National/Federal

George Santos’ Campaign Treasurer Gets Probation

Courthouse News Service – Nina Pullano | Published: 5/28/2025

The treasurer for former U.S. Rep. George Santos’s congressional campaign was sentenced to three years of probation after admitting to filing false campaign finance reports. Judge Joanna Seybert handed down the sentence to Nancy Marks about a month after she gave Santos more than seven years in prison under his own guilty plea. Seybert also ordered Marks to pay more than $178,000 in restitution.

Complaints Languished as Johnson’s Delays Hobbled House Watchdog

DNyuz – Michael Gold (New York Times) | Published: 5/30/2025

In the first three months of this year, the independent watchdog that investigates members of the U.S. House received more than 4,000 messages from the public, some accusing lawmakers of serious misconduct. Not one was examined, because Speaker Mike Johnson had yet to constitute the office charged with doing so. Under House rules, the Office of Congressional Conduct cannot start inquiries, hire staff members, or take formal action on public complaints without a board named by the speaker.

Ernst Posts Snarky Reply After Telling Town Hall ‘We All Are Going to Die’

MSN – Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 6/1/2025

Sen. Joni Ernst dismissed voters’ concerns in recent days that people could die if Republicans cut Medicaid as they have promised to do in President Trump’s immigration and tax package. Speaking at a town hall, Ernst was explaining how the bill would affect Medicaid eligibility when one audience member yelled out that individuals who lost coverage because of the cuts could die. “Well, we all are going to die,” Ernst replied as the crowd groaned. While outrage at Ernst’s comment was immediate, the senator doubled down with a sarcastic response on Instagram.

Trump’s Law Firm Sanctions, Harshly Rejected in Court, Still Have Impact

MSN – Mark Berman (Washington Post) | Published: 6/1/2025

President Trump’s attempts to punish law firms that employed his perceived foes or handled cases he disliked have been rejected by courts, with three federal judges lambasting them as retaliatory and unconstitutional. But the president’s court losses, with a fourth case pending, are only part of the story. Other firms have struck deals with the administration, hoping to avoid similar punishments. Lawyers say both the sanctions and the negotiated deals have had a chilling effect, with some firms declining to work on issues counter to the administration’s goals.

Trump Administration to Prioritize ‘Patriotic Americans’ for Federal Jobs

MSN – Robin Bravender (Politico) | Published: 5/30/2025

As President Trump moves to slash the size of the federal workforce, his administration unveiled a plan to ensure any new hires are “patriotic Americans” who vow to advance the president’s policy priorities. The White House and the agency that serves as the government’s human resources arm released directives for departments to use when recruiting employees in a memo that represents a dramatic shift in federal hiring procedures.

Discrimination Cases Unravel as Trump Scraps Core Civil Rights Tenet

MSN – Julian Mark and Laura Meckler (Washington Post) | Published: 6/1/2025

For decades, the federal government has used data analysis to ferret out race and sex discrimination, winning court cases and reaching settlements in housing, education, policing, and across American life. Now the Trump administration is working to unwind those same cases. The Justice Department is reviewing its entire docket and has already dismissed or terminated “many” cases that were “legally unsupportable” and a product of “weaponization” under the Biden administration, said Harmeet Dhillon, who heads the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

Trump Pardons Drive a Big, Burgeoning Business for Lobbyists

MSN – Matt Dixon (NBC News) | Published: 6/2/2025

Seeking a pardon from President Trump has become big business for lobbying and consulting firms close to the administration, with wealthy hopefuls willing to spend millions of dollars for help getting their case in front of the right people. Cozying up to a president’s allies or hiring lobbyists to gain access to clemency is not new. But along with a price spike, what is different now is that Trump is issuing pardons on a rolling basis rather than most coming at the end of the administration.

Tester, Weintraub Join Democratic Organization to Counter Corruption

MSN – Filip Timotija (The Hill) | Published: 6/2/2025

Former U.S. Sen. Jon Tester and onetime FEC Chairperson Ellen Weintraub are officially joining the nonprofit group End Citizens United to help fight corruption and get big money out of politics. Both Tester and Weintraub will work at End Citizens United, a group that advocates for campaign finance reform, as senior fellows. The pair will be doing press interviews, writing op-eds, helping advise on legislation, and participating in town halls and other public events across the country.

Sharp Spike in Threats to Judges Prompts Calls for More Security

MSN – Derek Hawkins (Washington Post) | Published: 5/29/2025

A spike in threats against federal judges since President Trump took office is prompting calls for new funding and security measures, with current and former jurists, lawmakers, and law enforcement officials saying existing protections are not enough. Experts offer a range of proposals for bolstering safety around the judiciary, including increasing the number of marshals assigned to protect judges. A simpler solution, several former judges said, would be for Trump administration officials to cool their rhetoric, which they believe fuels threats from extremists.

From the States and Municipalities

Arkansas – Trump Pardons Former Arkansas Lawmaker Who Took Bribes from Springfield Nonprofit

Springfield News-Leader – Marta Mieze | Published: 6/2/2025

President Trump pardoned a former Arkansas lawmaker who admitted to taking bribes from a nonprofit organization as part of a large public corruption scheme. Jeremy Hutchinson pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit federal programs bribery and in 2023 was sentenced to 50 months in prison running consecutively to a 46-month sentence for bribery and tax fraud he pleaded guilty to in state district court.

California – ‘That Person Will Absolutely Become the Most Powerful Person’: LA looks for a new king

MSN – Emily Schultheis (Politico) | Published: 6/1/2025

Elected county executives are common around the country but remain a novel concept in California. Since the mid-19th century, local governments across the state’s 58 counties have been led by five-member boards of supervisors without an elected role above them. In 2024, voters in Los Angeles County decided to create a new office to oversee their government. Now the county must determine the scope of a position that will, by representing the nearly 10 million people, become perhaps the most powerful in American local government and immediately reshape California politics.

California – Meals, Hotels, Office Supplies: City leaders want to be able to raise more money for ‘officeholder’ expenses

MSN – Eli Wolfe and Natalie Orenstein (Oaklandside) | Published: 6/2/2025

Local elected officials in California often use money from officeholder accounts to pay for the expenses of holding office, including meals, travel, hotels, and mailers about city events. Officeholder accounts cannot expenditures for a future election or wages for staff. Oakland has put some restrictions on these kinds of committees. Right now, elected officials like council members are not allowed to raise more than $25,000 (or $30,000 for the at-large seat) for their officeholder accounts. But a group of council members believes the limit should be higher.

California – Lurie Campaigned as an Ethics Crusader. Now He’s Gutting SF’s Top Watchdog

San Francisco Standard – Fitzgerald Rodriguez and Gabe Greschler | Published: 6/3/2025

On the campaign trail, Daniel Lurie vowed to vanquish City Hall corruption, promising to fully fund the San Francisco Ethics Commission. Now, as mayor, Lurie just blew a gaping hole in the department’s budget, sparking an outcry from its leader. The cuts may include axing the roles of four staffers in the 28-person department who identify loopholes in ethics rules and train city officials on the law. They are crucial to curbing corruption before it takes hold, said Patrick Ford, executive director of the Ethics Commission.

Connecticut – Lamont Aide Jonny Dach Misused State Vehicle, Investigation Finds

MSN – Mark Pazniokas (Connecticut Mirror) | Published: 6/2/2025

An investigation commissioned by Gov. Ned Lamont concluded that his former chief of staff and current senior advisor, Jonathan Dach, chronically violated state rules by using a state vehicle as his personal car for nearly two years and driving at speeds constituting reckless driving under Connecticut law. A referral to the Office of State Ethics for disciplinary action is mandatory.

Florida – Judge Orders J.C. Planas to Pay First-Ever Fine for Filing ‘Frivolous’ Miami-Dade Ethics Complaint

Florida Politics – Jesse Scheckner | Published: 5/29/2025

A Miami-Dade County court has ordered lawyer and former Rep. Juan-Carlos Planas to pay the legal expenses former Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Góngora incurred while defending a “frivolous” ethics complaint in 2023. Planas, who specializes in ethics and elections law and last year ran unsuccessfully for Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections, contends the ruling is out of order, literally and figuratively.

Illinois – Responding to Supreme Court, Lawmakers Look to Expand Lawsuit Protections for Press

WTTW – Bridgette Fox (Capitol News Illinois) | Published: 5/23/2025

Illinois lawmakers are seeking to extend lawsuit protections to regular news reports following a recent ruling by the state Supreme Court that allowed a defamation suit against the Chicago Sun-Times to progress. Senate Bill 1181 would explicitly name the press in an existing state law that aims to protect against “strategic lawsuits against public participation,” otherwise known as SLAPP lawsuits.

Louisiana – Mortgages, Mardi Gras and Country Clubs: Louisiana campaign funds could soon cover these expenses

Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 5/29/2025

Louisiana politicians would be able to use money they raise to run for elected office on a much broader group of expenses, including their home mortgages, country club fees, and gym memberships under legislation Gov. Jeff Landry is pushing. House Bill 693 loosens dozens of restrictions placed on the people and political groups who raise and spend money on state and local elections.

Maryland – Maryland’s Primary Elections Are Unconstitutional, Lawsuit Alleges

MSN – Kate Mettler (Washington Post) | Published: 5/29/2025

Maryland residents who register as unaffiliated with a political party are not allowed to vote in primary elections. A lawsuit alleges the state’s partisan, or closed, primary process is unconstitutional and violates the rights of registered voters who are not affiliated with a political party. Maryland is one of 14 states that closes its primaries to unaffiliated registered voters. If a state judge was to find Maryland’s election process illegal, it could force lawmakers and party leaders to overhaul how they run primaries.

Massachusetts – Ex-Massachusetts State Police Union President, Lobbyist Get Some Convictions Reversed

MSN – Rick Sobey (Boston Herald) | Published: 6/2/2025

Dana Pullman, the former president of the State Police Association of Massachusetts, and lobbyist Anne Lynch were sentenced in 2023 for racketeering, fraud, obstruction of justice, and tax crimes. The federal convictions for the former trooper and the ex-head of the political lobbying firm Lynch Associates arose out of alleged kickback schemes between the two. But the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit reversed some of the convictions.

New York – NYC Campaign Finance Board Withholds $1.3M in Matching Funds from Cuomo, Awards Adrienne Adams $2M

Yahoo News – Josephine Stratman and Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 5/30/2025

New York City’s Campaign Finance Board dealt a blow to mayoral frontrunner Andrew Cuomo, withholding $675,419 in matching funds from him, but gave a lifeline to his opponent Adrienne Adams, clearing her for $2 million in critical public money as the Democratic mayoral primary election looms weeks away. The board withheld the money from Cuomo due to their suspicion his campaign improperly coordinated with Fix the City, a super PAC boosting his run. That comes on top of more than $620,000 it earlier denied Cuomo for the same reason.

North Carolina – NC Lawmakers Leave Controversial Kentucky Distillery Tour Off Disclosure Reports

MSN – Dan Kane (Raleigh News and Observer) | Published: 5/30/2025

Last year, two North Carolina nonprofits took lawmakers on expensive trips outside of the state. One took them on a distillery tour near Louisville, Kentucky, and the other to the Summer Olympics in Paris. But what the public can learn about who paid is incomplete, due to limitations in the state’s ethics and lobbying laws. The nonprofit behind the Paris trip disclosed the legislators and other officials who went and how much it cost. The nonprofit behind the distillery tour has not. A review of financial disclosures by officials known to have gone on the trips shows nearly the same pattern.

Oregon – Oregon Sen. Lisa Reynolds Mulls Conflict of Interest Declaration After Ethics Report

Yahoo News – Shaanth Nanguneri (Oregon Capital Chronicle) | Published: 5/30/2025

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission referred a state lawmaker to the Legislature for clarity over whether a bill she authored that could benefit her medical practice raises a substantial conflict-of-interest. The commission said Sen. Lisa Reynolds’ decisions regarding votes and bill introductions were within the purview of the Legislature and its legal counsel. Senate Bill 28 would mandate commercial insurers reimburse independent primary care clinics at rates equal to those of clinics owned by hospital systems.

Texas – U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Hear GOP Activist’s Lawsuit Challenging Texas Ethics Commission’s Lobbying Fine

MSN – Kate McGee (Texas Tribune) | Published: 6/2/2025

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to consider a lawsuit from conservative activist Michael Quinn Sullivan against the Texas Ethics Commission, serving another blow to his more than decade-long challenge against the state agency that enforces Texas’ campaign finance and lobbying laws. Sullivan, who used to lead a powerful advocacy group called Empower Texans, challenged an Ethics Commission decision to fine him $10,000 for failing to register as a lobbyist in 2010 and 2011.

Texas – Failure of Texas Proof-of-Citizenship Law Is Not the End

MSN – Patrick Marley and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 6/3/2025

A bid in Texas to establish one of the most unwieldy voting laws in the nation flamed out, but a broader effort backed by President Trump to demand that voters throughout the country provide proof of citizenship is hardly dead. Not only could the Texas bill resurface, but three other states over the past nine months have adopted similar laws requiring voters to provide proof of citizenship, and a raft of others are considering them.

Texas – Las Vegas Sands Lobbyist’s Contact Appears in Filings for ‘Dark Money’ Group in Irving

MSN – Chase Rogers (Dallas Morning News) | Published: 5/29/2025

A phone number tied to a “dark money” group that spent more than $160,000 to influence a recent Irving City Council election also appears on lobbying disclosures filed in Dallas by a registered lobbyist for Las Vegas Sands Corp. The phone number, listed in both city and state filings, suggests a potential link between Las Vegas Sands and the Lone Star Conservative Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization, which is not required to disclose its donors under state law.

Washington – Seattle Councilmember Cathy Moore Pulls Her Ethics Bill

Seattle Times – David Kroman | Published: 5/30/2025

The Seattle City Council is dropping an effort to change the city’s ethics code after intense public blowback and facing an uncertain political path. Councilmember Cathy Moore, who sponsored the bill to make it easier for members to vote on matters in which they may have financial interest, announced she was pulling her legislation. She stood by the contents of the bill but seemed to acknowledge it lacked enough support.

Washington – New Rules for WA Lawmakers with Conflicts of Interest

Seattle Times – Shauna Sowersby | Published: 6/2/2025

Washington lawmakers passed important changes to the Ethics in Public Service Act. The bill, signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson, allows lawmakers to have up to a 10 percent stake in corporations or properties before they are considered “beneficial interests” and must be reported. It does not require lawmakers to recuse themselves on votes that might present a conflict-of-interest. Senate Bill 5143 also increases the maximum value of a gift that lawmakers can accept to $100.

Campaign Finance

California: “Meals, Hotels, Office Supplies: City leaders want to be able to raise more money for ‘officeholder’ expenses” by Eli Wolfe and Natalie Orenstein (Oaklandside) for MSN

National: “Tester, Weintraub Join Democratic Organization to Counter Corruption” by Filip Timotija (The Hill) for MSN

Elections

Texas: “Failure of Texas Proof-of-Citizenship Law Is Not the End” by Patrick Marley and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

California: “Lurie Campaigned as an Ethics Crusader. Now He’s Gutting SF’s Top Watchdog” by Fitzgerald Rodriguez and Gabe Greschler for San Francisco Standard

Connecticut: “Lamont Aide Jonny Dach Misused State Vehicle, Investigation Finds” by Mark Pazniokas (Connecticut Mirror) for MSN

National: “Discrimination Cases Unravel as Trump Scraps Core Civil Rights Tenet” by Julian Mark and Laura Meckler (Washington Post) for MSN

Illinois: “Responding to Supreme Court, Lawmakers Look to Expand Lawsuit Protections for Press” by Bridgette Fox (Capitol News Illinois) for WTTW

Massachusetts: “Ex-Massachusetts State Police Union President, Lobbyist Get Some Convictions Reversed” by Rick Sobey (Boston Herald) for MSN

Lobbying

National: “Trump Pardons Drive a Big, Burgeoning Business for Lobbyists” by Matt Dixon (NBC News) for MSN

Ethics

Arkansas: “Trump Pardons Former Arkansas Lawmaker Who Took Bribes from Springfield Nonprofit” by Marta Mieze for Springfield News-Leader

California: “‘That Person Will Absolutely Become the Most Powerful Person’: LA looks for a new king” by Emily Schultheis (Politico) for MSN

National: “Ernst Posts Snarky Reply After Telling Town Hall ‘We All Are Going to Die'” by Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Trump’s Law Firm Sanctions, Harshly Rejected in Court, Still Have Impact” by Mark Berman (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Trump Administration to Prioritize ‘Patriotic Americans’ for Federal Jobs” by Robin Bravender (Politico) for MSN

Florida: “Judge Orders J.C. Planas to Pay First-Ever Fine for Filing ‘Frivolous’ Miami-Dade Ethics Complaint” by Jesse Scheckner for Florida Politics

Washington: “New Rules for WA Lawmakers with Conflicts of Interest” by Shauna Sowersby for Seattle Times

Lobbying

Texas: “U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Hear GOP Activist’s Lawsuit Challenging Texas Ethics Commission’s Lobbying Fine” by Kate McGee (Texas Tribune) for MSN

Campaign Finance

Louisiana: “Mortgages, Mardi Gras and Country Clubs: Louisiana campaign funds could soon cover these expenses” by Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) for Yahoo News

New York: “NYC Campaign Finance Board Withholds $1.3M in Matching Funds from Cuomo, Awards Adrienne Adams $2M” by Josephine Stratman and Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) for Yahoo News

Elections

Maryland: “Maryland’s Primary Elections Are Unconstitutional, Lawsuit Alleges” by Kate Mettler (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Complaints Languished as Johnson’s Delays Hobbled House Watchdog” by Michael Gold (New York Times) for DNyuz

National: “Sharp Spike in Threats to Judges Prompts Calls for More Security” by Derek Hawkins (Washington Post) for MSN

Washington: “Seattle Councilmember Cathy Moore Pulls Her Ethics Bill” by David Kroman for Seattle Times

Lobbying

North Carolina: “NC Lawmakers Leave Controversial Kentucky Distillery Tour Off Disclosure Reports” by Dan Kane (Raleigh News and Observer) for MSN

Texas: “Las Vegas Sands Lobbyist’s Contact Appears in Filings for ‘Dark Money’ Group in Irving” by Chase Rogers (Dallas News) for MSN

National/Federal

Trump Wants an Investigation of Democrats’ Fundraising. His Own Campaign Has Issues

MSN – Brian Slodysko and Steve Peoples (Associated Press) | Published: 5/27/2025

When President Trump directed his attorney general to investigate online fundraising, he cited concerns that foreigners and fraudsters were using elaborate “schemes” and “dummy accounts” to funnel illegal contributions to politicians and causes. Trump identified just one potential target: ActBlue, the Democrats’ online fundraising juggernaut, which has acknowledged receiving over 200 potentially illicit contributions last year from foreign internet addresses. Trump’s announcement contained a glaring omission – his political committees also received scores of potentially problematic contributions.

Trump’s Contract-Cutting Blitz Rattles a Once-Flourishing DC Industry

MSN – Danny Nguyen and Jessie Blaeser (Politico) | Published: 5/25/2025

A Trump administration project to revisit thousands of federal agreements is starting to sink a vast ecosystem of contractors that deploy jobs across the Washington economy. At least 2,775 out of more than 20,000 contracts for consulting and investment advice under review have been cut, worth $3.1 billion in claimed savings. But the reach of the review is nonetheless unprecedented. It has frozen hiring, triggered layoffs and sparked chaos across the consulting industry, a vast shadow workforce across Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland.

Supreme Court Allows Trump to Fire Independent Regulators for Now

MSN – Anne Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 5/22/2025

The Supreme Court refused to immediately reinstate a pair of independent regulators fired by the Trump administration, saying the president may have the power to summarily oust the board members and calling into question a legal precedent that has protected the independence of key regulatory bodies. The order did not decide the underlying merits of the case, which will continue to play out in the lower courts. But it was an endorsement of presidential authority at a time when Donald Trump is trying to seize greater control of the federal bureaucracy.

Trump Oversight Picks Include Scandal-Hit Ex-Lawmaker, Antiabortion Lawyer

MSN – Meryl Kornfield and Lisa Rein (Washington Post) | Published: 5/28/2025

After firing inspectors general at 19 agencies in an unprecedented purge, President Trump has named six replacements in recent weeks, including three with clearly partisan backgrounds. Two of those have controversial histories and two have ties to the agency they would be responsible for investigating. Government ethics experts expressed concerns about the qualifications of several of the nominees, warning the positions require independence and installing loyalists would erode public trust.

Elon Musk Leaves Trump Administration After Contentious Tenure

MSN – Niha Masih and Trisha Thadani (Washington Post) | Published: 5/29/2025

Elon Musk said he is leaving the administration after leading a contentious effort to reshape the federal bureaucracy and slash government spending. Musk said his “scheduled time” as a special government employee had come to an end. That designation, which exempts him from financial disclosure and conflict-of-interest rules that apply to full-time government workers, also means he is not permitted to work more than 130 days in a 365-day period.

Supreme Court Upholds Fraud Conviction of Government Contractor

MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 5/22/2025

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the conviction of a government contractor found guilty of defrauding a state transportation program designed to promote diversity. The unanimous decision reversed a trend in which the justices have pushed back on how prosecutors pursue white-collar fraud. The case involved Alpha Painting & Construction and a project manager, Stamatios Kousisis, who was convicted in 2018 and sentenced to 70 months in prison for obtaining a multimillion-dollar contract under false pretenses.

Trump Dines with Top Meme Coin Holders, Shrugging Off Ethics Concerns

MSN – Cat Zakrzewski and Drew Harwell (Washington Post) | Published: 5/22/2025

President Trump dined with the top purchasers of his meme coin at a black-tie gala, demonstrating his willingness to cross what was once seen as an ethical red line: profiting off the presidency while in office. Presidents of both parties have long granted special access to wealthy political donors and participated in private dinners to raise funds for their parties or their own campaigns. Trump’s crypto venture is different. He and his family profit personally when people buy his meme coin, and crypto transactions are often shrouded in anonymity.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – At Adjournment, Alaska Legislature Leaves Elections Overhaul, Campaign Finance Bills Undone

Alaska Public Media – James Brooks (Alaska Beacon) | Published: 5/27/2025

The Alaska Legislature adjourned its regular session without finishing work on a major elections bill or a bill reimposing limits on donations to candidates. House Bill 16, the campaign finance bill, and Senate Bill 64, the elections reform legislation, are expected to return when the Legislature resumes work in January, and they could be part of a wave of major legislation that advances through the Capitol early next year.

Arizona – AZ Campaign Finance Complaints Can Disappear After 180 Days Under New Law

USA Today – Stacey Barchenger (Arizona Republic) | Published: 5/16/2025

Arizona lawmakers and Gov. Katie Hobbs created a new timeline to resolve campaign finance complaints that are filed against them, after which the allegations are dismissed. Hobbs signed House Bill 2667 into law, which says complaints that politicians violated state campaign finance law are “deemed dismissed” if they are not resolved within 180 days after they are filed. It allows the government official who receives the complaint to extend that deadline if needed.

Connecticut – Trump Pardons ‘Humbled’ John G. Rowland, Former CT Governor

MSN – Mark Pazniokas (Connecticut Mirror) | Published: 5/28/2025

John Rowland, a twice-convicted former governor of Connecticut, said he was “humbled and appreciative” after learning he was the recipient of a pardon from President Trump. Facing impeachment and a federal investigation into bid-rigging involving gifts and favors from state contractors, Rowland resigned, pleaded guilty to a corruption charge, and was sentenced to a year and a day in prison. He was indicted a second time for soliciting congressional candidates to secretly pay him as a consultant in campaigns.

Connecticut – CT Bill Limiting Elections Watchdog Independence Gets Full Passage

MSN – Mark Pazniokas (Connecticut Mirror) | Published: 5/22/2025

Connecticut lawmakers passed a bill that places restrictions on the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC). Under the bill, the SEEC will nominate an executive director, but the choice will be subject to three layers of approval by legislators – the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee and the House and Senate. Other provisions were intended to streamline fundraising, especially for candidates who participate in the Citizens’ Election Program, which imposes spending limits in return for public financing of campaigns.

Illinois – Former ComEd Officials on Track for Sentencing After Judge, Feds Resolve Legal Challenges

WBEZ – Jon Seidel (Chicago Sun-Times) | Published: 5/28/2025

Four former Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) executives and lobbyists are on a clear path to sentencing for their conspiracy aimed at ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, despite a last-minute challenge to their convictions and President Trump’s review of a key law in the case. Madigan ally Michael McClain, former ComEd Chief Executive Officer Anne Pramaggiore, ex-ComEd lobbyist John Hooker and onetime Chicago City Club President Jay Doherty are all set to be sentenced this summer. A jury found them guilty more than two years ago.

Illinois – Ex-Assessor’s Office Employee Gets 3 Years’ Probation in Bribery Case

Yahoo News – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 5/27/2025

Basilio Clausen, a former Cook County assessor’s office employee, was sentenced to three years’ probation for conspiring to accept golf outings at country clubs from two businesspeople in exchange for helping reduce assessments on their properties and save thousands of dollars in taxes. In handing down the sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Kennelly said the “corrosive and erosive effect” of such cases increase the level of distrust in citizens. “It’s part of the sorry state of affairs we find ourselves in these days where nobody trusts government,” Kennelly said.

Kansas – Kansas Judges Order State to Pay $214K in Attorney Fees Tied to Flawed Ethics Investigations

Yahoo News – Tim Carpenter (Kansas Reflector) | Published: 5/27/2025

A judge directed the state to pay $115,700 in attorney fees to a law firm representing clients who received subpoenas amid a state investigation targeting Republican-affiliated political organizations and individuals. The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission’s probe centered on whether campaign violations occurred through coordination of election spending among individuals, political parties, and PACs. During the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers revised the definition of making a “contribution in the name of another” to affirm the legality of certain campaign transactions common to Republican and Democratic operatives.

Kentucky – Secrecy Sets the Pace When It Comes to This Beshear’s Kentucky Derby Guest List

Yahoo News – Tom Loftus (Kentucky Lantern) | Published: 5/27/2025

Gov. Andy Beshear refused to identify friends and political supporters who bought tickets to the Kentucky Derby made available by Churchill Downs for the governor’s entourage. The governor’s office said it has no records of who got the tickets or who was invited to a party at the Old Governor’s Mansion in Frankfort. The office referred questions to a nonprofit Beshear created to act as broker for his Derby tickets and manage the party. But First Saturday in May Inc. is not covered by the Open Records Act.

Louisiana – Louisiana Lawmakers Put Some Limits Back in Place on Gifts to Public Officials

Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 5/29/2025

Louisiana lawmakers are no longer looking to lift restrictions on gifts to elected officials and public employees. Rep. Beau Beaullieu removed language from House Bill 674 that would have allowed public servants to receive $200 worth of gifts annually. Besides the gift policy changes, the bill contains ethics law modifications that would make it harder for the state ethics board to investigate and charge people with misconduct. Beaullieu said many elected officials feel the board has been too aggressive when pursuing allegations.

Maine – Maine PACs Say Campaign Finance Lawsuit Is About Free Speech. The State Says It’s About Corruption

Yahoo News – Emily Allen (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 5/22/2025

Lawyers for two of Maine’s conservative PACs were in federal court recently, asking a judge to stop the state from enforcing a new law that caps PAC contributions at $5,000. The law was approved in a referendum last fall, but state officials agreed to delay its implementation until May 30. The plaintiffs’ attorneys argue the law is a serious threat to the First Amendment. The state’s lawyers pointed to the popularity of the new law and suggested voters are concerned with corruption.

Missouri – Ethics Panel Says Source of Funds for Mayor’s Trips Deserved More Transparency

MSN – Mike Hendricks (Kansas City Star) | Published: 5/27/2025

Kansas City should amend its ethics code to address the transparency issues that arose when a nonprofit group under Mayor Quinton Lucas’s control paid for his trip to the 2023 Super Bowl, according to a new report. The Mayors Corps of Progress for a Greater Kansas City covered the nearly $24,000 cost of sending Lucas, an aide, and his security detail to Phoenix for the game between the Chiefs and Eagles. The Mayors Corps was under no obligation to disclose the source of its funding.

New York – Eric Adams Sues Campaign Finance Board for Denying Him Millions in Matching Funds

MSN – Joe Anuta (Politico) | Published: 5/27/2025

New York City Mayor Eric Adams filed a lawsuit challenging the Campaign Finance Board’s decision to deny him millions of dollars in public matching funds. The board first denied Adams matching funds in December, citing the now dismissed bribery indictment against the mayor, in addition to his team’s refusal to provide campaign finance regulators with requested information. The lawsuit argues the board adopted an illegally vague standard by saying it “had reason to believe” Adams violated state and city laws based on the indictment without offering specifics.

Ohio – House Bill 6 Was Ohio’s Biggest Public Corruption Scandal. So Why Haven’t the Laws Changed?

MSN – Anna Staver (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 5/22/2025

To prevent another scandal like House Bill 6 in Ohio, Democratic lawmakers introduced a three-part reform package. House Bill 250 would mandate the disclosure of dark money donors. A second, forthcoming bill would target petition-blocking tactics used to stifle citizen-led ballot campaigns. The third proposal would stop individuals and companies who donate to candidates from receiving state contracts.

Ohio – P.G. Sittenfeld Pardoned by President Donald Trump

MSN – Jennifer Edwards Baker (WXIX) | Published: 5/28/2025

Former Cincinnati City Councilperson P.G. Sittenfeld is one of several people recently pardoned by President Trump. Sittenfeld was sentenced to 16 months in prison after a jury convicted him on corruption-related charges of bribery and attempted extortion in 2022. SIttenfeld served about four months before an appeals court released him pending their decision on his appeal. He lost the appeal earlier this year.

Oregon – State Rep. Bobby Levy Weighs in on Bills Close to Family Business While Lawmakers Weigh Regulations

Yahoo News – Alex Baumhardt (Oregon Capital Chronicle) | Published: 5/27/2025

Although state Rep. Bobby Levy named seven businesses in the statement of economic interest she submits annually to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, she is not barred from sponsoring, testifying on or voting on bills that would directly benefit the family businesses that she receives income from. In fact, by Oregon law, Levy said she and other legislators are required to vote on bills even when they have declared a conflict-of-interest.

Rhode Island – Elections Board Prepares to Revamp R.I.’s Aging Campaign Finance Software. It Just Needs the Money.

Yahoo News – Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 5/27/2025

Rhode Island election administrators are pushing to rejuvenate the technology used to collect and share information about campaign finance donations and spending. But the makeover to the Rhode Island Board of Elections’ Electronic Reporting and Tracking System requires extra money from state lawmakers, and how to store the last 23 years of reports from 1,300 candidates and committees in a way that people can still access and search remains in question.

Rhode Island – Rhode Island Ethics Code Gift Giving Rules Might Be Getting a Refresh

Yahoo News – Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 5/20/2025

The Rhode Island Ethics Commission is contemplating changes to the state ethics code for the first time in over a decade. The commission voted to start the rulemaking process to explicitly ban lobbyists from giving gifts other than campaign donations to public officials, and to increase the maximum value of “insubstantial” gifts that can be accepted to account for inflation.

Texas – Once Again, Texas Legislature Unlikely to Pass Ethics Legislation This Year

MSN – Kate McGee (Texas Tribune) | Published: 5/28/2025

The Texas Legislature is on track to pass essentially no meaningful ethics legislation this year as the calendar ticks closer to the end of the session. Lawmakers filed dozens of bills that would increase transparency around spending in elections and strengthen penalties for campaign and lobbying violations. Their proposals would specify what candidates, lawmakers, and political groups need to disclose about their campaigning, streamline and clarify the ethics complaint processes, and keep up with changing technology that is increasingly used to deceive voters in elections.

Texas – Prove Citizenship to Vote? For Some Married Women, It Might Not Be So Easy.

MSN – Patrick Marley and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 5/25/2025

Some Republican-led states are moving to require voters to prove their citizenship, as Texas advances a controversial measure that could make it harder for eligible voters to get on the rolls because of changed names, mislaid paperwork, or database errors. Voting rights advocates warn the plans could prove particularly tricky for people who change their names, including women who do so when they get married or divorced, because their legal names do not match the ones on their birth certificates. Supporters call the criticism overblown, saying most Americans can readily show they are citizens.

Washington – Seattle City Council Advances on Controversial Ethics Bill

Seattle Times – David Kroman | Published: 5/23/2025

A Seattle City Council committee approved a controversial revision to the city’s ethics code, allowing members to vote on matters in which they may have a financial interest so long as they make a public disclosure. The change, recommended by the head of the city’s ethics commission, is a shift away from the current practice requiring members to recuse themselves and has stirred up the city’s politics months before several of the body’s members are up for reelection.

Campaign Finance

Kansas: “Kansas Judges Order State to Pay $214K in Attorney Fees Tied to Flawed Ethics Investigations” by Tim Carpenter (Kansas Reflector) for Yahoo News

Maine: “Maine PACs Say Campaign Finance Lawsuit Is About Free Speech. The State Says It’s About Corruption” by Emily Allen (Portland Press Herald) for Yahoo News

New York: “Eric Adams Sues Campaign Finance Board for Denying Him Millions in Matching Funds” by Joe Anuta (Politico) for MSN

Rhode Island: “Elections Board Prepares to Revamp R.I.’s Aging Campaign Finance Software. It Just Needs the Money.” by Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) for Yahoo News

Elections

Alaska: “At Adjournment, Alaska Legislature Leaves Elections Overhaul, Campaign Finance Bills Undone” by James Brooks (Alaska Beacon) for Alaska Public Media

Ethics

National: “Trump Oversight Picks Include Scandal-Hit Ex-Lawmaker, Antiabortion Lawyer” by Meryl Kornfield and Lisa Rein (Washington Post) for MSN

Illinois: “Ex-Assessor’s Office Employee Gets 3 Years’ Probation in Bribery Case” by Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News

Kentucky: “Secrecy Sets the Pace When It Comes to This Beshear’s Kentucky Derby Guest List” by Tom Loftus (Kentucky Lantern) for Yahoo News

Texas: “Once Again, Texas Legislature Unlikely to Pass Ethics Legislation This Year” by Kate McGee (Texas Tribune) for MSN

Campaign Finance

Connecticut: “CT Senate Moves to Curb Independence of Elections Watchdog” by Mark Pazniokas for Connecticut Mirror

National: “Trump Wants an Investigation of Democrats’ Fundraising. His Own Campaign Has Issues” by Brian Slodysko and Steve Peoples (Associated Press) for MSN

Elections

Texas: “Prove Citizenship to Vote? For Some Married Women, It Might Not Be So Easy.” by Patrick Marley and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Supreme Court Allows Trump to Fire Independent Regulators for Now” by Anne Marimow (Washington Post) for MSN

Missouri: “Ethics Panel Says Source of Funds for Mayor’s Trips Deserved More Transparency” by Mike Hendricks (Kansas City Star) for MSN

Ohio: “House Bill 6 Was Ohio’s Biggest Public Corruption Scandal. So Why Haven’t the Laws Changed?” by Anna Staver (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Lobbying

Rhode Island: “Rhode Island Ethics Code Gift Giving Rules Might Be Getting a Refresh” by Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) for Yahoo News

Procurement

National: “Trump’s Contract-Cutting Blitz Rattles a Once-Flourishing DC Industry” by Danny Nguyen and Jessie Blaeser (Politico) for MSN

On July 1, the Oklahoma Ethics Commission is scheduled to officially launch a modernized, custom-built filing and disclosure system. The system, called Guardian 2.0, will serve as the online platform for all required disclosures by lobbyists and liaisons, candidate committees, political party committees, PACs, special function committees, and certain state officers and employees.

The commission announced all existing data and filings will be securely migrated to the new system. Current users will be prompted to create new login credentials upon their first login with the new system.

The commission also plans to introduce additional tools and user experience enhancements beginning in late 2025 and into early 2026.

On June 27, at 5:00 p.m. CDT, the current disclosure system will be shut down. After that time, no filings or updates can be made in the old/legacy system.

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National/Federal

With Comey Questioning, the Trump Administration Again Targets Speech

MSN – Mark Berman, Patrick Marley, and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 5/17/2025

After James Comey posted a photograph of shells on a beach arranged to spell “86 47” – a reference to President Trump, the 47th president – the former FBI director said he believed the image was a political message. But Trump administration officials said Comey had committed a crime and should be jailed. Legal experts said they doubted Comey’s post would qualify as a genuine threat. Instead, they said the incident appeared to mark the latest attempt by the administration to criminalize or otherwise punish people for speech, protests, and other actions traditionally viewed as legally protected in the United States.

Former President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer

MSN – Naftali Bendavid, Mariana Alfaro, Joel Achenbach, and Matt Viser (Washington Post) | Published: 5/18/2025

Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his office said, adding that Biden’s family is deciding on treatment options for a condition it said can be managed. The publication of new books this year has reopened impassioned debate among prominent Democrats about Biden’s decision to run for reelection, his mental and physical fitness as he served and sought a second term, and whether his inner circle hid health news from the party and the public.

Trump Justice Dept. Considers Removing Key Check on Lawmaker Prosecutions

MSN – Perry Stein and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 5/18/2025

Federal prosecutors across the country may soon be able to indict members of Congress without approval from lawyers in the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section, according to three people familiar with a proposal. Under the proposal, investigators and prosecutors would also not be required to consult with the section’s attorneys during key steps of probes into public officials, altering a long-standing provision in the Justice Department’s manual that outlines how investigations of elected officials should be conducted.

Retired 4-Star Navy Admiral Found Guilty in Bribery Case

MSN – Ellen Mitchell (The Hill) | Published: 5/19/2025

Retired Admiral Robert Burke, a former Navy vice chief of naval operations, was found guilty of bribery and other counts related to steering work to a company in exchange for a job after leaving the service. His conviction makes him the senior-most member of the U.S. military ever found guilty of committing a federal crime while serving on active duty. The Navy in the past several years has struggled with a loss of confidence in numerous top officers, command failures, and bribery scandals.

Supreme Court Recusals in Book Publisher Case Affect Quorum

MSN – Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) | Published: 5/19/2025

Four Supreme Court justices recused themselves from a decision over whether to hear a case involving the parent company of their book publisher, the most significant action of its kind since the court adopted a new ethics code in 2023. An expert in court ethics said the recusals were probably because a German conglomerate that is a party in the case owns Penguin Random House, which has paid the justices millions in advances and royalties for their published works.

Will Federal Funding Cuts Spell the End for History Documentaries?

MSN – Sonia Rao (Washington Post) | Published: 5/20/2025

It is notoriously difficult for documentaries to find financing, especially those outside of the celebrity or true-crime genres. The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has for decades been one of the most reliable sources of funding. But hundreds of NEH grant recipients were told their funding was being terminated because it “no longer effectuates the agency’s needs and priorities.” Filmmakers and executives at leading documentary organizations were alarmed by the sudden terminations. Some worry that history documentaries, which can take years to produce, could become a long-term casualty of the cuts.

U.S. to Pay Nearly $5 Million to Family of Jan. 6 Rioter Ashli Babbitt

MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 5/19/2025

The Trump administration will pay nearly $5 million to the family of Ashli Babbitt, the Trump supporter who was shot and killed while in the mob breaching the House Speaker’s Lobby on January 6, 2021. Babbitt’s family filed the wrongful death lawsuit in 2024, seeking $30 million. The settlement comes after Trump returned to office casting Babbitt as a martyr and seeking to rewrite the history of the assault as a heroic act of collective patriotism. It reverses the Justice Department’s earlier opposition in the case, which had been set for trial next year.

FBI Folds the Public Corruption Squad That Aided Jack Smith’s Trump Investigations

MSN – Ryan Reilly (NBC News) | Published: 5/15/2025

The FBI is folding its public corruption squad, the same unit which aided Jack Smith’s special counsel investigation into Donald Trump. That investigation ultimately resulted in one of the two federal criminal cases against Trump, both of which were dropped after the 2024 election. Earlier this year, the Justice Department slashed its Public Integrity Section, which had also worked on public corruption cases.

A Federal Agency Goes Full Trumpist

Politico – John Hendel (Politico) | Published: 5/19/2025

Four months into his tenure as head of America’s top communications regulator, Brendan Carr appears to be running a Trumpian playbook to transform a long-independent agency. Immediately after being promoted to lead the Federal Communications Commission. As he picks norm-busting fights with the mainstream media, Carr is more quietly delivering on big deregulation promises to business interests. These moves are less headline-grabbing, but possibly more transformational.

Bondi Sold Millions in Trump Media Stock the Day He Imposed Vast Tariffs

Seattle Times – Glenn Thrush (New York Times) | Published: 5/15/2025

Attorney General Pam Bondi sold $1 million to $5 million worth of shares in President Trump’s media company last month on the same day he announced expansive tariffs that led to a stock market rout, according to disclosure filings. Federal officials are barred from using inside information about government or private-sector actions to enrich themselves. In practice, such cases are rare and difficult to prove and while Bondi’s timing was notable, Trump had made it clear he intended to impose strict tariffs to address the nation’s trade imbalances.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – Ford’s Former Top Staffer Broke Lobbying Rules: Integrity commissioner

CBC – Allison Jones | Published: 5/16/2025

Ontario’s integrity commissioner says a former top staffer to Premier Doug Ford broke lobbying rules. Amin Massoudi now runs Atlas Strategic Advisors but previously served as Ford’s principal secretary until 2022. Integrity Commissioner Cathryn Motherwell’s office said Massoudi failed to comply with lobbying rules during a phone call in 2023.

Canada – City of Winnipeg’s Voluntary Lobbyist Registry Sees Declining Enrolment Since Launch

CBC – Cameron MacLean | Published: 5/16/2025

Fewer people are adding their names to Winnipeg’s lobbyist registry, a tool created to increase transparency around who is trying to influence decision-makers at City Hall. The city launched its lobbyist registry in 2017 to track who is meeting with city council members and staff, but the council lacked the power to make registration mandatory for lobbyists.

Arizona – Arizona Bid to Light Up Political Dark Money Blasted as Invasion of Privacy

Courthouse News Service – Joe Duhownik | Published: 5/15/2025

A conservative advocacy group told a federal appeals court that an Arizona law intended to shed light on dark money in campaign finance violates donor privacy. The Voters Right to Know Act requires statewide campaigns that spend more than $50,000 in advocacy to disclose the names of donors who gave more than $5,000, even if that contribution is not directly connected to the cause.

Arizona – Judge Deals Blow to Arizona Case Over 2020 Republican Electors

MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 5/19/2025

An Arizona judge ordered state prosecutors to send back to a grand jury a case in which Republicans were charged last year for their alleged roles in trying to overturn the 2020 election, potentially jeopardizing the high-profile indictments. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Sam Myers sided with the Republicans and found prosecutors failed to provide the grand jury with the text of an 1887 federal law that is central to the defense. The law, known as the Electoral Count Act, spells out how presidential electoral votes are to be cast and counted.

California – Google’s $125 Million Deal with California for Local News Is Already Shrinking

MSN – Jeanne Kuang (CalMatters) | Published: 5/16/2025

A controversial $125 million deal California struck with Google last year to prop up the state’s struggling journalism industry is already on track to shrink before any of the money has been delivered to news outlets. The deal committed California and Google to each put tens of millions of dollars into a fund to be distributed to local news outlets over five years. In exchange, lawmakers scrapped two proposals that sought to force Google and its tech counterparts to pay outlets for using their published content.

Kansas – Kansas Abortion Rights Advocacy Group Sues State Officials Over Law Banning Foreign Contributions

Yahoo News – Anna Kaminski (Kansas Reflector) | Published: 5/19/2025

A Kansas reproductive rights advocacy group sued state officials A Kansas reproductive rights advocacy group sued state officials over a new law banning contributions from “foreign nationals” to support or oppose constitutional amendments. Kansans for Constitutional Freedom argued House Bill 2106, which is set to go into effect July 1, is broad, vague, and unconstitutional. The group said the bill inhibits its ability to advocate for or against future constitutional amendments. Kansans for Constitutional Freedom and its donors have received contributions from foreign nationals, the lawsuit said.

Michigan – Lawmakers Extend Their Financial Disclosure Deadline Due to Benson’s Buggy Website

MSN – Michael Kransz (MLive) | Published: 5/14/2025

Because of technical hiccups with Michigan’s new campaign finance portal, state lawmakers approved giving themselves a one-month deadline extension to file their financial disclosures this year. The legislation will also allow financial forms to be submitted via email rather than the new portal, require additional disclosures around a politician’s assets and create a new form for these disclosures. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the changes into law.

Michigan – AG: Benson gubernatorial announcement in public building violated campaign finance act

Yahoo News – Ben Solis (Michigan Advance) | Published: 5/19/2025

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s use of a government building – one that houses the department she oversees – to announce her candidacy for governor violated Michigan’s campaign finance laws, the state attorney general’s office said. But the department noted it did not have the authority to impose any civil or criminal penalties outlined in the law.

Mississippi – In Mississippi’s Capital City, Indicted District Attorney Flouts Campaign Disclosure Laws

Marshall Project – Caleb Bedillion | Published: 5/12/2025

Jody Owens, the district attorney in Mississippi’s capital city who faces trial on federal corruption charges, has been fined for failing to disclose his most recent campaign fundraising and spending. But the state’s weak and much-criticized campaign finance enforcement system may spare him from the strongest sanctions, the loss of his government salary. Owens was charged with disguising bribes to city officials as campaign donations to buy favors and steer influence over a fictitious real-estate development project for which he was working as a consultant.

New Jersey – Rep. LaMonica McIver to Be Charged in New Jersey ICE Clash, Justice Dept. Says

MSN – Perry Stein, Jeremy Roebuck, and Liz Goodwin (Washington Post) | Published: 5/19/2025

The Justice Department said it would charge a Democratic member of Congress whom authorities have accused of assaulting law enforcement officials during a confrontation outside an immigration detention center in Newark. Rep. LaMonica McIverwill be charged with assaulting, resisting, and impeding law enforcement officers, said Alina Habba, the interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey. In a statement, Habba also announced her office would dismiss the trespassing charge it filed against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka over the same incident.

New York – Mysterious New Group’s Likely Mission: Restoring Cuomo to office

DNyuz – Dana Rubinstein and Nicholas Fandos (New York Times) | Published: 5/16/2025

An informal adviser to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo formed a new outside group that appears designed to boost his campaign for New York City mayor. Restore Sanity NYC is registered as a nonprofit that claims to be engaged primarily in issue advocacy. That legal status means the group cannot directly campaign for a candidate without running afoul of the law. But it can still raise and spend unlimited sums influencing public opinion, all without disclosing its donors until after the election.

North Carolina – Guilty Pleas Revealed in Sons of Confederate Veterans Campaign Finance Case

MSN – Dan Kane (Raleigh News and Observer) | Published: 5/20/2025

The State Board of Elections revealed its first criminal convictions – two guilty pleas to a misdemeanor charge – in the six years after North Carolina lawmakers made campaign finance investigations secret.  That outcome drew little praise from a campaign finance watchdog whose complaint to the elections board prompted the case. He says it took too long and resulted in too little.

North Dakota – North Dakota Governor Issues 7 Line-item Vetoes, Including Lawmaker ‘Immunity’ Provision

Yahoo News – Mary Steurer, Amy Dalrymple, and Michael Achterling (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 5/19/2025

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong issued seven line-item vetoes on six bills, with many objections focused on policies he felt lawmakers “shoehorned” into budget bills or encroached on executive authority. One line-item veto was of a section of the state Ethics Commission’s budget bill meant to protect lawmakers from being prosecuted for conflicts-of-interest, though he let a similar clause in the bill become law.

Pennsylvania – Top Pa. Lawmakers Took $119K in Gifts, Trips, and More from Those Seeking to Influence Them in 2024

Centre Daily Times – Stephen Caruso and Katie Meyer (Spotlight PA) | Published: 5/19/2025

Top Pennsylvania politicians accepted roughly $119,000 in gifts and hospitality from groups seeking to influence government last year, including several pricey trips to Israel and Taiwan. State law places no limits on what lobbyists and other interested parties can give to commonwealth employees or holders of public office. The only requirement is that they report any gift worth more than $250, and any travel, meals, and lodging worth more than $650.

Rhode Island – Ciccone Can Vote on Assault Weapons Ban, Other Gun Bills, R.I. Ethics Panel Says

Rhode Island Current – Nancy Lavin | Published: 5/20/2025

Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone’s side business selling guns out of his house does not prevent him from discussing and voting on an assault-style weapons ban or other gun legislation, the Rhode Island Ethics Commission decided. The advisory opinion invoked the class exemption within the state ethics code, reasoning that Ciccone does not stand to benefit, or suffer, any more or less from state gun laws than the other 98 federally licensed firearms dealers in the state, including the other 79 with a Class 1 license.

Tennessee – Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada, Ex-Aide, Guilty in Federal Corruption Case

Yahoo News – Sam Stockard (Tennessee Lookout) | Published: 5/16/2025

A jury found former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada guilty on 17 of 19 charges and his former chief of staff Cade Cothren guilty on all charges in a high-profile corruption case. Casada and Cothren were accused of setting up a company called Phoenix Solutions that tapped into the state’s postage and printing program that provides House members $3,000 a year for constituent mailers. Casada and former Rep. Robin Smith steered lawmakers’ business to the company, which was secretly run by Cothren.

Texas – Texas Lawmakers Push to Enforce Election Transparency Law After Newsrooms Found School Districts Failed to Comply

ProPublica – Lexi Churchill | Published: 5/16/2025

Texas lawmakers are pushing to impose steep penalties on local governments that do not post campaign finance reports online, after an investigation by ProPublica and the Texas Tribune found some school districts were not doing so. The initial posting requirements, designed to make election spending more transparent, went into effect nearly two years ago. Most of the school district leaders said they had no idea they were out of compliance until the newsrooms contacted them.

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Campaign Finance

Kansas: “Kansas Abortion Rights Advocacy Group Sues State Officials Over Law Banning Foreign Contributions” by Anna Kaminski (Kansas Reflector) for Yahoo News

Michigan: “AG: Benson gubernatorial announcement in public building violated campaign finance act” by Ben Solis (Michigan Advance) for Yahoo News

North Carolina: “Guilty Pleas Revealed in Sons of Confederate Veterans Campaign Finance Case” by Dan Kane (Raleigh News and Observer) for MSN

Elections

Arizona: “Judge Deals Blow to Arizona Case Over 2020 Republican Electors” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Retired 4-Star Navy Admiral Found Guilty in Bribery Case” by Ellen Mitchell (The Hill) for MSN

National: “Will Federal Funding Cuts Spell the End for History Documentaries?” by Sonia Rao (Washington Post) for MSN

New Jersey: “Rep. LaMonica McIver to Be Charged in New Jersey ICE Clash, Justice Dept. Says” by Perry Stein, Jeremy Roebuck, and Liz Goodwin (Washington Post) for MSN

North Dakota: “North Dakota Governor Issues 7 Line-item Vetoes, Including Lawmaker ‘Immunity’ Provision” by Mary Steurer, Amy Dalrymple, and Michael Achterling (North Dakota Monitor) for Yahoo News

Rhode Island: “Ciccone Can Vote on Assault Weapons Ban, Other Gun Bills, R.I. Ethics Panel Says” by Nancy Lavin for Rhode Island Current

Campaign Finance

New York: “Mysterious New Group’s Likely Mission: Restoring Cuomo to office” by Dana Rubinstein and Nicholas Fandos (New York Times) for DNyuz

Ethics

California: “Google’s $125 Million Deal with California for Local News Is Already Shrinking” by Jeanne Kuang (CalMatters) for MSN

National: “Trump Justice Dept. Considers Removing Key Check on Lawmaker Prosecutions” by Perry Stein and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “A Federal Agency Goes Full Trumpist” by John Hendel (Politico) for Politico

National: “U.S. to Pay Nearly $5 Million to Family of Jan. 6 Rioter Ashli Babbitt” by Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN

Pennsylvania: “Top Pa. Lawmakers Took $119K in Gifts, Trips, and More from Those Seeking to Influence Them in 2024” by Stephen Caruso and Katie Meyer (Spotlight PA) for Centre Daily Times

Tennessee: “Former TN House Speaker Glen Casada, Aide Cade Cothren Found Guilty of Corruption, Face 20 Years in Prison” by Evan Mealins and Kelly Puente (Nashville Tennessean) for MSN

Lobbying

Canada: “City of Winnipeg’s Voluntary Lobbyist Registry Sees Declining Enrolment Since Launch” by Cameron MacLean for CBC

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Campaign Finance

Mississippi: “In Mississippi’s Capital City, Indicted District Attorney Flouts Campaign Disclosure Laws” by Caleb Bedillion for Marshall Project

Rhode Island: “‘I Was Wrong.’ Former R.I. Senate Candidate Resolves Campaign Finance Violations After Court Plea.” by Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) for Yahoo News

Texas: “Texas Lawmakers Push to Enforce Election Transparency Law After Newsrooms Found School Districts Failed to Comply” by Lexi Churchill for ProPublica

Ethics

National: “FBI Folds the Public Corruption Squad That Aided Jack Smith’s Trump Investigations” by Ryan Reilly (NBC News) for MSN

National: “With Comey Questioning, the Trump Administration Again Targets Speech” by Mark Berman, Patrick Marley, and Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN

Michigan: “Lawmakers Extend Their Financial Disclosure Deadline Due to Benson’s Buggy Website” by Michael Kransz (MLive) for MSN

National: “Former President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer” by Naftali Bendavid, Mariana Alfaro, Joel Achenbach, and Matt Viser (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

Canada: “Ford’s Former Top Staffer Broke Lobbying Rules: Integrity commissioner” by Allison Jones for CBC

National/Federal

Auction to Dine with Trump Creates Foreign Influence Opportunity

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

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

White South Africans Arrive at Dulles as Refugees Under Trump Order

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

House Ethics Watchdog Now Open for Business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Supreme Court Grapples with Nationwide Orders Blocking Birthright Citizenship Ban

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

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

Trump Administration in Talks with Qatar Over Plane Gift

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the States and Municipalities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Anonymous Donors Can Cover Hobbs’ Campaign Legal Fees Thanks to Carve Out in Campaign Finance Law” by Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) for KJZZ

Elections

Nebraska: “Democrats Pull Off an Upset in Nebraska, Electing Omaha’s First Black Mayor” by Maeve Reston (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “House Ethics Watchdog Now Open for Business” by Hailey Fuchs (Politico) for MSN

National: “They Stormed the Capitol. Now They’re Selling Merch.” by Ellie Silverman and Drew Harwell (Washington Post) for MSN

New York: “How a Manhattan Bar at the Center of a Bribery Scheme Became a Hot Spot for NYC’s Political Class” by David Brand for Gothamist

New York: “Bill de Blasio Fined $330K Over Public Funding of Security During Failed White House Bid” by Jared Gans (The Hill) for Yahoo News

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan Is Indicted on Accusations She Helped a Man Evade Immigration Agents” by Todd Richmond (Associated Press) for MSN

Lobbying

Canada: “B.C. Loosens Lobbying Rules, Reducing Transparency Requirements” by Stefan Labbé for Business in Vancouver