Senators Say a Campaign Treasurer Stole Their Money” by Dave Levinthal (Rolling Stone) for Yahoo News

Georgia: “Pro-Stacey Abrams Groups Fined $300,000 After Admitting They Broke Georgia Campaign Finance Law” by Jeff Amy (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

Idaho: “After Major Spending in 2024 Elections, Updates to Idaho’s Sunshine Laws Are in the Works” by Laura Guido for Idaho Press

Illinois: “Advisory Referendum Question on Political Contribution Rules Thrown Out by Aurora Electoral Board” by R. Christian Smith (Chicago Tribune) for MSN

New York: “State Investigating Assembly Race Donation Under Lewd Pseudonym” by Wendy Liberatore (Albany Times Union) for MSN

Elections

Ohio: “Ohio’s New Voter ID Law Blocked at Least 7,000 Votes from Being Counted in November Election” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Pardoned by Trump, Manafort Is Back and Looking for Foreign Work” by Kenneth Vogel, Kim Barker, Constant Méheut, and Michael Schwirtz (New York Times) for DNyuz

Florida: “Commission on Ethics Chief Describes Rollout of Controversial New Ethics Law” by Mitch Perry for Florida Phoenix

Lt. Gov. Austin signed a writ of election for the state Senate District 36 after Sen. Ryan Aument’s resignation. The special election will be held on Tuesday, March 25. Aument resigned to become Sen. Dave McCormick’s state director.

National/Federal

Trump Says He’ll Replace Leader of National Archives

DNyuz – Maggie Haberman, Michael Gold, and Devlin Barrett (New York Times) | Published: 1/6/2025

Donald Trump said he plans to replace the head of the National Archives, the agency whose leaders’ concerns about Trump’s decision to hang on to boxes of documents after he left office ultimately led to a federal indictment. Colleen Shogan, the current national archivist, was not involved in the criminal investigations into Trump’s handling of classified documents, and a letter expressing concerns about his actions was written by her predecessor. It is common for a national archivist to span across presidential administrations.

Trump Inauguration, Awash in Cash, Runs Out of Perks for Big Donors

DNyuz – Theodore Schleifer, Maggie Haberman, and Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) | Published: 1/8/2025

Donald Trump’s inaugural committee is no longer selling tickets for major donors to attend his swearing-in and accompanying private events in Washington. The committee has raised over $170 million. The haul is so big that some seven-figure donors have been placed on wait lists or have been told they probably will not receive VIP tickets at all because the events are at capacity.

Meta Ends Fact Checks as It Prepares for Trump Era

MSN – Naomi Nix, Will Oremus, and Aaron Gregg (Washington Post) | Published: 1/7/2025

Meta announced a set of changes to its content moderation policy that would effectively put an end to its longstanding fact-checking program. The company said it would allow its users to add context or debunk claims in notes that appear next to specific posts. Meta will also change its rules more broadly, lifting restrictions on hot-button topics and focusing enforcement on illegal or high-severity violations. The move is a victory for conservatives who have waged a campaign against fact-checking and content moderation.

Justice Dept. Says It Won’t Yet Release Trump Classified Document Report

MSN – Jerermy Roebuck and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 1/8/2025

The Justice Department does not plan to publicly release special counsel Jack Smith’s findings on Donald Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents until litigation against his co-defendants concludes. But prosecutors said Attorney General Merrick Garland does intend to release the portion of Smith’s report outlining his investigation into Trump’s efforts to undo the results of the 2020 election and to permit select members of Congress to review the withheld portions on the classified documents probe.

Congress Counts Electoral Votes, Clearing Path for Trump’s Return to Oval Office

MSN – John Bennett (Roll Call) | Published: 1/6/2025

Congress made Donald Trump’s Electoral College victory official on the anniversary of the January 6, 2021, insurrection. No Democratic lawmakers rose to challenge any state’s electoral results during the joint session of the Senate and House, meaning Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance are set to be sworn in on January 20.

Gold-Plated Watches and Electoral Map Sneakers: Trump’s newest merchandise raises conflict of interest questions

MSN – Fredreka Schouten and Steve Contorno (CNN) | Published: 1/8/2025

In the two months since the election, Donald Trump has urged his nearly 8.5 million followers on Truth Social to buy limited edition guitars that bear his signature and Trump-themed fragrances that “represent winning.” The post-election sales pitches illustrate just how closely Trump’s personal business interests are entwined with his politics. But the president-elect and the Trump Organization have not offered details to the public on how they intend to wall off those varied interests from his job as president.

Trump Speaks with Justice Alito Amid Push to Halt Criminal Sentencing

MSN – Katherine Faulders, Jonathan Karl, and Devin Dwyer (ABC News) | Published: 1/8/2025

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito spoke to Donald Trump by phone to recommend one of his former law clerks for a job in the new administration. The call occurred just hours before Trump’s lawyers filed an emergency request with the justices asking them to block a New York judge from moving forward with sentencing Trump in his criminal hush money case. Alito said he and Trump did not discuss that matter.

Federal Courts Won’t Refer Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to Attorney General Over Ethics

MSN – Lindsay Whitehurst (Associated Press) | Published: 1/2/2025

The federal courts will not refer allegations that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas may have violated ethics laws to the Justice Department. Thomas has agreed to follow updated requirements on reporting trips and gifts, including clearer guidelines on hospitality from friends, the U.S. Judicial Conference wrote to Democratic senators who had called for an investigation into undisclosed acceptance of luxury trips.

House Ethics Panel Recommends Further Review of Campaign Finance Allegations Against 2 Lawmakers

MSN – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 1/2/2025

The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) wants to dig deeper into separate campaign finance allegations against two lawmakers, U.S. Reps. Andy Ogles and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. The OCE alleged Ogles may have misrepresented a loan to his 2022 campaign, transferring far less than the amount originally disclosed from an undetermined source. The OCE said Cherfilus-McCormick may have made “impermissible payments” to a state PAC that then paid vendors and her unofficial campaign manager.

Biden Awards Liz Cheney a Presidential Medal for Challenging Jan. 6 Attack

MSN – Maeve Reston (Washington Post) | Published: 1/2/2025

President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney, honoring one of Donald Trump’s most outspoken critics at a White House ceremony less than three weeks before Trump is set to reclaim the presidency. The medal, given to those who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country, is the nation’s second-highest award. Biden also p. Bennie Thompson, who along with Cheney led the House committee that investigated the assault on the Capitol.

Elon Musk Goes Global with His Playbook for Political Influence

MSN – Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) | Published: 1/4/2025

Last year, Elon Musk dominated U.S. politics, using his money and X microphone to boost Donald Trump and other Republicans in the 2024 elections. In the new year, Musk is flexing his political muscle on the global stage as well. He appears to be applying a playbook similar to the one he used to disrupt American politics, now boosting conservative politicians in the governments of the United States’ top allies. But his disregard for the veracity of his posts and his elevation of far right and extremist figures have alarmed liberal leaders around the world.

These ‘New’ Members Are Boomeranging Back to Congress

MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 1/3/2025

The 118th Congress was, by some measures, one of the least productive in recent history. Public opinion remains persistently low, and on their way out the door, lawmakers did not mince words. Death threats and swatting take a toll on members’ families, said Rep. Ann McLane Kuster while in the eyes of Rep. Anna Eshoo, money in politics has become “corrosive.” In spite of all this, some people cannot get enough and a few even decided, after taking a hiatus from Capitol Hill, that now was the perfect time to come back.

‘A Day of Love’: How Trump inverted the violent history of Jan. 6

Seattle Times – Dan Barry and Alan Feuer (New York Times) | Published: 1/5/2025

In the wake of the attack on the Capitol, Donald Trump’s volatile political career seemed over. Myriad factors explain his resurrection, but not least of them is how effectively he and his loyalists have laundered the history of January 6. The inverted interpretation defied what the country had watched unfold, but it neatly fit the persecution narrative that binds Trump to many of his faithful. Once he committed to running again for president, he doubled down on flipping the script about the riot and its blowback, including a congressional inquiry and two criminal indictments against him, as part of an orchestrated victimization.

Cartoon of Jeff Bezos That His Paper Axed Goes Viral

Yahoo News – Liam Archacki (Daily Beast) | Published: 1/4/2025

A Pulitzer-winning editorial cartoonist revealed she quit her job at the Washington Post after management axed her drawing of billionaires – including Jeff Bezos, the paper’s owner – bending the knee to Donald Trump. Ann Telnaes said she drew a cartoon that criticized corporate titans for their efforts to curry favor with the president-elect. Like Amazon, Apple and Facebook also ponied up $1 million for Trump’s inauguration. But for the first time in her career, Telnaes said the paper killed the cartoon because of whom it targeted.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – Trudeau Resigns After Nine Years in Power as Liberals Force Him Out

MSN – Brian Platt and Thomas Seal (Bloomberg) | Published: 1/6/2025

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is resigning after more than nine years leading Canada, bowing to sagging approval numbers and a rebellion within his political party. Trudeau will step down as head of the governing Liberal Party within months. He will remain as prime minister until a new leader is selected, and parliament has been suspended until March 24 while that process is underway. The winner of the Liberal leadership contest is set to become Canada’s 24th prime minister and will have to quickly prepare for an election, which the Conservative Party is the clear favorite to win, according to public opinion polls.

Colorado – Election Officials Advance Campaign Finance Complaint Against State Senator Prompted by Colorado Sun Reporting

Colorado Sun – Jesse Paul | Published: 1/3/2025

Colorado elections officials have advanced a campaign finance complaint against state Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis. The complaint alleges Jaquez Lewis used campaign contributions for personal purposes not reasonably related to her campaign, made a prohibited donation to another candidate committee, and failed to report contributions and expenditures. It was reported that two of Jaquez Lewis’ Capitol staffers filed a workplace misconduct complaint claiming she used one of them to do chores like yard work and bartending at a party at her home and paid the staffer with a check from her campaign’s bank account.

Florida – A ‘Business-Friendly’ Lawyer’s Rise from Lobbyist to Attorney General Pick

DNyuz – Eric Lipton and Kate Kelly (New York Times) | Published: 1/8/2025

Pam Bondi would not be the first U.S. attorney general who previously served as a lobbyist. But while she was Florida’s attorney general, she became known for what one lobbying firm called her “business-friendly” attitude. She and her staff agreed to meet with a steady stream of lawyers whose clients had been targeted by other states for investigations. Then, in her time as a lobbyist, Bondi represented a long roster of corporate clients. Many of these companies have business with the federal government and could be subject to scrutiny by a Justice Department run by her, raising questions about potential conflicts-of-interest.

Georgia – Giuliani Is Held in Contempt of Court, But Avoids Jail

MSN – Erica Orden (Politico) | Published: 1/6/2025

A federal judge held Rudy Giuliani in civil contempt of court twice for failing to adequately respond to requests for documents and information sought by two Georgia women who won a $148 million defamation verdict against him in 2023. U.S. District Court Judge Lewis Liman declared Giuliani can no longer present the central legal defense that could have allowed the former New York City mayor to avoid handing over his Palm Beach condo to the two women, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss.

Illinois – Board of Ethics Said It Did Not Give Mayor Brandon Johnson an Opinion About CPS Leave

MSN – Nell Salzman, Alice Yin, and Gregory Royal Pratt (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 1/8/2025

Despite City Hall’s claims, the Board of Ethics said it did not provide Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration with an opinion about whether he should resign from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to avoid a conflict-of-interest. It was reported that Ben Felton, a high-ranking CPS staffer, called on the mayor to resign from CPS after his election in 2023, but City Hall shrugged off the concerns.

Illinois – Back on the Witness Stand, Michael Madigan Rejects Bribery and Quid Pro Quo Allegations in Corruption Trial

WTTW – Matt Masterson | Published: 1/8/2025

Former Illinois House Speaker Madigan, who is charged alongside his longtime right-hand man Michael McClain, is alleged to have orchestrated multiple corruption schemes, wielding his political power to reward loyal allies and enrich himself. Madigan’s testimony in his trial seeks to discredit one of the main points federal prosecutors made in their case against him, that the speaker was seeking to use his public position to benefit his private tax law firm.

Indiana – Former Indiana Congressional Candidate Agrees to Plead Guilty in Campaign Finance Fraud Case

Yahoo News – Casey Smith (Indiana Capital Chronicle) | Published: 1/8/2025

Former Indiana congressional candidate Gabriel Whitley is admitting he falsified campaign finance records, saying he lied about raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions ahead of the May 2024 primary. The U.S. attorney’s office said Whitley admitted he lied to the FEC in three separate reports about hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions from supporters and loans from himself.

Kansas – Overland Park Lawsuit Leads Judge to Narrow Kansas’ Definition of Political Action Committee

Yahoo News – Tim Carpenter (Kansas Reflector) | Published: 1/7/2025

A federal court sided with a group that supported candidates, allowing it to remain a local advocacy group rather than become a political committee. The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission had ordered Fresh Vision OP to file as a PAC following the group’s expenditure of more than $100 to champion the 2021 mayoral candidacy of an Overland Park mayoral candidate with mailers and a website. Rather than comply with the commission’s directive and disclose its donors, Fresh Vision’s leadership suspended operations and filed a lawsuit.

Louisiana – Louisiana Ethics Board Withheld Information on Landry Staff’s Financial Interests from Public

Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 1/7/2025

For seven months, the Louisiana Board of Ethics kept private documents about the financial interests of a handful of Gov. Jeff Landry’s staff that are supposed to be public under state law. The documents Landry’s top staff members filled out reveal information about all their personal income sources, their spouses’ jobs, investment holdings, property ownership, and ties to charities.

Minnesota – GOP Sues Over Timing of Special Election Crucial to Minnesota House Power Balance

MPR News – Clay Masters | Published: 1/6/2025

Minnesota Republicans are suing over the timing of a late-January special election that could determine if the state House moves back into a tie or remains in Republican hands deeper into the new legislative session. Gov. Tim Walz invoked a seldom used state law to schedule the special election for January 28 even before the House convened with 133 members instead of the full complement of 134. The outcome of the case is crucial because Republicans will come into the 2025 session with 67 seats to 66 for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party; the race for a seat favoring Democrats could push the House into a tie. fFor now

Montana – New Montana Legislative Website Has Problems, Legislative Services Working on Fixes

Yahoo News – Keila Szpaller (Daily Montanan) | Published: 1/8/2025

The chief information officer for the Legislative Services Division said a technology team is addressing problems with the Montana Legislature’s website, and the goal is to have a top-notch system once again. In the meantime, however, legislators, lobbyists. and members of the public are running into roadblocks in trying to follow lawmakers’ work.

New York – New York’s High Court Weighs Constitutionality of State Ethics Panel

Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons | Published: 1/7/2025

The New York Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, heard arguments on whether the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government was formed in violation of the state constitution. The case stems from a yearslong battle between Andrew Cuomo and the state’s ethics commission, as well as its embattled predecessor agency, that stems from the former governor’s efforts to thwart an investigation of a $5 million deal he received for writing a book about his administration’s handling of the pandemic.

New York – Treasurer for Brooklyn Boro Prez Candidate Anthony Jones Pleads Guilty in Straw Donor Scheme

MSN – John Annese (New York Daily News) | Published: 1/7/2025

The treasurer for an unsuccessful Brooklyn borough president candidate pleaded guilty to charges she tried to scam the city out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in public matching funds. Erlene King tried to take advantage of the New York City’s matching campaign funds program with a straw donor scheme. She submitted $25,000 in straw donations to Jones’ campaign, along with five corresponding “fictitious records,” in the hopes of getting $400,000 in matching funds, prosecutors said.

New York – Judge Upholds Trump’s Felony Conviction, but Does Not Plan to Order Jail Time

MSN – Shayna Jacobs and David Nakamura (Washington Post) | Published: 1/3/2025

Donald Trump will be sentenced on 34 counts of falsifying business records ahead of his swearing-in January 20 but is not expected to face jail time, a judge ruled. The decision to uphold Trump’s conviction and schedule the sentencing for January 10 almost certainly means Trump will be the first felon to serve as a U.S. president. New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan said he plans to order an “unconditional discharge,” a designation in New York criminal courts for a non-jail and non-probation sentence that carries no other obligations.

New York – Board of Elections Director Made Racial and Sexual Remarks to Female Employees, City Probe Finds

The City – Greg Smith | Published: 1/7/2025

A Department of Investigation probe documented evidence that Michael Ryan, executive director of the New York City Board of Elections, routinely made racially insensitive and sexually suggestive remarks to two top-level minority female staffers, prompting the independent watchdog agency to recommend he resign. Both employees felt they had little recourse to confront Ryan about his comments because of his position according to the report.

North Carolina – North Carolina Justices Block Certification of Election Outcome in Race for One of Its Own Seats

MSN – Associated Press | Published: 1/7/2025

The North Carolina Supreme Court blocked the certification of a November election result for one of its own seats so it can review legal arguments by a trailing candidate who contends over 60,000 ballots that were cast should not be counted. The decision by the Republican-dominated state Supreme Court to issue the temporary stay is a setback for Democratic Associate Justice Allison Riggs. Election results show Riggs ahead of GOP challenger Jefferson Griffin by just 734 votes from over 5.5 million ballots cast.

North Dakota – Voters Created an Ethics Commission in North Dakota. Then the Legislature Limited Its Power.

Yahoo News – Jacob Orledge (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 1/6/2025

The North Dakota Ethics Commission has achieved less than the advocates had hoped in the six years since its inception, undermined in large part by the Legislature the commission is charged with overseeing. The commission has not substantiated any of the 81 complaints it has received. It has dismissed 47, most because it lacked the authority to investigate them. Thirty complaints are pending, some for more than a year. Numerous tips do not get investigated because the agency cannot proceed without a formal complaint, and complainants have said they fear retaliation if they file one, the commission’s executive director said.

Ohio – An Ohio Mayor’s Company Hired a Lobbyist to Weaken a State Ethics Law. The Legislature Passed It During Lame Duck.

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/5/2025

In a massive bill passed late on the final lawmaking day of 2024, Republicans slipped in an unvetted amendment creating an ethics exemption for small town mayors. The idea came from an Ohio mayor, who also serves as chief executive of a water treatment supply company. Under current law, businesses owned by public officials generally cannot accept public contracts unless the government gets the best treatment and the lowest cost, and the public official takes no part in the town’s decision. The change would have exempted village mayors’ businesses from the law under certain conditions.

Pennsylvania – Governor’s Office Forced to Reveal Why It Spent $368K on Private Law Firms

MSN – Angela Couloumbis (Spotlight PA) | Published: 1/8/2025

The administration of former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf spent tens of thousands of public dollars to hire private law firms for an ethics investigation, federal and state grand jury probes, and advice on taxes. In response to a public records request, the governor’s office originally released documents that showed which firms it hired and how much those firms charged, but it blacked out the reasons the private law firms were hired.

Rhode Island – R.I. Ethics Panel Postpones Vote on Reforming Gifts from Lobbyists

Yahoo News – Alexander Castro (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 1/7/2025

Government watchdogs will have to wait and see whether the Rhode Island Ethics Commission pursues proposed changes to state rules regulating who can give public officials gifts. After an hourlong discussion, the commission voted to delay a vote until all nine of its members have had a chance to review the proposal’s origins, which were prompted by a less-than-pristine education consulting contract forged in the early days of Gov. Dan McKee’s administration.

South Dakota – Regulator Stays on New Carbon Pipeline Case After Prior Recusal, with No Explanation This Time

Yahoo News – Joshua Haiar (South Dakota Searchlight) | Published: 12/30/2024

A trust controlled by a South Dakota regulator’s relatives still owns land along a proposed pipeline route, but the regulator has not recused herself from the project’s second permit application after recusing herself from the first one. Two years ago, Public Utilities Commissioner Kristie Fiegen disqualified herself from Summit Carbon Solutions’ first carbon dioxide pipeline application. She cited state law prohibiting commissioners from participating in hearings or proceedings when they have conflicts-of-interest.

Texas – Republicans Prepare Fresh Effort to Ban Local Governments from Using Public Funds for Lobbying

Houston Public Media – Andrew Schneider | Published: 1/1/2025

Republican lawmakers will make another push to bar local governments from spending public funds on lobbying. A ban is all but certain to pass the Senate, but its prospects in the House are less clear. Asked whether he would support a similar ban on corporate lobbying to protect shareholders and customers from having their money used for lobbying against their wishes, state Sen. Mayes Middleton said there was no comparison.

Utah – Utah Legislature Could Explore Switching Authors of Ballot Initiatives

Yahoo News – Alixel Cabrera (Utah News Dispatch) | Published: 1/7/2025

After the description of a proposed amendment to the Utah Constitution sparked controversy, Democratic lawmakers are seeking more neutrality in future drafts. The Senate president and House speaker of are in charge of writing titles and questions submitted by the Legislature, summarizing the subject, and explaining any laws that could become effective if voters approve. But after the language of Amendment D prompted a successful court challenge by critics that left the question voided on voters’ ballots, Democrats want legislative attorneys, part of a nonpartisan body, to take over the job of drafting future ballot questions.

Virginia – Democrats Retain Control of Virginia Legislature in Special Elections

MSN – Laura Vozzella (Washington Post) | Published: 1/7/2025

Democrats retained control of Virginia’s General Assembly in special election on January 7, dimming Glenn Youngkin’s prospects for a big legislative legacy. Republicans could have upset the balance of power in Richmond and given Youngkin the chance to advance his conservative agenda in the final year of his term had they flipped two Loudoun County seats on the ballot. But Democrats held on to the Loudoun House and Senate seats, while Republicans retained a Senate post in central Virginia.

West Virginia – Senate President Craig Blair to Take Up Leadership Position Within a Leading Lobbying and Government Relations Firm

West Virginia MetroNews – Katherine Skeldon | Published: 1/2/2025

Soon-to-be former West Virginia Senate President Craig Blair says his new job is not of a lobbyist but a consultant in government relations. Blair announced he will begin serving as Senior Advisor of West Virginia for the LNE Group, a lobbying and government relations firm starting January 8. “I’ve learned a lot of things over the years and I’m going to be able to help us continue on the path to prosperity for the people of West Virginia, but I’m going to be for hire for being able to do that,” Blair said.

Wisconsin – Gov. Evers Wants to Let Wisconsin Voters Propose Statewide Ballot Measures

Yahoo News – Baylor Spears (Wisconsin Examiner) | Published: 1/6/2025

Gov. Tony Evers is proposing the Legislature create a way for Wisconsin residents to directly create ballot measures that make statutory and constitutional changes through the referendum process. State law currently permits lawmakers to place proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot, after they pass two consecutive legislative sessions. But Wisconsin does not have a way for voters themselves to introduce initiatives or place a binding referendum on the statewide ballot.

Campaign Finance

Kansas: “Overland Park Lawsuit Leads Judge to Narrow Kansas’ Definition of Political Action Committee” by Tim Carpenter (Kansas Reflector) for Yahoo News

Elections

Virginia: “Democrats Retain Control of Virginia Legislature in Special Elections” by Laura Vozzella (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Justice Dept. Says It Won’t Yet Release Trump Classified Document Report” by Jeremy Roebuck and Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN

Illinois: “Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan Testifies in His Federal Corruption Trial” by Dave Byrnes for Courthouse News Service

Louisiana: “Louisiana Ethics Board Withheld Information on Landry Staff’s Financial Interests from Public” by Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) for Yahoo News

New York: “New York’s High Court Weighs Constitutionality of State Ethics Panel” by Brendan Lyons for Albany Times Union

Legislative Issues

Utah: “Utah Legislature Could Explore Switching Authors of Ballot Initiatives” by Alixel Cabrera (Utah News Dispatch) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

Florida: “A ‘Business-Friendly’ Lawyer’s Rise from Lobbyist to Attorney General Pick” by Eric Lipton and Kate Kelly (New York Times) for DNyuz

Rhode Island: “R.I. Ethics Panel Postpones Vote on Reforming Gifts from Lobbyists” by Alexander Castro (Rhode Island Current) for Yahoo News

Campaign Finance

Colorado: “Election Officials Advance Campaign Finance Complaint Against State Senator Prompted by Colorado Sun Reporting” by Jesse Paul for Colorado Sun

Elections

Canada: “Trudeau Resigns After Nine Years in Power as Liberals Force Him Out” by Brian Platt and Thomas Seal (Bloomberg) for MSN

Georgia: “Giuliani Is Held in Contempt of Court, But Avoids Jail” by Erica Orden (Politico) for MSN

Minnesota: “GOP Sues Over Timing of Special Election Crucial to Minnesota House Power Balance” by Clay Masters for MPR News

North Carolina: “North Carolina Justices Block Certification of Election Outcome in Race for One of Its Own Seats” by Associated Press for MSN

Ethics

National: “Judge Aileen Cannon Temporarily Blocks Release of Special Counsel Report on Trump Cases” by Eric Tucker for Associated Press News

National: “Meta Ends Fact Checks as It Prepares for Trump Era” by Naomi Nix, Will Oremus, and Aaron Gregg (Washington Post) for MSN

Texas: “A Former Midtown Redevelopment Authority Official and Two Vendors Face Felony Charges. What’s Next?” by Mike Morris (Houston Chronicle) for MSN

Gov. Murphy signed a bill rescheduling the 2025 primary election from June 3 to June 10 to accommodate a period of religious observance.

Assembly Bill 5152 also moves campaign finance reporting deadlines to correspond to the new election date.

The Office of Secretary of State will publish a calendar containing the dates to be used.