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.

National/Federal

With Comey Questioning, the Trump Administration Again Targets Speech

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

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

Former President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer

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

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

Trump Justice Dept. Considers Removing Key Check on Lawmaker Prosecutions

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

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

Retired 4-Star Navy Admiral Found Guilty in Bribery Case

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

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

Supreme Court Recusals in Book Publisher Case Affect Quorum

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

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

Will Federal Funding Cuts Spell the End for History Documentaries?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Federal Agency Goes Full Trumpist

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

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

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

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

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

From the States and Municipalities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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National/Federal

Auction to Dine with Trump Creates Foreign Influence Opportunity

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

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

White South Africans Arrive at Dulles as Refugees Under Trump Order

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

House Ethics Watchdog Now Open for Business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Supreme Court Grapples with Nationwide Orders Blocking Birthright Citizenship Ban

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

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

Trump Administration in Talks with Qatar Over Plane Gift

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the States and Municipalities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

New York – NYC Mayor Adams’ Indictment, Despite Dismissal, Still Grounds for Denying Him $4M in Matching Funds: Records

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.

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 – Bill to Add Colorado School Board and Special Districts to Ethics Commission Will Cost $120,000 Annually

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.

Ohio – Ethics Probe Set Stage for Kenni Burns’ Firing as Kent State Football Coach, with Independent Firm uncovering $100K Loan from Booster

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.

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.

Amid Trump’s Pause on Foreign Bribery Cases, One Involving a Company His Allies Targeted Will Proceed

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.

New York – NYC Mayoral Front-Runner Andrew Cuomo Denied $2.5 Million in Public Matching Funds Over Missing Information

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.

Ohio – HBO’s ‘The Dark Money Game’ Spotlights FirstEnergy’s Corruption as Trump Revives Federal Coal Plant Bailout the Utility Once Lobbied For

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.

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.

Illinois – Illinois Senate President Don Harmon Improperly Accepted $4 Million in Campaign Cash, Election Authorities Say

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.

Ohio – Ex-Cleveland City Councilman Basheer Jones Sentenced to 2 Years, 4 Months in Prison for Corruption Schemes

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.

Vermont – Final Reading: House advances changes to its ethics panel’s procedures spurred by bag-soaking scandal

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.

National/Federal

Paul Weiss Chair Says Deal with Trump Adheres to Firm’s Principles

DNyuz – Matthew Goldstein, Jessica Silver-Greenbergm and Ben Protess (New York Times) | Published: 3/21/2025

The chairperson of Paul Weiss sought to reassure employees at the giant law firm that the deal it reached with President Trump was consistent with principles the firm has long stood by. Brad Karp sent a firm-wide email, detailing the agreement he had reached with Trump, which allowed the firm to escape an executive order that could have cost it significant business. Despite Karp’s assurances, the deal caused concern among the broader legal community that large law firms were capitulating to Trump’s demands instead of fighting them in court.

Federal Judiciary Creates New Task Force with Threats on the Rise

DNyuz – Abbie Van Sickle and Mattathias Schwartz (New York Times) | Published: 3/26/2025

A task force of federal judges will consider how to respond to “current risks” for the judiciary, following a spate of threats against judges who have ruled against the Trump administration. The formation of the task force is another sign the judicial branch is taking seriously an increasingly hostile and politicized climate.

Justice Dept. Tries to Intervene on Trump’s Behalf in Jan. 6 Lawsuits

DNyuz – Alan Feuer (New York Times) | Published: 3/20/2025

The Justice Department made an unusual effort to short-circuit a series of civil lawsuits seeking to hold President Trump accountable for his supporters’ attack on the Capitol. Department lawyers argued in court papers the cases that Trump was acting in his official capacity as president on January 6 and so the federal government itself should take his place as the defendant. That move, if successful, could protect Trump from having to face judgment for his role in the attack and from having to pay financial damages if he were found liable.

Lutnick Urges Fox News Viewers to Buy Tesla Stock, Raising Ethics Questions

MSN – Justine McDaniel and Sabina Rodriguez (Washington Post) | Published: 3/20/2025

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urged Fox News viewers to buy Tesla stock, an apparent violation of federal ethics rules that prohibit officials from endorsing products or businesses. His promotion of Tesla was the latest move by a Trump administration official to bolster support for Elon Musk’s car company as it becomes a target for voters upset about the sweeping cuts Musk is leading across the federal government through the U.S. DOGE Service.

K Street Crashes Into ‘Nearly Un-Lobbyable’ Elon Musk

MSN – Sophia Call and Daniel Lippman (Politico) | Published: 3/20/2025

Washington’s lobbying class is searching for an effective approach to an unprecedented challenge: how do you influence a mercurial outsider like Elon Musk who has immense but unofficial power and is the world’s richest person. But solving for Musk could pay huge dividends. If K Street can figure out how to lobby him, they can capitalize off the anxiety pervading Washington that drives companies and industries to sign six-figure retainers.

Health Benefits Company Co-Founded by Dr. Oz Could Be a Conflict of Interest

MSN – Lauren Weber and Caitlin Gilbert (Washington Post) | Published: 3/24/2025

Mehmet Oz, the nominee to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), co-founded health benefits company ZorroRX with his son last year. ZorroRX and similar companies promise to make hospitals money and save employers cash by connecting patients to the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. As head of CMS, Oz would lead an agency that could directly influence how much money hospitals, and in turn companies like ZorroRX, make from the federal system.

‘This Is Not Your Grandmother’s Easter Egg Roll’: White House seeks corporate sponsorships for Easter event

MSN – Betsy Kline (CNN) | Published: 3/23/2025

The White House, through an outside event production company called Harbinger, is soliciting corporate sponsors for this year’s Easter Egg Roll, which is prompting major concerns from ethics experts and shock from former White House officials from both parties. The solicitation for sponsorships marks an unprecedented offering of corporate branding opportunities on White House grounds running counter to long-established regulations prohibiting the use of public office for private gain.

Trump’s Washington Runs on Secret Chat App Signal

MSN – Shira Ovide, Danielle Abril, and Hannah Natanson (Washington Post) | Published: 3/25/2025

Two months into the Trump administration, there is a sweeping shift underway in Washington as federal workers, and some high-level administration officials, migrate their correspondence to the messaging app Signal in a zeal for secrecy. Adopting Signal and other surveillance-dodging tactics of spies and billionaires comes at the potential loss of a real-time history of the Trump administration. The Atlantic magazine’s top editor said he was accidently added to a signal group in which U.S. officials planned a recent military attack in Yemen.

Trump’s Crackdown on Top Law Firms Spreads to Congress

MSN – Dasha Burns, Caitlin Oprysko, and Daniel Lippman (Politico) | Published: 3/24/2025

An email circulated by a Republican Senate staffer to GOP Senate offices instructs them to pay heed to the lobbying clients of Covington & Burling and Perkins Coie, two law firms that President Trump has singled out in his campaign to crack down on those that oppose his policies. A person familiar with the email said the goal was to signal “that maybe Senate Republican staffers should consider whether they should be helpful to these individuals [that hire Covington and Perkins Coie], given their affiliation with firms deemed to be anti-Trump.”

For Many, Proving U.S. Citizenship to Vote Could Be Costly and Difficult

MSN – Anumita Kaur and Gaya Gupta (Washington Post) | Published: 3/26/2025

Millions of Americans could be prevented from voting after President Trump signed an executive order requiring people to provide documents that prove they are citizens when they register to vote. High costs, bureaucratic delays, and transportation issues are among myriad hurdles preventing many Americans from acquiring these forms of identification, which means Trump’s new mandate will make it harder for citizens to reach the ballot box, experts said.

Masked Agents Whisk Away Tufts Student from Sidewalk, Video Shows

MSN – Niha Masih, Frances Vinall, and Julie Yoon (Washington Post) | Published: 3/27/2025

As Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk made her way to an interfaith center to break the Ramadan, plainclothes agents, some masked, descended on her. Within about a minute, the agents whisked her away in handcuffs. Ozturk’s lawyer said the agent belonged to the Department of Homeland Security. Ozturk is a Fulbright scholar on an F-1 student visa, her lawyer said. President Trump promised to deport international students he alleges are engaging in “pro-terrorist, antisemitic, anti-American” campus protests over Israel’s war in Gaza.

From the States and Municipalities

Europe – Why Banning Huawei from the EU Institutions Is Harder Than It Seems

Euractiv – Anupriya Datta and Nicoletta Ionta | Published: 3/25/2025

The European Parliament quickly suspended lobbyists’ access after a new corruption case emerged involving Huawei, which allegedly paid bribes to politicians to support its 5G expansion in Europe. After the allegations became public, the European Commission issued internal instructions directing commissioners, cabinet members, and staff to immediately suspend all meetings and contacts with Huawei “until further notice.” But Huawei lobbyists could exploit loopholes to retain access to European Union premises despite the ban.

Canada – Canada’s Carney Calls Snap Election as Trump Looms Over Campaign

MSN – Amanda Coletta (Washington Post) | Published: 3/23/2025

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called a snap federal election for April 28, seeking to capitalize on momentum that has his Liberals resurgent. The campaign is likely to come down to one question: who can best handle President Trump and make Canada more resilient in the face of his threats? The election will pit Carney against Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, a populist firebrand who until recently held a commanding lead in the polls.

Arizona – GOP Lawmaker Undermines One of His Party’s Candidates for AZ Governor

Arizona Daily Star – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 3/27/2025

The head of the conservative Arizona Freedom Caucus is advancing legislation that would bar Republican Karrin Taylor Robson from becoming the next governor, even if she were to win the election over his favored GOP candidate. The resolution says nothing about Robson, but it does say no person is eligible to become a state elected official who for two years prior to the primary election was required to register as a paid lobbyist.

California – S.F. Is Weak and Ineffective at Preventing Conflicts of Interest, Report Finds

Mission Local – Xueer Lu | Published: 3/24/2025

Since January 2020, San Francisco has had eight department head-level employees forced out of office due to allegations of corruption. A new report suggests the city’s systems meant to limit conflicts-of-interest are lax and ineffective. The Budget and Legislative Analyst’s Office noted a distinct lack of process for reviewing financial disclosure forms, inconsistency across departments in ethics training, and failure of city employees to disclose secondary jobs and failure to catch and check them.

California – What Do the City Records Show About the Alleged Bribe in the Sacramento Mayor’s Race?

MSN – Joe Rubin (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 3/25/2025

Three weeks before allegedly offering a bribe to Sacramento mayoral candidate Flojaune Cofer, California Black Chamber of Commerce President Jay King had a previously undisclosed lunch meeting with then-City Manager Howard Chan and developer Paul Petrovich. During a September phone call, Cofer said she was asked by King to extend Chan’s contract. If she did, she said, King promised that Petrovich would make a substantial campaign contribution.

California – Ousted Official Used City Cash for Son’s UCLA Tuition, Probe Finds

San Francisco Standard – Gabe Greschler, Noah Baustin, Jonah Owen Lamb, and David Sijostedt | Published: 3/20/2025

Investigators revealed new details about a former San Francisco department head who allegedly enriched herself through a corrupt scheme of bribes and illegal gifts that went on for years. The city attorney’s office said Sheryl Davis, who has resigned as the Human Rights Commission director, received tens of thousands of dollars from a city-funded organization that benefitted her personal business ventures, expensive travel, and her son’s tuition at UCLA.

Colorado – Trump Complained About a Portrait of Him in Colorado’s Capitol. Now It’s Being Removed.

MSN – Justine McDaniel (Washington Post) | Published: 3/25/2025

President Trump likes having his name and image on things, but there is one representation of his likeness that he wanted gone – a portrait that hangs in the Colorado Capitol. Trump took to Truth Social to complain about the painting, blaming the state’s Democratic governor for it and demanding it be removed. Republican then asked for the portrait to be taken down, and the Democratic lawmakers who hold the majorities in the Legislature signed off on removing it.

Florida – Florida’s Top Gambling Regulator Became a FanDuel Lobbyist. A Bill Would Bar a Repeat.

MSN – Alexandra Glorioso (Miami Herald) | Published: 3/20/2025

As Florida’s first gambling regulator, Louis Trombetta took an aggressive approach to fantasy sports betting, driving three companies to shut down their games in the state. Then he went to work for one of their competitors. The sudden about-face has raised questions by ethics experts about the “revolving door” between regulators and the industry, a door one state lawmaker wants to shut behind Trombetta.

Idaho – Committee Sends Overhaul of Idaho’s Campaign Finance Law to House

Moscow-Pullman Daily News – Laura Guido | Published: 3/25/2025

A major overhaul of Idaho’s campaign finance law moved to the House floor. House Bill 442 would increase campaign expenditure reporting frequency, raise individual contribution limits, and include a trigger to significantly increase donation limits if a legislative candidate has $50,000 spent against them.

Kansas – Kansas Lawmakers Vote to Let More Organizations to Pay for Their Travel Expenses

MSN – Jack Harvel (Topeka Capital-Journal) | Published: 3/26/2025

A bill sent to the Kansas governor would allow more nonprofits to reimburse politicians for travel to events and conferences and give more leeway for the executive branch to accept gifts or discounted tickets to entertainment events. Organizations like the National Conference of State Legislatures can pay travel-related expenses, but non-nationwide organizations are prohibited. The bill expands who can reimburse lawmakers to any nonprofit nonpartisan group that does not lobby in the state.

Kentucky – Democrat Grimes, Former Kentucky Secretary of State, Wins Appeal in Ethics Case

Yahoo News – Jack Brammer (Kentucky Lantern) | Published: 3/23/2025

The Kentucky Court of Appeals unanimously has upheld a lower court order that cleared former Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes of ethics charges. The court said the Executive Branch Ethics Commission missed its statutory deadline to charge Grimes with improperly ordering the downloading and distribution of voter registration data from her public office while she was secretary of state. The commission argued it was not bound by any statute of limitations.

Louisiana – Supreme Court Presses Louisiana on Use of Race During 2022 Redistricting

MSN – John Fritze (CNN) | Published: 3/24/2025

The Supreme Court grappled with a years-old, messy legal battle over Louisiana’s congressional districts during an oral argument in which several of the court’s conservatives questioned whether the state had violated the Constitution because of its focus on race. Several of those justices signaled they are prepared to further weaken the influence that the Voting Right Act has on redistricting, although it was not clear if there was a majority to do so in Louisiana’s case. That is partly because lower courts had guided the state toward redrawing its lines with race in mind.

Maryland – Gov. Moore’s Planned Attendance at Political Fundraiser Raises Legal Questions

MSN – Brooke Conrad (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 3/27/2025

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore appearance at an upcoming event organized by the Unity First PAC is raising eyebrows in Annapolis. Maryland law places certain limits on fundraising activities by the governor and other state officials during the General Assembly session and the event is scheduled for April 2, five days before the conclusion of the session. David Mitrani, Unity First PAC’s lawyer, said the PAC does not “engage in activity that is covered under Maryland’s campaign finance law and is not a candidate committee … and is therefore not subject to the legislative session blackout period.”

Minnesota – Minnesota State Senator Resigns After He Was Charged with Soliciting a Minor for Prostitution

MSN – Steve Karnowski (Associated Press) | Published: 3/20/2025

Minnesota Sen. Justin Eichorn resigned after he was charged with soliciting a minor for prostitution, stepping down before the Senate could vote on whether to expel him. Investigators had placed multiple ads online offering sex for money, according to the charging documents. Eichorn exchanged text messages with an undercover officer purporting to be a 17-year-old girl for several days until they arranged a meet-up, where he was arrested.

Montana – Former Legislators Could Immediately Become Lobbyists Under Senate Bill

Daily Montanan – Jordan Hansen | Published: 3/20/2025

Former Montana legislators could immediately become lobbyists under legislation from Sen. Greg Hertz. Now, state lawmakers, elected state officials, department directors, appointed state officials, and members of an elected official’s personal staff are not allowed to be licensed as lobbyists if they have served in any of those positions over the previous two years. Senate Bill 222 would remove the statute entirely.

Montana – ‘Buckle Up’: In Montana, Republican lawmakers target the judiciary

DNyuz – David Chen (New York Times) | Published: 3/24/2025

As the Trump administration steps up its attacks on the federal judiciary, similar power struggles are unfolding at the state level. The Montana Legislature is weighing an avalanche of bills to reshape the judiciary and influence who gets to sit on the courts. Judicial elections would become partisan contests. A new court would be created to adjudicate constitutional claims, helmed by judges who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. At least two bills have even proposed that a judge’s “facial expressions” to be construed as evidence of bias, potentially resulting in disqualification.

Montana – Montana Senate Can’t Muster Enough Votes to Punish Former President Ellsworth

MSN – Tom Lutey (Montana Free Press) | Published: 3/24/2025

The Montana Senate drew to a stalemate over whether to expel Sen. Jason Ellsworth for ethics violations, though there is no limit to how many tries they get at taking some sort of disciplinary action. Lawmakers failed twice to get the necessary two-thirds majority required to expel a member. Between attempts to expel, senators were also unsuccessful at censuring Ellsworth. The latter entailed removing him from key committees and banning him from the Senate floor for a few weeks.

New Jersey – Sanctioned Trump Attorney Alina Habba to Be Interim N.J. Prosecutor

MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 3/24/2025

Alina Habba, a lawyer for President Trump who received sanctions and judicial reprimands while representing him, will be appointed interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey. Habba has been serving as a White House counselor and was a prominent figure on the campaign trail for Trump. Habba was heavily involved in Trump’s legal entanglements before the November election. In that role, she was sanctioned for running afoul of what judges considered appropriate attorney conduct.

New Mexico – One Signature Away from Becoming Law, Lobbyists Worry Over Reporting Bill

Yahoo News – Megan Gleason (Albuquerque Journal) | Published: 3/20/2025

New Mexico lawmakers sent a bill to the governor that would require lobbyists or their employers to file reports disclosing stances on bills they are attempting to influence and, if positions change, to update their stances within 48 hours. Currently, lobbyists only need to publicly report who is employing them and money spent to benefit legislators for lobbying purposes. House Bill 143 has raised red flags for some lobbyists, who are concerned it would worsen existing logistical issues and be overly burdensome.

New Mexico – 60 Days Later, Cicero Institute’s Reason for NM Lobbying Still Hidden from Public

Yahoo News – Patrick Lohmann (Source New Mexico) | Published: 3/24/2025

The legislative session is over and hundreds of bills are closer to becoming law, but it is still unclear which of them a billionaire-backed think tank influenced when it hired two veteran New Mexico lobbyists. The Cicero Institute has been linked to legislative lobbying efforts in other states where lawmakers have made it a misdemeanor to camp in public. The lobbyists would not say, and state law did not require them to disclose which bills they lobbied for or against in the 60-day legislative session that ended March 22.

New York – Cuomo Failed to Disclose Lobbyists Who Bundled Donations

New York Focus – Chris Bragg and Julia Rock | Published: 3/20/2025

.In a recent campaign filing, Andrew Cuomo disclosed having had no “intermediaries” – also known as bundlers – that raised money for his New York City mayoral bid. But records show Tonio Burgos sent out a fundraising email on March 7 seeking donations for Cuomo’s campaign. The email directed potential donors to a fundraising webpage set up by the Cuomo campaign which told them their donations would be matched with taxpayer dollars, even though Burgos’s work as a registered lobbyist means any gifts he solicits are ineligible for matching funds.

New York – Newly Unsealed Memo Sheds Light on Justice Department’s Rush to Drop NYC Mayor’s Corruption Case

Yahoo News – Michael Sisak (Associated Press) | Published: 3/25/2025

New court documents offer a behind-the-scenes look at how federal prosecutors built and then tried to salvage their criminal case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams in the face of unprecedented pressure from President Trump’s Justice Department. The documents include a draft memo by the former interim U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, who resigned in protest rather than carry out a directive from a top Justice Department official to dump the case against Adams.

Ohio – Romantic Partner of Ex-Cleveland City Councilman Basheer Jones Charged in Corruption Probe

MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/26/2025

The romantic partner of former Cleveland City Councilperson Basheer Jones was accused of lining her pockets with money from several schemes that authorities say the two carried out on nonprofits and through real-estate deals. Sinera Jones hid her relationship with Jones in the deals and allowed him to use his sway to get her a job with a nonprofit, according to prosecutors. Basheer Jones has pleaded guilty to similar charges.

Oregon – How Washington County Sewer Officials Scored Annual Hawaii Trips and 5-Star Lodging

MSN – Jamie Goldberg (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 3/20/2025

It is not uncommon for government workers in agencies large and small to attend out-of-state conferences. But what makes trips taken by officials with Washington Count’s sewer agency to Hawaii unusual is their frequency, cost, lack of transparency, and that the recurring tropical location is the result of a local business decision made by design. The trips are not accounted for in the agency’s annual budgets even though ratepayers of Clean Water Services indirectly footed the bill.

Pennsylvania – Democrat Notches an Upset in Pennsylvania State Senate Race

DNyuz – Campbell Robertson (New York Times) | Published: 3/26/2025

A Democrat won a surprise victory in a special election for the Pennsylvania Senate, narrowly prevailing in a district that Donald Trump won by 15 points last fall. The election, conducted in the small towns and suburbs of Lancaster County where no Democrat had won since 1979, joined two currents that are powering the political moment.

Texas – Cornyn, Cruz Ask US Supreme Court to Hear Activist’s Case Against Texas Ethics Watchdog

MSN – Bayliss Wagner (Austin American-Statesman) | Published: 3/25/2025

U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz are supporting a conservative activist and political website publisher’s effort to have his case against the Texas Ethics Commission heard in the nation’s highest court. The senators filed a friend-of-the-court brief asking the Supreme Court to take up Michael Quinn Sullivan’s 10-year-old lawsuit challenging a $10,000 fine levied against him in 2014 by the commission. It unanimously found that Sullivan, then the president of advocacy group Empower Texans, failed to register as a lobbyist while he worked to influence state lawmakers.

Texas – Texas Senate Passes Weakened Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Ban Following GOP Amendment

The Texan – Brad Johnson | Published: 3/20/2025

The Texas Senate passed legislation intended to ban “taxpayer-funded lobbying” but tacked on an amendment that exempts groups like the Texas Association of School Boards. The bill prohibits local governments from hiring registered lobbyists and allows citizens to sue those localities if they violate the ban. It applies only to political subdivisions and not constitutional offices, like county sheriffs.

Vermont – Ways and Means: Experts say Vermont Legislature’s ethics disclosures are lacking

Seven Days – Hannah Bassett | Published: 3/26/2025

The public can follow much of Vermont lawmakers’ work easily these days. Bills are updated and tracked from the day they are introduced, and agendas are published online in advance of meetings. Since the pandemic, floor discussions and committee meetings are generally live streamed, and the recordings remain online for viewing after the sessions conclude. For a small state with relatively limited statehouse resources, this is a testament to how even Vermont’s oldest institutions can use modern tools to foster trust in government, when they choose to.

Wisconsin – Why Elon Musk and Tesla Have a Legal Bone to Pick with Wisconsin

DNyuz – Reid Epsien and Neal Boudette (New York Times) | Published: 3/26/2025

Elon Musk is far away the biggest spender in this year’s race for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, throwing his fortune behind a conservative candidate aiming to topple the court’s four-to-three liberal majority. The $20 million and counting from Musk and groups tied to him comes as Tesla is suing Wisconsin over its law prohibiting vehicle manufacturers from selling cars directly to consumers. The case is now before a court in Milwaukee County, but it could proceed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in the coming months.

National/Federal

Elon Musk’s Starlink Expands Across White House Complex

DNyuz – Maggie Haberman, Kate Conger, Eileen Sullivan, and Ryan Mac (New York Times) | Published: 3/17/2025

Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is now accessible across the White House campus. It is the latest installation of the Wi-Fi network across the government since Musk joined the Trump administration as an unpaid adviser. Musk, who is now an unpaid adviser working as a “special government employee” at the White House, controls Starlink and other companies that have regulatory matters before or contracts with the federal government. Questions about his business interests conflicting with his status as a presidential adviser and major Trump donor have persisted for weeks.

With Orders, Investigations and Innuendo, Trump and G.O.P. Aim to Cripple the Left

DNyuz – Kenneth Vogel and Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) | Published: 3/19/2025

President Trump and his allies are attacking the players and machinery that power the left, taking a series of partisan official actions that, if successful, will threaten to hobble Democrats’ ability to compete in elections for years to come. So far, the attacks have been diffuse and sometimes indiscriminate or inaccurate. But inside the administration, there are moves to coordinate and expand the assault. It is not unusual for partisans in Congress or their outside allies to push for investigations into political groups on the other side of the aisle, but using the levers of government to target the opposition is considered an abuse of power.

Judges Fear for Their Safety Amid a Wave of Threats

DNyuz – Mattathias Schwartz and Abbie VanSickle (New York Times) | Published: 3/19/2025

President Trump’s angry call for the impeachment of a federal judge who ruled against his administration on deportation flights set off a string of social media taunts and threats, including images of judges being marched off in handcuffs. The threats and intimidation may have not become actual violence, but they appear to be mounting, as Trump, his advisers, and his supporters are questioning the legitimacy of the American legal system. There is no evidence that jurists’ judgment has been warped by their antagonists. But at the least, public perceptions of judicial decisions could be shaped by the volume of attacks on the courts.

Trump’s Ending of Hunter Biden’s Security Detail Raises Questions About Who Gets Protection

DNyuz – Eileen Sullivan (New York Times) | Published: 3/19/2025

While former President Joe Biden and his wife are by law allowed to have protection for the rest of their lives, their adult children had it only for a few months. Before leaving office, Biden issued an executive order that extended the protection to them, but President Trump revoked their detail. Despite the legitimate questions of cost for protecting so many people, the sudden announcement of the cessation of protection for Hunter Biden, coupled with Trump’s fixation on the former president and his only living son, raised questions about whether this move was the latest stop on the president’s revenge tour.

Two Democratic Commissioners Fired from FTC

MSN – Julian Mark, Cat Zakrzewski, and Will Oremos (Washington Post) | Published: 3/18/2025

President Trump fired the only two Democratic members of the Federal Trade Commission, handing the remaining Republican commissioners exclusive control over the agency that oversees antitrust and consumer protection laws and serves as the U.S. government’s primary regulator of the tech industry. Commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Slaughter announced their dismissals on social media, with both calling their firings illegal. Bedoya indicated that he intends to sue over his firing.

Judge Says Trump Penalties on Law Firm Send ‘Chills Down My Spine’

MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 3/12/2025

A federal judge blocked provisions of President Trump’s executive order targeting attorneys at Perkins Coie. U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell said Perkins Coie was likely to ultimately prevail in court with its challenge of the order, which was prompted by the firm’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and its prior work for Trump’s political opponents. Howell warned that the order could damage the integrity of the entire legal profession, intimidating lawyers from taking up cases that the president views as going against his interests.

Trump Asks Supreme Court to Curb Judges’ Power to Block Policies Nationwide

MSN – Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 3/13/2025

President Trump is asking the Supreme Court to eliminate a key tool that lower courts have used to block various aspects of his agenda, Trump asked the justices to rein in or shelve three nationwide injunctions lower-court judges have issued against his bid to end birthright citizenship. But his request could have repercussions far beyond the debate over the controversial citizenship plan.

National Democratic Committees to Stage Town Halls in House GOP Districts

MSN – Patrick Svitek (Washington Post) | Published: 3/14/2025

A coalition of national Democratic committees is launching town hall meetings in Republican-held House districts across the country, ramping up the party’s efforts to put politically vulnerable GOP lawmakers on the defensive over President Trump’s agenda. The groups aim to hold town halls in all 50 states.

Amid ‘DEI’ Purge, Pentagon Removes Webpage on Iwo Jima Flag-Raiser

MSN – Jon Swaine and Alex Horton (Washington Post) | Published: 3/17/2025

Until recently, a page on the Defense Department’s website celebrated Pfc. Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian who was one of the six Marines photographed hoisting a U.S. flag on Iwo Jima in 1945. But the page, along with many others about Native American and other minority service members, has now been erased amid the Trump administration’s wide-ranging crackdown on what it says are “diversity, equity and inclusion” efforts in the federal government.

How Matt Gaetz Poisoned the House Ethics Committee

MSN – Haily Fuchs (Politico) | Published: 3/18/2025

Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz is gone from Congress, but the wounds he inflicted on the House ethics committee that investigated him remain fresh. As the committee prepares in the coming weeks to ramp up after a monthslong delay and a pileup of potential cases, it is still regrouping from its crisis last year over whether to break with recent precedent and release the results of an investigation into Gaetz, who was being considered for attorney general.

Jury Selection Underway in Bribery Trial of Wife of Convicted Ex-New Jersey Senator

Yahoo News – John Russell | Published: 3/18/2025

The public corruption trial of Nadine Menendez, the wife of former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, is underway, having been split off from her co-defendants’ trial last year and then postponed by medical adjournments. Nadine Menendez was initially charged alongside her husband, accusing the couple of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of bribes and gifts, including gold bars, from several businesspeople in exchange for the senator’s political influence.

From the States and Municipalities

Europe – Huawei Lobbyists Banned from Accessing European Parliament After Bribery Arrests

MSN – Associated Press | Published: 3/14/2025

The European Parliament banned lobbyists working for Huawei from its premises following the arrests of several people in a corruption probe linked to the company, in yet another scandal to hit the Legislature. Huawei is suspected by Belgian prosecutors bribing European Union lawmakers. The European Parliament said the decision to suspend the access of Huawei lobbyists has been taken as a precautionary measure, in line with its security rules.

California – An L.A. City Council Member Is Launching a Nonprofit. Ethics Experts Have Questions

Los Angeles Times – Dakota Smith | Published: 3/15/2025

Los Angeles City Councilperson Tim McOsker is launching a nonprofit to pay for basic services, including street lighting and park improvements, in his district, an unusual move that raises questions for ethics experts. The One Five Fund, which formally launches in the next few months, “will make requests of folks throughout the city for money,” McOsker said. McOsker will fundraise for One Five but will not be involved in allocating the money, according to his office.

California – Will Disgraced Former Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu Serve Prison Time?

Voice of OC – Spencer Custodio | Published: 3/17/2025

Federal prosecutors asked a judge to sentence disgraced former Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu to eight months in prison and a $40,000 fine for wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and lying to FBI agents about trying to ram through the corrupted Angel Stadium sale to get $1 million in campaign support. Sidhu is asking for three years of probation and community service or a home arrest sentence. Sidhu resigned shortly after revelations of the corruption probe in 2022, and the stadium sale was canceled around the same time.

District of Columbia – D.C. Drops Lawsuit Against Proud Boys, Oath Keepers Over Jan. 6 Attack

Philadelphia Tribune – Ellie Silverman (Washington Post) | Published: 3/17/2025

The District of Columbia dropped a lawsuit against the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers over the attack on the U.S. Capitol, saying the city was unlikely to recover enough money to justify continuing legal action against the far-right groups and others it had sought to hold responsible for the riot. The suit marked the first effort by a government agency to hold individuals and organizations civilly liable for the violence at the Capitol that day.

Florida – 2 Miami-Dade Health Inspectors Accused of Fabricating Violations to Extort Restaurants

MSN – David Goodhue (Miami Herald) | Published: 3/12/2025

Two Miami-Dade County health inspectors were arrested on accusations they extorted bribes from restaurant owners. In total, Charles Bryant II and Craig Bethel extorted $14,620 from 15 businesses, Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said. Both men, who worked for the Department of Environmental Resources Management, are accused of making up bogus health violations and threatening the businesses with shutting them down if they did not pay them money.

Florida – Ron DeSantis’ Team Is Urging Florida Lobbyists Not to Back Rep. Byron Donalds for Governor

MSN – Matt Dixon (NBC News) | Published: 3/18/2025

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s political operation is making calls to state lobbyists, urging them not to support U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, whose 2026 bid for governor has already collected more than $3 million, much of which has come from President Trump’s donors. Donalds announced his Trump-backed bid for governor in February, but there remains the prospect that DeSantis’s wife, Casey, also jumps into the race, which would set up a heavyweight Republican primary and continue the long-running political proxy war between Trump and DeSantis.

Florida – Lee School Board’s $180K Lobbying Contract Sparks Conflict-of-Interest Concerns

Yahoo News – Mickenzie Hannon (Naples Daily News) | Published: 3/13/2025

Some Lee County residents are questioning a new $180,000 contract the school board approved with Ballard Partners for federal lobbying services, raising concerns over potential conflicts-of-interest. Some residents voiced concerns about Ballard Partners’ ties to political consultant Terry Miller, who joined the firm as a partner in the Fort Myers office in 2023. He has also worked on campaigns for several board members. Critics argued the contract could give Miller undue influence over district affairs.

Hawaii – ‘Clean Government’ Bills Have Renewed Support

Yahoo News – Dan Nakaso (Honolulu Star-Advertiser) | Published: 3/18/2025

A series of bills aimed at further cleaning up government ethics, lobbying practices, and campaign contributions, while making it easier for new candidates to campaign for office, are suddenly enjoying renewed energy in the Hawaii Legislature after a lull in 2024. Collectively, the bills that remain alive this session are designed to tighten many of the practices that have directly or indirectly been linked to recent federal trials, guilty verdicts, and pleas by state and county officials.

Kansas – Kansas Senate Adds to Potential Makeover of State Elections with Passage of Two More Bills

Yahoo News – Sherman Smith and Anna Kaminski (Kansas Reflector) | Published: 3/17/2025

Lawmakers passed two bills that would ban the use of ranked-choice voting in Kansas and restrict funding for election-related activities, such as voter registration efforts. The Legislature now has sent three election bills to the governor’s desk. The other one would narrow the window for advance ballots to arrive at county election offices.

Kansas – Kansas GOP Activist, Democrat Legislator Find Common Ground in Opposition to Campaign Finance Bills

Yahoo News – Tim Carpenter (Kansas Reflector) | Published: 3/17/2025

Democratic Rep. Alexis Simmons and former Kansas Republican Party Executive Director Kris Van Meteren stand uncommonly side-by-side against elimination of contribution limits for political party committees. Both said they could see logic to House Bill 2054’s doubling of contribution limits for candidates seeking election as governor and other statewide offices, the state Legislature and State Board of Education.

Kentucky – Secrecy Shrouds Campaign to Form New Suburban City in Louisville Metro

WDRB – Marcus Green | Published: 3/11/2025

The battle over a new city proposed for Jefferson County has been waged on yard signs, in online forums, and through word of mouth. But one front where the campaign is not occurring is on disclosure forms bringing transparency to groups fighting for and against the city of Eastwood. In many cases, local and state laws require those advocating for high-profile issues in Louisville and Frankfort to identify themselves and explain how much they are spending to influence decision makers. That is not happening in the Eastwood debate.

Michigan – Detroit Chamber Can’t Comp Lawmakers for Mackinac Conference

MIRS – Staff | Published: 3/11/2025

The Detroit Regional Chamber is not allowed to give lawmakers free admission to their annual Mackinac Policy Conference, which other attendees pay $3,200 apiece to attend, the secretary of state’s office said in a preliminary ruling. Normally, registration is $3,200 for chamber members, but state law bans gifts worth more than $79 from lobbyists, like the Detroit Regional Chamber. The Senate is advancing a bill that would allow lawmakers to continue receiving tickets to charity events or admission to a conference or educational event directly related to their duties, like the Mackinac Policy Conference.

Michigan – Michigan House Democrats Take Second Run at Ethics and Transparency Legislation

Yahoo News – Jon King (Michigan Advance) | Published: 3/18/2025

Michigan House Democrats used Sunshine Week, which acknowledges the importance of transparency in government, to re-introduce a package of bills they say will provide needed accountability to the finances of elected officials. The bills failed to get through the House last year during the lame duck session. Several of the sponsors saying the package would improve accountability by stopping election and campaign finance law violations in real-time, while also curtailing the influence of lobbying and financial interests on the legislative process.

Montana – Witness Testimony Wraps in Ellsworth Ethics Probe as Business Associate Skirts Subpoena

Bozeman Daily Chronicle – Seaborn Larson and Blair Miller (Lee Newspapers) | Published: 3/17/2025

Witness testimony over three days before a legislative ethics committee fortified allegations that Sen. Jason Ellsworth failed to disclose an extensive personal and professional relationship when organizing a state-funded contract for a friend, special counsel Adam Duerk argued. The committee’s final meeting before it begins crystalizing its forthcoming report for the Senate included a video statement from Bryce Eggleston, the contractor whom Ellsworth awarded a $170,100 state-funded contract to analyze the rollout of the GOP’s judicial reform agenda after the 2025 legislative session.

Nevada – Nevada Official Faces Ethics Commission over Golden Knights Perks

MSN – Mary Hynes (Las Vegas Review-Journal) | Published: 3/19/2025

Dwayne McClinton, director of the Nevada Office of Energy, is the subject of a state ethics complaint that claims he accepted free Vegas Golden Knights tickets and solicited access to a private watch party while negotiating a potential taxpayer-funded partnership with the National Hockey League team. McClinton neither disclosed the gifts nor abstained from further work on the partnership project.

New Jersey – Pay-to-Play

MSN – Riley Yates (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 3/20/2025

Two years ago, the New Jersey Legislature eviscerated the state’s pay-to-play law, a once-heralded good government measure that seeks to prevent construction companies, insurance brokers, and law offices from buying contracts through campaign donations. That has helped funnel campaign funds to political machines across New Jersey. In total, public contractors poured $3.8 million last year into political parties at the state, county, or local level, more than double what they gave in 2023, when the new rules first took effect.

New Mexico – Campaign Finance Reform Is ‘Dead,’ Says Sponsor

KUNM – Marjorie Childress (New Mexico In Depth) | Published: 3/16/2025

A bill meant primarily to close loopholes in New Mexico’s law governing the reporting of campaign contributions and expenditures crashed in the House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs committee. Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth has sought to close loopholes in the Campaign Reporting Act since several groups exploited them in a partially successful attempt to evade disclosing their donors and spending in the 2020 election.

New Mexico – Major Lobbyist Transparency Bill Nears Finish Line

New Mexico In Depth – Marjorie Childress | Published: 3/18/2202

The New Mexico Senate voted to require new reports from registered lobbyists and those that pay them about the legislation they support or oppose. The House must now agree with changes made to House Bill 143. Sen. Jeff Steinborn has pushed for this type of lobbyist reporting since 2017, but his bills have not made it far in the Senate before.

New York – Adams’s Associates Under Federal Investigation Over Ties to China

DNyuz – Bianca Pallaro, Jay Root, Michael Forsythe, and William Rashbaum (New York Times) | Published: 3/18/2025

The Trump administration appears likely to succeed in having federal corruption charges dropped against New York City Mayor Eric Adams in Manhattan. But in Brooklyn, a separate group of prosecutors has been conducting a long-running investigation involving the mayor’s most prominent fundraiser, and at one point searched her homes and office for evidence of a possible Chinese government scheme to influence Adams’s election, according to a search warrant.

New York – Judge Upholds Income Limits for State Legislators

Jamestown Post-Journal – John Whittaker | Published: 3/20/2025

A New York Supreme Court justice upheld outside income limits for state legislators but struck down a section of the law that would strip lawmakers of their voting rights if they violate the income limits. Republicans asked the judge to declare the law unconstitutional under the state and federal constitutions while the state argued limiting outside income falls within the Legislature’s legitimate interest in preventing conflict-of-interest and ethics issues caused by outside earned income.

Ohio – Six Years After Bribery Scandal, Ousted First Energy Lobbyists Still Aren’t Talking to the PUCO

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/13/2025

Nearly six years ago, the Ohio General Assembly passed legislation that benefitted FirstEnergy, which was later deemed to be the fruit of a bribery scheme. Three corporate lobbyists and one executive, all since ousted from their roles with FirstEnergy, once again avoided answering questions under oath about what happened. The goal of the hearing was to establish a process and build a record that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio could take to court, where a judge could issue an order compelling them to testify while giving immunity from being held criminally accountable for whatever answers they may provide.

Oklahoma – Ryan Walters Used His Official-Looking X Account to Support Trump. It Cost Him $5K to Settle Ethics Complaint.

Yahoo News – Nolan Clay (Oklahoman) | Published: 3/17/2025

State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters agreed to pay a $5,000 settlement after being accused of ethics violations for pushing for Donald Trump’s election on a social media account with his official title. The Oklahoma Ethics Commission voted to settle three cases against Walters over his social media posts in support of Trump. It also voted to sue Walters over alleged campaign finance violations.

Oregon – Oregon’s 3 Most Populous Counties Don’t Track Who Lobbies Their Leaders

MSN – Austin De Dios (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 3/14/2025

None of Oregon’s most populous counties track with whom lobbyists meet or how much they spend on events with public officials. The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners is looking to change that.

Tennessee – No Formal Ethics Commission Training Yet for Lee’s Cabinet After September Pledge

Des Moines Register – Vivian Jones (Nashville Tennessean) | Published: 3/10/2025

Additional ethics training has not occurred for members of Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s cabinet nearly six months after a state ethics board recommended that they do so. Last year, Lee and Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds both repaid travel payments to nonprofits with connected political groups that employ lobbyists after media reports led to ethics complaints that alleged the travel expenses constituted illegal gifts.

Texas – How At-Large Voting Creates Conservative Majorities on Texas School Boards

MSN – Jeremy Schwartz (ProPublica) and Dan Keemahill (Texas Tribune) | Published: 3/19/2025

The way communities elect school board members plays a key, if often overlooked, role in whether racially diverse districts experience takeovers by ideologically driven conservatives seeking to exert greater influence over what children learn in public schools In Texas. Since the pandemic, such groups have successfully leveraged the state’s long-standing and predominantly at-large method of electing candidates to flip school boards in their direction.

Texas – Bills Filed to Ban ‘Deepfakes’ in Political Ads in Texas

MSN – Bethany Blankley (The Center Square) | Published: 3/19/2025

Two bills were filed in Texas that would require additional disclosures for political ads. The bills were filed after the state Ethics Commission expanded disclosure requirements for campaign ads on social media posts. House Bill 366 would require disclosures on political ads that contain altered images known as “deep fakes.”

Utah – Utah on Path to End Automatic Mail Ballots after Wave of Misinformation

MSN – Patrick Marley and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 3/17/2025

Utah is poised to abolish its practice of automatically mailing ballots to all voters, handing a victory to President Trump and Republicans who have vilified voting by mail since his 2020 election defeat. The likely changes in Utah are modest compared with Trump’s calls for ending mail voting altogether but would nonetheless mark a dramatic shift in a Republican stronghold that has long embraced mail balloting as convenient and secure.

Vermont – Vermont House Passes Change to Ethics Law, Despite Objections from the State’s Ethics Commission

VTDigger.org – Shaun Robinson | Published: 3/14/2025

The state panel tasked with reviewing alleged violations of Vermont’s ethical standards for government officials has been at odds with lawmakers over a bill that would limit the panel’s role in reviewing potential misconduct by state leaders. The House passed the bill that would, among other changes, exempt the panels and boards that investigate alleged misconduct by legislators, judges, and attorneys from a legal requirement to “consult” with the state ethics commission.

West Virginia – WV House Republicans Join Dems 54-41 to Reject Bill Allowing Direct Corporate Political Donations

West Virgina Watch – Caity Coyne | Published: 3/13/2025

The West Virginia House rejected a bill that would have allowed businesses and corporations in the state to directly donate up to $2,800, and potentially more, to candidates. Under House Bill 2729, business owners could have given the maximum amount of money to candidates multiple times by donating through their businesses, individual giving, and PACs.

National/Federal

Lawsuit Challenges Reporting Requirements for Conduit PACs

Campaigns and Elections – Max Greenwood | Published: 3/10/2025

A new lawsuit is challenging the requirement that conduit PACs disclose the personal details of small-dollar donors in their filings with the FEC. The complaint argues the provision in the Federal Election Campaign Act requiring conduit PACs like ActBlue and WinRed to publicly identify donors to give less than $200 to a campaign or committee violates a right to anonymity guaranteed by the Constitution.

ActBlue, the Democratic Fund-Raising Powerhouse, Faces Internal Chaos

DNyuz – Reid Epstein and Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) | Published: 3/5/2025

ActBlue, the online fundraising organization that powers Democratic candidates, has plunged into turmoil, with at least seven senior officials resigning recently and a remaining lawyer suggesting he faced internal retaliation. The departures from ActBlue, which helps raise money for Democrats running for office at all levels of government, come as the group is under investigation by congressional Republicans. They have advanced legislation that some Democrats warn could be used to debilitate what is the party’s leading fundraising operation.

Trump Expands Retribution Campaign Against Law Firms That Aided His Foes

MSN – Perry Stein and Michael Birnbaum (Washington Post) | Published: 3/6/2025

President Trump targeted another elite law firm that has represented clients he considers his political enemies, sending a message that he is willing to punish firms who work for people or groups that oppose his administration’s agenda. Trump signed an executive order hitting Perkins Coie with a directive that bans the federal government from hiring it, or from using contractors who work with it, except in limited circumstances. The order also bars Perkins Coie employees from entering federal buildings and suspends their security clearances.

Fired Head of Federal Watchdog Agency Says He’s Ending His Legal Battle Over His Removal by Trump

MSN – Alanna Durkin Richer (Associated Press) | Published: 3/6/2025

The fired head of a federal watchdog agency said he is abandoning his legal battle against the Trump administration to get his job back, acknowledging he was likely facing a tough road before the U.S. Supreme Court. Hampton Dellinger said he was dropping his case a day after the federal appeals court sided with the Trump administration in removing him as the head of the Office of Special Counsel, an independent agency dedicated to guarding the federal workforce from illegal personnel actions.

Palestinian Protester Arrested by ICE Despite Green Card, Lawyer Says

MSN – Susan Syrluga (Washington Post) | Published: 3/9/2025

U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student, who played a prominent role in last year’s protests over the Israel-Gaza war at Columbia University. President Trump has promised to deport international students who participated in “pro-jihadist protests.” The federal agents told Khalil his student visa had been revoked. When Khalil told agents he was a lawful permanent resident, holding a green card, agents detained him anyway, his attorney said.

Secretive D.C. Influence Project Appears to Be Running a Group House for Right-Wing Lawmakers

MSN – Justin Elliott, Joshua Kaplan, and Alex Mierjeski (ProPublica) | Published: 3/6/3035

New evidence suggests Steve Berger, a pastor who runs a nonprofit that is trying to shape national policy, may be running what amounts to a group house for conservative lawmakers, with multiple members of Congress living with him at his organization’s headquarters. The six-bedroom, $3.7 million home is owned by a wealthy Republican donor. Berger has claimed to have personally spurred legislation, saying a senator privately credited him with inspiring a bill.

CDC Posts ‘Conflicts of Interest’ Database on Vaccine Advisory Group Members

MSN – Berkeley Lovelace (NBC News) | Published: 3/7/2025

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a webpage listing information about current and former members of its independent vaccine advisory committee, including what it describes as conflicts-of-interest. The new database comes after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose department oversees the CDC, has vowed to increase “radical transparency” at the federal health agencies. It was not immediately clear how the webpage would accomplish that.

Judge Says Trump Jan. 6 Pardon Doesn’t Apply to Man Who Conspired to Kill Investigators

MSN – Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 3/10/2025

President Trump’s blanket pardon for the rioters who attacked the Capitol does not cover a conspiracy by one defendant to kill the law enforcement officials who investigated him, a federal judge ruled. Edward Kelley, who was convicted of conspiracy last year by a federal jury in Tennessee, had argued Trump’s sweeping clemency for rioters should also cover his conviction since the agents and officers he targeted were connected to the January 6 investigation.

A New Role for the South Lawn of Trump’s White House: Tesla car lot

MSN – Matt Viser (Washington Post) | Published: 3/11/2025

On the South Lawn of the White House, President Trump climbed into a Tesla Model S as Elon Musk slid into the passenger seat, converting one of the country’s most revered public spaces into a billboard for a company run by one of his closest allies. The president he made no secret of the fact that he was attempting to boost the financial fortunes of one of his supporters, whose cars, he noted, could be had for the low price of $35,000.

GOP Lawmaker Misgenders Democratic Rep. McBride, Derailing House Hearing

MSN – Kelsey Ables (Washington Post) | Published: 3/12/2025

A House subcommittee hearing went off the rails when Rep. Keith Self misgendered Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender person elected to Congress, and abruptly adjourned the session after a colleague confronted him. Speaking at a hearing on arms control, international security, and U.S. assistance to Europe, Self, the chairperson of the subcommittee on Europe, addressed McBride, a transgender woman, as “the representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride.”

Justice Department Is Expected to Slash Public Corruption Unit, AP Sources Say

MSN – Alanna Durkin Richer and Eric Tucker (Associated Press) | Published: 3/11/2025

Prosecutors in the Justice Department section that handles public corruption cases have been told the unit will be significantly reduced in size, and its cases will be transferred to U.S. attorney’s offices around the country, two people familiar with the matter said. The discussions about shrinking the public integrity section come weeks after the unit’s leadership resigned when a top Justice Department official ordered the dropping of corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

USAID Workers Told to Shred, Burn Documents, Unnerving Congress

MSN – Missy Ryan and John Hudson (Washington Post) | Published: 3/11/2025

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) ordered employees to destroy internal documents, according to an agency directive, raising new questions about how sensitive records are being handled in the Trump administration’s drive to curtail America’s assistance activities overseas. According to an email, a senior USAID official ordered employees to shred or burn documents at the organization’s Washington headquarters, including those related to agency personnel and those stored in safes used for classified material.

Washington Post Columnist Quits After Her Opinion Piece Criticizing Owner Jeff Bezos Is Rejected

MSN – David Bauder (Associated Press) | Published: 3/10/2025

Ruth Marcus, a columnist who has worked at the Washington Post for four decades, resigned after she said the newspaper’s management decided not to run her commentary critical of owner Jeff Bezos’ new editorial policy. Her exit is the latest fallout from Bezos’ directive that the Post narrow the topics covered by its opinion section to personal liberties and the free market. The newspaper’s opinions editor, David Shipley, had already resigned because of the shift.

Trump Official Tasked with Defending DOGE Cuts Posted Fashion Influencer Videos from Her Office

MSN – Curt Devine, Casey Tolan, and Audrey Ash (CNN) | Published: 3/12/2025

A federal employee tasked with defending the Trump administration’s mass government layoffs has been using her office to film fashion influencer videos. McLaurine Pinover, head of communications for the Office of Personnel Management, which acts as the government’s human resources agency, modeled her outfit choices for the day while directing followers from her Instagram account to a website that could earn her commissions on clothing sales.

Brother of Trump’s GSA Leader Tried to Buy Prime Federal Property

MSN – Jonathan O’Connell (Washington Post) | Published: 3/13/2025

President Trump appointed former tech executive Stephen Ehikian as acting administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA), the agency that manages government buildings, supplies, and services. Two weeks later, Ehikian’s brother, Brad Ehikian, a real estate developer, proposed that the GSA sell his company a federally owned 17-acre campus in Silicon Valley for $65 million. The GSA tried to auction the property in 2022 for nearly twice that amount. Current and former agency officials said they had not encountered such a proposal from someone related to the GSA administrator.

Pleas on X, Biden Dirt and Attacks on the FBI: As Trump flexes his pardon powers, defendants angle for their get-out-of-jail free card

Politico – Ben Schreckinger | Published: 3/11/2025

President Trump’s moves to expand the use of pardons have white-collar defendants jolting to attention, and many are responding with creative maneuvers designed to appeal less to judges or juries than to the ultimate arbiter in the Oval Office. Trump’s appointment of a White House “pardon czar,” Alice Johnson, and an announcement by the Justice Department lawyer who oversaw pardons during Biden’s term that she has been fired, signal Trump is not done exercising his clemency powers.

Musk’s Team Must Produce Documents to Comply with Open Records Laws, Judge Says

Seattle Times – Zach Montague and Minho Kim (New York Times) | Published: 3/10/2025

A federal judge found Elon Musk’s government-cutting unit is likely subject to public disclosure laws and must promptly turn over documents to a group that had sued for access to its internal emails. U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Cooper said the Department of Government Efficiency that Musk leads had all the hallmarks of an agency that would typically be subject to laws like the Freedom of Information Act.

State Politics Has a Sexual Misconduct Problem

Yahoo News – Grace Panetta (The 19th) | Published: 3/11/2025

State Legislatures craft most of the laws passed in the U.S. and serve as the main pipeline for higher office. But sexual harassment in state politics “remains a systemic and ongoing issue affecting both parties” according to a new report from the National Women’s Defense League. Legislatures are largely self-governing bodies, and even after a spate of post-#MeToo reforms, many lawmakers surveyed said the mechanisms for reporting misconduct in their states are lacking.

From the States and Municipalities

Europe – Belgian Prosecutors Arrest Suspects in Huawei Bribery Probe Targeting EU Parliament

MSN – Samuel Petrequin and Sylvian Plazy (Associated Press) | Published: 3/13/2025

Belgian prosecutors announced the arrests of several people in a corruption probe linked to the European Parliament and the Chinese company Huawei. The arrests came as a media investigation said lobbyists working for the telecommunication giant were suspected of bribing current or former European Parliament members to promote the company’s commercial policies in Europe.

Canada – Supreme Court Strikes Down Doug Ford’s Controversial Campaign Finance Law

Toronto Star – Robert Benzie | Published: 3/7/2025

A key section of Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s controversial campaign finance law has been struck down by the Supreme Court of Canada. The high court found it was unconstitutional for Ford to limit pre-election spending by unions and other third-party groups in his 2021 legislation. It is a major legal triumph for a coalition of labor unions and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, which opposed the Progressive Conservatives’ bill that limited their spending to $600,000 on advertising and other political activities in the 12 months before an election.

California – Probe Finds Nonprofit’s Gift to Former Top S.F. Official Created ‘Appearance of a Bribe’

MSN – Michael Barba and St. John Barned-Smith (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 3/11/2025

An investigation concluded a $5,500 gift from the nonprofit Urban Ed Academy to former San Francisco Human Rights Commission Executive Director Sheryl Davis appeared to break city ethics rules and created “at least the appearance of a bribe and undue influence.” Davis subsequently awarded a $270,000 contract to the nonprofit. That contract was one of $2.3 million in city contracts that Urban Ed Academy received in recent years under the Dream Keeper Initiative, a major city reinvestment in the Black community that Davis oversaw.

California – Contractors Might Have to Disclose Campaign Finance Violations in Santa Ana

Voice of OC – Hosam Elattar | Published: 3/6/2025

Contractors and developers in Santa Ana might soon have to disclose any campaign finance violations issued by state or federal officials, a move that could be a first for Orange County. Santa Ana City Councilperson Phil Bacerra wants it made clear to the public if a developer or business applying for a permit, contract, license, or entitlement has been found to have violated any state or federal campaign finance laws.

Colorado – Former State Senator Now Faces Investigation by Denver, Boulder District Attorneys After Resigning Amid Ethics Probe

Denver Post – Seth Klamann and Nick Coltrain | Published: 3/11/2025

Former state Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis is under investigation by the Denver and Boulder district attorneys’ offices, nearly a month after legislative staff determined Jaquez Lewis forged at least one letter of support in an ethics probe. Under Colorado law, using deceit in an attempt to influence a public servant is a felony, as is the use of certain forgeries.

District of Columbia – D.C. U.S. Attorney Targets Ukraine Whistleblower Rep. Vindman

MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 3/11/2025

Interim U.S. attorney Ed Martin has sent another letter to U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman, a critic of President Trump, demanding information in what Democratic lawmakers say is a potential abuse of his prosecutorial power. Martin wants information about a business founded by Vindman and his brother to help arm Ukraine to fight Russia. Eugene and Alexander Vindman, both former U.S. Army officers with national security backgrounds, played key roles in Trump’s first impeachment, over his reported attempt to pressure Ukraine’s then-incoming president, Volodymyr Zelensky, to find damaging information about Joe Biden.

Florida – Florida Senate Committee Moves to Ban Using Tax Dollars on Ballot Initiative Campaigns

Yahoo News – Jeffrey Schweers (Orlando Sentinel) | Published: 3/11/2025

After Gov. Ron DeSantis used millions of state dollars last year to battle against abortion and marijuana proposals, some Florida lawmakers want to ban the use of public funds to promote or oppose ballot amendments. The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee approved such a measure by voice vote, adding it to a controversial bill to further restrict the petition-gathering process citizens groups use to get amendments before voters.

Maine – Republican Maine Lawmaker Sues House Speaker Over Censure for Post on Transgender Athlete

MSN – Patrick Whittle (Associated Press) | Published: 3/12/2025

Maine Rep. Laurel Libby sued the House speaker over her censure that followed a social media post about a transgender athlete participating in high school sports. Libby posted about a high school athlete who won a girls’ track competition. The post included a photo of the student and identified them by first name, with the name in quotation marks, saying they previously competed in boys’ track. Libby claims the censure violated her right to free speech. The lawsuit also says the censure stripped her right to speak and vote on the House floor, and that disenfranchises the thousands of residents in her district.

Maine – Committee Rejects Clean Elections Expansion, Other Proposals to Alter Election Laws

Yahoo News – Emma Davis (Maine Morning Star) | Published: 3/10/2025

The Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee voted down several proposals to alter election laws in Maine, including measures that sought to expand the state’s clean elections program, eliminate ongoing absentee voter status, and reestablish a component of ranked choice voting tabulations that was done away with last session. These mark the first few committee recommendations for how the state should alter its elections laws this session.

Maryland – Maryland Democrats File Elections Complaint Against ‘Shadowy’ Campaign Targeting Gov. Wes Moore

MSN – Sam Janesch (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 3/7/2025

Maryland Democrats asked the State Board of Elections to sanction what they are calling a “shadowy” and illegal campaign against Gov. Wes Moore ahead of his reelection bid next year. The campaign, which has identified itself only as “No Moore” since its launch in February, has targeted the Democratic governor over his handling of the state’s budget deficit. Daily posts that evoke Moore and sometimes refer to his election prospects are likely a violation of state campaign finance law because the group behind those messages has not registered with the as a campaign entity, the Democratic Party argued.

Mississippi – Federal Trial in Jackson Corruption Case set for Summer 2026

Mississippi Today – Anna Wolfe | Published: 3/7/2025

U.S. District Judge Daniel Jordan set the corruption trial for Jackson’s mayor, a city councilperson, and the county’s district attorney for July 13, 2026. A federal grand jury indicted Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, and council member Aaron Banks in a bribery scheme after concocting a sting involving undercover FBI agents posing as real estate developers. All three officials pleaded not guilty.

Montana – Ravalli County Rep. Ron Marshall Resigns, Cites Influence of Lobbyists in Legislature

Yahoo News – Micah Drew (Daily Montanan) | Published: 3/4/2025

State Rep. Rob Marshall resigned from the Montana Legislature, citing corruption in a Capitol “run by lobbyists.” During previous sessions, Marshall said there was a greater appetite among legislators and the Republican leadership to work together and hear each other out on the merits of various pieces of legislation, but this year there is “more wheeling and dealing” going on in Helena.

New Jersey – New Jersey’s Ballot Design That Gave Party Bosses Big Influence Is Officially Dead

MSN – Ry Rivard (Politico) | Published: 3/6/2025

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law a redesign of primary ballots, formally ending an entrenched system that gave unique influence to the state’s party bosses but faced an unexpected wave of opposition. The county line system gave political parties in all but two of the state’s 21 counties the power to help design primary ballots based on party endorsements. Party-backed candidates were grouped together while candidates without endorsements were displayed awkwardly or on obscure parts of the ballot. Getting the line could make or break a campaign.

New Jersey – This Democrat Is Running for Governor with No Staff – but $35M in His Corner

New Jersey Monitor – Dana DiFilippo | Published: 3/10/2025

In his last disclosure, Democrat Sean Spiller reported spending of just $64,253 since he launched his campaign to be New Jersey governor last June. What is fueling Spiller’s campaign is not money that he raised himself. He is backed by an outside spending group that told election officials it will spend $35 million on the race. That independent expenditure group, Working New Jersey, has not disclosed any of its financial information since Spiller entered the race. This should raise red flags for election observers, including the state’s Election Law Enforcement Commission, said Craig Holman of Public Citizen.

New Mexico – Lobbyist Disclosure Bill Advances – Minus Cap on Lobbyist Spending on Lawmakers

Santa Fe New Mexican – Daniel Chacón | Published: 3/10/2025

The Senate Rules Committee endorsed a bill designed to shine a brighter light on lobbying activities in New Mexico after the panel stripped a House floor amendment many interpreted as capping lobbyist spending at $50 per day per legislator during a legislative session. Sen. Jeff Steinborn said he believes the Republican-sponsored amendment was an attempt to “undermine the bill” and create a “side show.”

New York – For #MeToo Movement, Mayor’s Race in New York City Poses a Test

DNyuz – Emma Fitzsimmons (New York Times) | Published: 3/10/2025

This year, three Democratic candidates for mayor of New York City – Andrew Cuomo, Scott Stringer, and the incumbent, Eric Adams – will provide a durability test for the #MeToo movement in New York politics. All three have faced allegations of sexual misconduct; all have forcefully denied the accusations and challenged the accusers in court. Some of the accusers, their lawyers, and women’s groups are trying to keep the #MeToo allegations front and center, hoping to persuade voters that they should be viewed as disqualifying behavior.

New York – Adams Case Should Be Permanently Dismissed, Outside Legal Expert Recommends

MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 3/7/2025

The Justice Department should dismiss a corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams “with prejudice,” eliminating the possibility of bringing charges again in the future, former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement said in court documents. The Justice Department had sought to toss the charges but leave open the possibility of reindicting the mayor. Their decision to abandon the case outraged career prosecutors in the U.S. attorney’s office in New York and at Justice Department headquarters, prompting a slew of resignations.

New York – What New York State Aide’s Help Was Worth to China: More than $15 million

MSN – James Avery (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 3/8/2025

In an indictment, the Justice Department alleged former gubernatorial aide Linda Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, got rich as she levered proximity to two New York governors to help China. She was criminally indicted for illegally acting as a foreign agent and, along with her husband, was hit with financial charges including money-laundering conspiracies. Now prosecutors have unsealed details of how they allege Sun orchestrated a scheme that generated a stream of funds and gifts as she did favors for Chin and how managing the intake was a family affair.

Oklahoma – LOFT Report Uncovers Outdated Complaints and Revenue Discrepancies at Ethics Commission

MSN – Colleen Wilson (KOKH) | Published: 3/6/2025

A report by the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency about the Ethics Commission revealed poor record keeping, as well as a misguided focus and a loss of sight of the original mission of the state agency. The report recommended several ways to get the agency back on track, including increasing transparency and creating a complaint tracking system.

Oregon – Citizen-Driven Ballot Measures Could Become More Rare Under Proposals Taken Up by Oregon Lawmakers

Oregon Public Broadcasting – Dirk VanderHart | Published: 3/11/2025

Landing a measure on the Oregon ballot could be more time-consuming and expensive under a pair of provisions lawmakers are considering putting before voters next year. Both seek to address what their backers say is a growing problem: the concentration of the state’s population in the Portland metro area that ensures measures can qualify for the statewide ballot without a say from the rest of Oregon.

Pennsylvania – Helping to Run an Election in Pennsylvania Often Starts with Running for Election

Votebeat – Carter Walker | Published: 3/10/2025

This year, voters across Pennsylvania will have a chance to choose the people who will staff their polling locations for the next four years. In most states, these workers are appointed, but in Pennsylvania, the people who oversee voting at the precinct level are elected officials with four-year terms. Pennsylvania is the only state that does it quite like this.

Tennessee – Ex-Tennessee Lawmaker Announces Trump’s Pardon 2 Weeks into Prison Time for Campaign Finance Scheme

MSN – Jonathan Matisse (Associated Press) | Published: 3/12/2025

Former Tennessee Sen. Brian Kelsey said President Trump pardoned him two weeks into his 21-month prison sentence for an illegal campaign finance scheme that he pleaded guilty to in 2022, before he tried unsuccessfully to take back his plea. Kelsy admitted his attempts to funnel campaign money from his state legislative seat toward his failed 2016 congressional bid.

National/Federal

Democrats Challenge Trump Effort to Control Federal Election Commission

Courthouse News Service – Ryan Knappenberger | Published: 2/28/2025

The Democratic National Committee sued the Trump administration, challenging an executive order that ostensibly granted President Trump increased control over the executive branch, including independent agencies like the FEC. The order requires independent agencies to submit any proposed rules to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs within the White House. That gives Trump final say over previously nonpartisan decisions. Democrats argue the move eviscerates the Federal Election Campaign Act and would allow the president to dictate to the FEC’s bipartisan board.

Who Paid for Trump’s Transition to Power? The Donors Are Still Unknown.

DNyuz – Ken Bensinger (New York Times) | Published: 3/6/2025

After six weeks in office, President Trump has not disclosed the names of the donors who paid for his transition planning, despite a public pledge to do so. Preparing to take power and fill thousands of federal jobs is a monthslong project that can cost tens of millions of dollars. Previous presidents used private contributions as well as federal money to foot the bill. Those presidents made public the names of donors and their contributions within 30 days of taking office, as required under agreements they signed with the departing administration.

‘We Will Not Falter.’ Trump-Era Resignation Letters Take Center Stage

MSN – Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 3/6/2025

Dozens of federal officials and employees have quit in protest or been forced out amid the upheavals the Trump administration has unleashed across government agencies. A number of the departing have documented their discontent in resignation letters that have found their way into public view. Taken together, the letters from career bureaucrats who in many cases worked under Democratic and Republican presidents, amounts to a collective cry of frustration in response to an administration they feel has belittled and discounted their work.

Speaker Mike Johnson Is Living in a D.C. House That Is the Center of a Pastor’s Secretive Influence Campaign

MSN – Joshua Kaplan, Justin Elliott, and Alex Mierjeski (ProPublica) | Published: 2/28/2025

House Speaker Mike Johnson has been staying at a District of Columbia home with Steve Berger, an evangelical pastor. Berger’s stated goal is to minister to members of Congress so that what “they learn is then translated into policy.” The house is owned by a major Republican donor who has joined Berger in advocating for and against multiple bills before Congress. House ethics rules allow members of Congress to live anywhere, as long as they are paying fair-market rent.

Trump’s Opponents Decry a Sweeping Crackdown on Free Speech

MSN – Naftali Bendavid (Washington Post) | Published: 3/3/2025

Since taking office, Donald Trump has mounted what critics call a sweeping attack on freedom of expression. Some of the attacks are against diversity, equity, and inclusion, while others are aimed at media organizations that Trump dislikes. Also targeted are opponents who have spoken sharply about the administration. Together, critics – and in some cases, judges – have said Trump’s efforts have gone beyond shaping the message of the federal government to threaten the First Amendment rights of private groups and individuals.

The D.C. Power Broker Embroiled in a Global Hacking Scandal

MSN – Christopher Matthews and Jenny Strasburg (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 3/3/2025

A Washington strategist and lobbyist with deep connections to the Republican Party, Justin Peterson is accustomed to fighting aggressively on behalf of powerful clients such as Exxon Mobil. But at a November 2015 breakfast with an Israeli private investigator, Peterson launched a yearslong campaign that federal prosecutors now say crossed a line. As he put it in an email following the breakfast, Peterson wanted the investigator to “operationalize the research on the bad guys.” According to prosecutors, in practice that led to something very specific: hacking into the email accounts of Exxon’s enemies.

Ethical Concerns Surround Sen. Joni Ernst’s Relationships with Top Military Officials Who Lobbied Her Committee

MSN – Robert Faturechi (ProPublica) | Published: 3/4/2025

Earlier this year, the Air Force revealed that Maj. Gen. Christopher Finerty, who oversaw the Air Force’s lobbying before Congress, had inappropriate romantic relationships with three women who worked on Capitol Hill. Sources say one of the women whose relationship with Finerty was scrutinized by the Air Force inspector general was Sen. Joni Ernst. She sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, which oversees the Pentagon and plays a crucial role in setting its annual budget.

Republicans Advised to Avoid In-Person Town Halls After Confrontations Over Cuts Go Viral

MSN – Melanie Zanona (NBC News) | Published: 3/4/2025

Congressional Republicans are again being advised against holding in-person town halls after several instances of lawmakers being berated by attendees went viral. The cautions against town halls are just the latest warnings by top GOP leaders about participating in the events, which give constituents the opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns.

Musk’s Starlink Gets FAA Contract, Raising New Conflict of Interest Concerns

MSN – Chris Isidore (CNN) | Published: 2/25/2025

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) agreed to use SpaceX’s Starlink internet system to upgrade the information technology networks it uses to manage U.S. airspace, raising new concerns about conflicts of interest for Elon Musk in one of his other roles, that of recommending funding cuts at federal agencies, including the FAA. Musk’s SpaceX is a is dependent on federal contracts. Its Starlink satellite internet provides service for government and private customers around the world.

Supreme Court Says Judge Can Force Trump Administration to Pay Foreign Aid

MSN – Justin Jouvenal, Annie Gowan, and Ann Morrow (Washington Post) | Published: 3/5/2025

A divided Supreme Court denied the Trump administration’s request to block a lower court order on foreign aid funding, clearing the way for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to restart nearly $2 billion in payments for work already done. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined the court’s three liberal justices in the order, which was the high court’s first significant move on lawsuits related to President Trump’s initiatives in his second term.

Al Green Kicked Out of Trump’s Speech as Democrats Bring Signs, Heckle

MSN – Justine McDaniel (Washington Post) | Published: 3/5/2025

Within the first minutes of President Trump’s address to Congress, an extraordinary exchange unfolded as House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered the sergeant at arms to remove from the chamber Rep. Al Green, who protested the president’s remarks. Green shouted at Trump, shaking his cane and saying the president had “no mandate” to cut Medicaid. Democrats have worked to find their footing in resisting Trump, and the speech brought different approaches from lawmakers, a handful of whom skipped it altogether and some of whom walked out mid-address.

Appeals Court Allows Trump to Remove Watchdog Hampton Dellinger for Now

MSN – Derek Hawkins (Washington Post) | Published: 3/5/2025

A federal appeals court allowed President Trump to temporarily remove the head of an independent watchdog agency while the judges decide whether the president has the authority to fire him without cause.  A lower court had blocked the president from firing Hampton Dellinger, head of the Office of Special Counsel. But the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit paused that ruling, saying the government had met the “stringent requirements” for securing a stay during the appeal.

From the States and Municipalities

California – Have Federal Agents Served Warrants at California’s Capitol? The Legislature Doesn’t Want You to Know

CalMatters – Ryan Sabalow | Published: 3/5/2025

The Legislative Open Records Act gives lawmakers and their staff members more discretion to withhold records than most other public agencies have under the similar California Public Records Act. But David Loy, legal director for the First Amendment Coalition, said even if they have a legal right to withhold records, public agencies usually have broad discretion to release them. “We should err on the side of disclosure. The public has a right to know,” Loy said.

California – Ethics Violation Lodged Against Former CalRecycle Director

MSN – Susanne Rust (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 3/4/2025

The former director of CalRecycle, Rachel Wagner – who oversaw, wrote, and promoted the single-use plastic legislation known as Senate Bill 54 – is now the executive director of the Circular Action Alliance, a coalition of plastic and packaging companies determined to delay, if not derail, the law. A whistleblower submitted a formal complaint to the California Fair Political Practices Commission, asking the agency to investigate Wagoner on the grounds she violated a ban that prevents former regulators from receiving compensation to work against the state on matters they once oversaw.

California – Jury Convicts Fired S.F. Building Inspector Who Approved Family Projects

MSN – Michael Barba (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 3/4/2025

Van Zeng, a former San Francisco building inspector who inspected projects linked to his family – including construction on his own home – was found guilty by a jury of breaking conflict-of-interest rules. Zeng’s father is a building contractor who allegedly arranged illegal payments for Bernie Curran, a disgraced former building inspector at the center of a larger corruption scandal. Zeng’s parents flip houses, and his sister is a real estate agent.

California – Huntington Park City Hall and Mayor’s Home Raided in Corruption Investigation

MSN – Ruben Vives (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 2/26/2025

Huntington Park City Hall and the homes of the mayor and current and former city council members were searched as part of a corruption investigation. Electronics, paperwork and records were seized as part of the probe, dubbed “Operation Dirty Pond.” Investigators have been looking into alleged misuse of millions of dollars allocated for the construction of a regional aquatic center at Salt Lake Park, according to the district attorney’s office. The city allocated more than $20 million to the project and has spent about $14 million even though nothing has been constructed yet.

California – SF Waives Ethics Rules in Asks for Private-Sector Help

San Francisco Examiner – Adam Shanks | Published: 3/5/2025

San Francisco is asking the private sector to step up and fund what city government cannot – or will not – as it faces a major budget deficit. The Board of Supervisors has approved special waivers to allow department heads to widely solicit donations to support city services. In doing so, they have won an exception to an ethics law that was tightened up just a few years ago – and, according to those who shepherded the new rules through, with good reason.

Connecticut – Kosta Diamantis and Chris Ziogas Charged in Corruption Scheme

Connecticut Mirror – Andrew Brown and Dave Altimari | Published: 2/28/2025

Former Deputy Budget Director Konstantinos Diamantis and former Connecticut Rep. Christopher Ziogas were indicted on federal corruption charges for allegedly pressuring state employees to cancel a 2020 audit that was examining an optometrist’s Medicaid billing practices. The indictment comes just weeks after Helen Zervas, the optometrist and Ziogas’ fiancée, pleaded guilty to defrauding Medicare and Medicaid and conspiring with two state officials to cancel the audit.

Connecticut – CT Lawmaker Eyeing PURA Seat Owes Struggling Ratepayers Over $1 Million

Energy and Policy Institute – Itai Vardi | Published: 3/4/2025

Connecticut Sen. John Fonfara, who is reportedly a candidate for commissioner at the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), headed a delinquent electric supplier company that owes over $1.1 million to customers who are struggling to pay their electric bills. Fonfara has started multiple new companies whose interests could be affected by decisions made by PURA. At least one of them is in the electric supply industry. Another is invested in building data centers, which often require large investments in electricity infrastructure.

Georgia – Georgia Committee That Has Pursued Fani Willis Now Wants to Investigate Stacey Abrams

MSN – Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 2/28/2025

A Georgia Senate committee pursuing a thus-far fruitless investigation of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis wants to add Stacey Abrams to its list of targets. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and other Republicans say they want to further examine recent ethics findings that voter participation group New Georgia Project improperly coordinated with Abrams’ 2018 campaign for governor.

Hawaii – Hawaii Defense Contractor Exec Must Face Some Campaign Finance Conspiracy Claims

Courthouse News Service – Jeremy Yurow | Published: 3/3/2025

A federal judge in Hawaii dismissed racketeering claims against a defense contractor but allowed conspiracy and state law claims to proceed. Duke Hartman was formerly an executive at PacMar Technologies. PacMar claims he participated in a scheme to funnel illegal campaign contributions to a PAC. Hartman claims PacMar’s former chief executive, Martin Kao, along with his wife Tiffany and fellow executives, orchestrated an illegal donation scheme and subsequent cover-up.

Hawaii – Honolulu Officials Charged in Kealoha Retirement Payout Case

Yahoo News – Peter Boylan (Honolulu Star Advertiser) | Published: 3/4/2025

Honolulu’s former managing director, corporation counsel, and chairperson of the Police Commission were charged with conspiracy for their handling of a $250,000 retirement payment in 2017 to former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha. The plea deal signals an end to a long-running public corruption probe by federal prosecutors in California that began with the Kealoha case and expanded to examine the intersections between politics, business, and law enforcement in Hawaii.

Illinois – Judge Grants Retrial on Four Bribery Counts in ‘ComEd Four’ Case Involving Madigan

Yahoo News – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 3/3/2025

A federal judge granted a partial retrial on several bribery counts in the case of four former executives and lobbyists for electric utility Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) who were convicted in 2023 for their roles in bribing former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. U.S. District Court Judge Manish Shah left intact the convictions on a number of other counts, including the lead count of conspiracy and charges alleging the defendants altered ComEd’s books to hide the scheme.

Kansas – Kansas Republican Dissidents Put Spotlight on Ethics Investigation and Effort to Rewrite State Law

Yahoo News – Sherman Smith (Kansas Reflector) | Published: 2/28/2025

A sudden burst of chatter around a three-year-old campaign finance investigation that has largely played out in the shadows, included the disclosure of a confidential document that details the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission’s findings of an alleged far-reaching scheme to circumvent campaign donation limits and the commission’s decision to clear a central figure in the investigation. But at least a handful of Republicans harbor a grudge over the alleged violations and an apparent attempt by others in the party to rewrite state ethics law.

Louisiana – More Louisiana Officials Can Shield Their Home Addresses, Ethics Board Decides

MSN – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 2/28/2025

The Louisiana Board of Ethics will allow statewide elected officials and more high-ranking government employees to keep their home addresses off forms posted online. Last year, the board’s staff redacted the home addresses of five executive office employees who work for Gov. Jeff Landry. The new ruling will allow 28 more officials to keep their home addresses off the ethics board website if they request it.

Louisiana – Bill Would Require Live Broadcast of Louisiana Ethics Board Meetings

The Center Square – Nolan McKendry | Published: 2/27/2025

A bill in Louisiana would mandate live broadcast and online archiving of meetings of the state Board of Ethics and the Supervisory Committee on Campaign Finance Disclosure. The legislation comes amid growing tension between the Legislature, the Board of Ethics, and Gov. Landry’s administration.

Maryland – Much Ado About $60. How 2 Republicans’ Complaints Led the Library to Cancel a Democratic Candidate’s Event.

Baltimore Banner – Rona Kobell | Published: 3/5/2025

The Baltimore County Public Library appears to be closing the book on a county council candidate’s plan to host events there after two delegates complained to library officials about a campaign kickoff held at one of its branches. Sharonda Huffman held a campaign event in December and put down $60 to reserve a room for a second event in February. The library canceled the February after it was alleged that Huffman’s December event was a fundraiser. The library encourages political activity but does not allow fundraisers or parties.

Michigan – Judge Will Take Additional Briefs Before Deciding on Trial for Ex-Speaker Lee Chatfield

MSN – Arpan Lobo (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 2/28/2025

A hearing to decide if former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield should stand trial over a series of alleged financial crimes related to his use of political funds wrapped up recently, although it could be months still before a judge issues a ruling. Chatfield was charged last year with embezzlement, conspiracy, and larceny. State Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office claims he knowingly used money from political funds to pay for vacations, dinners at upscale restaurants, and other non-permitted items when he was a lawmaker.

Mississippi – Mississippi Judge Vacates Her Order That a Newspaper Remove Its Editorial Criticizing Local Leaders

MSN – Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) | Published: 2/26/2025

A Mississippi judge vacated her order that a newspaper remove its editorial criticizing local officials, days after a city decided to drop the lawsuit that spurred it. The judge’s order had been widely condemned by free speech advocates as a clear violation of the paper’s First Amendment rights.

Montana – Judge Denies State Representative’s Request to Block Tobacco Lobbyists at MT Legislature

Longview News-Journal – Seaborn Larson | Published: 2/26/2025

A federal judge denied a state representative’s attempts to block lobbyists from major cigarette manufacturers from engaging lawmakers on his bill. Rep. Ron Marshall sued Altria and R.J. Reynolds, alleging the companies were violating anti-lobbying provisions set out in the 1998 settlement those companies made with several states.

New Mexico – No More Free Meals? House Approves Bill Restricting Certain Lobbyist Spending

Albuquerque Journal – Dan Boyd | Published: 3/4/2025

A bill expanding lobbyist reporting requirements was broadened before passing the New Mexico House. The change would also prohibit lobbyists from spending large amounts on food, beverages, or entertainment for state-elected officials, including lawmakers, during and just before legislative sessions.

New York – The Case of the Missing $3M: Eric Adams’ campaign finance woes grow

MSN – Joe Anuta (Politico) | Published: 2/27/2025

A mysterious $3 million sitting in New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ reelection account is the latest irregularity giving campaign finance officials cause to deny him public matching funds. The Campaign Finance Board nixed Adams’ request for $4.5 million in taxpayer-funded campaign dollars in December and has renewed its decision monthly. “The Campaign is not eligible for payment because the difference between the Campaign’s reported receipts and documented receipts is equal to or greater than [10 percent],” the board said.

New York – Andrew Cuomo Enters Crowded NYC Mayor Race, Says He Will Fix a City in Crisis

MSN – Ginger Adams Otis and Victoria Albert (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 3/1/2025

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in disgrace three years ago, announced his return to politics with a bid to be New York City’s next mayor, joining a crowded primary field that includes embattled incumbent Eric Adams. Cuomo launched his comeback with a video that acknowledged past errors, without providing details, while outlining how he would tackle housing, crime, and other issues if elected to lead the city. He promised to work with his party’s progressive wing, as well as President Trump.

New York – N.Y. Ethics Watchdog Pressures Legislative Leaders to Fill Open Vacancies

Spectrum News – Kate Lisa | Published: 2/28/2025

The head of New York’s ethics watchdog said he is putting pressure on legislative leaders to quickly fill three vacancies on the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) after the state’s highest court affirmed the agency’s constitutionality. COELIG Executive Director Sanford Berland said commissioners will have a busy year with the case behind them, but legislative leaders must step in to make that possible.

Ohio – Neo-Nazis Targeted a Majority-Black Town. Locals Launched an Armed Watch.

MSN – Daniel Wu (Washington Post) | Published: 2/27/2025

For weeks, men carrying rifles have guarded the roads leading into Lincoln Heights, Ohio, stopping and questioning those who approach the small, majority-Black town near Cincinnati suburb. In February, a truck of neo-Nazis came to Lincoln Heights’s doorstep. Masked demonstrators, some carrying rifles, hurled racist slurs and waved flags with red swastikas on a highway overpass leading into town. Residents say they are distraught after being surrounded by hate and suspicious of police officers whom county officials criticized for not cracking down on the neo-Nazi march.

Oregon – Portland Voters Approved a Strict Campaign Finance Law. A City Watchdog Wants to Soften It

MSN – Shane Dixon Kavanaugh (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 2/28/2025

City Auditor Simone Rede is pushing to upend significant portions of Portland’s pioneering campaign finance law, alarming advocates who have worked to curb the influence of money in politics. Rede wants the mayor and city council to take actions that would allow potential changes to contribution limits and disclosure requirements, either by allowing state law to preempt the city’s stricter rules or by proposing a local ballot measure this fall.

Oregon – ‘Get the Junk Out of Our Rates’ Bill Could Limit How Oregon Utilities Pay for Lobbying, Ads

OPB – Monica Samayoa | Published: 3/4/2025

Legislation in Oregon aims to ensure customers are not paying for utilities’ lobbying and advertising expenses. Natural gas rates and electric rates are set through a process that allows utilities to charge rates that cover the cost of doing business, and then to turn a profit. Senate Bill 88 would create more clarity around utility spending, and when it must come out of those allowed profits. If they spend on advertising, political influence, litigation, or pay for trade associations or membership fees and fines, that spending would not be allowed to push up rates.

Pennsylvania – Former Dauphin County Employees Are Getting Contracts, Raising Ethical Questions

MSN – Juliette Rihl (PennLive) | Published: 3/5/2025

When government employees in Pennsylvania leave their jobs, state law prohibits them from getting a contract with their former agency for the first year. But in Dauphin County, some former employees are getting contracts anyway. Over the past year, the county hired at least four former employees as consultants almost immediately after they left their full-time government roles, some at a higher pay rate than they had as full-time employees. Several ethics experts said the practice is unethical and, in some cases, may have been illegal.

South Carolina – North Charleston Council Members, Others Charged in Money Laundering, Bribery Schemes

Yahoo News – John Monk (The State) | Published: 2/26/2025

Three North Charleston City Council members and five other people were accused of being involved in a variety of bribery, kickback, extortion, and money laundering schemes. The charges follow a yearlong investigation by the FBI code-named “Southern Shake.” Some of the charges have to do with the rezoning of a hospital site and others with a million-dollar-plus violence prevention grant program run by the city government.

Tennessee – Shelby County Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. Federally Charged with Bribery and Tax Evasion

Memphis Commercial Appeal – Lucas Finton | Published: 2/28/2025

An indictment charges Shelby County Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. with one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, and six counts of attempting to evade or defeat tax payments. Three nonprofits were named in the criminal complaint along with businesses owned and operated by Ford. The charges are connected to a nearly four-year-long investigation into Ford’s grant-funding habits.

National/Federal

On X, Conservative Activists Find a Direct Pipeline to Musk’s Team

DNyuz – Zach Montague (New York Times) | Published: 2/26/2025

As his operation targets spending considered unaligned with President Trump’s agenda, Elon Musk has personally appealed to users of his social media platform X to help root out what he has termed “waste, fraud and abuse.” He has been responsive to complaints that go viral, with his team trumpeting the apparent changes pushed through as a result. For at least two prominent conservative activists, a Trump administration so carefully attuned to right-wing social media has created the opportunity to build an extraordinary pipeline of influence and access.

Justice Dept. Takes Broad View of Trump’s Jan. 6 Pardons

DNyuz – Alan Feuer (New York Times) | Published: 2/26/2025

When FBI agents searched the home of Jeremy Brown in connection with his role in the attack on the Capitol, they found several illegal items. Brown was ultimately convicted on charges of illegally possessing weapons and classified material and was sentenced to more than seven years in prison. Now, federal prosecutors say because the second case was related to January 6, it was covered by the clemency President Trump issued on his first day in office to all the people charged in connection with the Capitol attack.

She Lobbied for a Carcinogen. Now She’s at the E.P.A., Approving New Chemicals.

DNyuz – Hiroko Tabuchi (New York Times) | Published: 2/26/2025

Formaldehyde can cause cancer and severe respiratory problems. So, in 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began a new effort to regulate it. The chemicals industry fought back. Its campaign was led by Lynn Dekleva, then a lobbyist at the American Chemistry Council, an industry group that spends millions of dollars on government lobbying. Dekleva is now at the EPA in a crucial job: She runs an office that has the authority to approve new chemicals for use.

Jeff Bezos Announces ‘Significant Shift’ Coming to the Washington Post. A Key Editor Is Leaving Because of It

MSN – Liam Riley (CNN) | Published: 2/26/2025

Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos announced a “significant shift” to the publisher’s opinion page that led David Shipley, the paper’s editorial page editor, to resign. The changes upended precedent and rattled a media company that has already been shaken by years of turmoil and leadership turnover. The Post will now publish daily opinion stories on two editorial “pillars”: personal liberties and free markets, Bezos said. The opinion section will cover other subjects, too, Bezos wrote, but “viewpoints opposing those pillars will be left to be published by others.”

Trump, Schmoozing Saudis, Plays Two Roles: President and mogul

MSN – Natalie Allison, Abigail Hausohner, and Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) | Published: 2/24/2025

In back-to-back events, President Trump held court with Saudi government officials and investors who do business with his family’s firms. The meetings demonstrated how Trump has blended the roles of president and business mogul. The Trump Organization has treated Saudi Arabia as a critical partner in its efforts to expand its empire of hotels and resorts.

Firings of Some Federal Workers Should Be Halted, Watchdog Recommends

MSN – Justine McDaniel (Washington Post) | Published: 2/24/2025

A federal watchdog agency argued the Trump administration’s firings of probationary federal workers were likely illegal, recommending the terminations be halted pending an investigation. The request for the halt was issued by Hampton Dellinger, the embattled head of the independent Office of Special Counsel, whom Trump has tried to oust but a judge has temporarily kept in place. It is now in the hands of the Merit Systems Protection Board, another independent agency whose head Trump has tried to depose.

White House Will Decide Which Journalists Get Access to It in an Unprecedented Step

MSN – Justine McDaniel (Washington Post) | Published: 2/25/2025

The Trump administration is stripping the White House Correspondents’ Association of its role in managing the White House Press Pool, taking control of deciding who will be a part of the small rotating group of journalists and photographers who accompany the president. It is an aggressive move by the government to control which news outlets have access to the president, one that is unprecedented in modern American politics and comes amid President Trump’s long-standing efforts to erode Americans’ trust in fact-based reporting.

Experts Say Trump Comes Close to the Red Line of Openly Defying Judges

MSN – Justin Jouvenal, Leo Sands, and Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 2/20/2025

Federal judges have blocked President Trump’s attempts to freeze trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans, halt billions in foreign assistance, and dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development. But in each case, the administration has said it still has legal authority to do at least some of those things, prompting judges and those challenging Trump’s actions to accuse him of failing to comply. Legal experts said the administration’s aggressive maneuvers have approached the red line of openly flouting court orders.

Trump Loyalist Kash Patel Becomes Director of FBI, Which He Vows to Remake

MSN – Jeremy Robuck and Mark Berman (Washington Post) | Published: 2/20/2025

The Senate narrowly voted to confirm Kash Patel as FBI director, installing a close ally of President Trump and a staunch critic of the bureau. Patel will take command of an organization with far-reaching surveillance powers and access to sensitive intelligence at a moment when it is engulfed by turbulence and uncertainty. Since Trump’s inauguration, at least eight top officials have been forced out, and people familiar with the FBI’s workforce say morale has plummeted amid fears of further staffing shake-ups.

As Trump Pursues His Policies, Democratic States Block His Path

MSN – Maeve Reston, Reis Thebault, Janna Slater, and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 2/22/2025

Amid a barrage of executive orders from President Trump and dramatic steps by billionaire Elon Musk to downsize the federal government, Democratic attorneys general have emerged as the new administration’s most persistent, and effective, adversaries. While congressional Democrats who lack control of either chamber have struggled to respond to Trump’s first weeks, state attorneys general have marched into court, pledging to rein in an administration intent on pushing the limits of presidential power.

Trump Wants More Power Over Agencies. Experts Worry About Campaign Finance Regulators

NPR – Ashley Lopez | Published: 2/20/2025

There are currently about 80 agencies across the federal government that were designed by Congress to be independent of the White House. An executive from President Trump seeks to require these agencies to run all new policies, rulings, and regulations by the president. Campaign Legal Center Executive Director Adav Noti said the FEC, in particular, was created following the Watergate scandal to be both bipartisan and independent, so it would not be “beholden to any particular president.” It is a view contested by the Trump administration.

FEC Clears Ted Cruz of Wrongdoing Over Podcast Syndicator’s Donations to Super PAC

Yahoo News – Jasper Scherer (Texas Tribune) | Published: 2/21/2025

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz did not run violate campaign finance laws when the company that syndicates his podcast contributed nearly $1 million through a series of payments to a super PAC supporting Cruz’s reelection bid, the FEC ruled. The agency dismissed a complaint filed by watchdog groups, who alleged Cruz could have violated campaign funding rules if he played any role in iHeartMedia’s contributions to the pro-Cruz Truth and Courage PAC. Under federal law, candidates can only direct or solicit up to $5,000 in donations to super PACs, which can otherwise raise unlimited sums to support candidates.

From the States and Municipalities

California – In Huntington Beach, Politics on a Plaque

Seattle Times – Orlando Mayorquin (New York Times) | Published: 2/24/2025

The Huntington Beach City Council, all of whom are Republicans, commemorated the 50th anniversary of the city’s central public library into a political statement, using their favorite acronym. The council-approved design of the plaque describes the library in this bold-letter fashion: Magical Alluring Galvanizing Adventurous. The wording of the plaque has thrown Huntington Beach into the national spotlight. But the dispute is part of a yearslong battle over the city’s political and cultural identity.

California – California Agrees to Drop Parts of Social Media Law Challenged by Elon Musk’s X

Yahoo News – Tyler Katzenberger (Politico) | Published: 2/24/2025

California agreed to drop portions of a law that requires large social media companies to disclose their policies for handling hate speech, disinformation, harassment, and extremism. A settlement between state Attorney General Rob Bonta and Elon Musk’s social media platform X stops short of tossing the entire law, as X demanded when it first filed the case, citing First Amendment complaints. But it deals a blow to California’s push to publicize how social media platforms define and referee speech on their platforms.

Colorado – Appeals Court Says State Campaign Finance Enforcement Framework Is Constitutional

Colorado Politics – Michael Karlik | Published: 2/26/2025

Colorado’s second-highest court said the state’s current method of adjudicating campaign finance complaints is constitutional and is not the “very definition of tyranny.” State law allows any person to file a complaint alleging a campaign finance violation, which the secretary of state’s office then screens, decides whether to dismiss or investigate, and potentially imposes a penalty. Campaign Integrity Watchdog argued the process consolidated legislative, executive, and judicial functions within “a single, partisan elected office.”

Connecticut – New Head of IT at CT Election Enforcement Agency Raises Conflict of Interest Concerns

CT Insider – Joshua Eaton | Published: 2/25/2025

Mann Hasen left the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) in 2014. Since then, he founded a company that processes online credit card donations for campaigns, a process SEEC oversees. Hasen was also treasurer for a failed state Senate campaign that is now the subject of an open complaint with SEEC over allegations of improper in-kind donations. Hasen is named in that complaint. The SEEC recently re-hired Hasen as head of IT at the agency, which was his former position. “I have to really question the decision to hire from the very start, given the entanglements he has,” said Bilal Sekou of Common Cause Connecticut.

Florida – Florida Lobbying Ban Likely to Survive 11th Circuit Scrutiny

Courthouse News Service – Alex Pickett | Published: 2/26/2025

An attorney for a Florida mayor and county commissioner asked an appeals court to strike down part of a state constitutional amendment that restricts lobbying by elected officials. The amendment prohibits elected officials from paid lobbying of any government bodies “on issues of policy, appropriations or procurement” during their terms in office. The Florida Legislature then passed a law putting the amendment into effect and adding penalties. Plaintiffs argue the ban violated their First Amendment right to free speech.

Florida – Florida Appeals Court Overturns Ethics Committee’s Decision on Doug Underhill. Here’s Why.

MSN – Mollye Barrows (Pensacola News Journal) | Published: 2/26/2025

A state appeals court overturned decisions by the Florida Commission on Ethics that former Escambia County Commissioner Doug Underhill should have been removed from office over allegations he misused his public office and that he owed $35,000 for ethics violations while serving as commissioner. The appeals court ruled the ethics commission “abused its authority” in the case.

Florida – Centners’ Ex-Lobbyist Sues Them, Alleges They Let Him ‘Take the Fall’ in His Criminal Case

MSN – Tess Riski (Miami Herald) | Published: 2/25/2025

Miami lobbyist and attorney Bill Riley Jr. filed a lawsuit against his former clients David and Leila Centner, alleging the couple let him “take the fall” and failed to provide information to prosecutors that would have exonerated him in a now-dismissed money laundering and bribery case involving Miami City Commissioner Alex Díaz de la Portilla. Prosecutors had alleged that nearly $250,000 in campaign contributions was channeled from the Centners to Díaz de la Portilla-controlled political committees to secure his support for an arena the Centners wanted to build.

Florida – In Trump’s DC, K Street Clamors for Florida-Linked Lobbyists

MSN – Kimberly Leonard (Politico) | Published: 2/20/2025

Powerful interest groups are moving to hire lobbyists with ties to Florida to influence the Trump administration. The president has chosen officials from the state for top positions, and he continues to spend plenty of time in Florida, making appearances at galas, hosting Republicans at Mar-a-Lago, and signing executive orders. Because the state legislative session in Tallahassee lasts only 60 days, some lobbyists say adding work in Washington is easy enough to juggle.

Georgia – Giuliani’s Legal Battle with Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss Has Finally Ended

MSNBC – Clarissa-Jan Lim | Published: 2/25/2025

After a protracted legal saga in which he was held in contempt twice, Rudy Giuliani has finally put an end to the defamation case brought by two former Georgia election workers, having “fully satisfied” the judgment against him. According to the federal court filing, Giuliani satisfied the judgement that required him to pay Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss nearly $150 million for spreading lies about them after the 2020 election.

Idaho – Idaho Legislators Address ‘Monetization of Politics’ in New Campaign Finance Bills

Yahoo News – Mia Maldonado (Idaho Capital Sun) | Published: 2/21/2025

House leadership introduced four bills to address the influx of out-of-state spending involved in Idaho elections. House Bill 309 would require lobbyists to disclose expenses on a weekly basis during the legislative session and a monthly basis outside of session.

Illinois – Rift Widens Between Johnson and Inspector General He Inherited

WBEZ – Fran Spielman | Published: 2/25/2025

The rift between Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the inspector general he inherited increased over efforts to remove what chief watchdog Deborah Witzburg views as roadblocks impeding her internal investigations. Corporation Counsel Mary Richardson-Lowry responded after Wirtzburg accused Johnson and his predecessor Lori Lightfoot of withholding documents, selectively enforcing subpoenas, and demanding to have the Law Department sit in on interviews that “risk embarrassment” to the mayor.

Kentucky – Questions Spur Further Investigation of London Mayor’s Improper Contributions to Beshear Campaign

Yahoo News – Tom Loftus (Kentucky Lantern) | Published: 2/21/2025

The Kentucky Registry of Election Finance wants more information in the investigation of whether London Mayor Randall Weddle made illegal contributions to help Gov. Andy Beshear win reelection in 2023. The registry staff recommended the board find Weddle violated the law by making numerous contributions in the names of other people to Beshear’s campaign for governor and the state Democratic Party, but Weddle did not know his actions violated the law. Registry members said they were unsure of many important details of what happened and could not make any findings for now.

Maine – Maine House Votes to Censure Lawmaker Over Social Media Posts Showing Transgender Minor

Maine Public – Kevin Miller | Published: 2/26/2025

The Maine House voted to censure Rep. Laurel Libby, whose social media posts about a transgender high school athlete have drawn national attention to the student and to Maine’s policies. The censure resolution accuses Libby of “reprehensible” actions as part of an effort to “advance her political agenda” – actions the resolution and Democrats said could endanger the student.

Maine – Should Unenrolled Candidates Be Able to Take Twice as Much from Contributors? These Lawmakers Think So.

Maine Wire – Libby Palanza | Published: 2/18/2025

Two lawmakers want to increase the campaign contribution cap for unenrolled candidates running for office in Maine. Under state law, candidates are limited in the amount of money from any given individual or PAC during an election. Legislative Document 390 would double these limits for candidates who are not associated with one of the officially recognized political parties.

Maine – Portland Establishes Ethics Commission More Than 2 Years After Voters Approved It

Yahoo News – Grace Benninghoff (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 2/24/2025

The Portland City Council passed an order that establishes a city ethics commission. Ever since voters approved the creation of the commission more than two years ago as a part of an overhaul of the city charter, the council has been working to put it in place. In the intervening years there have been multiple workshops, more than two dozen proposed amendments, and several opportunities for public comment.

Maryland – Maryland Lawmakers Want Governors to Face Stronger Ethics Laws

MSN – Natalie Jones (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 2/27/2025

Lawmakers want Maryland governors to place their personal financial holdings into a blind trust months after conflicts-of-interest were raised during the state’s U.S. Senate race between former Gov. Larry Hogan and now-Sen. Angela Alsobrooks. Companion bills in the House and Senate would require the governor to either place their financial interests into a certified blind trust approved by the State Ethics Commission or divest from any interest the commission determines may pose a conflict with the governor’s public duties.

Michigan – Michigan House Passes Plan to Close ‘Revolving Door’ of Lawmakers, Lobbyists

MSN – Arpan Lobo (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 2/20/2025

The Michigan House passed legislation that would impose a waiting period on themselves before they could become lobbyists. The bills would ban executive officeholders, including the governor and heads of state departments, from engaging in lobbying for the first two years after they leave office.

Mississippi – Mississippi City Stuns Newspaper with Restraining Order Over Editorial

MSN – Ann Branigin (Washington Post) | Published: 2/20/2025

A newspaper in Mississippi was ordered to take down an editorial that criticized public officials. The city of Clarksdale filed a defamation lawsuit against the Clarksdale Press Register following the editorial that called out the mayor and city council for holding a meeting about a proposed tax without alerting the media. City leaders said they were “chilled and hindered” in their efforts to lobby for the tax in the state capital “due to libelous assertions and statements” made in the article. The order was condemned by free-speech advocates.

New Jersey – In Stunning Development, Corruption Charges Against N.J. Political Boss Dismissed

MSN – Ted Sherman (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 2/26/2025

The indictment against one of the most powerful political figures in New Jersey was thrown out of court in a startling decision by a judge who found no crime had been committed. George Norcross, a wealthy insurance executive from Camden who has never held elected office but held far-reaching sway over government and politics, was accused of orchestrating a wide-ranging corruption scheme. Authorities charged that enterprise diverted state-funded tax breaks intended to spark economic development in the state’s poorest city.

New Mexico – Lobbyist Transparency Bill Clears First Hurdle

New Mexico In Depth – Marjorie Childress | Published: 2/25/2025

Legislation in New Mexico that would bring more transparency to lobbying behind the scenes at the statehouse began moving through the legislative process with almost four weeks to go in the session. Senate Bill 248 would require more details about the money lobbyists spend to achieve policy goals.

New York – Hochul Announces Guardrails Around Eric Adams

MSN – Nick Reisman and Joe Anuta (Politico) | Published: 2/20/2025

Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled guardrails hemming in New York City Mayor Eric Adams in light of his alliance with President Trump and Trump’s leverage over Adams. The governor, facing pressure to remove the mayor, is proposing a series of oversight measures she said are meant to prevent undue influence by the White House. Hochul left open the possibility of forcing Adams from office.

New York – Judge Appoints Outside Lawyer to Argue Against Dropping Adams Charges

MSN – Shayna Jacobs and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 2/21/2025

The federal judge overseeing the corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams appointed an outside lawyer to present arguments in opposition to the Justice Department’s efforts to dismiss the charges. U.S. District Court Judge Dale Ho declined a request from top leadership at the department to immediately close the case. Instead, he appointed Paul Clement, U.S. solicitor general under President George W. Bush, to advise the court on the matter.

North Dakota – House Defeats Bill to Streamline North Dakota Ethics Commission

Yahoo News – Mary Steurer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 2/25/2025

The North Dakota House overwhelmingly defeated a bill that aimed to give the state’s Ethics Commission more freedom over how it investigates potential violations. The Ethics Commission pushed for House Bill 1360 as a way to simplify the rules and laws that govern its work. Commission staff said this would both help reduce the commission’s backlog of complaints, as well as make the process easier to navigate for the public.

Ohio – Vivek Ramaswamy Launches Campaign for Ohio Governor

MSN – Patrick Svitek and Dylan Wells (Washington Post) | Published: 2/24/2025

Vivek Ramaswamy, the 2024 Republican presidential candidate and short-lived co-chairperson of President Trump’s government efficiency commission, launched his campaign for Ohio governor, joining a contested primary that will test his star power in the Trump-led GOP. Ramaswamy’s candidacy could add to a major period of transition for Republicans in Ohio, a onetime battleground state in presidential elections that has become more comfortable territory for Republicans under Trump.

Oregon – Questions Over Oregon Politician’s Pay Lead Defense Department to Terminate Agency Funding

Portland Oregonian – Les Zaitz (Malheur Enterprise) | Published: 2/23/2025

State Rep. Greg Smith’s unsupported pay claims and effort to boost his own pay resulted in the federal government pulling funding for an agency that was supposed to create jobs, preserve parts of the Oregon Trail, and protect wildlife on a former military base in eastern Oregon. That could cost the Columbia Development Authority nearly $800,000 a year, a loss that local governments may have to make up if they want the small agency to survive.

Oregon – Multnomah County Awards a Billion Dollars in Contracts Each Year Without Lobbying Rules

Willamette Week – Anthony Effinger | Published: 2/26/2025

Unlike the state of Oregon, the city of Portland, and many large counties on the West Coast, Multnomah County does not require contractors or their lobbyists to register or report hours spent pitching their services to public officials. People familiar with the county’s operations say the lack of lobbying requirements opens the door for abuse. County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards is working on lobbying rules for the county. She oversaw compliance with lobbying and ethics rules across the country as a senior director at Nike.

Pennsylvania – Johnny Doc’s Bribery Conviction Just Cost His Former Union Local 98 Another $25,000 in Ethics Fines

MSN – Chris Palmer (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 2/20/2025

The union that convicted labor leader John Dougherty once molded into one of the state’s most powerful political forces agreed to pay nearly $25,000 to the Philadelphia Board of Ethics to resolve issues that stemmed from Dougherty’s criminal conduct a decade ago. The penalties relate to Dougherty’s failure to register as a lobbyist as he and the union he directed sought to influence government officials between 2014 and 2016.

Texas – Texas Lawmaker Is Targeting Publicly Funded Lobbying. Will Restrictions Pass This Session?

MSN – Alex Driggars (Austin American-Statesman) | Published: 2/26/2025

State Sen. Mayes Middleton is taking aim at local taxing entities’ long-standing ability to hire lobbyists to help them navigate the Texas Legislature. Middleton filed Senate Bill 19, which would prevent local governments, such as school districts and cities, from hiring lobbyists with public money or paying dues to organizations that lobby on their behalf. One such organization is the Texas Association of School Boards, a named target of Middleton’s bill, which drew the ire of some Republican lawmakers last session for its opposition to school vouchers.