July 4, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 4, 2025

National/Federal The First Rule in Trump’s Washington: Don’t write anything down MSN – Hannah Natanson (Washington Post) | Published: 6/29/2025 Across the Trump administration, a culture of secrecy is overtaking personnel and budget decisions, casual social interactions, and everything in […]
National/Federal
The First Rule in Trump’s Washington: Don’t write anything down
MSN – Hannah Natanson (Washington Post) | Published: 6/29/2025
Across the Trump administration, a culture of secrecy is overtaking personnel and budget decisions, casual social interactions, and everything in between, according to interviews with more than 40 employees across two dozen agencies. No one wants to put anything in writing anymore, federal workers said, and communication among colleagues has increasingly shifted to the encrypted messaging app Signal. This shift is affecting every aspect of external and internal communications. The overall effect has been to impede honest discussion, slow work, stir confusion, and depress morale.
GOP Sen. Thom Tillis Won’t Seek Reelection After Opposing Trump Tax Bill
MSN – Theodoric Meyer, Liz Goodwin, Mariana Alfaro, and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) | Published: 6/29/2025
Republican Sen. Thom Tillis said he will not seek reelection next year, less than 24 hours after President Trump threatened him with a primary challenge for opposing the massive tax and immigration bill. Tillis’s decision not to run for a third term scrambles the Senate race in North Carolina. It injects fresh uncertainty into the GOP’s push to pass the proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Trump’s top legislative priority, by their July 4 deadline. It underscores the perils for Republicans of defying Trump when his grip on the party is stronger than ever.
US Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Campaign Spending Curbs in JD Vance Case
MSN – John Kruzel (Reuters) | Published: 6/30/2025
The Supreme Court announced it will consider a challenge to the limits on how much national political parties can spend in coordination with federal candidates. The justices took up an appeal by two Republican committees and Vice President JD Vance, who was running for the U.S. Senate in Ohio when the litigation began, of a lower court’s ruling that upheld restrictions on the amount of money parties can spend on campaigns with input from candidates they support. The justices are due to hear the case in their next term.
Appeals Court Seems Likely to Back Trump’s Deportations Under Wartime Law
MSN – Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 6/30/2025
A federal appellate panel appeared poised to back President Trump’s use of a centuries-old wartime law to fast-track deportations of Venezuelan migrants in a case widely expected to put that debate back before the Supreme Court. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit grilled an attorney for targeted detainees during oral arguments, asking what authority judges had to “second-guess” the president’s decisions in defending the country amid armed conflicts.
DOGE Has the Keys to Sensitive Data That Could Help Elon Musk
MSN – Desmond Butler, Jonathan O’Connell, Hannah Natanson, and Aaron Gregg (Washington Post) | Published: 6/30/2025
For months, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency plumbed the federal government’s information systems, scouring arcane internal records that the billionaire said were guiding his hunt for waste. Now that Musk has stepped away from his government role, some of that data could be valuable in another way – by giving the world’s richest man a competitive advantage over his rivals in the private sector.
Judge Finds Trump Executive Order Punishing Susman Godfrey Unconstitutional
MSN – Melissa Quinn (CBS News) | Published: 6/27/2025
A federal judge struck down President Trump’s executive order that sought to punish the law firm Susman Godfrey, ruling it is unconstitutional and blocking the administration from enforcing it. The decision from U.S. District Court Judge Loren AliKhan caps an unbroken streak of victories for the four major law firms that were targeted by Trump as part of his efforts to go after his perceived enemies and chose to challenge his directives in court, rather than commit millions of dollars in free legal services, as nine other firms have done.
MSN – Eric Bradner, Sarah Ferris, Lauren Fox, and Annie Grayer (CNN) | Published: 7/1/2025
The fate of President Trump’s domestic agenda was in U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s hands, and she used that leverage to force a series of changes that will deliver more federal dollars to Alaska. The Senate passed the bill after a marathon of negotiations and amendments during which Murkowski, as she put it later, “struggled mightily” with the impacts of cutting Medicaid and food stamp benefits in Alaska before voting for the legislation.
How Trump’s Media War Brought Paramount to Its Knees
MSN – Sarah Ellison and Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) | Published: 7/2/2025
CBS’s parent company agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit over the network’s editing of a campaign interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. The deal makes Paramount, which is attempting to complete an $8 billion sale to Skydance Media, the latest company to pay millions of dollars to Donald Trump-aligned entities to avoid punitive government action. The money, minus plaintiffs’ fees and costs, will go to Trump’s presidential library.
MSN – Ross O’Keefe (Washington Examiner) | Published: 7/2/2025
The Department of Justice is considering whether it can charge local or state election officials who do not adhere to Trump administration standards on voting security. The administration is reportedly driving the effort forward based on its skepticism about the security of the nation’s elections. President Trump previously said the 2020 election was “rigged” and called for an investigation into widespread voter fraud.
Trump Says He Will Move Aggressively to Undo Nationwide Blocks on His Agenda
MSN – Justin Jouvenal, Cat Zakrzewski, and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 6/28/2025
An emboldened Trump administration plans to aggressively challenge blocks on the president’s top priorities, from immigration to education, following a major Supreme Court ruling that limits the power of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions. Scholars and plaintiffs in the lawsuits over Trump’s executive orders agreed the ruling could profoundly reshape legal battles over executive power even as other legal experts said the effects would be more muted. Some predicted it would embolden Trump to push his expansive view of presidential power.
Bondi Made Changes to DOJ Policy. Her Former Client Pfizer Might Have Benefited
MSN – Ben Wieder (Miami Herald) | Published: 7/3/2025
For the past several years, Pfizer has been under investigation by the Department of Justice for potential foreign corruption violations related to its activities in China and Mexico, according to the company’s financial filings. But that appears to have changed after the Trump administration tapped Pam Bondi, previously an outside legal counsel for Pfizer, to be attorney general.
Dead Members of Congress Can’t Stop Posting
MSN – Giselle Ruhiyyih Ewing (Politico) | Published: 6/28/2025
After Zohran Mamdani’s apparent victory in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary on, former U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee liked an Instagram post congratulating him on his win. But Jackson Lee died last July. From new profile pictures to a posthumous endorsement, accounts for dead lawmakers have seemingly resurrected on social media in an unsettling trend of beyond-the-grave engagement. How to handle the social media presence of politicians when they die is a fairly new phenomenon.
Trump Tried to Fire Them. But These Democratic Appointees Are Still on the Job.
MSN – Hassan Ali Kanu (Politico) | Published: 6/30/2025
President Trump fired a host of Democratic appointees at independent boards and commissions across the government. But some of them are still working. More than a dozen leaders of independent federal agencies received emails from the White House purporting to fire or demote them, even though their roles are governed by laws that bar termination without cause. Those officials’ resistance could end up shaping how courts view pending questions about the hiring-and-firing powers of the presidency, and whether Congress can create federal agencies with some degree of independence from the chief executive.
From the States and Municipalities
California – Irvine City Council Re-Adopts Lobbying Rules to Settle Lawsuit
Voice of OC – Angela Hicks | Published: 6/30/2025
Irvine city leaders are settling a lawsuit with a group of residents who alleged the city council violated the state’s open meeting law when it passed new lobbying regulations last year. In a series of meetings, the council discussed and approved new regulations that require lobbyists to register with the city earlier and disclose their activities more often. Orange County Advocates for Transparency alleged the city violated the Brown Act by improperly agendizing the item and failing to fully alert the public.
California – Ex-Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet Gets Probation, No Jail Time for Taking Bribes
Yahoo News – Christopher Damien (Palm Springs Desert Sun) | Published: 7/2/2025
Former Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet was sentenced to two years’ probation, avoiding jail time despite admitting he took bribes from developers for years. Pougnet pleaded guilty to a scheme in which he conspired with real estate developer Richard Meaney to be paid money in exchange for facilitating the developer’s projects in the city council.
Connecticut – CT Veterans Affairs Director Ousted Over Questionable Ethics Violation
Inside Investigator – Mark Fitch | Published: 7/2/2025
The former director of safety and security for the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs says he was forced to retire from his position under threat of termination and the loss of his medical benefits after the department claimed he violated state ethics laws by asking maintenance personnel to do small contracting jobs at his home, contrary to a determination of the Office of State Ethics (OSE). Stephen Scatena said officials threatened if he did not voluntarily sign a stipulated agreement by April 9, 2025, roughly two months before the OSE issued their finding.
Connecticut – Ted Kennedy Jr., Former CT State Senator, Cleared After 11-Year Election Investigation
Stamford Advocate – Ken Dixon | Published: 7/2/2025
Connecticut election regulators closed the books on one of its longest-lingering investigations, finally dismissing a 2014 case involving former state Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr. and nearly $300,000 in campaign support he received from the Democratic State Central Committee. The State Elections Enforcement Commission agreed there was not enough evidence to link the party’s contribution to a direct exchange with Kennedy family members and friends who raised more than $308,000 from 188 people for the state party.
District of Columbia – As Indicted Ex-D.C. Lawmaker Seeks Election, Opponents Urge Voters to Move On
MSN – Meagan Flynn and Jenny Gathright (Washington Post) | Published: 6/27/2025
At a rare appearance at a Ward 8 candidates forum, ex-District of Columbia Council member Trayon White Sr. answered one last question. Why, a voter wanted to know, had White never explained himself to residents after his bribery indictment? It was the unignorable question at the center of the July 15 special election, in which White, who stands accused of pocketing tens of thousands of dollars in bribes, is asking voters to reelect him even with the risk he could be disqualified from office if convicted.
Florida – DeSantis Vetoes Bill Aimed at Limiting Corruption in Office
Yahoo News – Lawrence Mower (Tampa Bay Times) | Published: 7/1/2025
Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would, in part, have prohibited state officials from using their position to solicit campaign contributions. The legislation was in part a reaction to NBC News reports since 2023 that officials in his administration were asking lobbyists for political donations, raising ethical concerns.
Hawaii – State Watchdogs Are Keeping the Pressure on for Government Reform
Honolulu Civil Beat – Chad Blair | Published: 6/29/2025
Fired up by the fate of a major “pay-to-play” bill that died in April at the Legislature, the heads of the Campaign Spending Commission and Hawaii State Ethics Commission are stepping up their efforts to lobby for reform in the 2026 session that beings in January. The cooperation between Kristin Izumi-Nitao, executive director of campaign spending, and Robert Harris, executive director of ethics, entered a new phase when Izumi-Nitao appeared by invitation at the ethics commission’s public meeting. The purpose was to hear insights and explore collaboration between the agencies.
Illinois – Mayor Brandon Johnson’s ‘Pending’ Springfield Lobbyist Team Draws Ethics Questions
Yahoo News – Alice Yin, Jeremy Gorner, and A.D. Quig (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 6/30/2025
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s inner circle worked with outside lobbyists who were not registered to lobby on behalf of the city in the Illinois General Assembly. Email records and sources indicate three lobbyists coordinated with top Johnson officials during the most recent session. But they did not update their state registration to show the city among their lobbying clients before the Legislature adjourned June 1. If state officials were to find the three did not properly disclose their representation, they could be in violation of the law.
Illinois – Cook County Tax Board Commissioner, Staff Face Multiple Fines from Ethics Board
Yahoo News – A.D. Quig (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 6/27/2025
Cook County’s Board of Ethics fined Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele and her aides for a series of breaches, finding she provided confidential information to the press about the Chicago Bears’ Arlington Heights property and wrongly allowed a staffer to attend a conference on county time. Steele is one of three commissioners on the county’s Board of Review, which hears property tax appeals. She must pay the $3,000 fine in 30 days.
Iowa – Trump Drops Federal Lawsuit Against Iowa Pollster, Refiles in State Court
MSN – Brianna Tucker and Frances Vinall (Washington Post) | Published: 6/30/2025
Lawyers for President Trump filed a motion to drop his federal lawsuit against J. Ann Selzer – a longtime Iowa pollster, and the Des Moines Register – and refiled the suit in a state court in Iowa. Attorneys for Trump sued Selzer and the newspaper in December over a poll that showed him trailing Vice President Kamala Harris in the state just days before the 2024 presidential election. The suit alleged Selzer’s poll amounted to “election interference” and accused the newspaper of violating the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act.
Kansas – Judge Allows Kansas Law Barring Foreign Contributions to Constitutional Amendment Campaigns
Yahoo News – Anna Kaminski (Kansas Reflector) | Published: 7/1/2025
A federal judge sided with state officials and allowed a Kansas law to go into effect that bans “foreign nationals” from contributing financially to campaigns for or against state constitutional amendments. Kansans for Constitutional Freedom, which has accepted such funds directly and indirectly in the past, said the law was broad, vague, and infringed upon constitutionally protected political speech.
Louisiana – Supreme Court to Rehear Case Over Louisiana’s Second Majority-Black District
MSN – Justin Jouvenal and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 6/27/2025
The Supreme Court put off deciding whether to uphold a Louisiana map that added a second majority-Black congressional district in the state, saying it would rehear the case in its next term. The justices said they would consider whether race was the predominant factor in the drawing of the new Louisiana district.
Maine – Why Maine Lawmakers Pulled Back on Ranked Choice Voting Expansion
Portland Press Herald – Randy Billings | Published: 6/27/2025
Lawmakers recalled a bill from Gov. Janet Mills’ desk that would have allowed ranked choice voting to be used in the 2026 gubernatorial race after Mills signaled she would veto the bill. Advocates say they plan to ask the Maine Law Court to revisit its 2017 advisory opinion, which would not be possible if Gov. Janet Mills vetoed the bill as they expected.
Massachusetts – MCAS Ballot Question Supporters Pay $4K Penalty to Resolve Late Reporting Accusations
MSN – Chris Van Buskirk (Boston Herald) | Published: 7/1/2025
The group that backed a successful ballot question to end the use of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System as a high school graduation requirement paid a $4,000 penalty to resolve accusations that officials did not report $2.3 million in contributions in a timely manner ahead of the November 2024 election. The fight between the Massachusetts Teachers Association and business groups was the most expensive ballot question battle in the state in 2024, with tens of millions flowing between the two sides.
Michigan – New Ballot Committee Aims to Get More Corporate, Utility Money Out of Michigan Politics
Detroit Free Press – Arpan Lobo | Published: 6/30/2025
A new ballot committee hopes to ask Michigan voters next year whether the state should ban large corporations that hold government contracts and utility monopolies from making political donations through affiliated PACs. Backers of the committee say companies like DTE and Consumers have outsized political influence due to their contributions to candidates and campaigns. The companies defended their political spending practices, saying the money does not come from ratepayers and they have an obligation to advocate for their best interests.
New Mexico – Joseph Shepard Sued by the New Mexico State Ethics Commission
Yahoo News – Joshua Bowling (Searchlight New Mexico) | Published: 6/28/2025
In addition to staying at five-star resorts, buying luxury furniture, and traveling the world at taxpayers’ expense, former Western New Mexico University President Joseph Shepard also took money intended for building an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant walkway and ramp and used it to build a patio near his house where he could host a welcome event and dancing for his daughter’s wedding, a new lawsuit by the New Mexico State Ethics Commission alleges.
New York – Ex-Trump Lawyer Chesebro Disbarred Over Fake Elector Scheme
Reuters – Dave Thomas | Published: 6/26/2025
A New York appeals court disbarred Kenneth Chesebro, a former lawyer for Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign, following his 2023 guilty plea to a charge stemming from efforts to overturn Trump’s defeat in Georgia. Chesebro had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit filing of false documents in Fulton County after prosecutors accused him of crafting the legal strategy behind a scheme to use alternate electors to circumvent Joe Biden’s 2020 victory in the state.
North Carolina – NC Republicans Unveil Sweeping Elections Bill. Could It ‘Purge’ Nonpartisan Staff?
Yahoo News – Kyle Ingram (Raleigh News and Observer) | Published: 6/26/2025
North Carolina House Republicans unveiled a broad elections bill that could convert about a third of the State Board of Elections’ nonpartisan civil service staff into political appointees, alongside a host of other changes to ballot counting, voter ID, and more. It comes a month after Republicans gained a majority on the elections board and ousted Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell, replacing her with a lawyer who has worked for the state’s top GOP legislators.
North Dakota – North Dakota Ethics Commission Makes First Finding of Violations by Public Official
Yahoo News – Mary Steurer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 6/30/2025
The North Dakota Ethics Commission found Rep. Jason Dockter committed three ethics violations related to his ownership of a Bismarck building, but the agency did not hand down any penalties for the lawmaker. The Ethics Commission noted Dockter likely leveraged his position and his relationships with state employees to arrange a lease with the attorney general’s office.
Oregon – Lawmakers Nix Proposal to Delay Campaign Finance Limits for Years After Backlash
MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 6/27/2025
State lawmakers did not advance a bill this year that would have delayed the imposition of campaign contribution limits in Oregon for four years. The effort died after good government advocates said the proposed delay was an attempt by lawmakers to avoid restricting the massive flow of money into politics. Oregon is one of just five states without such limits. Secretary of State Tobias Read said he was “deeply disappointed” that lawmakers finished this year’s session without making any substantial refinements to last year’s law.
Oregon – Longtime Oregon Legislator Faces Ethics Investigation Over Pay Raise
Portland Oregonian – Les Zaitz (Salem Reporter) | Published: 6/28/2025
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission ordered an investigation into whether state Rep. Greg Smith illegally used his position as a public agency executive to raise his own pay. Investigators also were directed to examine whether Smith failed to disclose a conflict-of-interest in the process, a violation of state ethics laws.
South Dakota – Kristi Noem Secretly Took a Cut of Political Donations
MSN – Justin Elliott, Joshua Kaplan, and Alex Mierjeski (ProPublica) | Published: 6/30/2025
While Kristi Noem was governor of South Dakota, she accepted a portion of the money she raised for a nonprofit that promotes her political career. In what experts described as a highly unusual arrangement, the nonprofit routed funds to a personal company of Noem’s that had been established in Delaware. Since the group is not required to disclose the names of its donors, the original source of the money remains unknown. She did not include the income on her financial disclosure form, which experts called a likely violation of federal ethics requirements.
Tennessee – Tennessee Campaign Finance Agency Seeks Probe of Secret PAC
Yahoo News – Sam Stockard (Tennessee Lookout) | Published: 6/23/2025
The Registry of Election Finance requested an investigation into a former state staffer’s secret PAC to determine whether it involved criminal activity. The registry formally asked the Williamson County district attorney’s office to reactivate a 2020 request for a probe of Cade Cothren, a former aide to one-time House Speaker Glen Casada, and the Faith Family Freedom Fund PAC. Registry Chairperson Tom Lawless has said the investigation should commence now that a trial of Casada and Cothren is complete.
MSN – Lauren McGaughy (Texas Newsroom) | Published: 7/3/2025
Elon Musk’s team of Texas lobbyists during the 2025 legislative session did not rival those of huge energy and telecommunications companies, which typically employ dozens of people to represent them. But Musk and his companies still hired more lobbyists this year than any other since 2021. His lobbyists spent money on things like gifts and meals for elected officials and others during the session. In most cases, the state’s transparency laws do not require lobbyists to disclose which politicians they entertained or on behalf of which clients. Ethics experts said the responsibility to improve transparency lies with Texas lawmakers.
Vermont – Gov. Phil Scott Signs New Campaign Finance Rules, Other Election Changes into Law
VTDigger.com – Shaun Robinson | Published: 6/27/2025
Gov. Phil Scott signed a package of changes to Vermont’s election procedures into law, among them an expansion of who must file campaign finance disclosure forms and a restriction on candidates running in a general election who have lost a preceding primary election. A provision in the new law is meant to clarify that certain campaign finance rules apply to individuals who raise and spend money on behalf of a candidate, but who are not directly affiliated with that candidate.
Virginia – State’s First-Ever Audit of Campaign Finance Report Leaves Many Questions Unanswered
Cardinal News – David Poole | Published: 7/2/2025
Virginia’s inaugural audit of campaign finance reports raises almost as many questions about state oversight than it does in answering how accurately a group of seven randomly selected candidates listed their contributions and expenses. In a report to the General Assembly, the Department of Elections suggested changes to the audit law, providing more time to complete future reviewing and updating the agency’s computer systems.
Washington – Foes of WA Initiative to Repeal Climate Law Fined $20K for Campaign Finance Violations
Yahoo News – Jerry Cornfield (Washington Standard) | Published: 6/26/2025
A political committee that helped defeat last year’s ballot measure to repeal a Washington climate law was fined $20,000 for not disclosing how it spent $1 million until after the election. The Public Disclosure Commission levied the civil penalty on Green Jobs PAC, which admitted to the violation and two other breaches of state campaign finance laws as part of an agreed upon settlement.
June 27, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 27, 2025

National/Federal The D.N.C. Is in Chaos and Desperate for Cash DNyuz – Shane Goldmacher and Reid Epstein (New York Times) | Published: 6/18/2025 Just months into the tenure of a new party leader, Ken Martin, the Democratic National Committee’s financial […]
National/Federal
The D.N.C. Is in Chaos and Desperate for Cash
DNyuz – Shane Goldmacher and Reid Epstein (New York Times) | Published: 6/18/2025
Just months into the tenure of a new party leader, Ken Martin, the Democratic National Committee’s financial situation has grown so bleak that top officials have discussed whether they might need to borrow money this year to keep paying the bills. Fundraising from major donors has slowed sharply. At the same time, he has expanded the party’s financial commitments to every state, and even to far-flung territories like Guam. Some Democrats say he has been unable to help unite his party against Republicans, who control the federal government.
Little Lobbyists’ Urge Senators to Oppose Trump’s Bill Cutting Medicaid
DNyuz – Megan Mineiro and Margot Sanger-Katz (New York Times) | Published: 6/19/2025
The Little Lobbyists formed in 2017 during Donald Trump’s first term to push back against Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, taking to Capitol Hill to demand that lawmakers oppose the move. Their successful campaign to save the law was part of a broader backlash against the proposal, which was driven in large part by major health care lobbies. This year, the bigger lobbying players have been more muted about the sprawling Republican policy measure, which Democrats decry as an abomination. But the little ones are out in force.
Justice Dept. Leader Suggested Violating Court Orders, Whistle-Blower Says
DNyuz – Devlin Barrett (New York Times) | Published: 6/24/2025
A senior Justice Department official, Emil Bove III, told subordinates he was willing to ignore court orders to fulfill President Trump’s aggressive deportation campaign, according to a whistle-blower complaint by a department lawyer who has since been fired. In Erez Reuveni’s telling, Bove discussed disregarding court orders and other top law enforcement officials showed themselves ready to stonewall judges or lie to them to get their way.
Trump’s Name Could Adorn Tel Aviv Hotel, Becoming a Symbol or a Target
DNyuz – Debra Kamin, Ben Protess, and Steve Eder (New York Times) | Published: 6/25/2025
Iran’s counterstrikes in retaliation for Israel’s assault on its nuclear program, littered Tel Aviv’s Sarona neighborhood with smoke and ballistic debris. Eric Trump, who runs the Trump Organization, has discussed a potential partnership with the owners of the Sarona district hotel now under construction. The possible deal would likely allow the Trumps to manage the hotel once it opens and affix their name to the city’s skyline. If a deal in Israel came to fruition, and a Trump hotel eventually towered above a war zone, the president’s foreign policy could alter not only the fate of the region but also his own finances.
Trump Won by Turning Out Voters and Building a Diverse Coalition, Report Finds
DNyuz – Ruth Igielnik and Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) | Published: 6/26/2025
One of the most robust studies of the 2024 election shows Donald Trump’s return to the White House was powered more heavily by his ability to turn out past supporters than by winning over Democratic voters, even as he built one of the most diverse coalitions in Republican Party history. The new report from Pew Research Center offers some of the most detailed analysis yet of what happened last fall, in particular how infrequent voters broke for Trump over former Vice President Kamala Harris.
DHS Tightens Protocol for Lawmaker Visits to Immigration Facilities
MSN – Chris Johnson (Roll Call) | Published: 6/18/2025
The Department of Homeland Security placed new limits on members of Congress seeking to visit and inspect immigration detention facilities as lawmakers from New York and the Chicago delegations become the latest to encounter resistance from federal officials on an attempted tour. The department issued new guidance that includes several changes to the protocol on facility visits that appears to give Immigration and Customs Enforcement the ability to limit or prevent visits, including the power to end a visit if the protocol is not followed.
Trump Cites Presidential Immunity to Try to Toss Out $83M Judgment He Owes to E. Jean Carroll
MSN – Erica Orden (Politico) | Published: 6/24/2025
Donald Trump is waging his latest courtroom bid to avoid paying the $83.3 million judgment he owes the writer E. Jean Carroll for defamatory remarks he made about her after she accused him of rape. A lawyer for the president told a panel of appeals court judges the judgment should be tossed out because Trump should have been deemed immune from Carroll’s lawsuit. His argument hinges on the Supreme Court’s 2024 decision that granted Trump broad immunity in one of his criminal cases.
Jan. 6 Rioter Ordered to Pay $500K to Widow of Officer Who Killed Himself
MSN – Victoria Bisset (Washington Post) | Published: 6/24/2025
A federal jury ordered a January 6 rioter to pay $500,000 in damages for assaulting a police officer who died by suicide nine days later. The jury awarded the damages to Erin Smith, the widow of District of Columbia police officer Jeffrey Smith, in her civil lawsuit against David Walls-Kaufman. The jury also ordered Walls-Kaufman to pay a further $60,000 to Smith’s estate for his pain and suffering.
Trump Administration Is Preparing to Challenge Budget Law, U.S. Officials Say
MSN – Jeff Stein, Hannah Natanson, Carolyn Johnson, and Dan Diamond (Washington Post) | Published: 6/25/2025
The Trump administration is preparing to test a 1974 budget law by refusing to spend congressionally mandated funds, senior federal officials say, an escalation that could change the balance of power between Congress and the White House. Key White House aides have long argued the law is an unconstitutional limit on presidential power and suggested they will seek court rulings to overturn it, which could allow the White House to determine which spending to carry out.
Supreme Court Allows Trump to Remove Migrants to South Sudan and Other Turmoil-Filled Countries
MSN – Angélica Franganillo Díaz and John Fritze (CNN) | Published: 6/23/2025
The Supreme Court granted President Trump’s emergency request to resume deporting migrants to countries other than their homeland, including places like South Sudan, with minimal notice. The Trump administration had argued a lower court usurped its authority by ordering the Department of Homeland Security to provide written notice to the migrants about where they would be sent as well as an opportunity to challenge that deportation on the grounds they feared being tortured.
Trump Undermines Watergate Laws in Massive Shift of Ethics System
MSN – Naftali Bendavid (Washington Post) | Published: 6/21/2025
President Trump is taking aim at post-Watergate reforms on transparency, spending, conflicts-of-interest, and more. This broad rejection of the laws underlines the country’s shift from an era focused on clean government and strict ethics to the rise of a president whose appeal stems in part from his willingness to violate such rules and constraints. Many of Trump’s moves face legal challenges, and they may be reversed by the courts, or the U.S. Supreme Court could enshrine them.
Judge Says Government ‘Failed’ to Prove Wrongly Deported Man Poses a Danger
MSN – Maria Sacchetti and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 6/22/2025
A federal judge ruled Kilmar Abrego García, a Maryland resident wrongly deported to El Salvador, is eligible for release from criminal custody, saying the government’s allegations that he is a flight risk or a danger to the community are based on problematic testimony and scenarios that “defy common sense.” Abrego García faces charges that he participated in a migrant smuggling ring for nearly a decade.
From the States and Municipalities
California – Newsom Gave His Political Rival a $380k Job. Special Interests Helped Foot the Bill
CalMatters – Alexei Koseff and Byrhonda Lyons | Published: 6/17/2025
Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to lead a state infrastructure project paid for by an outside nonprofit, California Forward. The group relied on fundraising from special interests to cover the costs, but did not have to disclose the identity of those donors because of how the arrangement was structured. Elected officials in California can solicit contributions to outside entities for a governmental or charitable purpose. Newsom had to disclose he asked California Forward to pay Villaraigosa. But that disclosure requirement did not extend to the nonprofit.
California – How a Billboard Company Melded Its Interests with Oakland’s in the New City Budget
MSN – Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) | Published: 6/24/2025
Ahead of the deadline to pass a new two-year city budget, Oakland leaders were desperate to find sources of revenue to patch the city’s $265 million deficit. The city council’s budget-balancing maneuvers included an unusual tactic. The council assumed a proposed deal between the city and a billboard company would pass, delivering millions of dollars in new revenue. What was unusual about this budget decision was that the billboard deal had yet to be voted on by the full council. By baking it into the budget, the council tied its own hands, virtually forcing itself to sign off on the deal when it came before them a week later.
California – Trump Can Keep National Guard in Los Angeles for Now, Appeals Court Rules
MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 6/20/2025
A federal appeals court panel said President Trump can keep the California National Guard in Los Angeles for now, delivering a win for the president as he aims to use the military to police protests against his deportation efforts. The panel disagreed with the federal government’s stance that Trump’s authority to deploy the National Guard could not be scrutinized by the courts. But the judges rejected California’s legal argument that a federal statute clearly requires a governor to be consulted before the deployment.
District of Columbia – D.C. Elected These Noncitizens to Office. Congress Could Oust Them.
MSN – Olivia George and Meagan Flynn (Washington Post) | Published: 6/24/2025
The U.S. House recently voted to repeal a District of Columbia law allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections. This, in turn, will prohibit noncitizens from holding local office, like the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, because being registered as a voter is required to run. It marked the third time in as many years that the House has voted to repeal the noncitizens voting law. Dozens of Democrats joined Republicans each time bipartisan interest in the city’s affairs that has become more common in recent years, particularly on hot-button political issues.
Florida – A Judge Sided with Trump. Behind the Scenes, He Was lobbying for a Nomination.
Yahoo News – Hailey Fuchs (Politico) | Published: 6/20/2025
A state judge in Florida, Ed Artau, met with staff in the office of U.S. Sen. Rick Scott to angle for a nomination to the federal bench less than two weeks after Donald Trump’s election last fall. In the midst of his interviews, Artau was part of a panel of judges that ruled in Trump’s favor in the president’s case against members of the Pulitzer Prize Board. About two weeks after the court published his opinion, he interviewed with the White House Counsel’s Office. In May, Trump announced Artau’s nomination to the federal judiciary.
Hawaii – Hawai’i Senator Didn’t Disclose Possible Conflict of Interest Before Voting
Honolulu Civil Beat – Chad Blair | Published: 6/22/2025
Māmaki tea, made from a plant endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, is so valued by state legislators that they near unanimously passed a bill this past session to ensure its viability as a Hawaii-grown cash crop. But a powerful state senator appears to have violated Senate rules for voting in favor of House Bill 496, which seeks to protect māmaki tea by requiring that only packages containing 100 percent of māmaki grown in Hawaii are allowed to use the word “māmaki.”
Louisiana – Louisiana Files Lawsuits Alleging Pharmaceutical Giant CVS Deceived Customers in Text Messages
MSN – Jack Brook (Associated Press) | Published: 6/25/2025
Louisiana filed several lawsuits accusing CVS of abusing customer information and using its dominant market position to drive up drug costs and unfairly undermine independent pharmacies. Attorney General Liz Murrill began investigating CVS after the company sent out mass text messages to thousands of residents to lobby against legislation that took aim at its business structure. The texts warned that medication costs could go up and all CVS pharmacies in the state would close.
Louisiana – Louisiana Ethics Board Will Broadcast Public Meetings Following Lawmakers’ Complaints
Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 6/24/2025
The Louisiana Board of Ethics will be required to broadcast its monthly public meetings starting in January under a new state law. Recordings of the meetings will be stored for at least two years in an online archive reached through the board’s website. Legislators have been frustrated with the ethics board’s decisions over the past year, and part of the motivation for broadcasting its meetings is to allow more scrutiny over its deliberations.
Maryland – Trump DOJ Sues All Federal Judges in Maryland Over Deportation Order
MSN – Salvador Rizzo and Katie Mettler (Washington Post) | Published: 6/25/2025
The Justice Department sued all 15 federal District Court judges in Maryland over an order that pauses any deportations under legal challenge in the state for 48 hours. Legal experts described the move as an unprecedented attack on judicial independence, while government lawyers said it was necessary to preserve President Trump’s constitutional authority over immigration.
Maryland – Pittman’s Rise to Democratic Party Chair Will Be Delayed by Campaign Finances
Yahoo News – Brian Sears (Maryland Matters) | Published: 6/20/2025
Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, who is the new head of the Maryland Democratic Party, cannot immediately assume his full duties, and the possibility of an extended delay leaves open the potential the party might have to elect another leader before the end of summer. A snag involving state campaign finance law, and Pittman’s inability to immediately close the account that funded his county executive races, will bar him from fully assuming the role for now.
Massachusetts – GOP’s Mike Kennealy Has Loaned His Campaign Double the Amount Allowed Under State Law
MSN – Chris Van Buskirk (Boston Herald) | Published: 6/25/2025
Mike Kennealy, who is running for Massachusetts governor, has loaned his campaign double the amount allowed under state law since launching his bid, a move that could set up future legal action if he or his family ever decides to recoup the money. Kennealy’s decision to loan his campaign $400,000 and plan to loan another $1.6 million ahead of the 2026 election comes after campaign finance regulators dismissed his request to reconsider the limit on the amount candidates can loan themselves each election cycle.
Michigan – Michigan Lawmakers’ Personal Disclosures Often Leave Out Key Details
ArcaMax – Craig Mauger (Detroit News) | Published: 6/23/2025
Despite vows of transparency, annual financial disclosures filed recently by Michigan lawmakers provided an incomplete picture of the perks they receive from lobbyists. Officeholders were supposed to list gifts, including tickets and meals, they received from lobbyists in the prior year and trips they went on that were financed by lobbyists. Most lawmakers either reported receiving nothing from lobbyists or merely listed the names of firms or interest groups that provided some benefit, while not revealing the price tag or specifics.
Michigan – Benson: State working around the clock to fix campaign finance reporting system
Yahoo News – Ben Solis (Michigan Advance) | Published: 6/20/2025
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson detailed solutions her department was crafting after a disastrous launch of the $9 million Michigan Information Transparency Network project, which replaced its aging, but heavily used and mostly user-friendly campaign finance reporting system. The rollout of the new system caused delays in reporting, and the overall functionality of the website was bothersome for many users, including reporters, watchdogs, and nonprofit groups who rely on access to campaign finance information to better track how politicians spend campaign money and who gives it to them.
Minnesota – Gun Rights, Anti-Abortion Groups Challenge Minnesota Lobbying Disclosure Rules
MSN – Allison Kite (Minneapolis Star Tribune) | Published: 6/24/2025
Minnesota Right to Life and Minnesota Gun Rights filed a lawsuit challenging state laws that require organizations to disclose spending meant to urge individuals to influence lawmakers, arguing the grassroots lobbying requirements violate the First Amendment. The rules require that when an organization or individual spends more than $2,000 on paid advertising to rally public support and influence lawmakers, it must disclose the spending and any specific subjects addressed by the advertising.
Montana Free Press – Zeke Lloyd | Published: 6/18/2025
A coalition of former public officeholders is pushing to end corporate money in Montana politics via a proposed constitutional initiative they aim to put on the ballot in 2026. The Transparent Election Initiative, a nonprofit founded by Jeff Mangan, a former state commissioner of political practices, is pushing a constitutional initiative that would change new and existing corporate charters in the state to explicitly prevent corporations from donating to campaigns.
Nevada – Ethics Commission Fines State Official for Accepting Golden Knights Tickets, Perks
MSN – Mary Hynes (Las Vegas Review-Journal) | Published: 6/18/2025
The Nevada ethics commission determined the head of the state’s energy office, Dwayne McClinton, committed a willful violation of ethics statutes by accepting free Vegas Golden Knights tickets and other perks while negotiating a potential sponsorship deal with the National Hockey League franchise. The agreement includes a $1,000 penalty, an admonishment, and a requirement for McClinton and office staff to receive ethics training.
Nevada – Nevada Supreme Court Rules in Lombardo’s Favor Over Ethics Commission Dispute
Nevada Current – Eric Neugeboren | Published: 6/19/2025
The Nevada Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of Gov. Joe Lombardo’s effort to dismiss sanctions imposed by the state’s ethics commission, sending the case back to a lower court. It is the latest development in the yearslong saga related to Lombardo’s use of his Clark County sheriff’s uniform and badge while running for governor in 2022. The high court’s ruling does not absolve Lombardo of wrongdoing, but it opens the door for a dismissal of the case down the line.
New Jersey – A Bizarre N.J. Corruption Case Ends with a Plea Over Kickbacks, Fraud and Plagiarism
MSN – Ted Sherman (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 6/26/2025
Five years after former New Jersey Assemblyperson Willis Edwards III was indicted in a wide-ranging corruption scheme in 2020, the one-time business administrator of the city of Orange abruptly entered into a plea deal to admit guilt to five of the 31 counts against him. Edwards acknowledged approving a fake “management oversight” contract with a company he helped set up and receiving thousands of dollars in kickbacks from the deal. He also pleaded guilty to charges of mortgage and tax fraud. And, strangely enough, he admitted using public funds to pay a consultant to write his dissertation for a graduate program at Seton Hall University.
New York – A New Political Star Emerges Out of a Fractured Democratic Party
DNyuz – Liam Stack (New York Times) | Published: 6/25/2025
The national Democratic establishment struggled to absorb the startling ascent of a democratic socialist in New York City. Voters turned away from a well-funded familiar face, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and in doing so made a generational and ideological break with the party’s mainstream. They turned to a 33-year-old, three-term state Assembly member, Zohran Mamdani. That Mamdani had such success while running on a far-left agenda, including positions that once were politically risky in New York, may challenge the boundaries of party orthodoxy and unnerve national Democratic leaders.
New York – Former Aide to Hochul and Cuomo Faces Fresh Corruption Charges
DNyuz – Santul Nerkar (New York Times) | Published: 6/26/2025
More legal troubles have been piled on Linda Sun, a former aide to two New York governors who has been accused of using her position to help the Chinese government. Sun and her husband face new charges they helped steer lucrative contracts to Chinese companies to sell masks and ventilators to New York’s government at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. They received millions of dollars from those companies for helping secure the contracts and then failed to report the money as taxable income, according to federal prosecutors.
North Carolina – North Carolina Redistricting Trial Begins, with Racial Gerrymandering Allegations the Focus
MSN – Gary Robertson (Associated Press) | Published: 6/16/2025
North Carolina congressional and state legislative districts drawn by Republicans that helped them retain majorities in Raleigh and Washington are in court, as federal lawsuits accuse mapmakers of illegally eroding Black voting power in the process. Republican leaders counter that lawfully partisan, and not racial, considerations helped inform their decision-making.
Oregon – Good Government Advocates Blast Lawmakers for Moving to Delay Campaign Finance Limits for Years
MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 6/25/2025
Oregon lawmakers proposed delaying the establishment of campaign contribution limits by four years amid concern the state would not be ready to enact them by their planned 2027 start date. At the end of last year’s legislative session, lawmakers promised to return this year and make technical fixes to the law before it was scheduled to take effect. But with only days left until the current session ends, they have yet to follow through with that pledge. Oregon is one of just five states without campaign donation limits.
Pennsylvania – GOP Leaders Accused of Pressuring Lobbyists to Drop Gaming Client in ‘Ugly’ Pa. Budget Fight
Spotlight PA – Amanda Berg | Published: 6/24/2025
An all-out political war is erupting at the Capitol between the most powerful Republican lawmakers and a deep-pocketed company that has reshaped the gaming landscape in Pennsylvania. The conflict escalated suddenly and bitterly over the past week, with skill games developer and distributor Pace-O-Matic now accusing the state Senate’s top two GOP leaders of intimidating its lobbyists at the Legislature.
Rhode Island – R.I. Elections Board OKs $140K Contract for Long-Awaited Campaign Finance Software Upgrade
Yahoo News – Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 6/18/2025
Rhode Island’s antiquated campaign finance software system is poised for a refresh under a $140,000, one-year contract approved by the Board of Elections. The unanimous vote sets in motion the long-awaited upgrade to the electronic system used to report and share information about campaign donations and spending. Rhode Island’s campaign finance software has not been updated since its 2002 debut.
Tennessee – Nashville Council Members Sue State Over Law Criminalizing a Vote for Sanctuary Policies
Chattanooga Times Free Press – Connor Daryani (Nashville Banner) | Published: 6/25/2025
Seven Metro Nashville Council members are suing over a Tennessee law that imposes felony charges, including terms of up to six years in prison, on local elected officials who vote in favor of immigration policies deemed to be “sanctuary policies.” No other state has ever passed a law criminalizing elected officials for their vote. The suit argues that due to the vagueness of the law, it could criminalize anyone from council members to office staff to clerks to constituents who lobby their representatives to pass sanctuary policies.
Virginia – Virginia Slashes Voter Data Costs Ahead of 2025 Elections
Virginia Mercury – Markus Schmidt | Published: 6/25/2025
In a sweeping move aimed at promoting transparency and leveling the playing field in election access, the Virginia Department of Elections announced it will reduce the cost of purchasing voter lists by 90 percent starting in July. The change dramatically lowers the price of essential voter data – including lists of registered voters, new registrants, and past voters – for candidates, political parties, and PACs legally entitled to access them under state law.
Wisconsin – Wisconsin Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Challenges to the State’s Congressional District Boundaries
MSN – Scott Bauer (Associated Press) | Published: 6/25/2025
The Wisconsin Supreme Court refused to hear challenges brought by Democrats seeking to throw out the battleground state’s current congressional district boundaries before the 2026 midterms. Democrats asked the court to redraw the maps, which would have put two of the state’s six congressional seats currently held by Republicans into play. It was the second time in as many years that the court had refused to hear the challenges.
Wisconsin – Wisconsin Supreme Court Sides with Republican Legislature in Fight with Governor
MSN – Scott Bauer (Associated Press) | Published: 6/26/2025
A unanimous Wisconsin Supreme Court handed a victory to the Republican-controlled Legislature in a power struggle with Gov. Tony Evers, reining in the governor’s expansive veto powers. The court struck down Evers’ partial veto of a bill in a case that tested both the limits of his veto powers and lawmakers’ ability to exert influence by controlling funding. The ruling against Evers comes after the court earlier this year upheld Evers’ partial veto that locked in a school funding increase for 400 years.
June 20, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 20, 2025

National/Federal Close Trump Allies Sponsored the Military Parade, Raising Ethical Concerns DNyuz – Minho Kim (New York Times) | Published: 6/15/2025 The military parade in Washington celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army was sponsored by at least four […]
National/Federal
Close Trump Allies Sponsored the Military Parade, Raising Ethical Concerns
DNyuz – Minho Kim (New York Times) | Published: 6/15/2025
The military parade in Washington celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army was sponsored by at least four brands that have strong financial and political ties to President Trump, raising questions about whether the event benefited his allies and supporters. Federal regulations prohibit the use of public office for the private gain of officeholders or their friends, relatives or nongovernmental affiliates, said Richard Painter, who served as the chief ethics lawyer in the White House Counsel’s Office under President George W. Bush.
Watchdog Finds Trump Administration Broke Law by Withholding Library Funds
DNyuz – Tony Romm (New York Times) | Published: 6/16/2025
The Trump administration broke the law when it withheld funding for the nation’s libraries, a nonpartisan government watchdog said, a finding that inches the White House another step closer to a legal showdown over its powers to reconfigure the country’s spending. The decision by the Government Accountability Office was the second time that oversight officials have found fault in the ways President Trump and his top aides have tried to circumvent lawmakers in their quest to reshape the federal budget so that it conforms with their political views.
After Minnesota Shooting, Some States Are More Tightly Guarding Officials’ Personal Information
MSN – Jaimie Ding (Associated Press) | Published: 6/16/2025
Lawmakers in some states are moving to delete their home addresses from online directories and Wisconsin legislators are seeking added security for a session after one Minnesota legislator was killed and another wounded in their homes in what Gov. Tim Walz described as a targeted political attack. Even before the shooting, states in recent years have stepped up efforts to shield the personal information of officials in response to high-profile attacks.
Experts Warn FEC Is a Watchdog Lacking ‘Bark or Bite’ with No Quorum
MSN – Jared Gans (The Hill) | Published: 6/16/2025
Experts are sounding alarms over the status of the FEC, which has not been able to perform much of its work. Former Commissioner Allen Dickerson’s departure from the body at the conclusion of his term gave the normally six-person FEC its third vacancy. A loss of quorum now prevents the FEC from carrying out many of its responsibilities. Dickerson said much of the focus is on the agency’s enforcement docket, but he expressed more concern about its current inability to engage on rulemaking and requests for advisory opinions to assist the public.
‘No Kings’ Rallies Draw Big Crowds to Protest Trump and His Policies
MSN – Annie Gowan (Washington Post) | Published: 6/14/2025
Americans turned out en masse in communities across the country on June 14, raucously pushing back on what they see as President Trump’s widening authoritarianism, attacks on immigrants, and deep cuts to scores of federal programs. The scenes were a stark contrast to the one planned hours later in the nation’s capital, where Trump would preside over a grandiose display of military tanks and soldiers as part of a celebration of the Army’s 250th birthday on a day that also happened to be his 79th birthday. “No Kings” participants compared the parade in Washington to something more commonly seen in autocratic countries.
Senator Confronts Colleague for ‘Terrible’ Post on Minnesota Shooting
MSN – Theodoric Meyer (Washington Post) | Published: 6/16/2025
Less than 72 hours after the killing of a state representative, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota sat in the Senate chamber, waiting for one of her colleagues. In a social media post, Sen. Mike Lee appeared to blame the fatal shooting of Smith’s friend, Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman, on the political left. “It was a terrible thing to do,” Smith said. “And I wanted him to know how I felt about it, how devastating it was to see.”
Federal Employees Celebrate Their Oscar Night Under a Shadow
MSN – Maryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 6/18/2025
The Partnership for Public Service’s annual award ceremony – the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals, nicknamed the Sammies – had an air of polite defiance this year, honoring problem-solvers in government at a time when the Trump administration has gone after the bureaucracy and ridiculed federal workers. What in past years has been a cheerful celebration was haunted by fears of job reductions and heightened political influence on the federal workforce.
‘Trump Inc.’: Filings show staff profited from being in the president’s orbit
Seattle Times – Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) | Published: 6/16/2025
President Trump first came to Washington as an outsider who had campaigned against the entrenched political class. But new financial disclosure filings highlight the expansion of a political cottage industry that revolves around him, one that has been quite lucrative for some of his closest aides. The filings, which are mandatory, detail the finances of dozens of officials in the two years before they joined Trump’s administration.
‘My Duty Is to Call It Out’: Judge accuses Trump administration of discrimination against minorities
Yahoo News – Kyle Cheney and Danny Nguyen (Politico) | Published: 6/16/2025
A federal judge accused the Trump administration of “appalling” and “palpably clear” discrimination against racial minorities and LGBTQ+ Americans. U.S. District Court Judge William Young’s sweeping rebuke during a court hearing was a reference to two executive orders signed by President Trump that led the National Institutes of Health to rescind funding for research related to racial minorities and LGBTQ+ people.
Judge Blocks Trump’s Election Executive Order, Siding with Democrats Who Called It Overreach
Yahoo News – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 6/13/2025
A federal judge blocked President Trump’s attempt to overhaul elections in the U.S., siding with a group of Democratic state attorneys general who challenged the effort as unconstitutional. Trump’s executive order sought to compel officials to require documentary proof of citizenship for everyone registering to vote for federal elections, accept only mailed ballots received by Election Day, and condition federal election grant funding on states adhering to the new ballot deadline.
From the States and Municipalities
Alabama – Bills to Change Alabama’s Campaign Finance Laws Fail in Legislature
Alabama Reflector – Ralph Chapoco | Published: 6/18/2025
Two bills that would have altered the state’s campaign finance laws on political parties and donations died in the Alabama Legislature this year. House Bill 6 would have prohibited political parties from disqualifying candidates who accept campaign contributions from specific organizations. Senate Bill 291 would have allowed a political party to transfer funds to local or other affiliated party organizations currently prohibited by law.
California – Press Club Sues Los Angeles, Police Chief Over Alleged Attacks on Journalists
MSN – Scott Nover (Washington Post) | Published: 6/16/2025
The Los Angeles Press Club sued the city of Los Angeles and its police chief, Jim McDonnell, over alleged police violence toward journalists covering the ongoing protests of immigration raids in the city. Law enforcement officers at the protests have routinely shot less-lethal ammunition at demonstrators, in some cases hitting and injuring members of the press. Adam Rose of the Press Club compiled a spreadsheet of more than 50 alleged incidents of potential police violations of journalists’ rights, covering the protests starting on June 6.
Florida – Miami Doubles Down on Proposal to Delay Election, Teeing Up Battle with the State
MSN – Tess Riski (Miami Herald) | Published: 6/13/2025
Miami officials are moving forward with a controversial proposal that would push the November election back to 2026 and give the city’s current elected officials an extra year in office, defying a written opinion from the state attorney general and a public rebuke from Gov. Ron DeSantis, both of whom say the change requires voter approval. Miami City Attorney George Wysong authored an opinion stating the city commission has the authority to move the election, rather than the change going to voters in a ballot referendum.
WTTW – Matt Masterson | Published: 6/13/2025
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was sentenced to seven-and-one-half years in prison and fined $2.5 million after being convicted on bribery and other corruption charges. U.S. District Court Judge John Blakey found Madigan acted as the “central command post” of a bribery scheme involving Commonwealth Edison and repeatedly perjured himself while testifying at trial. Madigan was also convicted for his efforts to secure a valuable state board position for disgraced former Chicago Ald. Danny Solis.
Illinois – Ald. Jim Gardiner Won’t Have to Pay $20K Fine After He Is Cleared of Violating Ethics Ordinance
WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 6/16/2025
Chicago Ald. Jim Gardiner will not have to pay a $20,000 fine after a hearing officer found he did not violate ethics law by directing a city employee to issue “unfounded citations” that could have forced a political foe to pay more than $600 in fines. Gardiner had been accused of targeting Pete Czosnyka, who has frequently criticized the alderperson, both on social media and by filing complaints with the city’s inspector general and the Board of Ethics.
Louisiana – Louisiana AG Investigating CVS for Sending Mass Text Messages Lobbying Against Legislation
MSN – Sara Cline and Jack Brook (Associated Press) | Published: 6/12/2025
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is investigating whether CVS improperly used customers’ personal information to send out text messages lobbying against a proposed state law that would have prohibited companies from owning both pharmacy benefit managers and drug stores. Murrill also said she plans to issue a cease-and-desist letter to stop the messages. The company’s text messages to Louisiana residents included a link to a draft letter urging lawmakers to oppose the legislation that someone could sign with their email address and send to legislators.
Maryland – A State Senator Aided a Disgraced Developer’s ‘Affordable’ East Baltimore Project
Baltimore Banner – Giacomo Bologna and Lee Sanderlin | Published: 6/15/2025
A developer with a checkered past had a vision for a narrow plot of land in East Baltimore. Ronald Lipscomb and his business partner wanted to build an apartment tower near the Johns Hopkins Hospital on a parcel that was owned by a quasi-governmental agency. There were three problems, though: the land was appraised at $5.25 million, Lipscomb needed money, and the community had questions. That is when an influential state senator, Cory McCray, stepped in and helped with all of it.
Massachusetts – A Push for More Transparency on Ballot Question Spending, Fundraising
CommonWealth Beacon – Gintautas Dumcius | Published: 6/11/2025
For an eight-month period last year during the heat of the campaign – from January to September – ballot question committees were not required to report their fundraising and spending activity to the state campaign finance office, which makes public such filings on its website. The disclosure rules in Massachusetts are far stricter for candidates for statewide office, legislative seats, and other posts, who must file monthly reports during the same period.
Michigan – Tech Flaws, Weak Rules Mar Michigan System to Shine Light on Lawmaker Conflicts
Bridge Michigan – Simon Schuster | Published: 6/17/2025
Michigan’s beleaguered transparency portal stuttered again as lawmakers struggled to file their second-ever personal financial disclosure reports even after extending their own deadline to do so. Many of the reports state officials filed were difficult to access and decipher, undermining the public’s ability to understand potential conflicts-of-interest they sought to spotlight by approving a 2022 ballot measure.
Michigan – GOP Fundraiser Pleads Guilty in Unlock Michigan ‘Dark Money Scheme’
Bridge Michigan – Jordyn Hermani | Published: 6/17/2025
Republican fundraiser Sandra Baxter pled guilty to knowingly providing false information to state investigators during a probe into an alleged “dark money scheme.” In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Unlock Michigan launched a petition drive aimed at repealing the law that Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer leaned on to issue emergency stay-at-home orders. The names of individuals who donate to a ballot question must be made public in Michigan. But it was alleged in a complaint that Unlock Michigan was circumventing this requirement by receiving money through a nonprofit tied to then-Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey.
Minnesota – Suspect in Minnesota Shootings in Custody After Wide Manhunt
MSN – Patrick Marley and Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 6/15/2025
Vance Boelter, the man suspected of shooting two Democratic lawmakers and their spouses in their homes in what officials describe as politically motivated attacks, was arrested and charged after authorities scoured the rural area around where he had a home after a manhunt involving more than 100 officers. The search began after a gunman opened fire on state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife before driving to the home of state Rep. Melissa Hortman, the former speaker of the Minnesota House. Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed, while Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, survived and remain hospitalized in serious condition.
New Mexico – Ethics Commission Sues Group for More Information About Lobbyist Advertising
New Mexico In Depth – Marjorie Childress | Published: 6/18/2025
The New Mexico Ethics Commission filed a lawsuit against a nonprofit for allegedly violating the state’s lobbying law. The dispute demonstrates how the law requires varying amounts of disclosure depending on which reports groups are required to file. Should the commission win in court, Safety over Profit will have to disclose not only how much it spent, but who paid for an advertising campaign it conducted in 2024. The commission also asked a judge to impose $5,000 in penalties against the group.
New York – NY Candidates Broke Spending Records in First Year of State-Funded Matching Program
Albany Times Union – Emilie Munson | Published: 6/15/2025
Legislative candidates in New York spent more money last year than in any election in the past 25 years except one, in part due to a new program that poured millions of taxpayer dollars into state Senate and Assembly campaigns. Under the new state program, candidates in certain races collected small contributions from donors in their districts to unlock an infusion of state matching funds for their campaigns. The program’s stated intention was to shift power away from wealthy donors. The program has had an unintended consequence – has helped make legislative campaigns more expensive.
New York – Ex-New York Assembly Candidate Charged with Campaign Finance Fraud
DNyuz – Santul Nerkar, Jay Root, and Bianca Pallaro (New York Times) | Published: 6/13/2025
A former New York Assembly candidate used fake donations and forged signatures to fraudulently inflate the share of public matching funds he received in last year’s election, federal prosecutors said. Dao Yin was charged with wire fraud in a federal criminal complaint. Prosecutors said Yin abused the system by using a scheme that The New York Times found yielded him $162,000 in matching funds.
New York – NYC Mayoral Candidate Brad Lander Arrested at Immigration Court
MSN – Cedar Attanasio (Associated Press) | Published: 6/17/2025
New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested by federal agents at an immigration court after he linked arms with a person that authorities were attempting to detain. Lander was released from custody after a few hours. The U.S. attorney’s office said it was investigating his actions and would decide later whether to charge him with a crime. The immigrant Lander escorted out of the courtroom was also arrested.
Ohio – Ex-FirstEnergy Officials Finally Breaking Silence on Ohio’s Biggest Bribery Scandal
MSN – Jeremy Pelzer and Laura Hancock (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 6/13/2025
Several former FirstEnergy executives and lobbyists are set to testify under immunity before state regulators over the next few weeks about the House Bill 6 bribery scandal and their involvement in it. Dennis Chack, FirstEnergy’s former senior vice president of branding and marketing, was the first to take the stand during a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio hearing.
Ohio – Ohio House, Senate Budgets Eliminate Agency Tasked with Campaign Finance Oversight
Ohio Capital Journal – Nick Evans | Published: 6/17/2025
The Ohio Senate approved a two-year spending plan that eliminates the Ohio Elections Commission. Negotiators from the House and Senate still have a vast array of differences to hammer out, but both chambers advanced proposals that axed the state campaign finance watchdog. Several lawmakers have bristled at the pace and demands of Elections Commission hearings. They argue the agency takes too long reach a decision, and hearings held in Columbus demand too much of their time.
Oklahoma – Oklahoma Ethics Commission Approves Prosecuting State Representative for Campaign Finance Misuse
KOSU – Thomas Pablo | Published: 6/13/2025
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission will prosecute state Rep. Ajay Pittman for failure to pay the penalties she owed after agreeing to a settlement agreement for campaign expenditure violations in 2024. Pittman agreed to repay $35,000 out of her personal finances last May. This reportedly represented full compensation for Pittman’s alleged use of campaign funds for personal expenditures.
Oregon – Oregon Ethics Commission Triples Fine for Former OLCC Chief in Liquor Diversion Scandal
MSN – Maddie Khaw (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 6/13/2025
The state ethics commission voted to increase the fine against former Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission Director Steve Marks from $500 to $1,500 after he reserved a bottle of a popular bourbon for himself. The Oregon Government Ethics Commission had previously rejected the lower penalty for Marks after it determined he had set aside and purchased a bottle of expensive 23-year Pappy Van Winkle for personal use from the liquor agency’s reserve stock, violating three ethics rules.
Oregon – Oregon Ethics Commission Votes to Launch Investigation into Former Sewer CEO’s Food, Travel Spending
MSN – Jamie Goldberg (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 6/13/2025
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission voted to further investigate whether questionable spending on local meals and travel by the former head of Washington County’s sewer agency violated state ethics law. The vote came after the commission opened a preliminary review into former Clean Water Services Chief Executive Officer Diane Taniguchi-Dennis in March following a media investigation that uncovered lavish travel spending and sky-high food expenses at the sewer agency. A noteworthy amount of that spending was by Taniguchi-Dennis.
South Carolina – SC Representative Charged with Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material
Yahoo News – Skylar Laird (South Carolina Daily Gazette) | Published: 6/13/2025
South Carolina Rep. RJ May will remain in jail without bond on charges of distributing child sexual abuse material. He was suspended without pay from the House pending the case’s outcome. State law requires an officeholder indicted on a felony to be suspended. May faces up to 20 years in prison, with a minimum of five years, as well as a fine of up to $250,000 if found guilty.
Virginia – Jay Jones Projected to Win Va. Democratic Nomination for Attorney General
MSN – Gregory Schneider and Laura Vozzella (Washington Post) | Published: 6/17/2025
Jerrauld Jones won the Democratic nomination for Virginia attorney general while the party’s choice for lieutenant governor was too close to call, according to election results projected by the Associated Press. The winners will join gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger in pivotal fall elections that will be watched as an off-year referendum on President Trump and on Virginia’s own ambitious Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who is term-limited out of office.
June 13, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 13, 2025

National/Federal Justice Dept. to Take Narrow Approach to Prosecuting Corporate Bribery Abroad DNyuz – Glenn Thrush (New York Times) | Published: 6/10/2025 The Justice Department closed about half of its open investigations into bribery by U.S. businesses overseas but plans to initiate […]
National/Federal
Justice Dept. to Take Narrow Approach to Prosecuting Corporate Bribery Abroad
DNyuz – Glenn Thrush (New York Times) | Published: 6/10/2025
The Justice Department closed about half of its open investigations into bribery by U.S. businesses overseas but plans to initiate prosecutions to more narrowly focus on misconduct that hurts the country’s capacity to compete with foreign companies. The department plans to assign responsibility for investigating bribery by U.S. businesses and people overseas to local law enforcement and regulatory bodies when appropriate, officials said. Good government groups criticized the freeze as the elimination of guardrails needed to prevent corporate abuses.
Trump White House Opens Door to Historic Military Deployment on U.S. Soil
MSN – Cat Zakrzewski, Natalie Allison, and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 6/11/2025
President Trump is prepared to send National Guard troops into more cities if protests against immigration raids expand beyond Los Angeles, potentially opening the door to the most extensive use of military force on American soil in modern history. In threatening the use of force against protesters in a speech at Fort Bragg, Trump notably did not distinguish between those committing acts of violence and those peacefully protesting his policies. Trump has given himself more flexibility this term to upend democratic norms with fewer constraints.
David Hogg to Depart as DNC Vice Chair After Months of Turmoil
MSN – Patrick Svitek and Dylan Wells (Washington Post) | Published: 6/11/2025
David Hogg will step down from his role as Democratic National Committee (DNC) vice chair, capping months of party infighting and turmoil centering on the Gen Z activist’s pledge to involve himself in primaries and back challengers against some incumbents. A DNC panel found Hogg was not properly elected earlier this year because the election ran afoul of gender-diversity rules. The ruling added to Hogg’s problems inside the party and created a mechanism by which his critics could push him out.
Gabbard Placed Top Adviser Inside the ODNI’s Watchdog Office, Officials Say
MSN – Meryl Kornfield and Ellen Nakashima (Washington Post) | Published: 6/5/2025
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard installed one of her top advisers to a position within the office of the inspector general of the intelligence community, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the matter. The move potentially compromises the integrity of the independent watchdog office while it is investigating the use of the Signal messaging app by top government officials to discuss classified details of a pending U.S. military strike in March.
Judge Tosses Democratic Party Challenge to Trump Order’s Impact on FEC
MSN – Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 6/4/2025
U.S. District Court Judge Amir Ali dismissed a Democratic Party lawsuit claiming an executive order issued by President Trump was intruding on the independence of the FEC. Ali said the Democratic Party groups’ case was too speculative to justify emergency intervention from the court. The FEC had pledged to remain independent, had received no directive from the White House to change its practices, and vowed to abide by the law. Without evidence undermining those promises, Ali said he was compelled to dismiss the suit.
Appeals Court Hands AP an Incremental Loss in Its Attempt to Regain Its Access to Trump Events
MSN – David Bauder (Associated Press) | Published: 6/6/2025
A federal appeals court panel handed The Associated Press (AP) a loss in its continuing battle with the Trump administration over access by its journalists to cover presidential events. The judges granted Trump a stay in enforcement of a lower court ruling that the administration had improperly punished the AP for the content of its speech, in this case not renaming the Gulf of Mexico. The majority and dissenting opinions delved into First Amendment precedents and questions about whether places like the Oval Office and Air Force One were, in effect, private spaces.
ABC News Suspends Journalist Terry Moran After Post Criticizing Stephen Miller
MSN – Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) | Published: 6/8/2025
ABC News suspended senior national correspondent Terry Moran after he sharply criticized White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller on the social media platform X, the latest flash point in the long-running clash between the Trump administration and the network. The White House contacted the network about the post, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
The Days Around Trump’s Trade War Announcements Saw Spikes in Lawmaker Stock Market Transactions
MSN – Annie Grayer and Alex Leeds Matthews (CNN) | Published: 6/11/2025
In the days before President Trump suddenly paused most of the punishing tariffs on foreign countries he had revealed in early April, more than a dozen members of Congress were tied to thousands of dollars’ worth of stock transactions, including significant purchases as the U.S. stock market tumbled, a CNN analysis of financial filings shows. Some on Capitol Hill say questions around the timing of the transactions strike at the heart of an ethical question that has long dogged Congress: can lawmakers play the market without generating suspicion their access to information gives them an unfair advantage, or should they ban the practice.
California Sen. Alex Padilla Handcuffed at Noem News Conference in LA
Yahoo News – Melanie Mason and Lisa Kashinsky (Politico) | Published: 6/12/2025
U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and handcuffed after interrupting a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Video provided by Padilla’s office shows the senator approaching the lectern as Noem was speaking. He was stopped and shoved back by multiple men. The video shows Padilla being forced to the ground and his arms handcuffed behind his back.
From the States and Municipalities
Arkansas – Arkansas Attorney General Challenges DEI Law by Refusing Ethics Commission Appointment
MSN – Andrew Mobley (KATV) | Published: 6/5/2025
State Attorney General Tim Griffin refused to appoint a new member to the Arkansas Ethics Commission in protest of a state law that requires at least one member be of a minority race. Griffin says the law is unconstitutional. This may be the first time in state history the attorney general has rejected his duty to appoint a member to the Ethics Commission on these grounds.
California – Oaklanders Voted to Take Money Out of Politics. City Council Just Undid That
MSN – Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) | Published: 6/4/2025
In 2022, Oakland voters approved changes to the city’s campaign finance law to reduce the influence of big money in elections. Under Measure W, the city would give qualifying voters vouchers worth $100 to give to candidates. The measure also lowered how much money people can give to campaigns. The city council recently increased the amount that individuals and broad-based political committees can give to candidates. Additionally, council members voted to give themselves access to a lot more money through their officeholder accounts.
California – Former O.C. Supervisor Andrew Do Headed to Prison for COVID Relief Bribery Scheme
MSN – Christopher Goffard (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 6/9/2025
Former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to bribery in a conspiracy to steal millions of dollars in COVID-relief money. Do admitted he funneled more than $10 million in federal pandemic funds to a nonprofit that in turn steered money to his two daughters. It was reported that Do approved contracts worth millions to the nonprofit, which promised to provide meals to poor, elderly, and disabled residents but could show scant evidence of its effort.
California – L.A. Councilmember Lee Breaks Silence on Infamous Vegas Trip, Ethics Allegations
MSN – Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 6/11/2025
For years, Los Angeles City Councilperson John Lee declined to publicly discuss a fateful Las Vegas trip he took in 2017 with his then-boss Mitch Englander and a trio of businesspeople. That trip led to an FBI investigation of Englander, then a council member, who accepted an envelope of cash in a casino bathroom from one of the businesspeople and later pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators. In court to address allegations from the city Ethics Commission, Lee finally broke his silence, divulging details of the trip and insisting he paid for his share.
Florida – Florida Agency Tells Newspaper to Halt Reporting Angle on Foundation Associated with Governor’s Wife
MSN – Mike Schneider (Associated Press) | Published: 6/9/2025
Florida’s child welfare agency sent a letter to a newspaper telling it to “cease and desist” its reporting on foster families for a story about a nonprofit associated with Gov. Ron DeSantis’s wife that is the subject of an investigation. The Orlando Sentinel received the letter from the state Department of Children and Families, whose top official is appointed by the governor. The letter claimed the newspaper’s Tallahassee reporter had used threats to coerce foster families into making negative statements about the Hope Florida Foundation when he contacted them about the nonprofit behind the signature initiative of Casey DeSantis.
Illinois – Feds to Retry State Sen. Emil Jones III After Mistrial on Bribery, Lying to FBI Charges
WTTW – Hannah Meisel (Capitol News Illinois) | Published: 6/10/2025
Federal prosecutors announced they intend to retry Illinois Sen. Emil Jones III after his April trial on charges of bribery and lying to the FBI ended in a hung jury. Jones stands accused of agreeing to take bribes from red-light camera entrepreneur-turned-government cooperator Omar Maani in 2019, then lying to FBI agents about it.
Yahoo News – Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 6/11/2025
State election officials informed Illinois Senate President Don Harmon that he will face more than $9.8 million in penalties pending an appeal of a case alleging he broke an election law designed to rein in big money in political campaigns. The calculation of the potential penalty emerged only days after Harmon attempted to pass legislation designed to wipe away the case and the potential penalties, a maneuver stymied amid bipartisan backlash only hours before the spring session adjourned June 1.
Yahoo News – David Jackson and A.D. Quig (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 6/11/2025
As a fledgling tech contractor looking to build its business in the insular world of Cook County politics, Texas-based Tyler Technologies turned to one of Illinois’ most well-connected lobbyists to get the job done. In 2016, Jay Doherty not only lobbied Chicago, Cook County, and state agencies, he was also the longtime president of the City Club of Chicago, a popular nonprofit civic organization. The dual roles granted Doherty access to the halls of power. At the time Tyler hired Doherty, there was no indication any of the Tyler executives involved knew their new man in Illinois was also corrupt.
Louisiana – Lafayette School Board Member’s Bar Can’t Let LPSS Vendors Sponsor Events: Ethics panel
Acadiana Advocate – Ashley White | Published: 6/11/2025
The Louisiana Board of Ethics said a Lafayette School Board member Jeremy Hidalgo’s business cannot allow school district vendors to sponsor customer appreciation nights while he serves on the board. Hidalgo owns a bar that hosts a customer appreciation night once a month where other businesses partner with him to provide free meals for attendees. The ethics board said it is not allowed under the state’s ethics code.
Louisiana – As Charges Linger Over Landry, Louisiana Legislature Passes Dramatic Changes to Ethics Law
Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 6/4/2025
Louisiana lawmakers approved a set of dramatic changes to state ethics laws. House Bill 674 alters the process the state ethics board used to bring charges against Gov. Jeff Landry that are still pending. Beyond making it harder to bring ethics charges against elected officials and state employees, the legislation also loosens limits on public officials’ travel, weakens restrictions on government contracts with officials and their families, and reduces requirements for officeholders and candidates to disclose financial interests.
Maine – It Just Got Easier for This Maine Politician to Run for Governor as an Independent
Bangor Daily News – Billy Koban | Published: 6/12/2025
A new Maine law equalizing campaign contribution limits for gubernatorial candidates could end up helping a veteran legislator if he runs as an independent. Gov. Janet Mills decided to allow a bill establishing a primary election period for unenrolled candidates to become law without her signature. Neither the bill nor testimony mentioned his name, but Sen. Rick Bennett could benefit from the new law.
Massachusetts – Fernandes Anderson Officially Resigns from Boston City Council
MSN – Ross Cristantiello (Boston.com) | Published: 6/12/2025
Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson announced she submitted her letter of resignation, about six months after she was first arrested on public corruption charges. Fernandes Anderson pleaded guilty in May to one count of wire fraud and one count of theft concerning a program receiving federal funds. She was accused of pocketing thousands of dollars through a kickback scheme involving a family member who was part of her staff.
Michigan – ‘No One Will Know’: Records reveal secret money flowing through Lansing
ArcaMax – Craig Mauger (Detroit News) | Published: 6/6/2025
Money from some of Michigan’s largest companies and wealthiest business executives secretly flowed to a fundraising account for state Senate Republicans during the early days of the pandemic, according to court records. Documents show consultants, along with then-Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, privately promoted Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility to potential donors as a vehicle to move political money without the public’s knowledge. Those who gave secretly were often individuals with direct connections to bills before the Legislature.
Michigan – Ex-Speaker Lee Chatfield, Wife to Stand Trial Over Alleged Misuse of Political Money
MSN – Arpan Lobo (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 5/30/2025
Former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield and his wife will stand trial over the alleged mishandling of thousands of dollars raised through political funds. The state attorney general’s office claims he knowingly used the money to pay for vacations, dinners at upscale restaurants, and other non-permitted items when he was a lawmaker. Prosecutors also claim Chatfield submitted mileage reimbursement requests from the House for trips he did not take. Stephanie Chatfield is alleged to have aided the scheme and was charged with embezzlement.
New Jersey – Mikie Sherrill to Face Trump-Backed Jack Ciattarelli for N.J. Governor
MSN – Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) | Published: 6/10/2025
U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill will face former state Rep. Jack Ciattarelli in the New Jersey governor’s race this fall in a national bellwether for voters’ views in the first year of Donald Trump’s second term. Sherrill prevailed in a crowded Democratic primary in which candidates vowed to bring down costs and stand up to the White House. Ciattarelli easily won the Republican nomination with Trump’s endorsement.
New Jersey – Rep. McIver Indicted on 3 Charges in Clash Outside ICE Detention Center
MSN – Perry Stein and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 6/10/2025
A federal grand jury indicted U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver over a confrontation with immigration authorities at a detention center in Newark. Prosecutors allege she assaulted two officers as they attempted to arrest Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. The unusual decision to bring charges against a member of Congress for a standoff in which no one was injured reflects the Justice Department’s pledge to prosecute officials who it thinks are hindering President Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts.
New York – Cuomo Super PAC Got $2.7 Million From Donors with Business Before the City
MSN – Greg Smith (The City) | Published: 6/9/2025
Under New York City laws that aim to curb the potential for or appearance of pay-to-play corruption, no one on the official list of companies and individuals doing or seeking business with the city can give more than $400 to a citywide candidate in any election cycle. But there is another option: so-called independent expenditure committees, New York’s version of super PACS, that allow wealthy players to spend unlimited amounts of money backing one candidate. This election cycle, the overwhelming beneficiary of such spending has been former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and those seeking to influence the vote in his favor in the mayor’s race.
New York – Trump Lawyers Ask Appeals Court to Move His Hush Money Case to Federal Court
MSN – Erica Orden (Politico) | Published: 6/11/2025
One year after his criminal conviction in the Manhattan election interference case, Donald Trump is still fighting to shed his felon status. The president’s personal lawyers appeared before a federal appeals court, urging a three-judge panel to transfer his state criminal case to federal court. Such a move would pave the way for him to eventually ask the U.S. Supreme Court to erase his criminal record by throwing out his conviction on presidential immunity grounds.
New York – A Powerful Bronx Politician Dines on Developers’ Double Donations
New York Focus – Chris Bragg | Published: 6/5/2025
As chair of the New York City Council’s Land Use Committee, Rafael Salamanca Jr. has the power to determine whether development projects move forward, and it has made him a magnet for campaign donations from the real estate industry. Salamanca, who is now running for Bronx borough president, has maintained a campaign committee for his city races. It is bound by strict contribution limits for individuals doing business with the city. Salamanca has opened a second campaign committee, one which funds his campaigns for an unpaid position in the Bronx Democratic Party, that is subject to much looser rules.
North Dakota – ND Ethics Commission Has No Authority to Punish Officials Violating Ethics Laws, State Leaders Argue
Yahoo News – Mary Steurer and Jacob Orledge (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 6/9/2025
State lawmakers shut down many requests from the North Dakota Ethics Commission during the recent legislative session, keeping the agency on a modest budget and rebuffing measures that would have given it more latitude in its investigations. North Dakota was one of the last states to establish an ethics agency and it has struggled to fulfill its mission. The ballot measure that created the commission left some ambiguity about its role and whether the commission can enforce ethics laws, leading to ongoing disagreements about how it operates.
Ohio – Ohio Senate GOP Budget Bill Would Loosen State’s Ban on Political Spending by Corporations, Unions
MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 6/5/2025
Language tucked into Ohio Senate Republicans’ new budget plan would eliminate the state’s ban on corporations and labor unions making independent expenditures for or against candidates, as well as end contribution limits to independent dark-money groups. At the same time, the budget bill would also impose new limits on donations to ballot-issue campaigns, which Democrats have used during the past few years to pass liberal policies despite GOP dominance over state government.
Oregon – Oregon Bill Would Make Big Tech Pay for Local News
Courthouse News Service – Monique Merrill | Published: 6/11/2025
For years, big tech companies have profited from ad revenue generated from news content, and Oregon may become the first state in the country with a law handing some of that profit back to newsrooms if lawmakers can push it through before the end of the legislative session. Senate Bill 686 would require tech giants like Google and Facebook to pay for access to local journalism. The bill would also create the Oregon Civic Information Consortium, housed at the University of Oregon, to award grants for civic information initiatives.
Rhode Island – Should Nonprofits Have to Disclose Their Top Salaries to Get State Money? These Bills Say So.
USA Today – Katherine Gregg (Providence Journal) | Published: 6/4/2025
Rhode Island lawmakers in the House and Senate have passed bills requiring nonprofits receiving over $50,000 in state funds to disclose top executive salaries and benefits. Supporters argue this measure increases transparency and accountability, while opponents cite increased administrative burdens and privacy concerns. Some opponents suggest the focus should be on the grant process itself, rather than the organizations receiving funds.
Rhode Island – Ethics Panel Says R.I. Senate President Valarie Lawson Can Lead Chamber Despite Union Day Job
Yahoo News – Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 6/10/2020
The state’s ethics code does not explicitly prevent Senate President Valarie Lawson from leading the chamber while also heading one of the state teachers unions. That is why the Rhode Island Ethics Commission saw no conflict for Lawson to continue both jobs. The opinion offers several caveats, noting its recommendation cannot be tailored to any specific legislation, since Lawson’s request did not reference any bills being considered or discussed.
Houston Public Media – Natalie Weber | Published: 6/5/2025
A bill awaiting the governor’s signature could reverse the effects of a court ruling that requires prosecutors to seek permission from the Texas Ethics Commission before bringing criminal charges against politicians accused of certain violations. Senate Bill 1220 would effectively undercut this ruling.
June 6, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 6, 2025

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 […]
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.
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.
May 30, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – May 30, 2025

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 […]
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.
May 23, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – May 23, 2025

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 […]
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.
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.
Do you know if your activities are defined as lobbying? We do. Take a walkthrough demo of our guidebooks today.
May 16, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – May 16, 2025

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 […]
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.
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.
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.
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.
May 9, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – May 9, 2025

National/Federal Orders to Investigate Columbia Protesters Raised Alarms in Justice Dept. DNyuz – Devlin Barrett (New York Times) | Published: 5/1/2025 A top Trump appointee in the Justice Department ordered an aggressive investigation in the last several months of student protesters at […]
National/Federal
Orders to Investigate Columbia Protesters Raised Alarms in Justice Dept.
DNyuz – Devlin Barrett (New York Times) | Published: 5/1/2025
A top Trump appointee in the Justice Department ordered an aggressive investigation in the last several months of student protesters at Columbia University, raising anger and alarm among career prosecutors and investigators who saw the demand as politically motivated and lacking legal merit, people familiar with the episode said. The demand for the inquiry into students who protested Israel’s conduct of the conflict in Gaza also prompted pushback from a federal magistrate judge, who believed some of the steps being sought by the official, Emil Bove III, were unjustified and might violate the First Amendment.
Trump Sons’ Deals on Three Continents Directly Benefit the President
DNyuz – Eric Lipton and David Yaffe-Bellany (New York Times) | Published: 5/5/2025
A contest of sorts has played out across Europe, the United States, and the Middle East as President Trump’s two older sons have pursued a blitz of family moneymaking ventures capitalizing on their father’s name and power, each seemingly trying to outdo the other. It is a rush to cash in that involves billions of dollars with few precedents in American history.
States Are Tightening Rules for Getting Citizen-Led Proposals on the Ballot
DNyuz – Emily Cochrane (New York Times) | Published: 5/5/2025
Some state Legislatures are making it harder for members of the public to put ballot measures before voters. Less than half of the nation’s 50 states allow citizens to collect signatures and to place proposals on the ballot. Legislatures can also put questions on the ballot and typically author the majority of constitutional amendments. But after the fall of Roe v. Wade allowed states to restrict abortion access, abortion rights groups turned to the ballot initiative process to circumvent conservative lawmakers and to put the question directly before voters.
Chief Justice Says Courts Must Be Free to Check ‘Excesses’ of Congress, White House
MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 5/7/2025
Chief Justice John Roberts championed the independence and authority of the nation’s judicial system to serve as a check on Congress and the president at a time when federal courts are being attacked by the Trump administration. His comments drew applause from the audience of lawyers and judges who were aware that President Trump’s second term has led to escalating tensions between executive branch officials pushing the boundaries of presidential power and federal trial court judges whose rulings often slow or scale back those efforts.
Hegseth Attorney’s Dual Roles Trip Conflict of Interest Alarms
MSN – Daniel Lippman and Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 5/2/2025
Tim Parlatore is a personal attorney and top adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. At the same time, he is suing the Navy and defending private clients against the U.S. government. While Parlatore insists his arrangement is above board, it is highly unusual for a sitting top adviser for a Cabinet secretary to be working in government while at the same time representing clients suing the government or working for clients as they challenge the federal decisions.
Abbe Lowell Launches His Own Law Firm
MSN – Daniel Barnes (Politico) | Published: 5/2/2025
Prominent defense lawyer Abbe Lowell launched Lowell & Associates, his own boutique law firm with an initial client roster that includes several opponents of President Trump. Lowell is teaming up with two attorneys who publicly resigned from their positions at Skadden Arps, after the firm chose to make a deal with the White House to avoid being targeted by the president.
DOGE Aide Who Helped Gut CFPB Was Warned About Potential Conflicts of Interest
MSN – Jake Pearson (ProPublica) | Published: 5/7/2025
A Department of Government Efficiency aide at the nation’s consumer watchdog agency was told by ethics attorneys he held stock in companies that employees are forbidden from owning and was advised not to participate in any actions that could benefit him personally, according to a person familiar with the warning. But days later, court records show, Gavin Kliger, a 25-year-old software engineer who has been detailed to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau since March, went ahead and participated in mass layoffs at the agency anyway, including the firings of the ethics lawyers who had warned him.
Voice of America Will Carry One America News Programming
MSN – Scott Nover (Washington Post) | Published: 5/7/2025
Voice of America (VOA) will carry programming from television network One America News, according to a post on X from Kari Lake, a senior adviser to the U.S. Agency for Global Media, the government body that oversees VOA. Lake’s announcement was met with outrage from VOA staffers, who pointed to OAN’s right-wing slant and support of President Trump. VOA White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara said this agreement violates the congressional mandate of VOA.
U.S. Pushes Nations Facing Tariffs to Approve Musk’s Starlink, Cables Show
MSN – Jeff Stein and Hannah Natanson (Washington Post) | Published: 5/7/2025
Numerous countries decided to assist Elon Musk’s Starlink while trying to fend off U.S. tariffs. A series of internal government messages reveal how U.S. embassies and the State Department have pushed nations to clear hurdles for American satellite companies, often mentioning Starlink by name. The documents do not show the Trump team has explicitly demanded favors for Starlink in exchange for lower tariffs. But they do indicate that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has instructed officials to push for regulatory approvals for Musk’s satellite firm at a moment when the White House is calling for wide-ranging talks on trade.
Judge Strikes Down Trump Order Punishing Law Firm Perkins Coie
MSN – Mark Berman (Washington Post) | Published: 5/2/2025
A federal judge barred the Trump administration from implementing an executive order targeting the law firm Perkins Coie. U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell said President Trump’s order was an unconstitutional effort to punish the firm for taking on clients and cases he dislikes. Trump has issued several executive orders punishing prominent law firms. He directed that firms lose government contracts and their employees be blocked from entering government buildings, interacting with government officials; or being hired for government jobs.
Report Spotlights Lobbying by White House Chief’s Former Clients
MSN – Martine Powers (Washington Post) | Published: 5/5/2025
In the first three months of the new Trump administration, several former lobbying clients of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles met with White House staff, drawing concern from Public Citizen about potential conflicts-of-interest. The White House says Wiles was not part of any meetings or decision-making involving the former clients except for a single phone call with the Big Three automakers that included General Motors, which Wiles last represented in 2019. Public Citizen argues Wiles should be required to recuse herself from decisions that affect her former clients.
Catholic Leaders Recoil from Trump’s Pope Post
MSN – Michelle Boorstein and Anthony Faiola (Washington Post) | Published: 5/4/2025
As Catholic cardinals prepared to choose a successor to Pope Francis, church leaders, politicians, and pundits blasted President Trump for sharing an Artificial Intelligence-generated image of himself on a throne in the cassock and miter of the pontiff. The pope is the spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. The image, shared by both Trump and the White House, drew quick condemnation.
Trump’s Return to Power Elevates Ever Fringier Conspiracy Theories
Seattle Times – Emily Cochrane (New York Times) | Published: 5/5/2025
Conspiracy theories that were relegated to random and often anonymous online forums are now being championed or publicly debated by increasingly powerful people. President Trump has embraced, elevated, and even appointed to his cabinet people promoting these theories, giving the ideas a persuasive authority and a dangerous proximity to policy.
From the States and Municipalities
Alaska – Alaska’s Attorney General Flew to South Africa and France. A Corporate-Funded Group Paid.
Yahoo News – Nathaniel Herz (Anchorage Daily News) | Published: 5/7/2025
Trips taken by Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor to France and South Africa underscore watchdogs’ concerns about the group that paid for the travel, the Attorney General Alliance (AGA), which has raised millions of dollars from corporations – including some that have had legal disputes with states. CNN reported the group collected nearly $27 million in sponsorships between 2019 and 2023, and allows companies to suggest “speakers, panelists, working groups, white papers and events.”
California – China Allegedly Tried to Influence This Politician. She Says She’s Not Going Anywhere
MSN – Rebecca Ellis (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 5/2/2025
After being sworn in as second-in-command of the Arcadia City Council, Eileen Wang addressed a controversy that has taken a back seat in the months since the Eaton fire devastated nearby Altadena. Wang said her romantic relationship with Yaoning Sun ended eight months before federal prosecutors charged Sun with conspiracy and acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government. Sun allegedly worked with China to cultivate Wang, in hopes she would rise in politics and help promote pro-China policies, including opposition to Taiwan.
Colorado – Bill to Put School Boards, Special Districts Under Colorado Ethics Commission Fails
Colorado Politics – Marianne Goodland | Published: 5/6/2025
For the third year in a row, a bill that would add school boards and special districts to the jurisdiction of the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission failed. The commission has issued hundreds of opinions regarding its authority, the vast majority tied to financial issues, such as gift bans and travel expenses. It has never issued an opinion that would define the standards of conduct or reporting requirements that would fall under its purview.
District of Columbia – As D.C. U.S. Attorney Nomination Falters, Ed Martin’s Past Feeds Doubts
MSN – Tom Jackman and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 5/8/2025
Ed Martin’s nomination to be the top federal prosecutor in the District of Columbia is now faltering in the U.S. Senate. The same headlong style that fed controversies over his 15 weeks as interim U.S. attorney has over the years both fueled his rise through conservative politics and burned him repeatedly, costing him jobs, tens of thousands of dollars in fines, and court contempt citations. Democratic critics say they see a pattern in what they call Martin’s repeated abuse of his powers in office to threaten political opponents, and his indifference to the law and legal ethics.
Georgia – Another Ethics Complaint Filed Against Conservative Lobbying Group with Influence at Georgia Capitol
Yahoo News – Ross Williams (Georgia Recorder) | Published: 5/6/2025
An influential conservative lobbying group allegedly failed to file the proper disclosures in connection with advertisements for Gov. Brian Kemp and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the 2022 election, according to a complaint filed with the State Ethics Commission. Frontline Policy Action is an evangelical 501(c)(4) organization that successfully lobbied during the 2025 legislative session for bills including the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act and a ban on transgender women and girls playing on women’s school sports teams.
Louisiana – As Charges Linger Over Landry, Louisiana House Votes to Overhaul Ethics Investigations
Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 5/6/2025
Investigations of public officials for alleged misconduct could be significantly blunted under a bill passed by the Louisiana House. House Bill 674 targets the same process used to bring ethics charges against Gov. Jeff Landry two years ago. Members of the state Board of Ethics said the legislation would make it harder to pursue charges over ethical misconduct.
Louisiana – Louisiana Lawmakers Might Lift Restrictions on Gifts to Elected Officials, Government Employees
Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 5/6/2025
Louisiana lawmakers are quickly moving legislation that would eliminate a prohibition in state ethics law on public sector employees and elected leaders from receiving gifts in most circumstances. Instead, government employees would be able to receive any type of gift worth up to $100 per event with an annual cap of $200. They would be able to accept an additional $200 in “seasonal or holiday food” gifts for a total limit of $400 in gifts.
Louisiana – Louisiana Lawmakers Might Shield Campaign Spending on Constitutional Amendments, Tax Proposals
Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 5/5/2025
Louisiana lawmakers might eliminate requirements that political donations and spending on constitutional amendments, tax millages, and other election propositions be made available to the public. The change would result in voters knowing less about who is working to pass or defeat ballot measures they are asked to consider. House Bill 596 would make dozens of changes to Louisiana campaign finance reporting laws.
Maryland – After Hogan Controversy, Maryland Passes New Ethics Law
MSN – Eric Cortellessa (Time Magazine) | Published: 5/8/2025
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed into law a bipartisan overhaul of the state’s ethics laws requiring future governors to put their financial holdings in a blind trust or disinvest from them entirely. During former Gov. Larry Hogan’s eight years in office, nearly 40 percent of the competitive affordable housing awards overseen by the governor went to developers listed as clients on Hogan’s real estate firm’s website. A media report found one of the projects Hogan approved was being developed on his family’s property.
Massachusetts – Boston City Councilor Pleads Guilty to Fraud, Corruption Charges
MassLive – Ryan Mancini | Published: 5/5/2025
Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson pleaded guilty to two of the six federal corruption charges in federal court – one count of wire fraud and one count of theft involving federal funds. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to drop four of the charges against her and recommended she serve 12 months and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and pay $26,000, as well as an additional fine set by the court.
Michigan – Michigan Lawmakers Hear Out Testimony on Rules to Close the Lobbyist Gift Loophole
Michigan Advance – Anna Liz Nichols | Published: 5/7/2025
Michigan lawmakers heard testimony on rules currently being considered that would halt elected officials from working around state prohibitions on accepting gifts from lobbyists. State law bars elected officials from accepting gifts like sports tickets or flights valued above $79. The change being considered by the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules, would ban public officials from reimbursing lobbyists for the value of a gift that exceeds the maximum allowed limit.
Montana – Montana Republicans Dominated the 2024 Election. Things Got ‘Weird’ as Some Sided with Democrats
MSN – Matthew Brown and Hannah Schoenbaum (Associated Press) | Published: 4/30/2025
Montana lawmakers meet for just a few months every two years. It remains a true citizen Legislature, opening the playing field for compromise, said political analyst Jeremy Johnson. Minority Democrats took full advantage, remaking legislative committees and banding with a handful of moderate Republicans to thwart GOP leaders’ efforts to make Montana’s judicial system more partisan. Similar alliances bolstered Medicaid expansion, raised teacher pay, and passed a state budget increase that includes investments in affordable housing and health care.
New York – Andrew Cuomo Warned: Don’t pass notes to super PAC
MSN – Jeff Coltin and Nick Reisman (Politico) | Published: 5/5/2025
Campaign finance regulators sent a warning shot to Andrew Cuomo, the Democratic front-runner in the New York City mayoral race, over a recent practice that raised concerns. The New York City Campaign Finance Board emailed all city campaigns noting the board adopted new rules in November, strengthening those outlawing coordination between candidates and super PACs. That followed reporting last week that Cuomo was using an increasingly common legal practice known as “redboxing” to communicate his preferred messaging and advertising strategy.
New York – NYC Mayor Adams’ Appeal of Matching Campaign Funds Ruling Denied, Can’t Try Again Until Mid-July
Yahoo News – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 5/7/2025
New York City’s Campaign Finance Board is sticking to its guns in denying Mayor Eric Adams more than $4 million in public matching funds for his reelection run and will not give him another chance to challenge the decision until mid-July. The board first denied Adams the matching funds in December 2024, citing compliance issues, including his federal corruption indictment accusing him of taking bribes and illegal campaign cash from Turkish government operatives. After the Department of Justice secured a controversial dismissal of Adams’ indictment, his campaign filed a formal petition urging the board to reconsider its denial of funds.
North Carolina – Republican Concedes Long-Unsettled North Carolina Court Election to Democratic Incumbent
MSN – Gary Robertson (Associated Press) | Published: 5/7/2025
Jefferson Griffin, the Republican challenger for a North Carolina Supreme Court seat, conceded last November’s election to incumbent Allison Riggs two days after a federal judge ruled that potentially thousands of disputed ballots challenged by Griffin must remain in the final tally. U.S. District Court Judge Richard Myers ordered the State Board of Elections to certify results showing Riggs is the winner by 734 votes. Democrats and voting rights groups called Griffin’s efforts an attack on democracy that would serve as a road map for the GOP to reverse election results in other states.
North Dakota – Effort to Improve North Dakota Campaign Finance Reporting Fails
Yahoo News – Mary Steuer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 5/3/2025
A stripped-down campaign finance bill failed in the North Dakota Senate after a prolonged disagreement between chambers. Some lawmakers hoped House Bill 1377 would be a vehicle for ambitious changes in campaign spending transparency, as well as for streamlining financial disclosure regulations for candidates.
North Dakota – North Dakota Lawmakers Approve Ethics Commission Bill with Deadline Removed
Yahoo News – Mary Steuer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 5/2/2025
State lawmakers approved a North Dakota Ethics Commission budget full of major policy changes, though they abandoned a controversial proposal that would have imposed a deadline for complaints. Legislators agreed to fund a $50,000 case management system to help the commission track filings, which staff say will help them work more efficiently. Other noteworthy provisions in the budget include a handful of changes intended to fix bottlenecks in the Ethics Commission’s complaint process.
Ohio – Court Upholds Racketeering Convictions of Ex-Ohio House Speaker and Lobbyist in $60M Bribery Scheme
MSN – Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) | Published: 5/6/2025
A federal appeals court upheld the racketeering convictions of former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and a one-time lobbyist in a $60 million bribery scandal described as the largest corruption scheme in state history. Householder was sentenced to 20 years in prison , and lobbyist and former Ohio Republican Party Chairperson Matt Borges was sentenced to five years in prison.
Ohio – Ohio Elections Commission Urges State Senators to Restore Funding in Budget
Ohio Capital Journal – Nick Evans | Published: 5/6/2025
The future is far from certain for the Ohio Elections Commission after House budget drafters moved to eliminate the agency. Now the state Senate gets its turn to tweak the two-year spending plan. Commission Executive Director Phil Richter went before a Senate committee to make the case for his agency. Richter warned that turning campaign finance laws over to an official appointed by the secretary of state or the county board of elections will create chaos.
Oklahoma – Oklahoma Ethics Commission Clears Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett
Oklahoman – Nolan Clay | Published: 5/2/2025
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission cleared Corporation Commission member Todd Hiett after an investigation into accusations he violated a conflict-of-interest rule. The allegations arose because Hiett continued to vote on rate hikes despite disclosures about his drunken behavior at a regulatory conference in Minnesota last year.
Oregon – Former OLCC Director to Pay $500 Ethics Fine for Pappy Van Winkle Diversion
MSN – Noelle Crombie (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 5/5/2025
Steve Marks, the former executive director of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, agreed to pay a $500 civil penalty to the state’s ethics commission for using his position to obtain a prized bottle of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon. It mirrors those reached by two other commission executives in April. In all, six managers received reprimands after an internal investigation found they had used their positions for personal gain when they had scarce bourbon set aside for themselves. They were subsequently fired or stepped down.
Oregon – Former Oregon Secretary of State Faces $1,600 Fine for Ethics Violations
MSN – Noelle Crombie (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 5/4/2025
Former Secretary of State Shemia Fagan agreed to pay $1,600 in civil fines to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission for using her position to obtain a $10,000-a-month side job and for seeking state reimbursement for roomier accommodations on work trips where she was accompanied by her children and the family dog. In 2023, the commission opened its investigation into whether Fagan violated ethics rules for her side job with an associated company of La Mota, which operates cannabis stores in Oregon.
Oregon – Oregon’s Most Populous County Moves Forward with Lobbying Rules
MSN – Austin De Dios (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 5/1/2025
In a unanimous vote, the Board of Commissioners gave final approval to an ordinance that establishes Multnomah County’s first-ever lobbying reporting requirements and other transparency measures. It requires lobbyists to register and report quarterly on any efforts to influence policy and any gifts they give over $50. The ordinance takes effect on July 1.
Texas – Fifth Circuit Signals Support for Free Speech Claims in Legal Services Dispute
Courthouse News Service – Cameron Thompson | Published: 4/28/2025
A Fifth Circuit panel appeared likely to side with a campaign finance advocacy group in a dispute over a small piece of Texas election law. The Institute for Free Speech appealed to the three-judge panel that the Texas Election Commission’s advisory opinion on providing free legal services to candidates unfairly restricted their First Amendment rights. The institute wanted to represent a city council candidate who wanted to challenge a separate piece of the election code related to a warning printed on political signs. When they asked the commission if that conduct would violate the law, the commission ruled it would be a form of in-kind contribution.
Texas – Texas’ Highest Criminal Court Rehears Houston-Area Case That Could Impact Enforcement of Ethics Laws
Houston Public Media – Natalie Weber | Published: 5/1/2025
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals heard oral arguments in a case that could determine how the state’s ethics laws are enforced. In September, Texas’ highest criminal court ruled the state Ethics Commission had exclusive authority over certain ethics, campaign finance, and political advertising laws. In practice, the ruling meant prosecutors had to seek permission from the commission before bringing criminal charges against politicians and lobbyists. The debate centers on whether state lawmakers intended for the ethics commission to have exclusive authority over this area.
Texas – Texas Republican Lawmakers May ‘Financially Handcuff’ Cities That Don’t Play by Their Rules
MSN – Joshua Fechter (Texas Tribune) | Published: 5/5/2025
Two years after Texas lawmakers enacted a sweeping law aimed at sapping authority from the state’s urban areas, GOP legislators once more advanced bills intended to stop local governments from adopting progressive policies. Republicans in the Legislature want to give the state the authority to effectively torpedo cities’ budgets if they pursue local rules that might conflict with state law, intended to deter them from adopting left-leaning ideas in the first place.
Washington – Seattle City Council to Consider Changing Ethics Code for Votes
Seattle Times – David Kroman | Published: 5/1/2025
The Seattle City Council will soon consider a law changing the city’s ethics code and making it easier for members to vote on legislation even if they have a possible financial conflict-of-interest. A year after several perceived conflicts among council members altered the path of a number of bills, the proposed change could clear the way for how this council considers laws regulating landlord-tenant relations and business in the city.
May 2, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – May 2, 2025

National/Federal Paramount Board Clears Possible Path for Settling Trump’s ’60 Minutes’ Lawsuit DNyuz – Benjamin Mullin, Lauren Hirsch, and Michael Grynbaum (New York Times) | Published: 4/29/2025 Lawyers for President Trump and Paramount, the parent of CBS News, are set to begin […]
National/Federal
Paramount Board Clears Possible Path for Settling Trump’s ’60 Minutes’ Lawsuit
DNyuz – Benjamin Mullin, Lauren Hirsch, and Michael Grynbaum (New York Times) | Published: 4/29/2025
Lawyers for President Trump and Paramount, the parent of CBS News, are set to begin mediation over a lawsuit brought by Trump that accuses “60 Minutes” of deceptively editing an interview with his 2024 Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris. Paramount’s interest in settling has dismayed CBS’s news division, in particular the “60 Minutes” staff. Legal experts have called the suit baseless and an easy victory for CBS. But Paramount is entering the talks prepared to make a deal.
Secret Deals, Foreign Investments, Presidential Policy Changes: The rise of Trump’s crypto firm
DNyuz – Eric Lipton, David Yaffee-Bellany, and Ben Protess (New York Times) | Published: 4/29/2025
Donald Trump’s return to the White House has opened lucrative new pathways for him to cash in on his power, whether through his social media company or new overseas real estate deals. But none of the Trump family’s other business endeavors pose conflicts-of-interest that compare to those that have emerged since the birth of World Liberty Financial, the cryptocurrency firm started by Trump and his sons. The president is now not only a major crypto dealer; he is also the industry’s top policy maker.
Judge Rejects Efforts to Free F.B.I. Informant Who Lied About Hunter Biden
DNyuz – Devlin Barrett (New York Times) | Published: 4/30/2025
A federal judge rejected a bid by the Justice Department to free a former FBI informant who had pleaded guilty to lying about Hunter Biden and evading his taxes, saying that nothing about the facts of the case had changed and the man might still flee if released. The longtime informant, Alexander Smirnov admitted he lied when he claimed to have information about a multimillion-dollar bribery scheme involving President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.
Civil Rights Lawyers Leave En Masse as Justice Dept. Mission Shifts
MSN – Perry Stein and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 4/28/2025
Harmeet Dhillon, the new head of the Justice Department’s civil rights division, is reshaping the office to propel President Trump’s social agenda, prompting the departure of about half of the division’s lawyers. Dhillon redirected her staff to focus on combating antisemitism, the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports, and what Trump and his allies have described as anti-Christian bias and the Democrats’ “woke ideology.” The division changed mission statements across its sections to focus less on racial discrimination and more on fighting diversity initiatives.
Drugmakers Have Spent Millions Targeting ‘Middlemen’ – and It’s Paying Off
MSN – Josh Dawsey, Kristina Peterson, and Maggie Severns (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 4/30/2025
Donald Trump’s second term has upended the business of K Street, with many industries feeling left in the cold. An exception is the drug industry’s campaign against so-called middlemen, or pharmacy-benefit managers, which manage prescription-drug benefits for health insurers. Drugmakers spent a record $31 million to lobby in Washington last year, and about $13 million in the first quarter of 2025. Millions more went to donations to political groups and ads, many of which blamed benefit managers for the high price of drugs.
Federal Campaign Finance Agency Won’t Have Enough Members to Enforce the Law
MSN – Jessica Piper (Politico) | Published: 4/30/2025
The FEC is again without enough members to take official action after a Republican commissioner announced his departure. Allen Dickerson is the second commissioner to willingly leave the agency this year, following Sean Cooksey’s resignation in January. The agency is paralyzed without a quorum and cannot vote on things like the outcomes of investigations, citing committees for campaign finance violations, and issuing advisory opinions.
Fox’s False Claims About 2020 Race Were an Audience Strategy, Smartmatic Says
MSN – Sarah Ellison and Scott Nover (Washington Post) | Published: 4/30/2025
Smartmatic accused Fox News in a court filing of embracing false claims that the voting technology company had helped steal the 2020 election for Joe Biden only after the network endured an audience backlash for calling the race in Arizona for Biden. Smartmatic, which makes voting machines and election management systems, has been engaged in a $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News and its parent company since 2021.
Trump Company Strikes Qatari Golf Resort Deal in a Sign It’s Not Holding Back from Foreign Business
MSN – Bernard Condon (Associated Press) | Published: 4/30/2025
The Trump family company struck a deal to build a luxury golf resort in Qatar in a sign it has no plans to hold back from foreign dealmaking during a second Trump administration, despite the danger of a president shaping U.S. public policy for personal financial gain. The project is the first foreign deal by the Trump Organization since Donald Trump took office and unlike any done in his first ter
Trump and GOP Ramp Up Investigations on Democrats’ Top Fundraising Platform
MSN – Maeve Reston and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 4/24/2025
President Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate fundraising platforms such as ActBlue, the central fundraising apparatus of the Democratic Party, escalating his effort to use his powers to target his political opponents and, in this case, the core machinery of the opposition party. Trump campaigned extensively on a promise to exact revenge on his political adversaries and frequently made unsubstantiated claims about corrupt Democratic fundraising practices.
Judge Blocks Part of Trump’s Order Requiring Citizenship Proof to Vote
MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 4/24/2025
A federal judge temporarily blocked election officials from implementing parts of President Trump’s executive order to require people to prove they are citizens when they fill out federal voter registration forms. The sweeping order sought to overhaul how the 2026 midterm elections are run, even though the Constitution says voting policies are to be set by the states and Congress. Democrats and voting rights groups quickly sued, leading to the preliminary injunction.
Ex-US Rep. George Santos Sentenced to Over 7 Years in Prison for Fraud and Identity Theft
MSN – Philip Marcello (Associated Press) | Published: 4/25/2025
Disgraced former U.S. Rep. George Santos was sentenced to over seven years in prison, sobbing as he learned his punishment for the crimes that led to his expulsion from Congress. Santos served in Congress barely a year before becoming just the sixth member of the House to be ousted by colleagues. He admitted to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of nearly a dozen people to fund his campaign. His plea deal included agreeing to pay roughly $580,000 in penalties.
Reporters’ Phone Records Could Again Be Searched, Justice Dept. Says
MSN – Perry Stein and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 4/25/2025
The Justice Department rescinded a Biden-era policy that prevented officials from searching reporters’ phone records when trying to identify government personnel who have leaked sensitive information to news organizations. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in an internal memo that the media should not be afforded such protections, noting leaks of government information during the Trump administration.
Elon Musk’s Conflicts of Interest: $2.37 billion in potential federal penalties, report says
MSN – Laurence Darmiento (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 4/28/2025
Elon Musk and his companies faced at least $2.37 billion in potential federal fines and penalties the day President Trump took office, according to a congressional report that highlights the possible conflicts-of-interest posed by the billionaire’s cost-cutting work in government. The memo by the minority staff of the Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations is the most exhaustive attempt yet to detail Musk’s alleged conflicts as an advisor to Trump and chief promoter of his team called the Department of Government Efficiency.
The MAGA Lobbyists Upending Washington with McDonald’s and Bear Hunting
MSN – Kristina Peterson and Maggie Severns (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 4/28/2025
Many high-profile lobbyists steered clear of Donald Trump in the days after the Capitol riot and skipped fundraising for him during the 2024 election. Now, as the Trump administration seeks to upend industries across America with tariffs and legal threats, it is also upending the business of lobbying, by rewarding loyalty and making K Street the latest battleground for Trump’s war on elites. The shift is reshaping the pecking order in Washington’s influence industry.
Grants Tie Trump’s Anti-DEI Order to Election Security Money
MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 4/29/2025
Federal election officials are suggesting states must pledge to follow President Trump’s directive curbing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs as a condition for receiving $15 million in election security funding. The new requirement has sent Democratic secretaries of state around the nation scrambling to assess the financial, legal, and operational implications of accepting the money. The dispute is complicated by the vagueness of the revised grant agreement, which some state officials fear could be turned against them.
From the States and Municipalities
Europe – European Commission Bans Lobbyists Vouching for Huawei Amid Corruption Probe
MSN – Edith Hancock (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 4/24/2025
The European Commission banned officials from meeting with lobbyists acting on behalf of Huawei Technologies after a bribery scandal rocked Brussels this year. It was reported that prosecutors suspected Huawei representatives of lobbying European Parliament members with payments, food, and travel gifts, and invitations to watch soccer matches to promote the company’s interests in the region.
Canada – In Stunning Comeback, Carney’s Liberals Win Canada’s Federal Election
MSN – Amanda Coletta (Washington Post) | Published: 4/28/2025
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals were set to win a federal election in an extraordinary comeback that was fueled in part by President Trump’s tariff policies and attacks on Canada. Just months ago, Carney’s party was headed for a potentially historic defeat. Amid the U.S. president’s trade war and threats to annex its northern neighbor, voters flocked to Carney, a political novice who led the Bank of Canada during the global financial crisis. He pitched himself as a steady hand at a destabilizing time.
Alaska – With Lawmakers’ Help, Alaska Political Donation Limits Could Come Before 2026 Election
Alaska Beacon – James Brooks | Published: 4/29/2025
Four years after a federal appeals court eliminated Alaska’s limits on campaign contributions, lawmakers took a step toward reimposing them. The House approved legislation which mirrors the language of a ballot measure slated to go before voters in 2026. Alaskans are expected to approve the upcoming measure by a wide margin, but that approval would bring new limits into effect for the 2028 elections at the earliest. If the Legislature approves a substantially similar bill, it would allow limits for the 2026 election and remove the upcoming initiative from the ballot.
Arizona – Kari Lake’s Campaign Debt Is Unlike Most Former Senate Candidates. Here’s What to Know
Arizona Republic – Ronald Hansen | Published: 4/27/2025
Kari Lake’s $1 million campaign debt to others easily exceeds that of other former U.S. Senate candidates who do not hold elected office and raises concerns about how she can repay her creditors while working for the Trump administration. Records show the Arizona Republican is one of 23 Senate candidates whose campaigns have debts totaling at least seven figures, but in most cases that is for loans the politicians owe themselves. That is not the case for Lake, who did not loan her campaign any of her own money.
Arizona – Trump Wants Voters to Prove Citizenship. Arizona Tried That and Bungled It.
MSN – Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 5/1/2025
Donald Trump and Republicans want to require voters to prove their citizenship as they claimed without proof that large numbers of noncitizens were illegally casting ballots. It is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections, and glitches with Arizona’s registration system illustrate the risks of enacting policies that may keep eligible voters from participating in the democratic process.
Florida – Tina Descovich Must Leave Ethics Commission After Senate Again Fails to Take Up Nomination
Florida Politics – Jacob Ogles | Published: 4/25/2026
The Florida Senate is again declining to take up two of Gov. Ron DeSantis’s state ethics commission appointees, including Moms for Liberty co-founder Tina Descovich. That means neither can be reappointed and must leave their posts at the end of legislative session. Descovich had been unanimously elected as Vice Chair of the Ethics Commission. But her involvement in the politically active Moms for Liberty has made her a subject of public controversy.
Hawaii – Hawai’i Lawmakers Kill Pay-to-Play Bill – Again
Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 4/25/2025
The Legislature refused to close a loophole in state law that has allowed millions of dollars to flow to Hawaii campaigns from people who get big state contracts. House Bill 371 would have prohibited donations from the executives of state and county contractors and grantees as well as their immediate family members. The bill had cruised through the session, winning a unanimous vote in both chambers. But legislative leaders injected last-minute amendments that sought to weaken the measure.
Illinois – Jury Deadlocks, Mistrial Declared in Federal Bribery Case of Sen. Emil Jones III
NPR Illinois – Hannah Meisel (Capitol News Illinois) | Published: 4/25/2025
A judge declared a mistrial in the case of Illinois Sen. Emil Jones III after a jury deadlocked over whether Jones agreed to take bribes from red-light camera entrepreneur-turned-government cooperator Omar Maani then lied to the FBI. The federal government’s wide-ranging public corruption probe first made public in 2018 has mostly resulted in elected officials either resigning or pleading guilty after being hit with charges. It is also the third high-profile public corruption trial in seven months in Illinois to end in a hung jury.
Indiana – Former Indiana Congressional Candidate Gets Prison Sentence in Campaign Finance Fraud Case
Yahoo News – Casey Smith (Indiana Capital Chronicle) | Published: 4/29/2025
Former Indiana congressional candidate Gabriel Whitley was sentenced to three months in federal prison Tuesday after he falsified campaign finance records and lied about raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions ahead of the May 2024 primary. “We need to have confidence in the process and the integrity of the system, even if the political candidate doesn’t have that same integrity,” said U.S. District Court Judge James Sweeney.
Kentucky – Former Kentucky Secretary of State Wins Ethics Case
Yahoo News – Jack Brammer (Kentucky Lantern) | Published: 4/29/2025
After years of legal wrangling, former Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes is free of any state ethics violation charges. The Executive Branch Ethics Commission, which brought charges against her in 2021, has decided not to appeal a decision by the Court of Appeals that cleared Grimes of any wrongdoing. The end of the legal case could open the door for a possible run for another political office.
Michigan – Hall Calls for Oversight Committee Investigation into Michigan’s New Campaign Finance Portal
Yahoo News – Kyke Davidson (Michigan Advance) | Published: 4/30/2025
As the Michigan Department of State works to transition its campaign finance data into another system, Speaker Matt Hall is slamming the new platform, prompting the House Oversight Committee to look into how the funding for the system was being spent. The department launched its new personal financial disclosure system on March 14, 2025, and has faced criticism since its launch from reporters, campaigns, and transparency advocates.
Minnesota – Ethics Panel: MN Senate President must disclose possible future conflicts
Yahoo News – Alex Derosier (Pioneer Press) | Published: 4/24/2025
The Senate Subcommittee on Ethics advised Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion to disclose potential conflicts-of-interest in future bills he sponsors. Though in that same motion, the panel made no finding on whether Champion had a conflict when he carried a 2023 bill that gave state money to a nonprofit whose founder he had done free legal work for in the past.
Nevada – Wife of Top Clark County Official on Team of Lucrative Government Project
MSN – Mary Hynes (Las Vegas Review-Journal) | Published: 5/1/2025
The wife of a key Clark County public works official is part of a team that received a multi-million-dollar contract from the department, fueling concerns about a potential conflict-of-interest in the bidding process and a failure of transparency in the use of public funds. The county awarded a $10 million construction management contract to Diversified Consulting Services, which teamed up on its proposal with Rock Solid Project Solutions. Rock Solid is owned by Raquel Floyd, the wife of Jimmy Floyd, who heads the county’s construction management division and managed the bidding process.
New York – Cuomo Won’t Release Consulting Clients from His Time Out of Public Eye
MSN – Joe Anuta (Politico) | Published: 4/28/2025
New York City mayoral front-runner Andrew Cuomo is pledging to recuse himself, if elected, from potential conflicts-of-interest stemming from his recent legal consulting business. Yet he refuses to disclose his clients, making his guarantee impossible to verify. As the former governor seeks to take over a City Hall beset by corruption scandals, he is effectively setting up an honor system on his promise to avoid conflicts that could arise if his clients at Innovation Strategies have business before the administration.
New York – Andrew Cuomo Is Whispering to His Super PAC
MSN – Jeff Coltin (Politico) | Published: 4/28/2025
New York City mayoral campaigns are not allowed to strategize with super PACs that support their candidates, but Andrew Cuomo has found a way around that. With significantly less cash on hand than he had hoped due to a paperwork error, the Democratic frontrunner is relying on a legal practice known as redboxing to communicate his preferred messaging to anyone reading the fine print at the bottom of his website. If the reader happens to work for a super PAC backing Cuomo, that messaging could find its way into the ads the group is airing on his behalf.
New York – For a Yonkers Political Dynasty, a Succession of Blurred Lines
New York Focus – Chris Bragg | Published: 4/30/2025
Nick Spano faced potential ruin when he was sentenced to prison in 2012 as clients fled his Albany-based lobbying firm. But his younger brother, Mike, had just been elected mayor of New York’s third-largest city. In the years since, Nick Spano’s lobbying firm has been resurrected. His client list has swelled with nearly two dozen companies and interest groups that have business before his brother’s administration.
Yahoo News – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 4/30/2025
Mayor Eric Adams’ federal corruption indictment is dead, but New York City’s Campaign Finance Board is not forgetting about it. The board will continue to deny Adams’ reelection campaign $4 million in public matching funds due to his indictment, as it still has “reason to believe” he and his team broke “various” federal and local laws despite the controversial dismissal of his case, according to communications obtained by the New York Daily News.
North Carolina – North Carolina Judges Block GOP Law to Strip Governor’s Election Board Powers
MSN – Gary Robertson and Makiya Seminera (Associated Press) | Published: 4/24/2025
North Carolina trial judges threw out another Republican attempt to strip the governor of his authority to appoint State Board of Elections members, declaring a law shifting the task to the state auditor is unconstitutional. The governor picks the five board members, three of whom are traditionally members of the governor’s party. Appointments are made from candidates provided by the two major parties. The latest law would have given the responsibility to new GOP Auditor Dave Boliek, with the expectation that Republicans would assume a majority on the board.
Ohio – Judge Grants Immunity to Ex-FirstEnergy Officials, Clearing Path to Testimony on Bribes
MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 4/24/2025
A judge gave legal immunity to four former FirstEnergy officials, all ousted amid criminal investigations into the company’s two bribery schemes of state officials, clearing the way for them to testify to state regulators. The three lobbyists – Joel Bailey, Justin Biltz, and Ty Pine – plus ex-senior vice president Dennis Chack, all previously invoked their constitutional rights against self-incrimination and refused to testify to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio about their own and others’ involvement in the passage of House Bill 6.
Oregon – Two Former OLCC Employees Settle Ethics Investigation in Rare Bourbon Scandal
Salem Statesman Journal – Dianne Lugo | Published: 4/25/2025
Two former Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) employees will each pay a $500 fine for their role in the 2023 rare bourbon scandal, according to final orders issued by the Government Ethics Commission. The commission voted to penalize former budget director Bill Schuette and former information services director Jon-Kai Nakashima as part of a settlement of the commission’s investigation into OLCC executives using their positions for exclusive access to rare bottles of bourbon.
Texas – Fight Over ‘Truth’ in AI Political Ads Heats Up as Texas House Passes Transparency Bill
MSN – Nolan McCaskill (Dallas Morning News) | Published: 4/30/2025
The Texas House passed a bill that would ban the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in political ads “with the intent to influence an election” unless the ad conveys that what is portrayed did not occur in reality. House Bill 366 would require the disclosure of political advertising that uses generative AI technology to alter images, audio, or video of an officeholder or candidate.
Washington – New Washington Energy Chair’s Industry Ties Raise Ethics Question
Cascade PBS – Brandon Block | Published: 4/30/2025
Kurt Beckett’s work at Strategies 360, a Seattle lobbying and public relations firm where he served as chief operating officer, has provided potential conflicts-of-interest in his new job as chairperson of Washington’s Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council. Some have questioned Beckett’s close ties to permit applicants and whether any safeguards prevent him from influencing his former clients’ projects behind the scenes.
Washington – Spending on Lobbying in Washington State Has Doubled in a Decade. What’s It Buying?
KUOW – Scott Greenstone | Published: 4/25/2025
There were nearly 1,000 lobbyists in Washington state last year. That is more than six for every lawmaker. In the last decade, money spent lobbying in Washington rose more steadily than other U.S. states that track lobbying money, from around $41 million in 2014 to more than $90 million last year. Colorado is the only other state that tracks lobbying spending where it steadily grew to more than double in the same time.
Wisconsin – Wisconsin Supreme Court Suspends Judge Accused of Aiding Man Avoid Immigration Authorities
MSN – Vanessa Swales and Daniel Bice (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) | Published: 4/30/2025
The Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended a judge charged with two federal counts on allegations of trying to help an undocumented immigrant avoid arrest after he appeared in her courtroom. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan is accused of trying to help Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented Mexican immigrant, avoid arrest by federal immigration officials after he appeared for a pretrial conference.
Wyoming – BLM Wyoming Director on Leave After Probe Finds Ethics Violations
WyoFile – Katie Klingsporn | Published: 4/30/2025
Wyoming’s Bureau of Land Management state director was placed on administrative leave after a federal investigation found he violated ethics regulations. The investigation found Andrew Archuleta accepted a gift of dinner and drinks, misused his assistant’s time when he asked her to make travel arrangements for his girlfriend, and drove his girlfriend to and from Buffalo in a government vehicle.
April 25, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 25, 2025

National/Federal After Harvard, Liberal Donors and Groups Fear New Scrutiny from Trump DNyuz – Theodore Schleifer and Lisa Friedman (New York Times) | Published: 4/17/2025 The close-knit world of liberal donors and the nonprofit groups they support are worried that President Trump […]
National/Federal
After Harvard, Liberal Donors and Groups Fear New Scrutiny from Trump
DNyuz – Theodore Schleifer and Lisa Friedman (New York Times) | Published: 4/17/2025
The close-knit world of liberal donors and the nonprofit groups they support are worried that President Trump could go after their assets or their tax-exempt status. Trump confirmed he was potentially seeking to pull Harvard’s tax-exempt status, in an apparent act of retaliation for the university’s refusal to bow to a long list of demands. And he said there “could be” others. while some of these donors and their allied groups have cozied up to the Trump administration, more of them have worked diligently to lie low, de-emphasizing viewpoints that could attract scrutiny.
Appeals Court Panel Hears Arguments on AP’s Access to White House
MSN – Hassan Ali Kanu (Politico) | Published: 4/17/2025
A federal appeals court panel appeared skeptical at a hearing of the Trump administration’s request that it immediately lift a lower court’s order restoring the Associated Press to the White House press pool. The panel seemed wary of the administration’s arguments that they must immediately intervene in the case, saying there was not a risk of some imminent harm, especially since the Associated Press already had a longstanding, permanent slot in the small group of reporters who get access to the Oval Office and other White House spaces.
DOJ Questions Science Journal About Bias, Triggering Free Speech Concerns
MSN – Mark Johnson (Washington Post) | Published: 4/18/2025
The acting U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia sent a letter to the editor of a scientific journal for chest doctors, implying the journal was partisan and asking a series of questions about how the publication protects the public from misinformation, whether it included competing viewpoints, and whether it was influenced by funders. Free speech experts raised alarm over the letter. “The government has no authority under the First Amendment to regulate the editorial decisions of publications, and the letter suggests that’s what Martin intends to do,” said David Snyder, executive director of the First Amendment Coalition.
The Supreme Court Could Be Poised to Hobble the Trump Resistance
MSN – Hassan Ali Kanu and Erica Orden (Politico) | Published: 4/21/2025
The Supreme Court scheduled oral arguments on the extent of lower court judges’ power to block a president’s policies nationwide. If the high court grants the Trump administration’s request to limit or lift three nationwide injunctions blocking the president’s bid to end birthright citizenship, it could cripple the ability of Trump’s opponents to seek, and judges’ ability to grant, such blocks entirely.
Wife of Former Senator Bob Menendez Found Guilty in Corruption Case
MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 4/21/2025
The wife of former U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez was found guilty of helping her husband generate a steady flow of bribes and gifts that totaled about $1 million and included gold bars, cash, and a luxury car. Nadine Menendez was convicted of bribery, obstruction of justice, conspiracy to commit those crimes, and related counts. She faces the possibility of decades in prison.
Politically Connected Firms Benefit from Trump Tariff Exemptions Amid Secrecy, Confusion
MSN – Robert Faturechi (ProPublica) | Published: 4/22/2025
Critics say the Trump administration’s process for crafting its tariff policy has been opaque. Major stakeholders are in the dark about why certain products face levies and others do not. Tariff rates have been altered without any clear explanation for the changes. Administration officials have given conflicting messages about the tariffs or declined to answer questions at all. The lack of transparency about the process has created concerns among trade experts that politically connected firms might be winning carve-outs behind closed doors.
The Top Producer at ’60 Minutes’ Has Quit. He Says He Can No Longer Run the Show as He Always Has
MSN – David Bauder (Associated Press) | Published: 4/22/2025
With his show involved in a bitter dispute with President Trump, the top executive at the storied CBS News show “60 Minutes”, Bill Owens, abruptly resigned while saying he is losing the freedom to run it independently. Trump sued “60 Minutes” for $20 billion last fall, claiming it deceptively edited an interview with Kamala Harris. CBS denied it had done anything to give an advantage to Harris and released the full transcript of its interview.
Watchdog Agency Tells Fired Workers They Have No Legal Basis for Complaints
MSN – Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 4/21/2025
The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) told thousands of probationary federal workers it will not pursue their complaints about their firings. The decision was a reversal of the position of the previous head of the independent office, who was fired by President Trump. The watchdog agency said it does not have the purview to pursue the complaints made by more than 2,000 federal employees. It acknowledged many of the workers disputed the poor performance that was cited in their removals. But the OSC said it was impossible for them to challenge the firings as unlawful.
Jury Finds New York Times Didn’t Defame Sarah Palin
MSN – Corinne Ramey and Isabella Simonetti (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 4/22/2025
A federal jury rejected former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s claims that the New York Times defamed her in an editorial about gun violence. The verdict of not liable was the same conclusion a previous jury had reached in 2022 during the first trial in the case. The Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last year ordered a new trial, finding the judge acted improperly when he said, during jury deliberations, that he planned to dismiss the case.
Two Major Law Firms Urge Judges to Permanently Block Trump’s Executive Orders
MSN – Eric Tucker (Associated Press) | Published: 4/23/2025
A federal judge expressed deep skepticism over President Trump’s executive order targeting a prominent law firm, signaling she was inclined to grant a request to permanently block its enforcement. U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell grilled a Justice Department lawyer over the government’s plans to suspend security clearances from lawyers at the firm of Perkins Coie and pressed him to explain why the Trump administration was forcing law firms to disavow the use of diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations in its hiring practices.
Elon Musk Had the Government in His Grasp. Then It Unraveled.
MSN – Dan Diamond, Faiz Siddiqui, Trisha Thadani, and Jeff Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 4/24/2025
Elon Musk has had numerous confrontations with top Trump administration appointees in a three-month government stint that has been peppered with controversy. He has rebuked officials such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and economic adviser Peter Navarro. He also alienated Trump aides with unscripted remarks and abrupt edicts, forcing political appointees to scramble to explain his decisions. With Tesla battered by declining sales, Musk told investors his “time allocation to [the Department of Government Efficiency] will drop significantly,” though he added he will probably stay involved.
From the States and Municipalities
Arizona – Cannabis Company Alleges Gov. Hobbs’ Aide Improperly Intervened in Marijuana License Case
Arizona Capitol Times – Kiera Riley | Published: 4/19/2025
Arizona Wellness Center Springerville filed a lawsuit against state public health department officials, the governor, and her chief of staff, accusing them of improperly issuing a dual-use cannabis license after the statutory deadline to Arizona’s largest cannabis retailer. The company and Cave claim Gov. Katie Hobbs’ chief of staff, Chad Campbell, coordinated with a lobbyist for the cannabis retailer Trulieve to grant a dual license to one of its subsidiaries despite past court orders finding it unlawful to grant a license after the deadline.
California – Former L.A. Councilmember Kevin de León Faces Ethics Fine for Voting on Issues in Which He Had a Financial Stake
MSN – Ben Poston (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 4/19/2025
Former Los Angeles Councilperson Kevin de León is facing an $18,750 ethics fine for voting on council decisions in which he had a financial interest and for failing to disclose income. A report from the city Ethics Commission said that in 2020 and 2021, De León voted on three city council issues that benefited the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and one that helped the University of Southern California, all decisions that were made less than a year after he received income from each.
California – Another Top Staffer Quits Oakland Public Ethics Commission
MSN – Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) | Published: 4/17/2025
Nicolas Heidorn, executive director of the Oakland Public Ethics Commission, is leaving his post in July. Heidorn is the second high-level staffer to leave the agency in recent months. Last September, Simon Russell, the commission’s enforcement chief, announced he was resigning and criticized city officials for refusing to give his team more resources, despite repeated warnings that his staff are overwhelmed with work.
California – $5K in a Coffee Mug: Indictment details Bay Area developers’ alleged bribe to elected official
MSN – Bob Egelko and Molly Burke (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 4/23/2025
The owners of a Bay Area housing development firm, David Sanson and his son, Trent Sanson, were charged with offering bribes to an Antioch City Council member to win approval for a residential project. Prosecutors said Trent Sanson met with the council member and said his father was willing to pay $10,000 to put the project on the council’s agenda and win approval. He told the council member his father would likely give them $5,000 in cash and another $5,000 as a donation to a political action committee or as an independent expenditure.
California – Top S.F. Official Ousted After Probe Finds Misconduct, ‘Unlawful Activities’
MSN – Michael Barba (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 4/23/2025
A city commission voted to remove a beleaguered official from her post after an administrative investigation found she committed what San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie described as misconduct and “unlawful activities.” Kimberly Ellis, director of the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women, faced a months-long investigation for secretly working a side job for a political group and directing city money to her friends.
Colorado Politics – Marianne Goodland | Published: 4/22/2025
House Bill 1079, which would add school and special districts to the jurisdiction of Colorado’s Independent Ethics Commission, was approved by the House Appropriations Committee. Under the bill, the commission would handle complaints tied to members of 178 school boards and board members for 2,713 special districts, covering fire, water, sanitation, metropolitan, hospitals, libraries, and others. That would also extend to “direct hires” of those boards, such as district directors and school superintendents.
Florida – The $10M Steered to Hope Florida by the State was Medicaid Money, Document Shows
MSN – Alexandra Glorioso and Lawrence Mower (Tampa Bay Times) | Published: 4/23/2025
The $10 million that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s administration diverted to a state-created charity last year consisted of Medicaid dollars owed to state and federal taxpayers, contrary to what the governor and other officials have publicly asserted. The administration sent the $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation, a charity overseen by first lady Casey DeSantis. The money was then sent to two nonprofits that are not required to report how they spend their funds. Those dark money groups later gave $8.5 million to a political committee overseen by the governor’s chief of staff.
Florida – Man Detained in Florida on Immigration Hold Despite Being Citizen, Lawyer Says
MSN – Vivian Ho (Washington Post) | Published: 4/18/2025
Florida authorities detained a U.S.-born citizen on the charge of entering the state as an “unauthorized alien,” forcing him to spend more than 24 hours in a county jail on an immigration hold, despite the man having proof of his citizenship through his birth certificate and social security card. His lawyers said Juan Lopez-Gomez was arrested under a law that was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in February but was temporarily blocked in federal court.
Hawaii – Hawai’I County Moves to Adopt Nepotism Rules for Government Employees
Honolulu Civil Beat – Chad Blair | Published: 4/21/2025
It was an awkward moment for the Hawaii County Council as the board was considering the mayor’s nomination of Rebecca Inaba to serve on the island’s Leeward Planning Commission. The discomfort had nothing to do with her qualifications, experience, or reputation. The issue was that Inaba is the mother of the council chair, Holeka Goro Inaba. That same morning the council considered legislation to update the county code to prohibit nepotism.
Idaho – Woman Seeks $5M in Damages After Removal from GOP Town Hall for Heckling
MSN – Daniel Wu (Washington Post) | Published: 4/22/2025
An Idaho woman who was dragged out of a local Republican town hall in February by private security guards for heckling lawmakers is seeking $5 million in damages after the confrontation drew widespread attention and led city officials to press criminal charges against the guards. Video of plainclothes guards hauling Teresa Borrenpohl out of her seat and forcing her to the ground in an auditorium went viral as stories emerged across the country of constituents speaking out against Republican policies in town halls. Critics saw Borrenpohl’s ejection as an assault on free speech.
Indiana – Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith Signs No-Bid Contract with Law Firm Closely Tied to His Church
Indianapolis Star – Haleigh Columbo | Published: 4/24/2025
Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith’s office signed a no-bid contract with a law firm that is closely affiliated with Life Church, the church where Beckwith still serves as a pastor, a move that has raised red flags for ethics experts and lawmakers. Multiple ethics experts questioned the optics of awarding a no-bid contract to a company that has close ties to Beckwith’s other employer. Adler Attorneys’ chief executive officer, Raymond Adler, is a member of the church, and another attorney at the firm serves on the church’s board of directors. The law firm has also recently represented Life Church in municipal government matters.
Iowa – House Ethics Committee Reprimands Group for Claiming Lawmaker Was a Former Stripper
Iowa Capital Dispatch – Robin Opsahl | Published: 4/23/2025
The Iowa House Ethics Committee voted to publicly reprimand members of the “Bitches Get Stuff Done” organization for publishing content online claiming state Rep. Samantha Fett was a “former stripper.” Fett told the committee she filed the complaint because the group was registered to lobby lawmakers. “When you do register as a lobbyist, you agree to operate at a higher level of professionalism, under rules,” Fett said.
Louisiana – While Facing Ethics Charges, Landry Pushes Overhaul of Investigation Process
Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 4/23/2025
Gov. Jeff Landry wants to reform the Louisiana Board of Ethics’ investigation process. The changes Landry seeks would make it easier for subjects of an ethics complaint – like he is – to avoid charges or a probe into their alleged wrongdoing. House Bill 397 also loosens limits on elected officials and state employees’ state travel, weakens restrictions on government contracts with public officials and their families, and reduces requirements for elected officials and candidates’ disclosure of financial interests.
Maine – Judge Denies Laurel Libby’s Request to Immediately Restore Her Right to Vote in Maine House
Yahoo News – Rachel Ohm (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 4/18/2025
A federal judge denied a request from Rep. Laurel Libby to immediately restore her speaking and voting rights on the floor of the Maine House of Representatives. Libby was censured by House Democrats in February after she used a Facebook post to criticize a transgender athlete’s high school track championship and shared photos of the student without their consent.
Mississippi – House Speaker Jason White, Staff Treated to Super Bowl by Gambling Giant Pushing for Legalized Betting
MSN – Michael Goldberg and Taylor Vance (Mississippi Today) | Published: 4/23/2025
The sports gambling lobby has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on Mississippi politicians trying to convince them to legalize mobile sports betting. Part of that effort was a trip to the Super Bowl in New Orleans this year for House Speaker Jason White, his staff, and two of their spouses. The trip was paid for, at least in part, by DraftKings, which has lobbied for legal online betting. Thanks to a loophole in Mississippi’s lobbying laws, there is no public account of the expensive weekend in lobbying reports that are supposed to document spending on behalf of state employees.
Missouri – Missouri Campaign Watchdog Is Once Again Unable to Function Due to Vacancies
Yahoo News – Rebecca Rivas (Missouri Independent) | Published: 4/22/2025
Seventeen complaints have been dismissed in the more than 100 business days since the Missouri Ethic Commission last had enough members to reach a quorum. It is the second time in less than a year that the commission has not had enough members to enforce campaign finance and ethics laws. In January, former Gov. Mike Parson withdrew two commissioners who he appointed months earlier but who had not yet been confirmed by the Senate. That left only two of the six seats on the commission filled. The last time the commission had enough members to meet was November 20.
Nevada – Nevada Lawmakers Often Fail to Disclose Rental Property Income, Point to Confusing Forms
Nevada Independent – Tabitha Mueller and Eric Neugeboren | Published: 4/20/2025
One-third of Nevada lawmakers who report owning rental properties did not disclose receiving income from them, which could be a violation of campaign finance disclosure laws if they are making money from them. But most of the lawmakers said the omission was an accident or a result of not taking income from the properties. A review of financial disclosure forms shows Nevada’s stipulations for filing are not always clear-cut to lawmakers or detailed about how to report rental income, leaving room for errors.
New Jersey – Racketeering Charges Against George Norcross Should Be Reinstated, N.J. Prosecutors Tell Appeals Court
MSN – Andrew Seidman (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 4/22/2025
State prosecutors urged an appeals court to reinstate criminal racketeering charges against New Jersey power broker George Norcross III, arguing a judge erred in dismissing the indictment without reviewing evidence that was presented to the grand jury. In his decision, prosecutors said Mercer County Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw effectively threw out five months of work by the grand jury, which heard 2,000 pages of testimony and hundreds of exhibits, and reached determinations about Norcross’ motivations through a faulty analysis.
New York – Federal Prosecutors in Eric Adams Case Resign After Being Put on Administrative Leave
MSN – Erica Orden (Politico) | Published: 4/22/2025
Three of the Manhattan federal prosecutors who worked on the criminal case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams resigned, accusing the Justice Department of trying to force them to admit wrongdoing in connection with their resistance to dropping the charges. The prosecutors, Celia Cohen, Andrew Rohrbach, and Derek Wikstrom, had been placed on administrative leave after they, along with the then-acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, balked at accepting the Justice Department’s orders to drop the corruption case against the mayor.
North Carolina – North Carolina Judges Weigh GOP Law Shifting Election Board Control Away from Democratic Governor
MSN – Gary Robertson (Associated Press) | Published: 4/16/2025
Judges in North Carolina heard arguments from attorneys for Republican legislative leaders who insist their latest method to attempt to wrest control of the State Board of Elections from a Democratic governor is lawful, this time giving the job of appointing members to the GOP state auditor. But lawyers for Gov. Josh Stein, who sued to stop the changes approved by the General Assembly and begin in earnest in May, contend the alteration suffers constitutional flaws similar to those that caused courts to strike down previous GOP attempts.
North Dakota – North Dakota House Passes Campaign Finance Bill Changing Deadlines, Donor Disclosures
Fargo Forum – Grant Coursey (Bismarck Tribune) | Published: 4/18/2025
The North Dakota House passed a number of changes to campaign finance disclosures. The version passed by the House solidifies reporting deadlines for political candidates, district parties and committees so they are based on dates instead of a certain number of days before or after an election, with the exception of special elections, among other changes.
North Dakota – Ethics Commissioners Say Bill Would Impose an Arbitrary Cutoff for Investigations
Yahoo News – Mary Steuer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 4/17/2025
The North Dakota Ethics Commission fears changes approved by state lawmakers could allow alleged ethical violations by public officials to go unaddressed. The House voted to approve a number of amendments to the commission’s budget, Senate Bill 2004, which included a new provision requiring the commission to dismiss ethics complaints older than 180 days. If the bill is signed into law, it would take effect immediately.
MSN – Tyler Carey (WKYC) | Published: 4/21/2025
Kent State University asked the Ohio Attorney General’s Office to investigate head football coach Kenni Burns earlier this year, and its findings eventually contributed to Burns’ recent firing. The probe found Burns accepted a loan of more than $100,000 from Kent State booster and area restaurant owner Mike Awad, and while Burns was found to have paid the money back, the transaction was found to “highly likely” be a violation of Ohio ethics laws.
Oregon – OLCC Manager Who Diverted Bottles of Elmer T. Lee Bourbon Back on the Job
MSN – Noelle Crombie (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 4/21/2025
Brian Flemming, the retail services manager for the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) who diverted sought-after Elmer T. Lee bourbon for himself, a colleague, and his bosses is back on the job after two years on leave. The allegations that Flemming used his position and insider knowledge of the state’s liquor inventory for his own benefit mirror the findings of a previous human resources investigation into six high-ranking OLCC executives. Those top managers were reprimanded and later resigned or were fired.
Pennsylvania – How the Restoration of Philly’s Historic 30th St. Station Became a Corruption Bonanza
MSN – Andrew Seidman and Chris Palmer (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 4/24/2025
In 2018, Amtrak officials invited the media to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia for a tour of the rail operator’s work on a yearslong project to restore the historic building’s facade. Although the taxpayer-funded project’s cost had nearly doubled to $109 million, the price tag was worth it, said Ajith Bhaskaran, the Amtrak manager overseeing the project, “because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do this work.” What Bhaskaran did not say at the time was that in exchange for signing off on all the extra work, he seized an opportunity to line his own pockets.
Tennessee – Corruption Trial of Ex-House Speaker Casada, Aide Cothren Starts This Week. What to Know
Yahoo News – Evan Mealins (Nashville Tennessean) | Published: 4/21/2025
After more than three years of investigation, ex-Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his former top aide Cade Cothren are on trial, facing 20 fraud-related charges that could lead to decades in prison. Several current and former state legislators, and alleged co-conspirator Robin Smith are expected to testify that Casada and Cothren orchestrated a scheme to take advantage of a state-funded mailer program through a shadowy company organized under a fake persona.
Washington – Seattle Council Sends Democracy Voucher Renewal to August Ballot
Seattle Times – David Kroman | Published: 4/23/2025
Voters will decide this August whether to continue with Seattle’s experiment in taxpayer-funded Democracy Vouchers that have helped finance the campaigns of local candidates since 2017. The city council signed off on Mayor Bruce Harrell’s proposed 10-year, $45 million renewal, officially sending the question to the ballot this summer. If approved, the average Seattle homeowner would spend around $13 a year in property taxes on the program.
Washington – As in D.C., a Fight Breaks Out in Washington State Over Who Gets Access to Lawmakers
Spokane Public Radio – Daniel Walters (InvestigateWest) | Published: 4/20/2025
The White House Correspondents’ Association condemned the Trump administration’s move in February to handpick the reporters who get access to the White House, stripping that power from the association. But just eight days later, Washington state’s own Capitol Correspondents Association willingly chose to give up its own influence over which reporters get access to the Legislature, handing that gatekeeping role solely to the same lawmakers they cover.
Wisconsin – Wisconsin Governor Can Lock in 400-Year School Funding Increase Using a Veto, Court Says
MSN – Scott Bauer (Associated Press) | Published: 4/18/2025
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ creative use of his uniquely powerful veto to lock in a school funding increase for 400 years may be “attention grabbing,” but it was constitutional, the state Supreme Court ruled. The ruling affirms the partial veto power of Wisconsin governors, which is the broadest of any state. Wisconsin is the only state where governors can partially veto spending bills by striking words, numbers, and punctuation to create new meaning or spending amounts.
April 18, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 18, 2025

National/Federal Greene Bought Market Dip Before Trump Paused Tariffs, Profiting from the Rally DNyuz – Annie Karni (New York Times) | Published: 4/14/2025 Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene disclosed she purchased between tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of stock on […]
National/Federal
Greene Bought Market Dip Before Trump Paused Tariffs, Profiting from the Rally
DNyuz – Annie Karni (New York Times) | Published: 4/14/2025
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene disclosed she purchased between tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of stock on April 8 and 9, the day before and the day of President Trump’s announcement that he was pausing a sweeping set of global tariffs, a pivot that sent the stock market soaring out of a sizable slump. The report came as Democrats in Congress have demanded investigations of whether the president’s moves on trade might have been aimed at manipulating the market and giving his allies a lucrative opportunity for insider trading.
At the Supreme Court, the Trump Agenda Is Always an ‘Emergency’
DNyuz – Abbie VanSickle (New York Times) | Published: 4/10/2025
The Trump administration has in recent weeks asked the Supreme Court to allow it to end birthright citizenship, to freeze more than a billion dollars in foreign aid, and to permit the deportation of Venezuelans to a prison in El Salvador without due process. In each case, the administration told the justices the request was an emergency. Traditionally reserved for clearly urgent matters, most often requests for stays of execution for people sentenced to death, they are now the favored path to challenge so-called nationwide injunctions, where a single federal judge issues a ruling that affects not only the parties to a case but the entire nation.
House Passes Voter Registration Bill That Would Require Proof of Citizenship
MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 4/10/2025
House Republicans passed legislation aimed at stopping noncitizens from voting in federal elections, a priority pursued by President Trump. Known as the SAVE Act, it would require people to provide proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote. Democrats have railed against the bill, particularly its limits on acceptable forms of identification, which they say would make it difficult for married women who have changed their last names to register. The real goal, some Democrats say, is to disenfranchise Americans.
MSN – Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 4/12/2025
President Trump has paused enforcement of an anti-corruption statute barring U.S. companies from bribing foreign officials, but the Justice Department said recently it will move forward on one pending case involving an old target of the president and his allies. Government lawyers said they intend to continue their prosecution of two executives at the voting machine company Smartmatic who were charged last year in an alleged bribery scheme involving payoffs to win business in the Philippines.
Some DOGE Staffers Hold High-Powered Jobs at Multiple Federal Agencies
MSN – Faiz Siddiqui and Jacob Bogage (Washington Post) | Published: 4/14/2025
Some Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staff members have jobs in as many as seven federal offices. The unorthodox practice affords trusted acolytes of Elon Musk authority across broad swaths of government, as well as access to an array of confidential information. Because their jobs are embedded within agencies, the DOGE staffers have far more influence than those who might have worked collaboratively across government before, and their positions raise the possibility that even if Musk leaves government service at the end of May, as he has suggested, his allies will still have power, potentially for years to come.
‘Nothing But a Pattern’: Ethics advocates alarmed by delay for House watchdog
MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 4/14/2025
More than three months into the 119th Congress, House leaders have not yet appointed board members of the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC), hamstringing the ethics office and its mission. Failure to appoint the board of the OCC, an independent, nonpartisan office that reviews allegations of misconduct against House lawmakers and staff, is alarming on its own, according to some transparency advocates. But they also see a larger trend during the second administration of Donald Trump, as other ethics and accountability bodies come under fire.
Harvard Hit with $2.2 Billion Funding Freeze After Rejecting Trump’s Demands
MSN – Susan Svrluga (Washington Post) | Published: 4/14/2025
The Trump administration announced it would block Harvard University from receiving $2.2 billion in federal grants and $60 million in contracts after the school rejected demands to adopt new policies on student and faculty conduct and admissions. The administration’s demands are part of a crackdown on what it calls rampant antisemitism and leftist ideology on college campuses. The university was the first to formally push back against the government’s efforts to force change in higher education.
DNC Leader Announces Plans to Primary Members of His Own Party
MSN – Dylan Wells (Washington Post) | Published: 4/15/2025
A group dedicated to electing young progressives co-founded by David Hogg, the vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, is launching a $20 million effort to primary “out-of-touch, ineffective” incumbent House Democrats. Leaders We Deserve, the organization founded by Hogg and Kevin Lata, who was the campaign manager for the first Gen Z member of Congress, Rep. Maxwell Frost, will target representatives they do not view as meeting the moment in an effort to force generational change in the Democratic Party.
Justice Department Must Provide Details of Attempts to Return Illegally Deported Man, Judge Says
MSN – Steve Thompson and Katie Mettler (Washington Post) | Published: 4/15/2025
A federal judge said she will require the Trump administration to produce records and sworn answers about the U.S. government’s attempts, or lack thereof, to return a Maryland resident who was apprehended by immigration authorities and illegally sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador. The decision from U.S. District Court Judge Paula Xinis, where she left open the possibility of a contempt ruling against the Trump administration, marks another escalation in the legal showdown with the White House.
Judge Boasberg to Launch Contempt Proceedings into Trump Administration
MSN – Marianne LeVine, Spencer Hsu, Salvador Rizzo, and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 4/16/2025
Chief U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg said he would launch proceedings to determine whether any Trump administration officials defied his order not to remove Venezuelan migrants from the country based on the wartime Alien Enemies Act and should face criminal contempt charges. Boasberg’s order is the latest development in a broader showdown between the administration and the federal judiciary, which has blocked or slowed many of the White House’s far-reaching actions.
Rubio Shuts State Dept. Foreign Disinformation Office, Citing Censorship
MSN – Adam Taylor (Washington Post) | Published: 4/16/2025
Secretary of State Marco Rubio the State Department is closing an office designed to counter foreign disinformation, saying the effort had “spent millions of dollars to actively silence and censor the voices of Americans.” The closure of the Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference office marks a win for conservatives who claimed they were targeted by government-sponsored disinformation efforts.
White House Starting New Media Policy Sharply Curtailing Wire Service Access
MSN – David Bauder (Associated Press) | Published: 4/16/2025
The Associated Press (AP) says a new White House media policy violates a court order by giving the administration sole discretion over who gets to question President Trump, and the news agency asked a federal judge to enforce that order. U.S. District Court Judge Trevor McFadden said the White House had violated the AP’s free speech by banning it from certain presidential events because Trump disagreed with the outlet’s decision not to rename the Gulf of Mexico.
Supreme Court Will Review Trump’s Attempt to Ban Birthright Citizenship
MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 4/17/2025
The Supreme Court said it will review President Trump’s attempt to ban automatic U.S. citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants and foreign visitors, scheduling a special court session for May 15. The administration had asked the justices to lift or narrow nationwide orders blocking Trump’s birthright citizenship executive action, which Democratic-led states and immigrant advocacy organizations say is at odds with past court rulings and the Constitution.
Sarah Palin, New York Times to Face Off in Defamation Retrial
Yahoo News – Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) | Published: 4/10/2025
Sarah Palin and the New York Times are headed back to a courtroom where the former Alaska governor and Republican vice-presidential candidate will try convincing a second jury the newspaper defamed her in an editorial about gun control. Palin lost her first trial against the Times and former editorial page editor James Bennet in 2022. But last August, an appeals court found the verdict tainted by several rulings by the presiding judge and ordered a retrial.
From the States and Municipalities
Canada – Former Ontario Mayor Dubbed ‘Mr. X’ Banned from Lobbying Province for 2 Years
Yahoo News – Adam Carter (CBC) | Published: 4/17/2025
Former Clarington Mayor John Mutton, who Ontario’s integrity commissioner identified as “Mr. X” in a scathing report about the removal of land from the Greenbelt, was banned from lobbying the provincial government for two years. “Mr. Mutton’s several failures to register, use of contingency fees, and disregard of the conflict-of-interest prohibition undermine the [law’s] purpose of transparency and public confidence in the independence of public sector decision making,” says a report from Integrity Commissioner J. David Wake.
California – SF Will Let Nonprofits Report Less About Themselves Due to Fears of Political Attacks
KQED – Katie DeBenedetti | Published: 4/15/2025
San Francisco supervisors voted unanimously to ease easing financial reporting requirements for city-funded nonprofits. The changes are intended to protect employees at nonprofits, particularly those who serve the LGBTQIA+ community and survivors of domestic violence. One government ethics expert worried that rolling back the disclosures could make the city more vulnerable to financial mismanagement, an issue that has plagued its departments and nonprofits for years.
California – California’s Lieutenant Governor Leases Offices to the State. What If She’s Elected Governor?
MSN – Alexei Koseff (CalMatters) | Published: 4/11/2025
Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, who earns millions of dollars annually from extensive property investments, says she will put some of her holdings into a blind trust if she is elected governor of California. Her portfolio includes downtown Sacramento office buildings that rent to dozens of organizations with business before the state and at least three state agencies. Which of those assets would be transferred to the blind trust and how Kounalakis would determine what constitutes a conflict of interest, however, remains unclear.
California – Anaheim Chamber of Commerce to Close in Aftermath of Corruption Probes
Voice of OC – Hosam Elattar | Published: 4/15/2025
Anaheim’s Chamber of Commerce, an organization deeply involved in one of Orange County’s largest corruption scandals, will be closing at the end of April. The closure comes roughly three years after the Chamber’s former chief executive officer, Todd Ament, pleaded to federal criminal charges after FBI agents described him as the ringleader of a group of powerful insiders who controlled public affairs and policymaking through elected officials at City Hall.
Connecticut – Ex-Bridgeport BOE Member’s Lie to Grand Jury Involved 2018 Campaign Event at Dolphin’s Cove: Records
Middletown Press – Jarrod Wardwell | Published: 4/13/2025
Former Bridgeport Board of Education Chairperson Jessica Martinez admitted she lied on the witness stand as she testified about allegedly illegal campaign activity at the former Dolphin’s Cove restaurant, court records show. Martinez was the treasurer of Dennis Bradley’s 2018 state Senate campaign. A grand jury found the Dolphin’s Cove event, which was omitted from the campaign’s financial disclosures, raised nearly $6,000 for the campaign and would have disqualified them from later earning over $84,000 in matching funds from the state.
Florida – Here’s Where $10 Million Donation to DeSantis’ Hope Florida Effort Went
MSN – Lawrence Mower and Alexandra Glorioso (Tampa Bay Times) | Published: 4/11/2025
Part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’s crusade to defeat a Florida recreational cannabis ballot measure received $10 million from two groups that got money from a nonprofit associated with first lady Casey DeSantis’s community-based assistance program. The payments raise questions about whether the administration steered Medicaid dollars through Casey DeSantis’s key initiative to a political campaign.
Florida – State Workers Who Solicit Campaign Cash Could Face Criminal Charges Under Florida Bill
MSN – Ana Ceballos and Romy Ellenboge (Miami Herald) | Published: 4/14/2025
DeSantis administration employees who solicit money for campaigns or campaign for issues while they are supposed to be doing their jobs could face criminal penalties under a proposal moving in the Florida House. The bill appears to take aim at staffers in Gov. Ron DeSantis’s administration who reportedly solicited political contributions for his presidential bid and have asked state lobbyists to commit money to a political committee as first lady Casey DeSantis considers a run for governor in 2026.
Georgia – 2 Protesters at Marjorie Taylor Greene Town Hall Are Subdued with Stun Guns
DNyuz – Maya Miller (New York Times) | Published: 4/15/2025
A town hall for U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene outside of Atlanta quickly deteriorated into chaos. Greene, a loyal ally of President Trump, started to speak when a man in the crowd stood up and started yelling, booing and jeering at her. Several police officers grabbed the man and dragged him out of the room. Police officers escorted at least six people from the room. Three people, including the two who were subdued with stun guns, were arrested.
Hawaii – Honolulu Director’s Free Trip to Poland Raises Ethics Questions
Honolulu Civil Beat – Christina Jedra | Published: 4/14/2025
A company that just signed a no-bid contract with Honolulu’s motor vehicle office is hoping to send the agency’s director on an all-expenses-paid trip to Gdańsk, Poland in May. Thales Group offered to cover the flight, hotel, meals, and other related costs – a $5,000 value – for Department of Customer Services Director Kim Hashiro to visit their facility. Honolulu Ethics Commission guidelines prohibit officials with authority over contracts from accepting gifts from contractors, and a city council resolution forbids them from accepting any gift that could, in fact or appearance, impair their judgment.
Hawaii – Hawai’I Lawmakers Appear Poised to Crack Down on Pay-To-Play Politics
Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 4/11/2025
Hawaii lawmakers are working to outlaw political donations from people who win government contracts. But key supporters of the legislation still need to come to an agreement on critical points including how contractors and nonprofit organizations will have to report who their officers and close family members are and whether that information will be kept secret from the public.
Illinois – Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Resistance to Ethics Reforms Draws Criticism
Yahoo News – Jake Sheridan (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 4/13/2025
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson unsuccessfully resisted efforts to codify old rules banning lobbyists from donating to mayoral candidates. He criticized Inspector General Deborah Witzburg’s report that he mishandled gifts and is fighting her again as she alleges his Law Department hinders investigations. Witzburg said Johnson’s pattern of resistance amounts to “brick walls” at each step in her attempts at ethics reform. The mayor appears to feel unfairly attacked by the reform bids, many of which he has argued should be broadened to also target the city council or are bad policy.
Maine – Trump Administration to Pull Maine K-12 Funding Over Trans Athletes Dispute
MSN – Brianna Tucker (Washington Post) | Published: 4/14/2025
The Trump administration announced it would pull all federal education funding from Maine after state officials said they would not comply with demands from the administration to ban transgender athletes from participation in women’s sports, which could slash millions of dollars in federal funding from K-12 schools in the state. The move marks a major and retaliatory step forward in how far the administration is willing to go to force state governments to adhere to executive orders.
Massachusetts – Cape Cod State Rep. Accused of Stealing from Former Employer to Fund Campaign Expenses, Psychic Services
MSN – Abby Patkin (Boston.com) | Published: 4/11/2025
Massachusetts Rep. Christopher Flanagan was arrested following his indictment on wire fraud and falsification of records charges. Federal prosecutors allege Flanagan stole $36,000 from his former employer, the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Cape Cod, and used the money to pay for campaign expenses, credit card bills, menswear, and psychic services.
Minnesota – Champion Directed Public Funds to Another Nonprofit He Later Did Legal Work For, Records Show
Yahoo News – Christopher Ingraham (Minnesota Reformer) | Published: 4/11/2025
Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion recently stepped down from the ethics subcommittee after it was reported he steered millions of dollars in public funds to a legal client. Champion maintains the work was pro-bono, and it concluded before the start of the legislative session during which he spearheaded $3 million in state grants to a nonprofit run by that client. Court records indicate McAfee was not the only legal client to benefit from Champion’s grantmaking.
Montana – Bill to Streamline Legislator-to-Lobbyist ‘Revolving Door’ Voted Down in Montana House
Longview News-Journal – Seaborn Larson (Montana State News Bureau) | Published: 4/11/2025
The Montana House rejected Senate Bill 222, which would have repealed a two-year waiting period state law during which legislators and other public employees are prohibited from becoming lobbyists. Supporters of the bill said the two-year window prevents effective lawmakers who are no longer permitted to run because of term limits from continuing their good work as lobbyists. Opponents contended the buffer is important to keep legislators and government employees from setting up their own windfall from public office.
Nevada – Ethics Panel Rejects Settlement for Nevada Energy Director Over Free VGK Tickets
Las Vegas Review-Journal – Mary Hynes | Published: 4/16/2025
The Nevada Commission on Ethics rejected an agreement that would have resolved a complaint against Dwayne McClinton, director of the Governor’s Office of Energy, with commissioners saying they want disciplinary action to include a fine. The complaint stated McClinton accepted free Las Vegas Golden Knights tickets and solicited other perks while negotiating a potential taxpayer-funded sponsorship deal with the National Hockey League franchise.
Nevada – Secretary of State’s Bill Would Allow Some Personal Use of Campaign Funds
Yahoo News – Dana Gentry (Nevada Current) | Published: 4/11/2025
A campaign finance measure championed by Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar seeks to make running for office financially feasible for more individuals by allowing campaign contributions to be spent for some personal uses. The current prohibition deters some individuals from serving in low-paying positions such as state legislator, which pays $130 a day for the first 60 days of the 120-day session, plus per diem amounts for travel and expenses.
New Jersey – Gottheimer Funnels $10 Million from Congressional Campaign into Group Supporting Bid for Gov
MSN – Madison Fernandez (Politico) | Published: 4/16/2025
U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer’s congressional campaign has sent close to $10 million to a super PAC supporting his bid for governor. Gottheimer had more than $20 million in his congressional campaign coffers when he announced his gubernatorial run in November. But that money cannot be transferred directly to his state campaign for governor, raising questions about how his congressional fund would be used to help it.
New Mexico – Lujan Grisham Nixes Lobbying Transparency Bill
New Mexico In Depth – Marjorie Childress | Published: 4/14/2025
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham vetoed House Bill 143, which would have required lobbyists to publicly report the bills they are working to support or defeat during the legislative session. Lobbyists said they had concerns about the viability of a requirement in the bill that they file reports within 48 hours of lobbying activity.
New York – NYCHA Paid Out Millions to Bribe-Paying Contractors Implicated in Corruption Takedown
The City – Greg Smith | Published: 4/16/2025
One year after a sweeping corruption takedown at the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), there have been 64 convictions out of the 70 housing authority employees arrested on charges of taking cash bribes to hand out contracts to vendors performing public housing repairs. On the other side of the corrupt transactions, it is a different story. Since the big sweep in February. 2024, NYCHA has awarded hundreds of contracts worth a total of $7.8 million to eight companies whose operators have publicly confessed to participating in the decade-long bribery conspiracy.
Yahoo News – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 4/15/2025
The New York City Campaign Finance Board denied mayoral race front-runner Andrew Cuomo more than $2.5 million in public matching funds, dealing an unexpected and significant blow to his campaign. The board voted to deny the former governor the critical funds because his campaign had failed to furnish some identifying information about the donors whose contributions it had hoped to match.
North Carolina – North Carolina Supreme Court Rules Most Challenged Ballots Must Stay in Election Count
Yahoo News – Gary Robertson (Associated Press) | Published: 4/11/2025
The North Carolina Supreme Court said tens of thousands of cast ballots challenged by the trailing candidate in November’s unresolved election for a seat on the court must remain in the election count. But a majority of justices, all registered Republicans, let stand a lower court’s determinations that additional ballots from two other categories Associate Justice Allison Riggs contested were wrongly allowed in the tally. The Supreme Court’s order is not expected to fully resolve the close race.
North Dakota – North Dakota House Removes New Ethics Commission Position from Budget, Adds 6-Month Deadline
Yahoo News – Mary Steuer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 4/14/2025
The North Dakota House voted to give the state’s Ethics Commission a six-month deadline to resolve complaints while also removing a new position approved by the Senate. The amended bill will head to the Senate for a concurrence vote before it can go to Gov. Kelly Armstrong. Rep. Mike Nathe, who brought the amendments, he believes some North Dakotans are “weaponizing” the commission to lodge frivolous complaints against public officials that can drag on indefinitely. The commission has some complaints that are more than two years old.
Energy and Policy Institute – Dave Anderson | Published: 4/16/2025
The premiere of HBO’s new documentary “The Dark Money Game” shines a spotlight on FirstEnergy’s bribes-for-bailouts scheme in Ohio days after President Trump revived a failed push to use federal emergency powers to bail out coal-fired power plants that FirstEnergy lobbied for extensively during Trump’s first term. “Ohio Confidential,” the first film in director Alex Gibney’s two-part documentary series about money in American politics, examines the federal racketeering investigation that exposed how FirstEnergy secretly paid millions of dollars in bribes to influence former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder.
Pennsylvania – Man Charged with Arson at Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion Denied Bail
MSN – Justine McDaniel, Amber Ferguson, and Annabelle Timsit (Washington Post) | Published: 4/14/2025
The man charged with setting fire to the official residence of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro told authorities he walked more than an hour from his home, carrying beer bottles filled with gasoline, before scaling a fence, breaking into the mansion, and setting a room ablaze. Police accused Cody Balmer of seeking to harm Shapiro – he allegedly told police he planned to beat the governor with a hammer if he encountered him – and his family. He was denied bail at an arraignment.
Texas – A Texas Republican Benefited from Out-of-State Donors. Now He Wants to Limit Their Impact
MSN – Nolan McCaskill (Dallas Morning News) | Published: 4/10/2025
Texas soon could impose limits on out-of-state political contributions under a bill filed by former House Speaker Dade Phelan. Texas only has campaign donation limits for judges and judicial candidates in nonfederal races, allowing unlimited sums of money to flow into the campaign coffers of state candidates from donors nationwide.
April 11, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 11, 2025

National/Federal Trump Sidelines Justice Dept. Legal Office, Eroding Another Check on His Power DNyuz – Charlie Savage (New York Times) | Published: 4/4/2025 The Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel has traditionally been a powerful guardrail in government. It has issued interpretations […]
National/Federal
Trump Sidelines Justice Dept. Legal Office, Eroding Another Check on His Power
DNyuz – Charlie Savage (New York Times) | Published: 4/4/2025
The Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel has traditionally been a powerful guardrail in government. It has issued interpretations of the law that bind agencies across the executive branch, decided which proposed policies were legally permissible, and approved draft executive orders before they went to presidents to be signed. But in President Trump’s second term, the office has largely been sidelined. As Trump issues policies that push legal limits and asserts an expansive view of his power, the White House has undercut its role, delaying giving it senior leadership and weakening its ability to impose quality control over executive orders.
Democratic Attorneys General Sue to Block Trump’s Voting Restrictions
MSN – Maeve Reston (Washington Post) | Published: 4/3/2025
A coalition of 19 Democratic state attorneys general sued the Trump administration seeking to block President Trump’s effort to impose new voting restrictions across the country, calling his recent executive order unconstitutional, antidemocratic, and un-American. Though the constitution grants most power over elections to the states, Trump signed an executive order last week demanding changes including a new requirement for voters to produce documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.
Justice Department Lawyers Struggle to Defend a Mountain of Trump Executive Orders
MSN – Carrie Johnson (NPR) | Published: 4/3/2025
In courtrooms all over the country, the Justice Department has been busy defending President Trump’s executive actions. But in many of those cases, the government’s own lawyers have been struggling to answer questions and having to correct the record. It is a function of how aggressively Trump has moved so far and how the attorneys have been having a hard time keeping up.
Judge Orders White House Ban on AP Lifted
MSN – Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) | Published: 4/8/2025
A judge ordered the White House to lift a nearly two-month-long set of access restrictions it placed on the Associated Press (AP) while the news organization’s lawsuit against three Trump administration officials plays out. Since February 11, AP reporters have been prevented from being at Oval Office events, on Air Force One flights. and at other official presidential events because the news organization refused to primarily use the name Gulf of America when referring to the body of water, instead of the Gulf of Mexico.
As Tariffs Set to Take Effect, Confusion Reigns on K Street
MSN – Caitlin Oprysko and Gabby Miller (Politico) | Published: 4/8/2025
As the White House rolls out its tariff plan, lobbyists across Washington are working to decipher the administration’s muddled messaging and translate it into a strategy for relief for their clients. In some cases, lobbyists are still puzzling out who they should contact at the White House to ensure their concerns are heard, or how the new duties will be implemented.
House Rejects Proxy Voting for New Parents, Chooses ‘Pairing’ Instead
MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 4/8/2025
A weeks-long dustup over proxy voting for new parents in the U.S. House came to an end despite a last-ditch effort from one of its chief proponents. “Congress is stuck doing things the way that we did hundreds of years ago, and it’s time that we move it to the 21st century,” said Rep. Brittany Pettersen. She has led the charge to allow proxy voting for up to 12 weeks after birth.
Trump Directs Justice Dept. to Probe Officials Who Opposed Him in First Term
MSN – Kelly Kasulis Cho (Washington Post) | Published: 4/10/2025
President Trump signed sweeping presidential memorandums targeting two former government officials who opposed his actions in his first term, his latest effort to use the powers of the presidency to punish people and institutions who have challenged him. Trump directed the Justice Department to investigate former Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency director Chris Krebs and former homeland security official Miles Taylor, who penned an anonymous 2018 New York Times op-ed titled “I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration.”
U.S. Will Monitor Immigrants’ Social Media for ‘Antisemitic Activity’
MSN – Anumita Kaur and María Luisa Paúl (Washington Post) | Published: 4/9/2025
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will begin screening immigrants’ social media accounts for antisemitic content as grounds to deny visa and green-card applications, a move immigration law and free-speech experts condemn as an alarming federal overstep. The announcement raised concern among experts that the policy is too vague and would rely heavily on the personal opinions of officials.
Trump Told People to Buy. Hours Later, His Tariff Pause Sent Markets Soaring.
MSN – Rachel Lerman and Douglas MacMillan (Washington Post) | Published: 4/9/2025
Less than four hours before President Trump’s announcement that he was pausing tariffs sent markets soaring, he posted online telling his millions of social media followers it was a good time to buy. Democrats are now accusing Trump of “market manipulation.” The president holds much of his net worth in his stake in Truth Social’s parent company, Trump Media & Technology Group. The company’s stock rallied with the broader markets after the tariff announcement, closing the day up more than 21 percent.
White House Says It Ignores Journalists Who Use Pronouns in Email Bios
MSN – Gaya Gupta (Washington Post) | Published: 4/9/2025
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said she will not engage with reporters who list their pronouns in their email signatures, the Trump administration’s latest move to target expressions of gender identity in the workplace. Including one’s pronouns in introductions, over email and in-person, has become normalized across many industries in recent years as a way to show support with the transgender or nonbinary community and prevent misgendering. But the practice has since been fiercely rejected by Republican politicians.
US Appeals Court Blocks Trump from Removing Democrats from Labor Boards
Reuters – David Wiessner and Jonathan Stempel | Published: 4/7/2025
A federal appeals court blocked President Trump from removing Democratic members from two federal labor boards, setting aside its earlier ruling. The decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit further complicates a pair of cases that are emerging as key tests of Trump’s efforts to bring federal agencies meant to be independent from the White House under his control.
He Said He Would Ban Congressional Stock Trading. Now in Office, He Trades Freely.
Scranton Times-Tribune – Annie Karni (New York Times) | Published: 4/6/2025
When Rob Bresnahan, Jr., a wealthy Republican business executive, was running to represent a competitive U.S. House district in Pennsylvania, he published a letter to the editor in a local newspaper demanding an end to stock trading by members of Congress. If elected, Bresnahan told voters, he would co-sponsor legislation to ban stock trading by members of Congress. More than two months after being sworn in, Bresnahan has not introduced or co-sponsored such a bill. He has emerged as one of the most active stock traders in the freshman class.
Musk’s DOGE Using AI to Snoop on U.S. Federal Workers, Sources Say
Yahoo News – Alexandra Ulmer, Marisa Taylor, Jeffrey Dastin, and Alexandra Alper (Reuters) | Published: 4/8/2025
Trump administration officials have told some U.S. government employees that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team of technologists is using artificial intelligence to surveil at least one federal agency’s communications for hostility to President Trump and his agenda. While much of DOGE remains shrouded in secrecy, the surveillance would mark an extraordinary use of technology to identify expressions of perceived disloyalty in a workforce already upended by widespread firings and cost cutting.
From the States and Municipalities
California – Pro-Car Great Highway Group Faces Ethics Fine for Skirting S.F. Campaign Laws
Mission Local – Eleni Balakrishnan | Published: 4/9/2025
Open the Great Highway faces a fine from the San Francisco Ethics Commission for violating campaign finance law. It has been reported that Open the Great Highway was campaigning against Proposition K and soliciting donations without registering as a PAC with the California Secretary of State, a requirement for any group soliciting political donations above a certain threshold.
Florida – Florida Teacher Loses Job for Calling Student by Preferred Name
MSN – Laura Meckler and Lori Rozsa (Washington Post) | Published: 4/10/2025
A Florida high school teacher lost her job after calling a student by an alternative name without parental permission, sparking community backlash in the conservative area as school officials sought to comply with state law. It is the first known dismissal resulting from the campaign to shut down recognition of alternative gender identities, a policy piloted by Florida that spread to other Republican states and now has been taken up by the Trump administration.
Florida – Transgender Student’s Arrest for Violating Florida Bathroom Law Is Thought to Be a First
MSN – Hannah Schoenbaum (Associated Press) | Published: 4/3/2025
A transgender college student declared “I am here to break the law” before entering a women’s restroom at the Florida Capitol and being led out in handcuffs by police. Civil rights attorneys say the arrest of Marcy Rheintgen is the first they know of for violating transgender bathroom restrictions passed by numerous state Legislatures across the country.
Florida – State Officials Steered $10 Million Settlement to Casey DeSantis’ Hope Florida Charity
MSN – Lawrence Mower and Alexandra Glorioso (Miami Herald) | Published: 4/8/2025
Gov. Ron DeSantis’s administration diverted $10 million in state settlement money last year to the charity arm of a welfare initiative led by his wife. The unusual injection of cash was part of an undisclosed settlement agreement involving Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration. The money went to the Hope Florida Foundation, a nonprofit that was established by the state to help realize Casey DeSantis’s vision to reshape welfare.
Idaho – Idaho Republican’s Bill Would Have Let Her Husband Sue Boise. Rules Say It’s OK
MSN – Sarah Cutler (Idaho Statesman) | Published: 4/7/2025
State Sen. Codi Galloway sponsored a bill to ban homeless encampments in large Idaho cities, including Boise, which she represents. In its initial form, the bill would have allowed business owners to sue cities that failed to enforce the ban. Galloway did not disclose that her husband could be one of the people filing such a lawsuit.
MSN – Addison Wright and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 4/9/2025
The Illinois State Board of Elections said Senate President Don Harmon’s campaign committee has accepted $4 million in prohibited donations. At issue is whether a loophole that allows politicians to remove campaign contribution limits was in effect when he collected what is deemed extra cash. Harmon has repeatedly given or loaned his campaign fund more than $100,000 over the years, opening the loophole and allowing him to collect unlimited sums of money. It is a maneuver political insiders call “the money bomb.”
Illinois – Anointed by Powerful Father, State Sen. Emil Jones III Heads to Trial on Bribery Charges
Yahoo News – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 4/6/2025
Illinois Sen. Emil Jones III, whose father led the state Senate for years, is on trial for allegedly agreeing to help a red-light camera company alter legislation in exchange for $5,000 and a job for his legislative intern. It is the first case from a sprawling red-light camera probe to go before a jury, and will feature testimony from FBI mole Omar Maani, a founder and executive at SafeSpeed.
Indiana – Diego Morales’ $90K SUV Came from Dealership That Gave Him $65K in Campaign Donations
Indianapolis Star – Hayleigh Columbo | Published: 4/4/2025
Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales and Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith are under scrutiny after using state funds to buy premium SUVs costing the state around $90,000 each. In Morales’ case, his 2024 GMC Yukon Denali comes from Kelley Automotive Group in Fort Wayne, owned by Thomas Kelley, who has given Morales’s campaign $65,000 since 2022. Kelley sits on the state’s Motor Vehicle Advisory Board with Morales, which advises the secretary of state’s office on matters related to the regulation of automobile dealers in Indiana.
Kansas – Kansas Governor Signs Bill Doubling Campaign Finance Limits on Legislative Candidates
Yahoo News – Tim Carpenter (Kansas Reflector) | Published: 4/9/2025
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill into law that doubles campaign contribution limits to statewide and legislative candidates. The governor also signed legislation that creates a new definition for “cooperation or consent” in relation to express advocacy expenditures. For example, it would exclude a candidate’s or political party’s expenditures in response to inquiries about positions on legislative issues or the endorsement of a candidate.
Maine – Censured Lawmaker Seeks Immediate Restoration of Voting Rights in House
Yahoo News – Emily Allen (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 4/4/2025
A Maine lawmaker is asking a federal judge to immediately restore her ability to vote in the Legislature despite being over social media posts she made that identified a transgender student-athlete. Rep. Laurel Libby has argued the censure violates her First and 14th Amendment rights by punishing her for “protected speech outside the walls of the State House.”
Massachusetts – Canadian Utility Company Paid for Parts of Mass. Lawmakers’ Trip to Hydroelectric Facility
MSN – Chris Van Buskirk (Boston Herald) | Published: 4/9/2025
A group of Massachusetts lawmakers who visited Canadian hydroelectric facilities in March were ferried there at the expense of a public utility company that runs a power line between Quebec and Ayer. The cadre of elected officials, which was made up of three senators and eight representatives, touted the three-day trip as an “alternative energy fact finding” mission.
Massachusetts – Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson to Plead Guilty in Federal Corruption Case, and Will Resign
MSN – Gayla Cawley (Boston Herald) | Published: 4/8/2025
Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson plans to plead guilty in a federal public corruption case tied to allegations she stole thousands of dollars from taxpayers in a kickback scheme that took place in City Hall and intends to resign. Prosecutors recommend that Fernandes Anderson be sentenced to prison for a year and a day, and that she pay $13,000 in restitution.
Minnesota – DFL Senate President Steered Millions in Public Funds to a Legal Client
Yahoo News – Christopher Ingraham (Minnesota Reformer) | Published: 4/4/2025
Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion faces questions about a possible conflict-of-interest related to his legal work and funding bills he sponsored. It was reported that Champion worked with a client, the Rev. Jerry McAfee, on a pro bono basis. McAfee’s nonprofit group 21 Days of Peace later received state grant funds from an account that Champion worked to authorize.
Mississippi – Judge Tosses Former Miss. Governor’s Suit Against Pulitzer-Winning Reporter
MSN – Samantha Cherry and Avi Selk (Washington Post) | Published: 4/5/2025
A judge dismissed former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant’s defamation lawsuit against a news nonprofit that investigated his connections to a $77 million public welfare scandal, sparing the newsroom from being forced to reveal internal documents and confidential sources it used for the Pulitzer-winning series. The dismissal was applauded by press freedom groups that viewed the suit as an effort to punish Mississippi Today and its journalists for scrutinizing government officials.
New Jersey – A Teachers’ Union Is Spending Millions to Elect Its Boss Governor
DNyuz – Tracey Tully (New York Times) | Published: 4/9/2025
Sean Spiller failed to qualify for matching state campaign funds and fell short of the threshold to participate in two upcoming debates as he runs for governor of New Jersey. His spokesperson works for a consulting firm in Washington, and he has no paid campaign manager. But Spiller has something the other five Democrats running for governor do not: a $35 million blank check from a group with close ties to the labor union he leads, the New Jersey Education Association.
New Mexico – NM Ethics Commission Has Authority Over Lobbying Advertising Campaigns, Court of Appeals Rules
Yahoo News – Austin Fisher (Source New Mexico) | Published: 4/7/2025
The New Mexico Court of Appeals ruled that when lawmakers passed the State Ethics Commission Act, they intended to give the panel power to handle complaints not only about individual lobbyists and their employers, but also to organizations that run lobbying advertising campaigns. The ruling stems from a complaint filed against New Mexico Families Forward. Former Rep. Ambrose Castellano alleged the group violated the law by failing to disclose the identity of its donors, and how much they had given.
New York – This Agency Fights Corruption. New York City Leaders Have Weakened It.
DNyuz – Jan Ransom (New York Times) | Published: 4/6/2025
In recent months, New York City’s government has been rocked by corruption scandals at a pace not seen in nearly a century. Yet over the past few years, New York’s leaders have presided over a gradual weakening of the city’s leading corruption-fighting agency, the Department of Investigation. In recent months, the agency has been so strapped for funds that it has tapped millions of dollars forfeited by people convicted of crimes to cover basic operating costs.
North Carolina – Court Directive to Notify Voters in Close North Carolina Election Blocked for Now
MSN – Gary Robertson (Associated Press) | Published: 4/7/2025
The North Carolina Supreme Court temporarily halted enforcement of an appeals court decision that favored a Republican candidate in a close and unresolved November election for a seat on the state’s highest court. The Supreme Court issued a temporary stay of an order by a Court of Appeals panel that in part directed election workers to identify and contact potentially tens of thousands of voters whose ballots were challenged by Republican candidate Jefferson Griffin.
North Dakota – House Committee Recommends Removing New Ethics Commission Position, Adding Deadline
Yahoo News – Mary Steuer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 4/8/2025
A House committee recommended several sweeping changes to the North Dakota Ethics Commission’s budget, including cutting a new full-time staff member and adding a new six-month deadline for processing ethics complaints. The commission called the changes “a roadblock intended to hamper the commission’s work.”
Ohio – House Republicans Propose Eliminating the State’s Campaign Finance Enforcer
MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 4/4/2025
Ohio House Republicans want to eliminate a regulatory body that enforces deadlines and accuracy of candidates’ campaign finance spending and fundraising reports. While their proposed state budget does not repeal the section of state law that created the Ohio Elections Commission 30 years ago, it reduces its budget from about $432,000 this year to zero in the next two fiscal years.
MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 4/2/2025
Former Cleveland City Councilperson Basheer Jones was sentenced to two years and four months in prison for using his influence to benefit him and a romantic partner. The judge also ordered the one-time mayoral candidate to pay back $143,000 that he and others made off three schemes in which they swindled nonprofits. Jones is the sixth council member in the last two decades to be convicted of corruption-related charges.
Pennsylvania – Emails Between Pa. Lawmakers and Lobbyists Will Remain Hidden from the Public After Court Ruling
Yahoo News – Angela Couloumbis (Spotlight PA) | Published: 4/8/2025
A panel of Commonwealth Court judges ruled the state Legislature can continue to shield from public view written interactions lawmakers have with lobbyists. Good-government advocates called the ruling a missed opportunity to create more transparency around the inner workings of the Legislature, which has exempted itself from having to disclose many records – including emails – the executive branch routinely makes public.
Tennessee – Pardoned Ex-Sen. Kelsey Wrangles for Amendment to Campaign Finance Bill
Yahoo News – Sam Stockard (Tennessee Lookout) | Published: 4/9/2025
Straight off a prison stint cut short by a presidential pardon, former Tennessee Sen. Brian Kelsey is maneuvering for legislation to pay his legal expenses. Kelsey, who served two weeks in prison for directing an illicit campaign finance scheme, is lobbying lawmakers to pass legislation that would enable him to use his state campaign account to pay legal fees after three years of court battles.
Texas – Gov. Greg Abbott Sets Nov. 4 Special Election to Fill U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner’s Seat
MSN – Jasper Scherer, Kayla Guo (Texas Tribune), and Natalia Contreras (Votebeat) | Published: 4/7/2025
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott set November 4 as the special election date to fill the congressional seat left vacant by former U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner’s death, a timeline that leaves the solidly Democratic seat vacant for at least seven months as Republicans look to drive President Trump’s agenda through a narrowly divided Congress. Turner died March 5, two months into his first ter. State law does not specify a deadline for the governor to order a special election.
Texas – Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Former Aides Win $6.6 Million in Whistleblower Case
MSN – Ayden Runnels and Jasper Scherer (Texas Tribune) | Published: 4/4/2025
A judge awarded $6.6 million to four former senior aides to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton who said they were improperly fired after reporting Paxton to the FBI. The case was sparked when eight former aides, including the four plaintiffs, reported Paxton to federal authorities in over his relations with Nate Paul, a friend and real estate investor. The whistleblowers accused Paxton of abusing his office to do favors for Paul, including by hiring an outside lawyer to investigate claims made by Paul and providing him confidential law enforcement documents.
VTDigger – Shaun Robinson | Published: 4/8/2025
The bag-soaking scandal that catapulted the Vermont House into national headlines last year and focused attention on the chamber’s internal committee that investigated the incident has prompted lawmakers to tweak the rules guiding inquiries into their colleagues allegedly bad behavior. The House gave preliminary approval to a set of rule changes that would give the secretive House Ethics Panel more leeway to describe its work to the public and the press. It would also require the panel to issue public reports on each of its investigations.
Wisconsin – Former Wisconsin Justice to Give Up Law License Over 2020 Election Review
MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 4/7/2025
Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman agreed to give up his law license for three years after facing a string of ethics allegations stemming from his error-riddled review of the 2020 election for Republican lawmakers. Gableman conceded that legal regulators had produced enough evidence to find he had violated state ethics rules for lawyers. He gave up his legal fight over the matter a week after a candidate backed by Democrats won a seat on the state’s high court and locked in a likely liberal majority for years.
April 4, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – April 4, 2025

National/Federal Disbanded Anti-Kleptocracy Unit Had Entangled Trump Allies MSN – Peter Whoriskey (Washington Post) | Published: 3/27/2025 For 14 years, a team at the Justice Department investigated foreign kleptocrats, recovering hundreds of millions in cash and valuables that had been […]
National/Federal
Disbanded Anti-Kleptocracy Unit Had Entangled Trump Allies
MSN – Peter Whoriskey (Washington Post) | Published: 3/27/2025
For 14 years, a team at the Justice Department investigated foreign kleptocrats, recovering hundreds of millions in cash and valuables that had been embezzled by corrupt politicians. In February, Attorney General Pam Bondi disbanded the “kleptocracy team,” explaining the move was necessary to redirect staff to prosecuting drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations. Left unmentioned the team’s investigations had entangled three prominent allies of President Trump who had done business with an accused kleptocrat or a close associate.
Judge Orders Government to Preserve Signal Messages About Houthi Military Strike
MSN – Michael Kunzelman (Associated Press) | Published: 3/27/2025
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to preserve records of a text message chat in which senior national security officials discussed sensitive details of plans for a U.S. military strike against Yemen’s Houthis. The images of the text chain show the messages were set to disappear in one week. American Oversight sued to ensure the records are kept in accordance with the Federal Records Act.
Ethics Watchdog Says Congressman Cory Mills May Have Lied About Finances and Isn;t Cooperating
MSN – Jack Newsham and Brent Griffiths (Business Insider) | Published: 3/27/2025
U.S. Rep. Corey Mills, whose military background and fortune from a grenade-manufacturing business helped him win a Florida congressional seat in 2022, is being investigated by Congress for possibly lying on his personal financial disclosures and campaign finance filings. The board of the Office of Congressional Conduct said Mills’ inconsistent financial statements raised questions about how he got $1.8 million to fund his campaign in 2021 and 2022.
Trump Order Launches Smithsonian and Its Visitors into Confusion, Dismay
MSN – Manuel Roig-Franzia, Kyle Swenson, Emma Uber, and Gaya Gupta (Washington Post) | Published: 3/28/2025
President Trump’s executive order to eliminate what he considers “anti-American ideology” from the Smithsonian Institution cast the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex into a state of confusion. Trump’s executive order makes clear he intends to influence the finances of the Smithsonian, which receives about 60 percent of its funding from congressional appropriations and federal grants and contracts.
Democrats Sue Trump Administration Over Elections Executive Order
MSN – Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 3/31/2025
Several Democratic groups and lawmakers sued the Trump administration over an executive order calling for changes to the election system, including a requirement that people provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote. President Trump has baselessly claimed the 2020 presidential race was riddled with fraud. Specifically, he has said noncitizens voted illegally in the race.
Trump White House Plans to Shake Up Briefing Room Seating, Flexing Power Over Press Corps
MSN – Brian Stelter (CNN) | Published: 3/30/2025
In the Trump administration’s latest assertion of power over the press corps, the White House intends to take over the seating assignments in the press briefing room, according to a senior official. The plan may cause a tug-of-war with the White House Correspondents’ Association, the independent group that currently assigns seats and manages the relationship between the White House and the press corps.
Pardoned by Trump, Rod Blagojevich Has New Job: Lobbying for Bosnian Serbs
MSN – Aaron Schaffer, Beth Reinhard, and Michael Birnbaum (Washington Post) | Published: 4/2/2025
Less than two months after President Trump pardoned Rod Blagojevich, the former governor of Illinois who served prison time on corruption charges has been hired to lobby on behalf of the Bosnian Serb republic. The contract with Blagojevich’s firm, RRB Strategies, was filed under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. It calls for Blagojevich to engage in a sweep of activities to boost the Bosnian Serb republic, including taking aim at long-held U.S. government policies intended to keep the peace in Bosnia.
Appeals Court: Trump pardon ‘plainly’ did not cover Jan. 6 defendants’ unrelated crimes
MSN – Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 4/2/2025
A federal appeals court rejected the Justice Department’s claim that President Trump’s pardon of crimes related to the riot at the Capitol is so broad it sweeps in convictions for illegal possession of weapons five months later. The panel’s majority concluded the “plain terms” of Trump’s mass pardon for the defendants included only crimes directly connected to the attack on the Capitol, not those discovered by “happenstance” during the investigation of the riot.
Trump-Allied Prosecutor Looks to Undermine Biden Pardons
Seattle Times – Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) | Published: 4/2/2025
Ed Martin, the Trump loyalist serving as interim U.S. attorney in the District of Columbia, is pursuing an inquiry into whether former President Joe Biden was competent to pardon his family members and others during his final days in office. The inquiry includes previously unreported letters to Biden’s family and former White House staff members. The letters are informal but provocative, questioning a presidential clemency power that has generally gone unchallenged.
From the States and Municipalities
Europe – From Brussels to Berlin: The rules on transparency and ethics for European lawmakers
MSN – Paula Soler (Euro News) | Published: 4/2/2025
A string of recent headlines, including a fresh corruption probe linked to Chinese company Huawei and the findings of the French court debarring Marine Le Pen for embezzlement, has put transparency and ethics in Europe under the spotlight. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) must follow a code of conduct with rules on transparency and ethics. First introduced in 2012 and refreshed in 2023, it is designed to keep MEPs in check, ensuring they act with integrity, transparency, and honesty, all while safeguarding the institution’s reputation.
MSN – Patti Sonntag (National Post) | Published: 3/31/2025
An Ontario lobbyist with close connections to Premier Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservative Party violated the province’s lobbying rules, according to the integrity commissioner, after requesting lands be removed from Greenbelt on behalf of a client and offering government staff tickets to a hockey game. Nico Fidani-Diker was found in non-compliance with the Lobbyists Registration Act in five separate instances, ranging from unregistered lobbying to placing public office holders in a position of conflicts-of-interest.
Canada – Ontario Lobbyist Found to Have Violated Rules, Including Relating to Greenbelt
MSN – Colin D’Mello and Isaac Callan (Global News) | Published: 3/31/2025
Sheila Copps said she did not lobby during the pandemic for providers of personal-protection equipment. But newly released emails show Copps requested at least two meetings in connection with multiple medical equipment supply companies during the pandemic. She did not record these meetings in the lobbying registry. Canada’s Lobbying Act requires hired lobbyists to register communications about meetings and contracts. It requires potential contractors to register the activities of their in-house lobbyist if that employee spends 20 per cent or more of their time lobbying.
Arizona – Measure That Could Affect GOP 2026 Race for Governor Advances
Arizona Capitol Times – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) | Published: 3/27/2025
The GOP head of the Arizona Freedom Caucus is advancing legislation that would bar fellow Republican Karrin Taylor Robson from becoming the next governor, even if she were to win the election. The resolution says nothing about Robson, who formally jumped in the 2026 gubernatorial race earlier this year. But what the measure crafted by Sen. Jake Hoffman does say is that no person is eligible to become a state elected official who, for two years prior to the primary, has been required to register as a paid lobbyist.
California – Alec Baldwin, a $227,000 Payment and a San Jose Fundraiser at Heart of Allegations Against Former Lawmaker
MSN – Yue Stella Yu (CalMatters) | Published: 3/29/2025
Former Assemblyperson Evan Low was fined $106,000 for campaign reporting violations. Most of the allegations concern payments to actor Alec Baldwin for a campaign appearance as Low was running for Congress. The proposed penalty stems from an investigation into Low and the nonprofit he founded. He has reported raising $505,000 for the Foundation for California’s Technology and Innovation Economy. Ethics experts have cautioned those “behested payments” could give groups special access to officials.
California – Disgraced Former Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu Sentenced to Two Months in Prison
Voice of OC – Spencer Custodio | Published: 3/28/2025
Former Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu was sentenced to two months in prison and a year of supervised release, along with a $55,000 fine after pleading guilty to corruption charges. The sentence comes nearly three years after revelations of an FBI corruption probe into Anaheim City Hall surfaced when federal investigators first detailed a sketchy Angel Stadium sale process and the outsized influence Disneyland resort interests have on the city.
Colorado – Colorado Judges Made Campaign Contributions Despite Rules Prohibiting the Practice
Denver Gazette – David Migoya | Published: 4/1/2025
More than a half dozen judges in Colorado, each of them specially appointed and paid to oversee a divorce case since 2019, have made at least one political contribution while serving in that capacity despite a prohibition against the practice. The private judges handle civil cases, nearly all divorces by wealthy couples, away from the courthouse and the public, and their salaries and expenses are paid for by both parties.
Colorado – Colorado House Member Faced Investigation Over Ignored Harassment Complaint, Aide Mistreatment
Denver Post – Seth Klamann | Published: 3/31/2025
Rep. Regina English has been repeatedly accused of retaliating against and mistreating her legislative aides, including documented allegations she ignored an aide’s complaint of sexual harassment by a relative of the lawmaker last year. At the direction of a bipartisan legislative committee, English was quietly investigated by a third-party last year. English is at least the second state legislator to be investigated for allegedly mistreating aides in the past year.
Colorado – Colorado Lawmakers Kill Bill Aimed at Banning Lobbyists from Donating to Campaigns
Denver Post – Seth Klamann | Published: 3/28/2025
Colorado lawmakers defeated a proposal that would have prohibited lobbyists from donating to legislators, statewide elected officials, or candidates for those offices. The bill would have expanded a law that bars lobbyists from donating to campaigns during the Legislature’s 120-day annual session.
District of Columbia – Former D.C. Council Member, Expelled After Bribery Charge, Seeks Reelection
MSN – Meagan Flynn (Washington Post) | Published: 3/31/2025
Former District of Columbia Council member Trayon White Sr., who faces a federal bribery indictment that led to his expulsion in February, will run again for his old seat on the council. White enters the race while facing significant legal jeopardy in the case, in which he could face up to 15 years in prison. He remains a popular figure in the ward, however. He won reelection in November with more than 20,000 votes, even as he was under indictment.
District of Columbia – Transparency Law Slashed by D.C. Council as Lawmakers Want More Privacy
MSN – Meagan Flynn and Jenny Gathright (Washington Post) | Published: 4/1/2025
The District of Columbia Council voted to shut the public out of many of its meetings, including any meetings with Mayor Muriel Bowser on any topic. The short-term legislation could have lasting impacts on public access to elected leaders’ discussions if lawmakers ultimately make the changes permanent. Because lawmakers passed the legislation on an emergency basis – meaning it will take effect for 90 days, unless Bowser vetoes it – council members were able to quickly push it through without having to hold public hearings.
Florida – Trump-Backed Patronis, Fine Are Projected to Win House Special Elections in Florida
MSN – Patrick Svitek (Washington Post) | Published: 4/1/2025
Republicans won special elections to fill two House seats in Florida, withstanding a well-funded effort by Democrats to flip the solidly red districts and pull off a major upset that could have derailed President Trump’s agenda in Congress. The GOP margins of victory were notably smaller than when Trump carried each district by more than 30 percentage points in November. The wins give House Republicans a little more breathing room as they ramp up efforts to pass Trump’s legislative priorities in one ambitious bill this spring.
Florida – Newberry’s Marden to Withdraw Lobbying Registration After Learning It Could Violate State Law
MSN – Alan Festo (Gainesville Sun) | Published: 3/29/2025
Newberry City Commissioner and mayoral candidate Tim Marden plans to withdraw a recently filed federal lobbying registration form after learning it could violate state law. The issue was raised during a forum streamed by the city of Newberry, where Marden was asked how he would serve as a nonpartisan mayor while also lobbying for the John Birch Society and chairing the local Republican Party.
Florida – Taxpayer-Funded Staffers for Ron DeSantis Solicit Lobbyist Cash as His Wife Considers a 2026 Run
MSN – Ken Dixon (NBC News) | Published: 3/28/2025
Taxpayer-funded staffers in Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s office have been making fundraising calls to state lobbyists, asking them to commit to raise money for a DeSantis-aligned political committee as his wife considers a campaign for governor. “It’s kind of a no-brainer for most of us. Of course we will give. He’s the governor,” said one person who said they received a call.
Georgia – Justice Department Instructed to Dismiss Legal Challenge to Georgia Election Law
MSN – Kate Brumback (Associated Press) | Published: 3/31/2025
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi instructed the Justice Department to dismiss a lawsuit challenging a sweeping election overhaul that Republican lawmakers in Georgia passed in the wake of Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss in the state. The lawsuit, filed in June 2021, alleged the Georgia law was intended to deny Black voters equal access to the ballot. Bondi said the Biden administration was pushing “false claims of suppression.”
Hawaii – Government Reform Bills Move Ahead at Hawaii Legislature
Yahoo News – Dam Nakaso (Honolulu Star-Advertister) | Published: 4/2/2025
Bills aimed at clamping down on campaign contributions from government contractors while separately providing more public money to run for political office remain alive following a key Senate committee hearing, joining other bills aimed at government reform that continue to move through the Hawaii Legislature. House Bill HB 412 would void state contracts if there are violations of state lobbying laws.
Illinois – Mayor Brandon Johnson Adds Springfield Alderwoman to Lobbying Team
Yahoo News – A.D. Quig, Jeremy Gorner, and Alice Yin (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 3/28/2025
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office will hire Lakeisha Purchase, a current Springfield City Council member and registered state lobbyist, on a contract basis. Although state lawmakers are prohibited from lobbying other units of local government, local elected officials are not barred from lobbying in Springfield. State lobbyists are, however, required to declare they hold a local elected office on their registration forms.
Kansas – New Kansas Law Limits Groups Funded by Foreign Money from Supporting Referendums
Topeka Capital-Journal – Jack Harvel | Published: 4/3/2025
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly allowed a bill to become law without her signature that bans campaigns for state constitutional amendments from accepting large amounts of foreign money. The law prohibits organizations that have received over $100,000 in foreign funds over the past four years from contributing to campaigns concerning constitutional amendments.
Maine – How the Trump Administration Took Aim at Maine
MSN – Joanna Slater and Lisa Rein (Washington Post) | Published: 4/2/2025
President Trump and Maine Gov. Janet Mills had a brief but pointed exchange during a National Governors Association event at the White House. Trump demanded that Maine comply with his executive order banning transgender athletes from women’s sports. Trump threatened to cut off all funding to the state. “See you in court,” Mills responded. Since then, the state has been subjected to unusual, overlapping investigations and arbitrary reversals of funding, turning it into a test case for the Trump administration’s approach to perceived adversaries.
Massachusetts – Massachusetts Mayor Who Shuttered a Libelous Newspaper Faces Renewed Corruption Allegations
MSN – Michael Casey (Associated Press) | Published: 3/28/2025
For years, the mayor of a Boston suburb dreaded Wednesdays. That was the day when a local weekly would publish shocking allegations that he was on the take, sexually harassing women, or under investigation by the FBI. But almost everything the paper wrote about Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria turned out to be fake, enabling him to win a $1.1 million settlement that shut down the paper. Now preparing for his seventh mayoral campaign, he has been accused of padding his salary with bonus payments and this time, Massachusetts is pressing the city council to take action.
Michigan – New Michigan Transparency Portal a Work in Progress, Leaving Some Disclosures Hard to Find
Bridge Michigan – Simon Schuster | Published: 3/28/2025
A multimillion-dollar update to Michigan’s transparency portals is a work in progress after the Department of State rolled out the new software. Used to provide the public with information about campaign finance, lobbying reports, and personal financial disclosures of politicians, the new Michigan Transparency Network provides less information to the public in its current form than the old system.
Michigan – Lawmakers Cleared for Free Conference Tickets
Michigan Public – Colin Jackson | Published: 4/2/2025
Michigan public officials can continue accepting free tickets to the Mackinac Policy Conference. The gathering hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber often draws big names in government and business to Mackinac Island each May for a few days of informational sessions, networking, and partying. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson changed course in her final ruling after receiving information from the Detroit Regional Chamber, which had sought her guidance.
Montana – Ellsworth Receives Lifetime Ban from Montana Senate Floor for Ethics Violation
Montana Free Press – Tom Lutey | Published: 4/1/2025
Montana Sen. Jason Ellsworth was banned from the Senate floor for life as part of a censure stemming from an ethics investigation into a government contract awarded to a friend. The Legislative Audit Division concluded Ellsworth attempted to split the work into two contracts to avoid a $100,000 threshold that would have required the work to go out for bid.
New York – New York Mayor Eric Adams’s Corruption Case Dismissed by Federal Judge
MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 4/2/2025
A judge dismissed the criminal case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. U.S. District Court Judge Dale Ho denied a request by federal officials for the option of reinstating the charges because it could appear the mayor was beholden to government demands. The Justice Department’s decision to seek the dismissal of charges against Adams led to the resignations of several federal prosecutors, including the former interim head of the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan, who alleged federal officials and Adams engaged in a “quid pro quo.”
North Dakota – Democratic ND Senator Proposes Doubling Ethics Commission Budget, Citing Holmberg Case
Yahoo News – Mary Steuer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 4/2/2025
Sen. Tim Mathern wants to more than double the staff for the North Dakota Ethics Commission, arguing the state should be doing more to prevent public corruption. He said his proposal was prompted by news coverage of former Sen. Ray Holmberg’s prison sentence. The Ethics Commission also faces an unprecedented number of complaint filings.
MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/30/2025
The Ohio General Assembly has 46 women serving in its two chambers, more than at any other time in the state’s 222-year history. That figure, which has been steadily trending up in recent years, is significant not just because it reflects the ability of Ohio women to make inroads into the halls of power. Several women lawmakers say it has a real effect on what happens at the statehouse, including what issues are prioritized. At the same time, women are still underrepresented in Columbus.
Oregon – Washington County Sewer Officials Ran Up Huge Food Tab on Ratepayers’ Dime
MSN – Jamie Goldberg (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 3/22/2025
Washington County’s sewer agency paid a long list of food and beverage expenses for its executives, employees, and others over five years that cost ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. The agency spent four times more on meals during that time than its counterparts in Portland and Clackamas County combined. Its expenditures offer a glimpse into lax spending practices at a sizable government agency that receives limited public scrutiny despite filling a crucial public need.
South Dakota – Kristi Noem Refused to Say Who Financed Some of Her Travel. It Was Taxpayers Who Were on the Hook
Yahoo News – Joshua Goodman, Jim Mustian, and Sarah Raza (Associated Press) | Published: 3/29/2025
As then-South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem crisscrossed the country stumping for Donald Trump and boosting her political profile beyond her home state, she refused to reveal what her extensive travel was costing taxpayers. In the weeks since Noem became Homeland Security secretary, that mystery has been solved: South Dakota repeatedly picked up the tab for expenses related to her jet-setting campaigning.
Texas – Hakeem Jeffries Threatens Lawsuit Over Delayed Texas Special Election
MSN – Melanie Zanona (NBC News) | Published: 4/2/2025
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is threatening a lawsuit against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for holding off on calling a special election to fill a vacant House seat in Houston, which Democrats allege is a deliberate move designed to help pad the GOP’s razor-thin majority. the Houston-area district, which has a predominantly Hispanic and Black population could go as long as seven months without representation in this Congress, unless Abbott calls a special election.
Washington – Seattle Committee Weighs Increased Levy Renewal for Public Campaign Financing
MSN – Spencer Pauley (The Center Square) | Published: 3/27/2025
A Seattle City Council committee is deliberating a levy renewal to fund a public campaign financing voucher program, with signs pointing to council support. The renewal proposal totals $45 million over 10 years. Central Staff Policy Analyst Brian Goodnight said the jump in revenue is needed to cover increased administrative costs and is the amount city officials said avoided putting revenue in the red under anticipated spending over a 10-year period.
Wisconsin – Liberal Wins Wisconsin Supreme Court Race in Blow to Trump
MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 4/1/2025
Wisconsin voters elected Susan Crawford to the state Supreme Court, maintaining the court’s liberal majority in a setback for President Trump and Elon Musk, who backed her conservative rival. It was the most expensive court race in American history, costing more than $100 million, nearly doubling the past record. The loss was a rebuke to Musk, whose outpouring of cash appeared to do little to close the electoral gaps conservatives have faced in recent Wisconsin court races.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.