redistricting Archives - State and Federal Communications

February 12, 2026 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Alabama: “Orr: Bill would close nonprofit ‘loophole’ in campaign finance law” by Mary Sell for Alabama Daily News Indiana: “Jennifer-Ruth Green Broke State Ethics Law. Her Donors Helped Pay Her Legal Expenses” by Hayleigh Colombo and Ryan Murphy […]

February 11, 2026 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Georgia: “Georgia Senate Passes Bill to Police Out-of-State Campaign Money” by Mark Niesse for Capitol Beat News Service National: “This Supreme Court Decision Could Upend Millions in Political Spending Ahead of the Midterms. Here’s How the Parties Are […]

February 6, 2026 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – February 6, 2026

National/Federal Don Lemon Arrested by Federal Officials in Connection with Church Protest MSN – Perry Stein, Molly Hennessy-Fiske, and Maeve Reston (Washington Post) | Published: 1/30/2026 Federal authorities arrested independent journalist Don Lemon, accusing him of violating congregants’ constitutional right […]

National/Federal

Don Lemon Arrested by Federal Officials in Connection with Church Protest

MSN – Perry Stein, Molly Hennessy-Fiske, and Maeve Reston (Washington Post) | Published: 1/30/2026

Federal authorities arrested independent journalist Don Lemon, accusing him of violating congregants’ constitutional right to worship when he entered a church in Minnesota with protesters who were demonstrating against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. A magistrate judge had rejected an earlier attempt by the Justice Department to bring charges against Lemon and other protesters. But Justice Department officials, who had vowed to bring charges against Lemon, went to a federal grand jury and obtained an indictment.

Justice Department Releases Large Cache of Additional Epstein Files

MSN – Perry Stein and Amy Wang Reston (Washington Post) | Published: 1/30/2026

The Justice Department released what it said were 3 million more pages from the investigation of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the latest drop in the agency’s troubled scramble to comply with a federal law that requires the public release of files from the high-profile case. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said this tranche of files, which include 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, is expected to be the last major release of Epstein materials.

Judge Ordered 5-Year-Old Released, but Data Shows ICE Is Detaining More Kids

MSN – Arelis Hernández and María Luisa Paúl (Washington Post) | Published: 2/1/2026

The five-year-old boy, in a blue knit bunny hat and Spider-Man backpack, was returning from preschool when immigration officers detained him in late January in Minneapolis. A few days later, officers there took custody of a two-year-old girl after breaking her family’s car window. They are among an escalating number of children swept up in the Trump administration’s enforcement dragnet, which has drawn mounting public outrage over its aggressive tactics and increasingly indiscriminate ramifications.

DOJ Misconduct Complaint Against D.C. Federal Judge Dismissed

MSN – Salvador Rizzo (Washington Post) | Published: 1/31/2026

A judicial misconduct complaint against Chief U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg was dismissed because the Justice Department failed to show he exhibited bias against the Trump administration. The misconduct complaint was filed last year by Attorney General Pam Bondi’s then-chief of staff, Chad Mizelle, in an unusual move that showed how President Trump and his allies have ramped up attacks against federal judges across the country for stopping, slowing, or criticizing the administration’s signature initiatives.

Bill and Hillary Clinton Agree to Testify in House Epstein Investigation, Ahead of Contempt Vote

MSN – Kadia Goba (Washington Post) | Published: 2/2/2026

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said agreed to speak with members of the House Oversight Committee as part of its investigation of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Their announcement came days before the House planned to vote on whether to find the pair in contempt of Congress for refusing to sit for closed-door, transcribed depositions with the committee regarding Epstein.

Defense Dept. Effort to Punish Mark Kelly Draws Skepticism from Judge

MSN – Salvador Rizzo, Tara Copp, and Jasmine Golden (Washington Post) | Published: 2/3/2026

A federal judge sharply questioned the legality of the Defense Department’s efforts to censure and possibly demote Sen. Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, over his public criticism of the Trump administration. U.S. District Court Judge Richard Leon said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared to be expanding restrictions on free speech that have applied only to active-duty service members, not military retirees.

Election Officials Grapple with a Brain Drain as Threats Rise

MSN – Andrew Howard (Politico) | Published: 2/3/2026

Increasingly violent threats toward and harassment of public officials are driving more and more of those figures out of their jobs, a particular concern among local election officials, who have struggled with attrition for years. In the years since the 2020 election, roughly 50 percent of top local election officials across 11 western states have left their jobs since November 2020. The election administration world has been grappling with a significant brain drain since the 2020 pandemic and threats arising from conspiracy theories surrounding that year’s election.

Standoff Over ICE Tactics Could Trigger Another Partial Government Shutdown

MSN – Theodoric Meyer and Arelis Hernández (Washington Post) | Published: 2/4/2026

Congress is staring down another partial government shutdown unless Democrats strike a deal with President Trump and Republicans over new restrictions on federal immigration authorities, and some key lawmakers in both parties are not optimistic. Democratic lawmakers are seeking, among other things, tighter rules governing the use of warrants, independent investigations of alleged misconduct, and a ban on masks for federal immigration agents. Senate Democrats threatened to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security once it expires at the end of the day on February 13 if Republicans do not embrace the restrictions.

Trump Officials Awarded Venezuela Oil-Sale Contracts to Firms Tied to Bribery

MSN – Anthony Faiola and Evan Halper (Washington Post) | Published: 1/29/2026

Two global trading houses that brokered an opaque deal with the Trump administration to sell Venezuelan oil were previously prosecuted for bribery schemes involving oil sales elsewhere, underscoring concerns by anti-corruption experts and lawmakers that the arrangement is vulnerable to abuse. The administration granted confidential licenses to Vitol and Trafigura to sell Venezuelan oil with little independent oversight. The licenses come a year after the Trump administration gutted the foreign corrupt practices unit of the Justice Department, which brought charges against the two companies and their traders in 2020 and 2024.

The Washington Post, Owned by Jeff Bezos, Makes Dramatic Cuts

Yahoo News – Finya Swai (Politico) | Published: 2/4/2026

The Washington Post told employees it will begin sweeping layoffs, the latest blow to the storied newspaper under owner Jeff Bezos, confirming weeks of speculation about drastic newsroom cuts. The size and scope of the layoffs are not immediately clear. But hundreds of Post employees could lose their jobs, with sections including sports, metro, books, and international coverage hit particularly hard.

House Probe Finds ‘Substantial Evidence’ of Criminal Misconduct, Ethics Violations by Cherfilus-McCormick

Yahoo News – Anthony Man (South Florida Sun-Sentinel) | Published: 1/29/2026

An investigative subcommittee that spent months examining U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick found “substantial evidence of conduct” described in a criminal indictment against her last year and is bringing multiple charges against her. In November, Cherfilus-McCormick and other alleged co-conspirators were indicted on charges described by the Justice Department as “stealing federal disaster funds, laundering the proceeds, and using the money to support her 2021 congressional campaign.?”

Judge Says Trump Administration Must Let Lawmakers Make Unannounced Visits to ICE Detention Facilities

Yahoo News – Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 2/2/2026

A federal judge ruled the Department of Homeland Security likely broke the law when it barred members of Congress from visiting immigrant detention facilities without a week’s notice. U.S. District Court Judge Jia Cobb found that in crafting and enforcing the one-week-notice policy, the department relied on funds Congress specifically forbade from being used to deny lawmakers access to those facilities.

From the States and Municipalities

Alaska – Homer Rep. Vance Faces Ethics Probe Over Official Letter Pressuring Newspaper

Alaska Public Media – Eric Stone | Published: 1/29/2026

The Alaska House ethics committee launched an investigation into whether Rep. Sarah Vance illegally used state resources when she successfully pushed the local newspaper to remove and revise a story. The newspaper’s owner, Alabama-based Carpenter Media Group, removed, revised, and reposted the story without the reporter’s byline. Carpenter told the Columbia Journalism Review the article did not meet its standards.

California – All Lobbying Contracts Will Be Posted on City of Fresno’s Website Under New Law

MSN – Thaddeus Miller (Fresno Bee) | Published: 1/29/2026

The Fresno City Council adopted a plan to post lobbying contracts on the city’s website to increase transparency. The city has historically not required public reporting of contracts that fall below the $100,000-a-year threshold, which left room for a lobbyist or consultant to exceed the payout if they were paid in multiple contracts that were individually less than $100,000.

California – Corruption Case Against L.A. Councilmember Curren Price Can Move to Trial, Judge Rules

MSN – James Queally (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 1/29/2026

A judge ruled a corruption case against Los Angeles City Councilperson Curren Price can move forward to trial, ensuring the misconduct scandal will hang over the veteran politician’s final year in office. The judge determined prosecutors provided enough evidence to move forward on four counts of voting on matters in which Price had a conflict-of-interest, four counts of embezzlement, and four counts of perjury.

California – Supreme Court Clears Way for California Voting Map That Bolsters Democrats

MSN – Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) | Published: 2/4/2026

The U.S. Supreme Court allowed for now a new California voting map that could help Democrats gain up to five seats in Congress, the latest twist in a national fight seeking advantage in this year’s midterm elections. The ruling will remain in effect while a lawsuit challenging California’s map works its way through the courts. The Supreme Court ruled in December that the Texas map was constitutional, so many legal experts expected the justices to approve the California map as well.

California – Oakland Councilmember Asked City Contractor to Fund Her Nonprofit

Oaklandside – Eli Wolfe | Published: 2/3/2026

Partygoers gathered to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in a Jack London Square event hall in October, watching dance performances, listening to music, and eating heaps of catered food. The free bash was put on by Tiger Arts, a nonprofit created by Oakland City Councilperson Janani Ramachandran. But government ethics experts say the way the event was paid for raises questions about elected officials’ fundraising activities, specifically around behested payments in which public officials are allowed to act as the middlemen soliciting unlimited amounts of money from companies and foundations for other organizations.

Georgia – DNI Gabbard Put Trump on the Phone with FBI Agents Who Searched Fulton County Elections Office, Sources Say

MSN – Kristen Holmes (CNN) | Published: 2/2/2026

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard put President Trump on the phone with some of the FBI agents who conducted a controversial search of an elections office in Fulton County, Georgia, sources said. The unusual call underscores Trump’s involvement and interest in the probe of alleged voter fraud in the 2020 election. One source said Trump directed Gabbard to go to Atlanta for the search, and Gabbard herself confirmed that in a letter to top Democrats on the House and Senate Intelligence committees.

Illinois – Veteran Lobbyist with Clients That Regularly Intersect with City Hall Weighs Run for Chicago Mayor

Chicago Sun-Times – Robert Herguth | Published: 1/29/2026

Mayor Brandon Johnson has personal and political entanglements with one of the more powerful special interests in the city, the Chicago Teachers Union. One of his likely challengers in the 2027 mayoral election, longtime lobbyist John Kelly, would have to deal with his own potential conflicts-of-interest if elected, largely because a number of his existing lobbying clients intersect with City Hall, and might also in the future.

Indiana – Hogsett Promised a ‘One-Stop Shop’ Ethics Portal. Ten Years Later, It Doesn’t Exist

MSN – Tony Cook (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 1/29/2026

Ethics filings, city contracts, and campaign finance reports can help citizens keep a watchful eye on their government, but right now they are spread across the city website. They are difficult to search, and in some cases, they are not online at all. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett recognized this problem and campaigned on fixing it. Once in office, he signed into law an ordinance requiring the city’s legal office to create “an online citizen information portal.” But 10 years later, no such portal exists.

Kentucky – KY Legislature Considers Ethics Commission Changes Amid Grossberg Case

MSN – Lucas Aulbach (Louisville Courier-Journal) | Published: 1/29/2026

A bill is pending in the House that would significantly alter operations within the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission by putting the House speaker and Senate president in charge of employing its leader and staff and allowing the commission to fine or require attorney fees to be paid by a person who files a complaint that is found to be frivolous, improper or containing “factual allegations which lack any evidentiary support.” The sponsors of House Bill 272 both said the bill will likely undergo changes before moving forward.

Kentucky – Embattled KY Rep. Grossberg Settles with Public Reprimand, Waives Ethics Hearing

Yahoo News – Austin Horn and Alex Acquisto (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 2/2/2026

The long saga between Rep. Daniel Grossberg and the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission came to a quiet end when Grossberg agreed to a settlement and reprimand just before a public hearing into his conduct was set to take place. As part of the agreement, Grossberg accepted two $1,000 fines for two of the three instances where the commission found probable cause and brought charges.

Maine – Maine Democratic Party Faces Ethics Probe Tied to Voter ID Referendum

Portland Press Herald – Billy Kobin | Published: 1/29/2026

Maine’s ethics commission will open an investigation into the state Democratic Party’s disclosed spending against last year’s unsuccessful referendum to enact voter ID requirements and new limits on absentee voting. The commission voted unanimously to investigate the party in response to a complaint from conservative activist Alex Titcomb, who spearheaded the referendum, Question 1. Maine voters resoundingly defeated the ballot initiative in November.

Maryland – Moore Campaign Accepted, Then Returned, Donations from Executive Tied to Firm Seeking State Contract

Yahoo News – Jeff Barker (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 1/29/2026

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s campaign accepted, then returned, contributions from a donor and political ally who co-hosted a fundraiser for Moore while linked to a bidder seeking a large state contract. The donor, Terry Speigner, is a former chair of the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee and president of NGEN, an IT services company that works with state and federal agencies. His firm was a subcontractor on a bid by Intralot, a Greek gaming company vying for a contract worth hundreds of millions of dollars to oversee Maryland’s lottery operations.

Minnesota – In Minneapolis, All-Encompassing Immigration Story Tests a Newsroom in Midst of Digital Transition

MSN – David Bauder (Associated Press) | Published: 2/1/2026

With the eyes of a nation fixed on the unrest in Minneapolis, the events have not left local journalists overmatched. The Minnesota Star Tribune has broken stories, including the identity of the immigration enforcement officer who shot Renee Good, and produced a variety of informative and instructive pieces. At a time when many regional newspapers have become hollowed-out shells due to the decline in journalism as a business, the Star Tribune has kept staffing relatively steady. It rebranded itself from the Minneapolis Star Tribune and committed itself to a digital transformation.

Mississippi – Senate Moves Campaign-Finance Reform. House Panel Promptly Kills

Mississippi Today – Taylor Vance | Published: 2/2/2026

A Senate committee approved legislation to reform Mississippi’s notoriously lax campaign finance laws, while a House committee made clear it has no intentions of even considering it. The Senate Elections Committee approved a bill that would require local and state candidates to file reports online, cap cash contributions from any donor to candidates at $1,000 and corporate donations, cash or otherwise, to $1,000 a year. But the House Elections Committee, on the same day defeated a similar measure with no discussion.

New Jersey – Why This Powerful NJ Political Boss Keeps Beating Corruption Charges

MSN – Ted Sherman (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 1/30/2026

In another rebuke to the state attorney general’s office, an appeals court upheld the dismissal of a sweeping corruption indictment against Democratic power broker George Norcross III. The three‑judge panel found prosecutors failed to show the South Jersey political boss had committed any crime, and some of the charges were also barred by the statute of limitations.

New Jersey – Big Donors Had Access to Mikie Sherrill at Inaugural Ball. But the Public Won’t Have Access to the Donor List

Yahoo News – Matt Friedman and Daniel Han (Politico) | Published: 2/1/2026

At an Italian restaurant at American Dream mall, incoming Mikie Sherrill moved table to table to speak with business executives, lobbyists, and union leaders. The minimum price to attend was $100,000. The big-dollar donations to dine with the then-incoming New Jersey went toward her inaugural festivities. The six-figure contributions came despite a $500 limit in state law on inaugural donations. But through a loophole, donors were asked to give over $250,000, and a comprehensive list of their identities and donations may never be public.

Ohio – Ohio Newspapers Sue Judge Overseeing FirstEnergy Trial. Here’s Why

MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/29/2026

Three Ohio newspapers are asking the Ohio Supreme Court to immediately block enforcement of media restrictions imposed by a Summit County judge overseeing the high-profile trial of ex-FirstEnergy executives. The papers argue the orders amount to unlawful prior restraints on the press as they seek to follow the trial of Chuck Jones and Mike Dowling.

Ohio – Trial of Ex-FirstEnergy Executives Charged in $60M Ohio Bribery Scheme Begins

MSN – Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) | Published: 2/3/2026

The $4.3 million payment FirstEnergy made to Sam Randazzo in 2019, shortly before he was appointed as Ohio’s top utility regulator, is at the center of the latest criminal trial in a $60 million bribery scandal. Prosecutors allege then-FirstEnergy Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones and then-FirstEnergy Services Senior Vice President Michael Dowling played roles in orchestrating the payout to Randazzo in exchange for regulatory and legislative favors he would later deliver to the company. Both men argue the money was a lump sum settling Randazzo’s consulting agreement with the company.

Pennsylvania – Lawmaker Whose Second Job Running Trade Group Raised Ethics Concerns Says He’s Stepping Down

Spotlight PA – Stephen Caruso | Published: 1/28/2026

A Pennsylvania lawmaker who simultaneously lead a trade group that pays a lobbyist to influence state government resigned. State Rep. Seth Grove said last May that he would retire at the end of his current term. That same month, the Pennsylvania Concrete and Aggregates Association announced it had appointed Grove to a leadership position he would assume in 2026, a trade industry publication reported. He began serving as chief executive officer on January 1 of this year. While allowed under the state’s lax ethics laws, the arrangement raised concerns among some Democratic colleagues and at least one ethics expert.

Texas – In Texas, Democrats Narrow GOP’s U.S. House Majority, Win Upset in State Senate

MSN – Brianna Tucker (Washington Post) | Published: 2/1/2026

Democrats narrowed Republicans’ U.S. House majority and flipped a state Senate seat on conservative terrain in a pair of special election runoffs in Texas with national implications. In special elections and other local races over the past year, Democrats have largely outperformed Republicans. National Democratic leaders have pointed to the results, along with sweeping victories in last fall’s elections, as reasons for optimism heading into this fall’s midterms.

January 30, 2026 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – January 30, 2026

National/Federal Judge Blocks Government from Searching Data Seized from Post Reporter MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 1/21/2026 Government officials may not examine electronic devices seized from a Washington Post reporter until litigation stemming from the search of […]

National/Federal

Judge Blocks Government from Searching Data Seized from Post Reporter

MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 1/21/2026

Government officials may not examine electronic devices seized from a Washington Post reporter until litigation stemming from the search of her home is settled, a federal judge ruled. The order was issued hours after the newspaper demanded in a court filing that federal law enforcement officials return the electronic devices the government seized from staff reporter Hannah Natanson’s home. The extraordinary search “flouts the First Amendment and ignores federal statutory safeguards for journalists,” The Post told the court.

Judge Warns Trump Administration from Changing Plaintiffs Immigration Status in First Amendment Case

MSN – Michael Casey (Associated Press) | Published: 1/22/2026

A federal judge ruled that group of academics, who are party to a lawsuit alleging U.S. policy singles out noncitizens for detention or deportation over their pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses, can seek relief from the court if their immigration status is changed as retribution for taking part in the case. The decision from U.S. District Court Judge William Young comes in the wake of trial last year, in which he ruled the Trump administration violated the Constitution when it targeted non-U.S. citizens for deportation solely for supporting Palestinians and criticizing Israel.

Senate Democrats to Block Government Funding After Second Fatal Shooting in Minneapolis

MSN – Riley Beggin (Washington Post) | Published: 1/25/2026

Senate Democrats plan to block a sweeping government funding package after U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, killed a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, in Minneapolis, and a partial shutdown now looks likely. It is the third shooting by federal agents in the city in January Democrats said they could not vote for legislation to continue U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s funding without changes to how the agency operates.

In 16 Shooting Incidents Since July, No DHS Officers Have Faced Charges

MSN – David Nakamura and Olivia George (Washington Post) | Published: 1/27/2026

Department of Homeland Security officers have fired shots during enforcement arrests or at people protesting their operations 16 times since July, and as in the recent shootings in Minneapolis, in each case the Trump administration has publicly declared their actions justified before waiting for investigations to be completed. None of the officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Border Patrol, or Homeland Security Investigations has faced criminal charges in any of the shootings, nor has the administration announced any internal disciplinary measures against them.

Millions in Bets Ride on What Trump Will Say, Do, or Invade Next

MSN – Lisa Bonos (Washington Post) | Published: 1/28/2026

Betting on political events on prediction markets has grown sharply in recent months. There is $129 million at stake on political markets on Kalshi, the company said. About 370,000 people are staking more than $90 million on politics at Polymarket. Many of those wagers hinge on actions by President Trump or his administration. The growth of prediction markets and the popularity of wagers on the actions of politicians and the U.S. government have sparked concern about insider trading, market manipulation, and the incentives for government insiders to influence the outcomes others are betting on.

Political Ad Spending Is Projected to Reach a New High in 2026 Midterms

OpenSecrets – Carolyn Neugarten | Published: 1/20/2026

The 2026 elections are on track to become the most expensive midterm cycle in U.S. history, driven in large part by huge increases in political advertising. According to AdImpact’s Political Projections 2025–2026 report, spending on political advertising is estimated to reach $10.8 billion in the next cycle, over 20 percent higher than in 2022.

How a Democratic Heavyweight Is Using AI in the Midterms

Yahoo News – Jessica Piper (Politico) | Published: 1/27/2026

A Democratic opposition research firm is putting massive troves of its work product online ahead of the midterm elections and using artificial intelligence to help everyone from campaigns to podcasters figure out how to navigate the information. The project from American Bridge 21st Century reflects an expansion of its efforts ahead of the 2026 elections, as well as the evolving nature of political campaigning, including opposition research, in an increasingly fragmented media environment.

From the States and Municipalities

California – Lobbyists and Lawmakers Mingle Over Luxury Tequila, Shrimp and Cigars at Capital Party

MSN – Yue Stella Yu (CalMatters) | Published: 1/21/2026

Hundreds of politicians, staffers, and lobbyists attended the annual “back to session bash” in Sacramento, funded by tribal groups, sports betting companies, and other special interests aiming to influence them. The signature event at the beginning of each year of legislative action is one of many political gatherings at which lawmakers and their staff are invited to mingle with special interests. It offers a glimpse into the perks available to California politicians and shows how special interests buy access to policymakers who they hope to influence.

Colorado – Former Colorado State Senator Convicted of Felonies for Fabricating Letters Amid Ethics Investigation

Colorado Sun – Jesse Paul | Published: 1/28/2026

Former state Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis was convicted of attempting to influence a public servant and multiple counts of forgery for fabricating letters of support to the Colorado Senate Ethics Committee to try to avoid sanctions amid an investigation into her alleged mistreatment of Capitol aides. Prosecutors said they planned to ask that Jaquez Lewis be sentenced to probation. She resigned from the Senate in February 2025 amid the ethics probe.

District of Columbia – Jack Evans, Who Left D.C. Council Amid Scandal, to Run for Chairman

MSN – Jenny Gathright (Washington Post) | Published: 1/27/2026

Jack Evans resigned from the District of Columbia Council in 2020 after being repeatedly accused of using his public office for private gain. Now, the former lawmaker is once again attempting a political comeback, seeking to return to the body that unanimously recommended his expulsion for ethics violations. This time he hopes to lead the council, challenging the chairperson, his former colleague Phil Mendelson.

District of Columbia – Longtime D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton Files to End Reelection Bid

Roll Call – Matt Brown | Published: 1/25/2026

Eleanor Holmes Norton, the District of Columbia’s nonvoting delegate to the U.S. House for more than three decades, will not seek a 19th term in office. During her tenure in Congress, Norton built a reputation as an intense fighter on behalf of the city. She has repeatedly led legislation for. statehood, with the measure advancing out of the House in 2020 and 2021, when Democrats controlled the chamber. More recently, though, Norton generated more attention over concerns about her age and effectiveness.

Georgia – FBI Executes Search Warrant Seeking Ballots from Fulton County’s 2020 Election

MSN – Ben Brasch and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 1/28/2026

The FBI executed a search warrant at the elections warehouse of a Georgia county at the heart of right-wing conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, a significant escalation of the Trump administration’s efforts to challenge the narrative of his loss that year. The warrant authorized agents to seize all physical ballots from the 2020 election, voting machine tabulator tapes, images produced during the ballot count, and voter rolls from that year.

Illinois – As Chicago Ethics Board Surpasses 6 Months Without a Leader, Enforcement Actions Stall

WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 1/26/2026

The Chicago Board of Ethics, which has been without a permanent leader for more than six months, was forced to cancel two recent meetings, stalling several probes into campaign finance law violations, nepotism in city hiring, and bribery. Mayor Brandon Johnson’s failure to name a new ethics board chair has infuriated good-government advocates who are again demanding that he do more to combat Chicago’s reputation as the most corrupt of corrupt American cities.

Indiana – Hogsett Allies Routinely Benefit from No-Bid City Contracts

Yahoo News – Tony Cook, Jordan Smith, and Peter Blanchard (Indianapolis Star), and Emily Hopkins (Mirror Indy) | Published: 1/27/2026

Joe Hogsett’s first policy announcement while running for mayor of Indianapolis in 2015 was an ethics reform package that included a promise to reduce no-bid contracts. A media investigation found that after a decade in power, Hogsett’s administration continues to regularly award contracts without a competitive process. The result: his administration has spent millions of taxpayer dollars with little public vetting, sometimes on contracts involving his top campaign donors and close advisers, including his disgraced former chief of staff, Thomas Cook.

Kansas – Kansas Bill Targets Crypto’s Shadowy Path into Campaign Coffers

WebProNews – Andrew Cain | Published: 1/27/2026

Kansas lawmakers are moving to close a persistent gap in campaign finance rules, targeting cryptocurrency donations that have long evaded state oversight. A new bill introduced in the 2026 legislative session seeks to impose clear regulations on digital asset contributions, echoing warnings from the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission dating back years.

Louisiana – District 6 Councilman Cleve Dunn Jr. Indicted in Baton Rouge Corruption Probe

Yahoo News – Bria Gremillion (WVLA) | Published: 1/28/2026

Baton Rouge Caity Councilperson Cleve Dunn Jr. was indicted on multiple charges, including theft and money laundering. The indictment stems from Dunn’s alleged role in the misuse of money intended for the Capital Area Transportation System (CATS). It is alleged Dunn was tied to the indictments of former CATS Chief Administrative Officer Pearlina Thomas, contractor Jarion Colar, and Terral Jackson and his wife, Erica Jackson, that were handed down recently.

Maryland – Baltimore Inspector General Accuses City of Blocking Access to Records Amid Dispute

MSN – Todd Karpovich and Ruben Castaneda (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 1/27/2026

City Inspector General Isabel Mercedes Cumming said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s administration has blocked her office’s ability to manage and monitor its own investigative files, leaving her unable to determine whether sensitive data has been “compromised.” Cumming said she notified law enforcement partners and whistleblowers that the Office of the Inspector General no longer has the ability to track who can access investigative, ethics, and whistleblower records.

Maryland – Maryland Launches New Tools to Make Campaign Finance Easier to Access

Yahoo News – Janis Reeser (Hagerstown Daily-Mail) | Published: 1/26/2026

The Maryland State Board of Elections launched an upgrade to its campaign finance disclosure systems, designed to improve transparency, accuracy, and public access to information. It aims to streamline the way candidates, committees, and businesses report their financial activities related to campaigns.

Minnesota – Bondi’s Injection of Voter Roll Demands into Minneapolis ICE Tensions Draws Claims of ‘Ransom’

MSN – Tierney Sneed and Fredreka Schouten (CNN) | Published: 1/27/2026

Attorney General Pam Bondi’s demand that Minnesota hand over sensitive voter registration records to the federal government amid tensions over ICE and immigration enforcement underscores the importance of the administration’s nationwide data grab that is facing resistance in multiple states and has stumbled in the courts. The Justice Department has already sued Minnesota and 23 other states for the voter data, but Bondi recently urged Gov. Tim Walz to help “bring an end to the chaos,” by turning over the records, among other requests.

Minnesota – Three Arrested in St. Paul Church Protest as Judge Rejects Charges Against Don Lemon

MSN – Jeremy Roebuck, Perry Stein, and Praveena Somasundaram (Washington Post) | Published: 1/22/2026

A judge in Minnesota rejected federal prosecutors’ attempt to criminally charge journalist Don Lemon in relation to his presence during a protest at a St. Paul church, an extraordinary rebuke of a Justice Department that has drawn criticism for its forceful response to demonstrations against immigration enforcement efforts. Department officials announced the arrests of a prominent civil rights lawyer and two others in connection with the church demonstration. The protest at Cities Church in St. Paul has become a flash point in the debate over the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota.

Minnesota – Man Arrested After Spraying Unknown Substance on Rep. Ilhan Omar at Minneapolis Town Hall

MSN – Laura Bargfeld and Hannah Schoenbaum (Associated Press) | Published: 1/28/2026

A man sprayed an unknown substance on Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and was tackled to the ground during a town hall in Minneapolis, where tensions over federal immigration enforcement have come to a head after agents fatally shot Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Omar continued speaking for about 25 more minutes after the man was ushered out by security, saying she would not be intimidated.

Minnesota – Democrats Visit 5-Year-Old Who Was Detained in Minneapolis, in a Case That Stirred Anger Over ICE

MSN – Valerie Gonzalez, Eric Gay, and Bill Barrow (Associated Press) | Published: 1/28/2026

U.S. Reps. Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett visited a five-year-old Ecuadorian boy and his father at a Texas federal detention center, in a case that has stirred anger over the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown and given fuel to Democrats and others who are pushing back against Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s actions. The meeting was part of Democrats’ midterm-election-year effort to conduct congressional oversight and highlight the consequences of President Trump’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota and elsewhere.

Minnesota – Minnesota Prosecutors Face Uphill Battle If They Charge Feds in Fatal Shootings

MSN – Daniel Barnes (Politico) | Published: 1/28/2026

If Minnesota officials try to prosecute the federal agents who recently killed two people in Minneapolis, they will face steep obstacles from a century-old Supreme Court precedent, one that helped sink a similar case just a few years ago. The 2017 shooting of Bijan Ghaisar by two U.S. Park Police officers in a Northern Virginia neighborhood, and the protracted legal battles that followed, may be the best preview of what Minnesota officials can expect if they pursue criminal charges against federal immigration agents.

Minnesota – Sen. Amy Klobuchar Launches Bid for Minnesota Governor: ‘We cannot sugarcoat how hard this is’

MSN – Jeff Zeleny (CNN) | Published: 1/29/2026

Sen. Amy Klobuchar launched her bid for governor of Minnesota, pledging to unify her state and move beyond a deadly battle with the federal government over immigration. Klobuchar is seeking to govern Minnesota during an extraordinarily fraught moment. The state has become the epicenter of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, which has sparked waves of outrage and protest from residents, particularly after two fatal shootings of protesters by federal agents.

Missouri – Missouri Governor Withdraws Ethics Nominees Amid Fight Over Gerrymandered Map

Yahoo News – Jason Hancock (Missouri Independent) | Published: 1/28/2026

Gov. Mike Kehoe withdrew two nominees to the Missouri Ethics Commission after Democrats pointed out the appointments were based on a congressional map that Republicans contend is no longer valid. Sen. Stephen Webber raised a formal objection to four nominees to the commission. The appointments are based on congressional districts, Webber noted, and Kehoe relied on the map approved by lawmakers in 2022. But Republicans are in court arguing the newly gerrymandered map, which passed four months ago, is in effect.

New Jersey – ‘Terrifying Abuses of Power’: Judge hears arguments over leadership arrangement at New Jersey prosecutor’s office

MSN – Ry Rivard (Politico) | Published: 1/23/2026

A federal judge heard arguments about whether the Trump administration is illegally running the U.S. attorney’s office in New Jersey. After Trump loyalist Alina Habba stepped down in December, Attorney General Pam Bondi put three people in charge of running the prosecutor’s office. Now the same judge who first ruled Habba was serving illegally, U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Brann, is considering the legality of what he called this “triumvirate of attorneys.” The arrangement has never been used before in American history.

New York – Ingrid Lewis-Martin Accepted Diamond Earrings to Help Developers Dodge Inspections, New Filings Allege

The City – Greg Smith | Published: 1/27/2026

Ingrid Lewis-Martin, once former New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ closest advisor, faces a variety of pending criminal charges, including allegations she accepted bribes from two developers in exchange for making their problems with city building inspectors disappear.. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg recently detailed concerns raised by a top buildings department official who was concerned a planned hotel renovation Lewis-Martin was pushing was potentially unsafe. According to the official, the developer ignored demands from the Department of Buildings for information on whether the hotel could meet fire safety rules.

North Carolina – Lack of Lobbying Disclosure for $15 Million NC Road Project Leads to Policy Change

MSN – Dan Kane (Raleigh News & Observer) | Published: 1/28/2026

No surprises. That is the intent of a new North Carolina Association of Regional Councils of Governments policy regarding any lobbyists it hires. It was adopted after one of its member councils accepted $15 million in state money on behalf of a developer building a road in Mooresville without knowing its lobbyist represented the developer too.

North Dakota – North Dakota Ethics Rule Changes Address Bad Faith Complaints

Yahoo News – Mary Steurer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 1/28/2026

The North Dakota Ethics Commission adopted several updates to its complaint process, including a change that allows complaints filed in bad faith to be dismissed. Legislators in 2025 directed the commission to create a process to handle bad faith complaints amid concerns that public officials were using complaints as a weapon to harm their political opponents. The amended rules consider bad faith complaints to include those filed “to harass or impugn the reputation” of the accused.

Ohio – Ohio Ethics Agency Prohibits Legal Defense Funds for Public Officials

Blue Water Healthy Living – Laura Bischoff (Columbus Dispatch) | Published: 1/22/2026

The Ohio Ethics Commission said public officials are not allowed to solicit or accept money for their legal defense in civil cases from sources they are trying to do business with, are regulated by, or have interests in officials’ agencies. Anyone elected, appointed, or employed by a public agency, whether paid or unpaid, in Ohio would be governed by the opinion.

Ohio – Ohio Ethics Commission Kills Charter School Disclosure Rule After Political Pressure

MSN – Laura Hancock (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/29/2026

The Ohio Ethics Commission put the brakes on a recently passed rule that would have required officials overseeing charter schools to file financial disclosures after state legislative leadership objected to the requirement. Senate President Rob McColley and House Speaker Matt Huffman wrote a letter to the commission, accusing the panel of making changes “by executive fiat.” The lawmakers objected to the requirement by saying it was unfair, since traditional public school boards and board candidates only must file disclosures if they serve over 12,000 students.

Ohio – Ohio HB6 Scandal Trial Set to Begin Tuesday for Ex-FirstEnergy Executives

MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/26/2026

For the first time since Ohio’s House Bill 6 scandal broke more than five years ago, a trial has begun for former FirstEnergy executives on accusations they used the utility’s deep pockets and political influence to carry out what officials have called the largest bribery scheme in Ohio history. Former FirstEnergy Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones and the company’s former top lobbyist, Michael Dowling, face charges that they bent state regulators to their will and bribed Public Utilities of Ohio Chairperson Sam Randazzo with $4.3 million.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Agency Sues Vendor Over Ethics Reporting System Debacle

Yahoo News – Barbara Hoberock (Oklahoma Voice) | Published: 1/22/2026

The Oklahoma Ethics Commission filed suit against a Texas vendor for allegedly failing to deliver a campaign finance reporting system despite repeated assurances and deadline extensions. The failure of RFD & Associates cost the state over $800,000, according to Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who is representing the agency.

Oklahoma – State Rep. Ajay Pittman Resigns and Pleads Guilty to Three Felonies

Yahoo News – Nolan Clay (Oklahoman) | Published: 1/28/2026

State Rep. Ajay Pittman resigned from office and pleaded guilty to three felonies for trying to fool the Oklahoma Ethics Commission with a falsified check. Under a plea deal, she was put on probation for seven years. Her resignation was part of her plea deal. She also agreed not to seek state office again for seven years.

Rhode Island – Home, Office Security Would Be Eligible for Campaign Funds Under R.I. Senate Bill

Yahoo News – Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 1/23/2026

As threats and acts of violence against elected officials increase nationwide, the Rhode Island General Assembly will consider letting candidates for office use campaign funds for personal security. New legislation would add home and office security systems to the list of ways state and local candidates can spend campaign money during an election cycle.

Tennessee – How Tennessees Speaker of the House Helped Keep a Payday Lender’s Struggling Sports Gambling Company Alive

MSN – Adam Friedman (Tennessee Lookout) | Published: 1/27/2026

The owners of a payday lending company faced a crisis in March 2021 when their other business, a now-defunct sports gambling operation, was under investigation by Tennessee regulators. The couple, Michael and Tina Hodges, had already turned to of the House Speaker Cameron Sexton in 2014 to create a new triple-digit interest loan called a “Flex Loan.” Now they needed Sexton’s help keeping their fledgling gambling business, Action 247, afloat as it tried to compete with sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings.

Texas – Nacogdoches Council Passes Lobbying Ordinance in Split Vote

Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel – Nicole Bradford | Published: 1/22/2026

The Nacogdoches City Council passed an ordinance requiring lobbyists to register with the city and pay a $150 fee. City staff defined lobbying as attempting to influence city policy or a council vote in exchange for some form of compensation. The ordinance also expands on the city’s conflict-of-interest provisions.

Vermont – Facing ‘Precarious’ Future, Vermont State Ethics Commission Seeks Financial Lifeline from Lawmakers

Vermont Public – Peter Hirschfeld | Published: 1/28/2026

Paul Erlbaum, a commissioner on the State Ethics Commission, pleaded with members of the Senate Government Operations Committee for two additional staff members. Without the move, Erlbaum said, “the continued existence of the commission is precarious.” In 2024, the Vermont Legislature established a uniform code of ethics for town and city governments, and directed the Ethics Commission to provide training, advice, and guidance on how to uphold it. Lawmakers, however, failed to provide the commission with additional resources to fulfill those duties.

Virginia – Judge Rules Virginia Democrats Violated Law with Redistricting Amendment

MSN – Gregory Schneider (Washington Post) | Published: 1/27/2026

A circuit court judge in rural Tazewell County ruled against the redistricting effort started by Virginia Democrats, declaring the process they used to create a proposed constitutional amendment is invalid. Democrats immediately pledged to appeal and said they expect a referendum on the matter to go ahead this spring as planned. Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley Jr. wrote that his ruling “PROHIBITS the proposed amendment from being submitted to the voters for their consideration.”

Washington – Bipartisan Campaign Finance Bill Drafted by Sen. Wilson Makes Quick Trip Through Committee

Yahoo News – Jacob Moore (Centralia Chronicle) | Published: 1/23/2026

A bipartisan group of state senators in Washington introduced a bill to increase transparency in campaign finance by standardizing reporting schedules for political groups with the Public Disclosure Commission. If passed and signed into law, Senate Bill 5840 would require political committees and other groups that spend money to support or oppose ballot proposals or candidates to participate in more frequent financial reporting.

January 29, 2026 • Written by Jim Sedor

Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Kansas: “Kansas Bill Targets Crypto’s Shadowy Path into Campaign Coffers” by Andrew Cain for WebProNews Ethics Minnesota: “Man Arrested After Spraying Unknown Substance on Rep. Ilhan Omar at Minneapolis Town Hall” by Laura Bargfeld and Hannah Schoenbaum (Associated […]

January 23, 2026 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – January 23, 2026

National/Federal Journalists Confront New Reality in Reporting After FBI Raid MSN – Sarah Ellison, Patrick Marley, and Colby Itkowitz (Washington Post) | Published: 1/15/2026 After the FBI searched a Washington Post reporter’s home, journalists from multiple outlets said they moved […]

National/Federal

Journalists Confront New Reality in Reporting After FBI Raid

MSN – Sarah Ellison, Patrick Marley, and Colby Itkowitz (Washington Post) | Published: 1/15/2026

After the FBI searched a Washington Post reporter’s home, journalists from multiple outlets said they moved swiftly to secure their phones and laptops, reassure confidential sources and consult newsroom leaders as they worried about the federal government’s seizure of devices containing sensitive information. Many journalists said they saw the FBI raid as a jarring new step aimed at limiting news organizations’ ability to gather information the government does not want to be made public.

Recent Trump Investments Reignite Concerns Around Potential Conflicts of Interest

MSN – Auzinea Bacon (CNN) | Published: 1/17/2026

President Trump purchased up to $2 million in Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery investments days after the announcement of a megadeal between the two media giants, among other purchases, according to a financial disclosure from the White House, renewing questions from ethics experts around potential conflicts-of-interest. A White House official said Trump’s stock and bond portfolio is independently managed by third-party financial institutions.

How EPA Ethics Officials Cleared Former Industry Insiders for Regulatory Roles

MSN – Amudalat Ajasa (Washington Post) | Published: 1/19/2026

Environmental Protection Agency ethics officials have interpreted impartiality guidelines in a way that has allowed several former industry insiders to oversee dramatic changes to chemical regulations, documents show. Those ethics decisions have cleared the way for a former agriculture lobbyist to help reinstate a pesticide that had been banned twice by federal courts, as well as for two former chemical industry executives to help reassess the agency’s stance on the dangers of formaldehyde.

Trump Administration Backs Labor Secretary Facing Misconduct Probe

MSN – Meryl Kornfield and Lauren Kaori Gurley (Washington Post) | Published: 1/19/2026

The Trump administration is rallying around Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer as she faces professional misconduct allegations that led to the suspension of two of her top aides. The aides were named in a complaint to the agency’s inspector general alleging they scheduled personal travel during what were supposed to be official, taxpayer-funded trips, according to a report in the New York Post. Chavez-DeRemer was also accused of having an affair with a staffer and drinking in her office during the workday, the newspaper reported.

Trump’s Pardons Forgive Financial Crimes That Came with Hundreds of Millions in Punishments

MSN – Owen Auston-Babcock (NBC News) | Published: 1/20/2026

Just one year into his second term, President Trump has pardoned an unusually high number of wealthy people accused of financial crimes, according to an NBC News analysis of the last four administrations. Over half of Trump’s 88 individual pardons are for white-collar offenses, with money laundering, bank fraud, and wire fraud among the most frequent crimes. The 87 people and one corporation pardoned by Trump in the last year had been ordered to pay more than $298 million in fines and restitution, vastly more than the totals previously owed by those who received pardons during recent Democratic administrations.

‘No Longer in My Hands’: How Hill Republicans stopped caring about DOJ releasing the Epstein files

MSN – Hailey Fuchs (Politico) | Published: 1/19/2026

One month after the congressionally mandated deadline to release all its files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the Justice Department has made only a fraction of the files public, and it remains silent on its plans to fully comply with the law. Also keeping quiet about the delays are congressional Republicans, almost all of whom voted in November to release the records after spending months heeding President Trump’s opposition to the move. Some of them are openly admitting it is no longer a priority.

Trump to Pardon Ex-Puerto Rico Governor Vázquez in Campaign Finance Case, Official Says

MSN – Darlene Superville (Associated Press) | Published: 1/16/2026

President Trump plans to pardon former Puerto Rico Gov. Wanda Vázquez. She pleaded guilty last August to a campaign finance violation in a federal case that authorities say also involved a former FBI agent and a Venezuelan banker. Federal prosecutors had been seeking one year behind bars, something that Vázquez’s attorneys opposed as they accused prosecutors of violating a guilty plea deal reached last year that saw previous charges including bribery and fraud dropped.

Trump Administration Concedes DOGE Team May Have Misused Social Security Data

MSN – Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 1/20/2026

Two members of Elon Musk’s DOGE team working at the Social Security Administration (SSA) were secretly in touch with an advocacy group seeking to “overturn election results in certain states,” and one signed an agreement that may have involved using Social Security data to match state voter rolls, the Justice Department revealed in court papers. The SSA referred both DOGE employees for potential violations of the Hatch Act, which bars government employees from using their official positions for political purposes.

Supreme Court Appears Likely to Allow Lisa Cook to Remain on Fed Board

MSN – Justin Jouvenal and Andrew Ackerman (Washington Post) | Published: 1/21/2026

The Supreme Court appeared likely to block President Trump from immediately firing Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve board, a move that would prevent Trump from exerting greater influence over the central bank that guides the economy. Nearly all the justices asked skeptical questions of Solicitor General D. John Sauer during roughly two hours of arguments, taking issue with most aspects of the government’s case that the president had met the legal bar to remove Cook while a lawsuit challenging her removal plays out.

FCC Targets Talk Shows by Revisiting ‘Equal Time’ Rule for Political Candidates

MSN – Kelly Kasulis Cho and Scott Nover (Washington Post) | Published: 1/22/2026

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said network talk shows are required to give equal airtime to all candidates intending to run for the same public office, changing course on a decades-old ruling and raising free speech concerns. The “equal time” rule provides exemptions for “bona fide” news programs or interviews. In 2006, the FCC determined the “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” qualified for the exemption, distinguishing it from an entertainment program and setting a precedent followed by other talk shows. But the FEC said TV networks could not rely on that decision as a blanket ruling and would have to apply for exemptions for individual programs.

Smith Defends His Trump Investigations at a Public Hearing, Saying, ‘No One Should Be Above the Law’

MSN – Eric Tucker, Mary Clare Jalonick, Lisa Mascaro, and Alanna Durkin Richer (Associated Press) | Published: 1/22/2026

Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith defended his investigations of Donald Trump at a congressional hearing in which he insisted he had acted without regard to politics and had no second thoughts about the criminal charges he brought. Smith testified behind closed doors in December but returned to the House Judiciary Committee for a public hearing, his first since leaving the job last year. The hearing split along partisan lines as Republican lawmakers sought to undermine the former Justice Department official as Democrats hoped to elicit new and damaging testimony about Trump’s conduct.

Lobbying Revenues Soared in Trump’s First Year, Breaking Records for Top Firms

Reuters – David Thomas | Published: 1/21/2026

President Donald Trump’s tax-and-spend legislation, a six-week federal government shutdown, and executive actions on trade, healthcare, and other policies helped make 2025 a record-breaking year for federal lobbying revenue for several top U.S. firms. It was an especially big year for Ballard Partners. The firm said it grew its lobbying revenue by 300 percent in 2025 to $88.3 million. The previous single-year record for an individual firm was $67.8 million, according to OpenSecrets.

From the States and Municipalities

California – Feds Argue Corruption Case Against Sheng Thao Built on ‘Significant’ Evidence

Oaklandside – Eli Wolfe | Published: 1/20/2026

The federal government says it had ample evidence to pursue its case against former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and three other defendants without relying heavily on the testimony of an informant with a checkered history. This is one of the big takeaways from a motion prosecutors filed in the case against Thao, her romantic partner Andre Jones, and David and Andy Duong of California Waste Solutions. The prosecutors’ latest filing sets the stage for the first major hearing in March in the sprawling Oakland corruption case, which erupted into public view with raids of Thao, Jones, and the Duongs’ homes.

Florida – Donors Gave Big to DeSantis’ Marijuana Campaign After Getting $10M from Hope Florida

MSN – Lawrence Mower and Alexandra Glorioso (Miami Herald) | Published: 1/19/2026

Weeks after Gov. Ron DeSantis’s administration steered $10 million from a legal Medicaid settlement to a charity spearheaded by the state’s first lady, the Hope Florida Foundation gave $5 million apiece to two separate organizations that gave millions of dollars to a political committee waging an anti-marijuana campaign championed by the governor. The payments raised questions about whether the administration diverted Medicaid dollars through Casey DeSantis’s key initiative to a political campaign.

Hawaii – Hawai’I Attorney General to Investigate $35K Bribery Case After All

Honolulu Civil Beat – Christina Jedra | Published: 1/20/2026

The Hawaii attorney general reversed course recently, announcing she will take up the case of a state lawmaker who was recorded accepting $35,000 in a paper bag from the subject of a bribery investigation in 2022. Public scrutiny has grown since the Honolulu Civil Beat revealed the monetary handoff’s existence last year. Questions have been raised about whether it was a bribe, an unreported gift, or a campaign contribution – which would be a state crime – or legal campaign cash bundling, typically arranged to curry favor with politicians.

Illinois – New Melissa Conyears-Ervin Ad in Illinois’ 7th District Race Highlights Federal Campaign Spending Loophole

Yahoo News – Rick Pearson (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 1/21/2026

Generally, candidates for federal office are prohibited from using state campaign funds because state fundraising rules and contribution limits are much looser than federal restrictions. But in seeking a seat in Congress and a position on the State Central Committee, both from Illinois’ Seventh Congressional District, Melissa Conyears-Ervin is taking advantage of a loophole in federal campaign finance law that allows her to use state campaign money for commercials ostensibly promoting her campaign for state central committee but that also tout her run for Congress.

Maryland – Baltimore City Councilman Joined Board of Taxpayer-Funded Nonprofit He Wrote a Bill On

WBFF – Patrick Hauf (Spotlight on Maryland) | Published: 1/19/2026

Baltimore City Councilperson Mark Parker joined the board of a taxpayer-funded nonprofit the same month he drafted legislation to regulate that organization, a move that watchdogs say raises conflict-of-interest concerns as the nonprofit faces mounting scrutiny over how it spends millions of dollars in public money. Parker was added to the board of the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund in September as he introduced legislation to tighten oversight of the nonprofit, which is guaranteed $16 million in city taxpayer funding this fiscal year.

Massachusetts – Who’s Paying for the 2026 Ballot Questions? Mass. Senate Passes a Bill Requiring More Transparency

MSN – John Micek (MassLive) | Published: 1/16/2026

With a record number of proposals likely headed to the 2026 ballot, the Massachusetts Senate united behind a bill proposing more public reporting on ballot question fundraising and spending. But the chamber opted against forcing similar disclosure at the local level. Lawmakers unanimously approved legislation expanding disclosure rules for ballot question campaigns in a bid to reveal a steadier flow of information about funding sources.

Minnesota – Justice Dept. Enters New Territory with Probe of Minnesota Officials

MSN – Patrick Marley and Yasmeen Abutaleb (Washington Post) | Published: 1/17/2026

President Trump’s Justice Department crossed a new threshold with its criminal investigation of top Democratic elected officials in Minnesota, targeting vocal critics during a moment of crisis in which protesters and federal agents are clashing on the city’s streets. Subpoenas the Justice Department is preparing to send suggest the agency is looking at whether Gov. Tim Walz’s and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s public statements about the administration’s actions amount to illegal interference with law enforcement.

Minnesota – ICE Targeted Off-Duty Police Officers in Twin Cities, Local Police Say

MSN – Frances Vinall (Washington Post) | Published: 1/21/2026

Local law enforcement leaders in Minneapolis and St. Paul are raising concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents violating U.S. citizens’ civil rights, including those of off-duty police officers. Mark Bruley, police chief of suburban Brooklyn Park, said an off-duty police officer had been “boxed … in” by vehicles driven by ICE agents, who demanded with guns drawn to see paperwork proving the officer had a right to be in the country. “She’s a U.S. citizen, and clearly would not have any paperwork,” he said. All the off-duty officers who had been targeted by ICE in his city were people of color, Bruley said.

Minnesota – Exclusive: Justice Department leadership pushed FBI to investigate campaign contributions to Minnesota officials

MSN – Katelyn Polantz, Evan Perez, and David Wright (CNN) | Published: 1/20/2026

Top Justice Department officials pushed the FBI to investigate political campaigns in Minnesota over whether they illegally benefited from fraud in public service organizations. Some of the Justice Department’s interest, according to one of the sources, comes from a Washington Examiner report that said Gov. Tim Walz, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, and other state politicians received campaign donations from people implicated in the Minnesota public benefits fraud scheme and community care providers.

Minnesota – Judge Limits ICE’s Crowd Control Tactics Following Minneapolis Shooting

Yahoo News – Kyle Cheney, Hassan Ali Kanu, and Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 1/16/2026

A federal judge barred federal agents in Minneapolis from arresting peaceful protesters or using nonlethal munitions and crowd control tools against them. The ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Kate Menendez lands amid an increasingly confrontational dynamic between the Trump administration and Minnesota officials who have accused Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents of stoking fear and violence on local streets. It comes a week after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good.

Mississippi – MS Secretary of State Sets Sights on Campaign Finance Transparency

MSN – Bea Anhuci (Mississippi Clarion Ledger) | Published: 1/21/2026

Secretary of State Michael Watson has been proposing a campaign finance database for years. Now, as corruption scandals unfurl into investigations and trials throughout Mississippi, he thinks he has the support to enact his vision into law. The proposed system would require all candidates to digitally file their campaign finance information. The bill, developed with Sen. Jeremy England, would also restrict cash donation amounts, among other reforms.

Missouri – Bill Would Ban Missouri Politicians from Using Recurring Donations to Fund Campaigns

Yahoo News – Rudi Keller (Missouri Independent) | Published: 1/13/2026

Missouri politicians would not be able to lure donors into recurring contributions with emotional appeals that do not disclose who would benefit from the money under a bill heard in committee. State Rep. Jim Murphy said the scheme leaves contributors, who are often elderly people, confused when thousands of dollars are drawn from their accounts months, or years, after they respond to a fundraising email or text.

Nebraska – Auditor Flags Possible Pillen ‘Favoritism’ in $2.5M No-Bid Bioeconomy Contract with Lobbyist

Yahoo News – Aaron Sanderford (Nebraska Examiner) | Published: 1/15/2026

Gov. Jim Pillen, while pressing the Nebraska Department of Economic Development in 2024 to tighten its belt, steered the state agency to award a $2.5 million no-bid emergency contract to a bioeconomy consultant and lobbyist he knew and had traveled with as part of state delegations. Auditor Mike Foley alleges the Economic Development Department, in carrying out that Pillen-picked contract, broke state law by not specifying in writing what emergency justified skipping the required step of bidding out contracts worth more than $50,000.

New York – Judge Strikes Down Republican Congressional District in New York

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 1/21/2026

A New York judge ordered state officials to redraw the congressional district held by Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, handing Democrats a likely victory amid a nationwide political brawl over congressional lines. State Judge Jeffrey Pearlman concluded Malliotakis’s Staten Island-based district violates a provision of the state constitution that bars the abridgment of voting rights for racial minorities. An appeal is expected, and Malliotakis said she is confident the existing lines will ultimately be upheld.

New York – Gov. Kathy Hochul Hasn’t Released Her Meeting Logs in 15 Months

MSN – Chris Bragg (New York Focus) | Published: 1/20/2026

When New York Gov. Kathy Hochul ran for a full term in 2022, she released her schedule of meetings on a rolling basis, usually several months after they occurred. The schedules indicated that Hochul’s record-breaking campaign fundraising was fueled by constant meetings with donors. As Hochul runs for a second full term this year, the public no longer has that view into how she is spending her time. That is because the most recent schedules her office has released are from September 2024, more than 15 months ago.

Oklahoma – Former Oklahoma Mental Health Department Official Settles with Ethics Commission

Yahoo News – Emma Murphy (Oklahoma Voice) | Published: 1/15/2026

The former deputy director of the state’s mental health department settled with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission and will pay $2,500 for violating lobbyist registration and reporting law. Heath Hayes communicated with state officials “for the purpose of influencing governmental action” without being registered as a lobbyist, according to a statement from Lee Anne Bruce Boone, executive director of the Ethics Commission.

South Dakota – Donations to SD Campaigns from Foreign Nationals Would Be Banned by Bill Sent to State Senate

Yahoo News – Joshua Haiar (South Dakota Searchlight) | Published: 1/21/2026

South Dakota lawmakers advanced a bill that would bar candidates and political committees from taking campaign contributions or loans from a foreign national. Under the draft, accepting a contribution from any of the listed entities would be moved to a more severe class of misdemeanor, and a subsequent offense within a calendar year would change from a misdemeanor to a felony.

Texas – After a Hard-Fought Campaign, Austin Neighborhood Elects a Canine Mayor

MSN – Sydney Page (Washington Post) | Published: 1/22/2026

On a January night on Austin’s 37th Street, neighbors gathered to count the final ballots and swear in a new mayor. The mayor-elect did not give an acceptance speech – instead, he barked. Mo Bamba, a pug-chihuahua mix, was sworn in as the new mayor of 37th Street, following the neighborhood’s fourth annual pet election that drew more than 12,000 votes. The annual pet election began as a playful neighborhood tradition four years ago, designed to draw attention to Austin’s upcoming human mayoral runoff election amid a season of notably low voter turnout.

Virginia – Lindsey Halligan Out as U.S. Attorney Following Pressure from Judges

MSN – Steve Thompson, Salvador Rizzo, and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 1/20/2026

Lindsey Halligan, a Trump administration lawyer who was named head of a key U.S. attorney’s office in Virginia last year with instructions to seek criminal charges against President Trump’s perceived political adversaries, left her post at the Justice Department. Halligan’s departure followed moves by two federal judges who issued court orders hours earlier saying they intended to replace Halligan at the helm of the U.S. attorney’s office for the Eastern District of Virginia and threatening disciplinary sanctions for any government lawyer who continued to refer to her as U.S. attorney in legal filings.

Washington – Prominent Seattle Lobbying Firm Defaults on Debts, Ousts Founder

Seattle Times – Jim Brunner | Published: 1/19/2026

A prominent Seattle lobbying firm ousted its well-known founder, laid off much of its staff, and is under new ownership after defaulting on millions of dollars in debt under a bankruptcy restructuring plan. The sale of Strategies 360 caps a public fall for a once-dominant firm and its founder Ron Dotzauer, a consultant with ties to top Washington politicians.

January 16, 2026 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – January 16, 2026

National/Federal Judge Grills Feds Over ICE Rule Blocking Lawmakers from Surprise Oversight Visits Courthouse News Service – Ryan Knappenberger | Published: 1/14/2026 A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to explain whether it was unlawfully using congressionally appropriated funds to […]

National/Federal

Judge Grills Feds Over ICE Rule Blocking Lawmakers from Surprise Oversight Visits

Courthouse News Service – Ryan Knappenberger | Published: 1/14/2026

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to explain whether it was unlawfully using congressionally appropriated funds to block members of Congress from conducting surprise oversight visits to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. In December, U.S. District Court Judge Jia Cobb ruled that a new set of ICE policies requiring lawmakers to provide notice of such visits seven days in advance was likely unlawful and beyond the Department of Homeland Security’s authority, freezing the policies for the time being.

ICE and Activists Clash Over Doxing and Privacy, in Court and Streets

MSN – Joseph Menn (Washington Post) | Published: 1/15/2026

As immigration agents and protesters clash in the streets, a parallel battle is unfolding over sensitive data used to identify and hold those on the other side to account. Government officers are using new tools featuring real-time location data and license-plate tracking to investigate protesters. Activists are using burner phones and donated dash cams to counter those efforts, recording masked agents and compiling lists of names and badge numbers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The government has charged activists under criminal statutes and tried to compel online platforms to reveal the identities of activists using their sites.

FBI Executes Search Warrant at Washington Post Reporter’s Home

MSN – Perry Stein and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 1/14/2026

The FBI executed a search warrant at a Washington Post reporter’s home as part of an investigation into a government contractor accused of illegally retaining classified government materials. The reporter, Hannah Natanson, was at her home at the time of the search. Federal agents searched her home and her devices, seizing her phone, two laptops, and a Garmin watch. Federal regulations intended to protect a free press are designed to make it difficult to use aggressive law enforcement tactics against reporters to obtain the identities of their sources or information.

Trump Makes Obscene Gesture, Mouths Expletive at Detroit Factory Heckler

MSN – Natalie Allison and Dan Merica (Washington Post) | Published: 1/13/2026

President Trump made an obscene gesture with his middle finger and mouthed an expletive to a factory employee who shouted at him during a tour of a Ford plant in Michigan, a reaction the White House said was “appropriate” given the heckling. Out of frame in a cellphone video, a person can be heard yelling “pedophile protector” just before Trump mouthed the insult, an apparent reference to the Trump administration’s handling of the investigation into the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Commerce Seeks to Strike ‘Redundant,’ ‘Obsolete’ Provisions from Lobbying Regs

MSN – Graham Thompson (The Well News) | Published: 1/14/2026

The Commerce Department wants to amend its regulations governing restrictions on lobbying, specifically to remove “redundant, obsolete and inefficient provisions.” The regulation slated for the changes is the decades-old 15 CFR Part 28, a set of rules that implemented government-wide restrictions on the use of appropriated funds for lobbying activities in connection with federal contracts, grants, loans, and cooperative agreements.

Washington’s New Lobbyists: Paid online influencers with few rules

MSN – Maggie Severns, Natalie Andrews, Josh Dawsey, and Eliza Collins (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 1/11/2026

Donald Trump’s return to the White House has transformed the federal government and upended the business of lobbying, creating a new class of Washington operatives that blur the lines between consulting, advocacy, and journalism. Corporate and foreign interests that used to rely primarily on paid lobbyists to pitch their case to lawmakers and administration officials are instead pouring money into trying to get their cause promoted by a group of young, conservative influencers known to be close to Trump’s staff.

Sen. Mark Kelly Sues Hegseth Over Censure, Potential Demotion

MSN – Noah Robertson and Tara Copp (Washington Post) | Published: 1/12/2026

Sen. Mark Kelly filed a lawsuit seeking to reverse Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s letter of censure and effort to potentially demote the retired Navy officer, escalating a confrontation over a video reminding U.S. service members they can refuse illegal orders. Kelly’s lawyers argued the Pentagon’s inquiry and formal reprimand, unlawfully punished the senator for his speech and violated his due process.

House Votes to Subpoena Journalist Over Report on Delta Force Commander

MSN – Scott Nover and Kadia Goba (Washington Post) | Published: 1/8/2026

A House Oversight Committee vote to subpoena journalist Seth Harp over his reporting on the U.S. military operation in Venezuela has raised concerns among press freedom watchers, who say the action disregards First Amendment guarantees. The day after the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Harp shared on X a photograph and biography of a military officer he identified as the commander of the Army’s Delta Force unit, which played a central role in the Caracas operation. Harp later wrote on X that the social media site locked his account until he deleted the post.

Smithsonian Removes Trump Impeachment Text as It Swaps His Portrait

MSN – Samantha Chery, Janay Kingsberry, and Kelsey Ables (Washington Post) | Published: 1/10/2026

The National Portrait Gallery removed a swath of text that mentioned President Trump’s two impeachments and the insurrection at the Capitol as it swapped out a prominent photo of him. It replaced a photo accompanied by a longer caption recounting Trump’s first term and his reelection. “Impeached twice, on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection after supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, he was acquitted by the Senate in both trials,” it read in part.

Justice Department Opens a Criminal Investigation of Fed Chair

MSN – Andrew Ackerman and Salvador Rizzo (Washington Post) | Published: 1/11/2026

The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation of Federal Reserve Board Chairperson Jerome Powell, tied to the renovation of the Fed’s headquarters along the National Mall. Powell accused the Justice Department of using the threat of criminal prosecution to pressure the central bank to lower interest rates, describing newly issued grand jury subpoenas as an unprecedented challenge to the Fed’s independence.

Virginia and Maryland at Center of Congressional Redistricting Battle

MSN – Erin Cox, Teo Armus, and Katie Shepherd (Washington Post) | Published: 1/13/2026

In what could be Democrats’ last wave of mid-cycle redistricting, the Virginia and Maryland Legislatures will each convene with national party leaders pushing them to redraw congressional maps and net as many as five seats to help build an advantage ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Democrats in both states will hold majorities and the governor’s seat as debate unfolds, and they have been heavily lobbied for months to press for as many seats as possible, efforts that have had mixed results.

Top Prosecutors in DC., Minneapolis Leave Amid Turmoil Over Shooting Probe

MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 1/13/2026

Multiple senior prosecutors in the District of Columbia and Minnesota are leaving their jobs amid turmoil over the Trump administration’s handling of the shooting death of a Minneapolis woman. The departures include at least five prosecutors from the U.S. attorney’s office in Minneapolis, including the office’s second-in-command. The Minnesota resignations followed demands by Justice Department leaders to investigate the widow of Renée Good, the woman killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who shot into her car.

These Prosecutors Spent Years on Cases. Then Trump Granted Pardons.

MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 1/14/2026

White-collar and public corruption cases are among the most resource-intensive for the Justice Department to pursue. Prosecutors, FBI agents, and other specialists often work for years to build such cases, following money trails and interviewing scores of witnesses before they even file an indictment. More than half a dozen experienced prosecutors said Trump’s clemency acts have eroded faith among current and former Justice Department employees that the cases they devote years to prosecuting will lead to accountability.

Trump Is Trying to Change How the Midterm Elections Are Conducted

MSN – Patrick Marley and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 1/12/2026

President Trump, fearful that a Congress controlled by Democrats could investigate him, impeach him, and stymie his agenda, is using every tool he can find to try to influence the 2026 midterm elections. Many of these endeavors go far beyond typical political persuasion, challenging long-established democratic norms. They include demands that Republican state lawmakers redraw congressional districts before the constitutionally required 10-year schedule, the prosecution of political opponents, a push to toughen voter registration rules, and attempts to end the use of voting machines and mail ballots.

Trump’s ‘Superstar’ Appellate Judges Have Voted 133-12 in His Favor

Seattle Times – Mattathias Schwartz and Emma Schartz (New York Times) | Published: 1/11/2026

President Trump has found a powerful but obscure bulwark in the appeals court judges he appointed during his first term. They have voted overwhelmingly in his favor when his administration’s actions have been challenged in court in his current term, an analysis of their 2025 records shows. Appellate judges chosen by Trump in his first term repeatedly reversed rulings made by District Court judges in his second, clearing the way for his policies and gradually eroding a perception early last year that the legal system was thwarting his efforts to amass presidential power.

Several of Kennedy’s Dietary Advisers Have Ties to Meat and Dairy Interests

Seattle Times – Alice Callahan and Maggie Astor (New York Times) | Published: 1/11/2026

Soon after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was sworn in as the nation’s health secretary, he promised to overhaul the federal nutrition guidelines. A key step, he said, would be to “toss out the people who were writing the guidelines with conflicts-of-interest.” His own panel, he said, would “have no conflicts-of-interest.” But the new guidelines, which emphasize protein, meat, cheese, and milk, were informed by a panel of experts with several ties to the meat and dairy industries.

From the States and Municipalities

California – No Campaign? No Problem. Inside California Political Elites’ Shadowy Spending

MSN – Nicole Nixon and Kate Wolffe (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 1/11/2026

The indictment of Dana Williamson, a former top aide to Gov. Gavin Newsom, opened a window to Sacramento’s campaign finance ecosystem, showing the ways that lawmakers, lobbyists, consultants, and interest groups use accounts to trade money, time, and access. A review of more than 100 accounts and lobbying records reveals how two types of accounts in particular – ballot measure committees and campaign accounts held by ex-lawmakers – are commonly used to shore up political connections and help elected officials live large, while spending little, if anything, on campaigns those accounts were ostensibly designed to support.

California – Federal Judges Allow California to Use New US House Map Ahead of 2026 Election

MSN – Trân Nguyễn (Associated Press) | Published: 1/14/2026

California can use a new voter-approved U.S. House map that is designed to boost Democrats in the 2026 midterms, a federal three-judge panel ruled. The complaint accused California of violating the Constitution by using race as a factor to favor Hispanic voters when drawing the new district lines. The map, aimed at giving Democrats a shot at flipping as many as five House seats next year, was decisively approved by voters through Proposition 50 in November.

Colorado – Opportunity Caucus Lawmakers, in Response to Ethics Complaints, Say They Didn’t Violate Gift Ban by Attending $32,000 Vail Retreat

Colorado Sun – Taylor Dolven | Published: 1/9/2026

A group of state lawmakers say they did not violate Colorado’s gift ban when they attended a retreat at a ritzy hotel in Vail in October with lobbyists but still will not say where they got the money to pay for legislators’ hotel rooms, food, and drinks, totaling $32,000. In response to complaints against the lawmakers filed with the Independent Ethics Commission, the lawmakers say they are in the clear because their caucus covered the $32,671.15 tab with money given to the group.

Colorado – Colorado Appeals Panel Skeptical of Sentencing for Former County Clerk Who Breached Election Systems

MSN – Colleen Slevin (Associated Press) | Published: 1/14/2025

A Colorado appeals court panel seemed skeptical that a judge could use former county clerk Tina Peters’ insistence on spreading election conspiracy theories as part of the reason to sentence her to nine years in prison for orchestrating a data breach of election equipment. The three-judge panel was dismissive of many of the arguments made by Peters’ attorneys. But they grilled the state’s lawyer over the trial judge reciting Peters’ false statements about elections in handing down her sentence.

Florida – She Made a Facebook Comment About Her Mayor. Then the Police Arrived.

MSN – Praveena Somasundaram (Washington Post) | Published: 1/14/2026

Raquel Pacheco began recording on her phone as she opened her front door to the pair of police officers standing outside. They told her they had questions about a Facebook comment she had written about Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. The now-public tussle over Pacheco’s Facebook comment is another salvo in a battle between activists across the country and authorities whom they accuse of stifling speech about divisive political topics.

Illinois – Supreme Court Says Candidates Can Challenge Vote Counting Rules

Yahoo News – Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 1/14/2026

Candidates for public office can sue in advance over vote counting practices they contend are illegal, the Supreme Court ruled. The justices said U.S. Rep. Rep. Michael Bost of Illinois can proceed with a lawsuit challenging a practice President Trump has long decried: counting ballots received after Election Day.

Indiana – ‘Paid Protester’ Lobbying Bill Advances to Senate Floor with ‘Substantial’ Edits Expected

Yahoo News – Leslie Bonilla Muñiz (Indiana Capital Chronicle) | Published: 1/13/2026

Legislation requiring paid political influencers to report to Indiana lobbying regulators heads to the Senate floor despite major concerns from regulators and First Amendment advocates, and the author’s admission the bill was drafted in a rush. The bill focuses on “influence campaigns,” defined as attempts to mobilize the public to take some action or contact state officials, including via protest.

Louisiana – Louisiana Ethics Board Says Judge Can Spend Campaign Money on His Role as Mardi Gras Krewe Royalty

MSN – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 1/15/2026

A Jefferson Parish judge who has been chosen king of a Carnival krewe can spend his campaign money to purchase merchandise for his role, according to the Louisiana Board of Ethics. Judge Adrian Adams, who is up for reelection this year, specifically asked if he could use political contributions to purchase cups, beads, and other carnival favors bearing his name and image to be given out at parades and other Mardi Gras festivities.

Louisiana – Louisiana Ethics Board Might Seek Exemption for Elected Officials to New Privacy Law

Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 1/14/2026

The Louisiana Board of Ethics might seek an exemption from a new privacy law that allows current and retired judges, and soon hundreds of other public officials, to remove their personal information from its online records and website. The board’s staff recommended it ask state legislators to write an exception into the statute for documents the board oversees. Lawmakers would have to approve a change to the law, and their legislative session begins March 9.

Louisiana – Landry Can Appoint Three More Members to Ethics Board, Controlling Majority of Panel

Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 1/9/2026

Gov. Jeff Landry has the power to appoint three more members to the Louisiana Board of Ethics this year, giving him control over the majority of the entity that enforces campaign finance and government transparency laws. Three of the 15 board members’ terms expired January 1. The governor controls all seats now open to new appointees. He selected five new members last year. Appointing three more would give him a slim majority of eight members.

Michigan – Before Road Funding Deal, Road Builder Money Flowed to Michigan Lawmakers

Bridge Michigan – Simon Schuster | Published: 1/9/2026

Less than two months before Michigan lawmakers finalized a historic deal to pump as much as $2 billion a year into road repairs, a slew of road construction executives whose companies will benefit from the spending opened their checkbooks at an upscale steakhouse in metro Detroit. Those donations more than doubled compared to prior years as House Speaker Mike Hall and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pushed for a bipartisan road funding deal, according to an analysis by Bridge Michigan.

Mississippi – FBI Tracked Jackson Leaders Years Before 2023 Sting, Documents Show

Yahoo News – Charlie Drape (Clarion Ledger) | Published: 1/14/2026

The FBI was secretly tracking former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens nearly a year before federal prosecutors said their public corruption case began. The records were made public as part of Owens’ motion to dismiss his 2024 indictment, in which his lawyers attached hundreds of documents, including FBI emails, confidential informant reports, and discovery materials produced by prosecutors. Owens argues the government improperly targeted and entrapped him.

New Mexico – Lawmaker Streamlines Lobbyist Disclosure Bill for Second Try

New Mexico In Depth – Marjorie Childress | Published: 1/12/2026

New Mexico Rep. Sarah Silva filed a bill that requires lobbyists or their employers to file a report within 48 hours of when they start lobbying on legislation. The reports must identify the specific bill, their position on it, and which employer is paying them to lobby. Because the upcoming legislative session is a short “budget” session, the governor must add the lobbying transparency bill to lawmakers’ agenda in order for them to consider and vote on the measure.

New York – Former Adams Aide Tony Herbert Arrested on Sweeping Federal Bribery Charges

Yahoo News – Molly Crane-Newman, Chris Sommerfeldt, Thomas Tracey, and Josephine Stratman (New York Daily News) | Published: 1/13/2026

Tony Herbert, a former official in Mayor Eric Adams’ administration and longtime fixture in New York City politics, was arrested by federal authorities on sweeping public corruption charges alleging he took bribes and kickbacks during his time at City Hall. The indictment alleges he was engaging in public corruption during his stints in Adams’s Community Affairs Unit and as Citywide Public Housing Liaison.

North Carolina – NC Warns Supreme Court Candidate Over ‘Prohibited’ Lobbyist Campaign Donation

MSN – Kyle Ingram (Raleigh News and Observer) | Published: 1/13/2026

The North Carolina State Board of Elections sent a warning letter to Rep. Sarah Stevens, the Republican candidate for the state Supreme Court, after she was accused of violating the law by accepting political contributions from two lobbyists. State law prohibits sitting lawmakers from accepting campaign donations from a lobbyist, even though the donation was for Stevens’ judicial campaign.

North Dakota – Financial Disclosures for North Dakota Officials, Candidates Now Available for Free Online

Yahoo News – Mary Steurer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 1/12/2026

A new website allows members of the public to view the financial interest statements of North Dakota political candidates and other elected or appointed officials. Moving forward, the public will be able to download the forms for free online. State filings previously were maintained as paper records and could only be accessed by submitting a request to the North Dakota Secretary of State’s Office, which could involve a fee.

Ohio – Judge Clears Way for Householder’s State Trial in HB 6 Scandal. Yost Has This Warning

MSN – David Gambino (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/8/2026

Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder will continue to face state felony charges stemming from the House Bill 6 scandal after a Cuyahoga County judge denied his motion to dismiss the case. Common Pleas Judge Kevin Kelley Householder’s arguments that investigators exceeded their authority, Cuyahoga County was an improper venue, and several charges were time‑barred and should have been filed only as misdemeanor campaign finance offenses.

Oregon – Facing $25M Request, Oregon Lawmakers Again Float Delaying Historic Campaign Finance Law

MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 1/13/2026

Multiple Oregon lawmakers of both parties have expressed support for delaying implementation of the state’s law that will limit political contributions and increase transparency. Top officials of the secretary of state’s office have requested $25 million in the upcoming legislative session to keep the implementation of the law on track. But they have said that amount is only a “placeholder” estimate, largely because the agency has not yet hired a contractor to create some of the technological infrastructure required by the law. Without further guidance and additional funding, agency officials have warned the rollout of the law could be botched.

Oregon – Longtime Oregon Lawmaker Admits to Ethics Violation, But Fails to Disclose Business Client

Portland Oregonian – Les Zaitz (Salem Recorder) | Published: 1/9/2026

For the second time in a year, state Rep. Greg Smith has conceded violating Oregon law by not fully disclosing clients of his private consulting company. Smith agreed to a letter of education from the Government Ethics Commission over the violation. That sanction is standard for the commission in matters concerning disclosures.

Rhode Island – Foulkes Wants to Ban Lobbyist Donations During Legislative Sessions

MSN – Patrick Anderson (Providence Journal) | Published: 1/12/2026

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Helena Foulkes is calling on her 2026 election rivals in Rhode Island to renounce donations from lobbyists this year, just as the traditional political fundraising season kicks into high gear. Foulkes says all statewide officeholders and General Assembly members, plus anyone running for those offices, should not be allowed to accept contributions from registered lobbyists during the annual legislative session.

Texas – Fort Bend Rep. Gary Gates Passed a Bill That Helped His Business. Now He’s Suing to Be Sure It Sticks.

MSN – Eric Dexheimer (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 1/14/2026

When state Rep. Gary Gates passed legislation closing an affordable housing loophole that threatened to cost Texas cities hundreds of millions of dollars in lost property tax revenue, he considered the law one of his biggest-ever legislative achievements. Gates owns and manages low-income housing properties. His new law shut the door on controversial local government agencies that had inked hundreds of deals across the state. Developers who profited from the deals challenged the new rules in court. Gates, acting in his private capacity as an affordable-housing landlord, joined the legal battle opposing the developers.

Virginia – Trump Officials Fire High-Ranking Prosecutor in Virginia Amid Turmoil

MSN – Salvador Rizzo, Perry Stein, and Steve Thompson (Washington Post) | Published: 1/12/2026

A veteran prosecutor who was recruited to help run a key U.S. attorney’s office in Virginia was abruptly dismissed after disagreements with the Trump administration. Robert McBride was first assistant U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia for about two months, starting after President Trump and his administration purged the top prosecutors in the office and ordered that criminal charges be filed against two of the president’s perceived political opponents, former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Washington – Mayor Katie Wilson Pays Small Fine for Child Care Help During Campaign

Seattle Times – David Kroman | Published: 1/14/2026

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson paid $250 for failing to report more than $10,000 in payments made by her parents to help with childcare during her 2025 campaign. Because, according to Wilson’s own account, the money was given to allow her more financial flexibility to campaign for office, the payments should have been reported as in-kind contributions, concluded Wayne Barnett, executive director of the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission.

Washington – Board Finds Reasonable Cause Ferguson Violated Ethics Law

Seattle Times – Jim Brunner | Published: 1/11/2026

The Washington State Executive Ethics Board found “reasonable cause” to believe Gov. Bob Ferguson violated the law by bringing his former top aide onto a state plane last year. The board voted to accept the findings of a staff investigation that found Ferguson illegally “provided a special privilege” to Mike Webb, his longtime former top aide, “by allowing them passage on a state aircraft.” State law generally prohibits the use of state resources for private gain.

January 14, 2026 • Written by Jim Sedor

Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance North Carolina: “NC Warns Supreme Court Candidate Over ‘Prohibited’ Lobbyist Campaign Donation” by Kyle Ingram (Raleigh News and Observer) for MSN Ethics National: “Top Prosecutors in DC., Minneapolis Leave Amid Turmoil Over Shooting Probe” by Perry Stein (Washington […]

January 9, 2026 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – January 9, 2026

National/Federal Capitol Riot ‘Does Not Happen’ Without Trump, Jack Smith Told Congress MSN – Eric Tucker (Associated Press) | Published: 12/31/2025 The January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol “does not happen” without Donald Trump, former special counsel Jack […]

National/Federal

Capitol Riot ‘Does Not Happen’ Without Trump, Jack Smith Told Congress

MSN – Eric Tucker (Associated Press) | Published: 12/31/2025

The January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol “does not happen” without Donald Trump, former special counsel Jack Smith told lawmakers in characterizing the Republican president as the “most culpable and most responsible person” in the criminal conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 election. The House Judiciary Committee released a transcript and video of a closed-door interview Smith gave about two investigations of Trump. It shows how Smith, during a daylong deposition, defended the basis for pursuing indictments against Trump and vigorously rejected Republican suggestions his investigations were politically motivated.

Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Gutted of Federal Funds, Votes to Dissolve

MSN – Scott Nover (Washington Post) | Published: 1/5/2026

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s (CPB) board of directors voted to dissolve the organization, ending the 58-year-old agency that distributed federal funds to NPR, PBS, and more than 1,500 local public radio and television stations. The move formalizes the shutdown that began this summer after Republicans in Congress rescinded $1.1 billion in funding at President Trump’s behest. CPB leaders said they chose dissolution over maintaining a dormant organization that could become manipulated by new stewards acting without public media’s best interest at heart.

Hegseth Announces Censure and Potential Demotion of Sen. Mark Kelly

MSN – Dan Lamothe and Tara Copp (Washington Post) | Published: 1/5/2026

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he formally censured Sen. Mark Kelly and launched administrative proceedings against Kelly to consider whether to reduce his Navy rank in retirement, the latest twist in a dispute about the senator’s political commentary. Hegseth said as a retired Navy officer, Kelly is “still accountable to military justice,” and he repeated unfounded allegations that Kelly has made “seditious statements.” The dispute centers on a video in Kelly and five other Democrats reminded U.S. troops they can disobey illegal orders, infuriating President Donald Trump.

Trump Ends Effort to Keep National Guard in Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland

MSN – Lauren Kaori Gurley and Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) | Published: 12/25/2025

President Trump announced he is pulling the National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, although the troops already had a limited presence because the states involved had sued to block their deployment. Troops remain on the ground in New Orleans and Memphis, with support from state officials, and in the District of Columbia, where the mayor does not have control over the National Guard. The president’s retreat follows the administration’s setbacks in lawsuits aimed at removing the National Guard from cities in blue states.

Hegseth’s Remade Press Corps Covers Venezuela Raid with Praise, Not Probing

MSN – Scott Nover and Drew Harwell (Washington Post) | Published: 1/7/2025

The U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro marks the first major test for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s overhauled Pentagon press corps, a crop of right-wing influencers and media personalities that took over the coverage desks of traditional news organizations, whose journalists surrendered their Pentagon credentials months ago rather than agree to restrictions on their reporting. Mainstream journalists have continued to cover the events from the outside, though some of them say the additional challenges they face in getting answers from government leaders could erode their ability to shed light on the aftermath of Maduro’s capture.

More Than 2 Million Epstein Documents Still Unreleased, Officials Say

MSN – Kelly Kasulis Cho (Washington Post) | Published: 1/6/2026

More than 2 million documents regarding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein remain to be released, Justice Department officials told a federal judge, offering the most precise estimate so far of the size of the file still under review. Those reviewing the unreleased documents must determine whether each one falls under the law’s broad mandate, review the documents to redact information that could identify victims, and respond to requests from victims or their family members for additional redactions. Officials offered similar explanations for a delay in releasing all unclassified Epstein documents n December, after the Justice Department failed to meet its deadline.

Judge Orders Lindsey Halligan to Explain Why She Keeps Using US Attorney Title

MSN – Melissa Quinn (CBS News) | Published: 1/7/2026

A federal judge ordered Lindsey Halligan to explain why she continues to identify herself as a U.S. attorney despite a different judge finding her appointment as the top federal prosecutor in eastern Virginia was invalid. U.S. District Court Judge David Novak gave Halligan seven days to provide the basis for her use of the title and ordered her to explain why her identification as U.S. attorney “does not constitute a false or misleading statement.” U.S. District Court Judge Cameron Currie ruled in November that Halligan’s appointment as interim U.S. attorney violated the Constitution’s Appointments Clause and a federal law governing U.S. attorney vacancies

Rep. Steny Hoyer to Retire, Ending Storied Career in Elected Office

MSN – Paul Kane (Washington Post) | Published: 1/7/2026

Rep. Steny Hoyer will not run for reelection and end a nearly six-decade career in elected office that spanned his rising-star days in Maryland government to a two-decade run as the number two U.S. House Democrat. Now three years out of leadership, Hoyer remains an active legislator but feared ending up like many other elderly lawmakers, becoming physically or mentally frail in their final days in office.

The Data Center Rebellion Is Here, and It’s Reshaping the Political Landscape

MSN – Evan Halper (Washington Post) | Published: 1/6/2026

From Archibald, Pennsylvania, to Page, Arizona, technology firms are seeking to build data centers in locations that sometimes are not zoned for such heavy industrial uses, within communities that had not planned for them. These supersize data centers can use more energy than entire cities and drain local water supplies. Anger over the perceived trampling of communities by Silicon Valley has entered the national political conversation and could affect voters of all political persuasions in this year’s midterm elections.

The Supreme Court May Leave Alone the Voting Rights Act Just Long Enough to Keep the GOP from House Control in 2026

MSN – Samuel Benson and Andrew Howard (Politico) | Published: 1/8/2026

It appears Kansas will not join the parade of states engaging in mid-decade redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, meaning Johnson County will remain in one congressional district. Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins told reporters he does not have the votes necessary to pass a new map over the all-but-certain veto of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

How New Protest Laws Are Impacting Political Demonstrations

MSN – Akilah Johnson (Washington Post) | Published: 1/2/2026

More than a dozen states that have cracked down on protests in recent years, passing laws that often equate political demonstrations with riots in ways that First Amendment experts say could be illegal. Since 2017, 23 states have passed at least 55 laws to address how and when people can protest. Some laws mandate at least 30 days in jail for rioting – often loosely defined as a group involved in tumultuous or potentially violent behavior – while others restrict protests on college campuses or imprison and fine people who block sidewalks, streets, and highways.

Mail-In Voting Faces New Hurdle as Postal Service Formalizes Postmark Practice

Yahoo News – Anna Liss-Roy (Washington Post) | Published: 1/3/2026

A change in how the U.S. Postal Service postmarks letters could discount the ballots of thousands of last-minute voters. Many Americans have long assumed that tax returns, ballots, and other mailed documents sent on deadline would be marked as sent the day they are dropped in a mailbox. But the Postal Service announced it was making no such guarantees about postmarks. Its new guidelines say a postmark might come days later, when mail is processed at a regional facility. Fourteen states provide a grace period allowing mail ballots to be counted if they arrive after Election Day if they are postmarked by then.

The Political Divide Over January 6 Is Only Deepening Five Years After the Deadly US Capitol Attack

Yahoo News – Annie Grayer and Marshall Cohen (CNN) | Published: 1/6/2026

Five years after the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, the fundamental facts of that day continue to fuel deep divisions that have created dueling political realities. The Democratic lawmakers who dedicated 18 months of their careers to the comprehensive House investigation are grappling with how the truth about President Trump’s role can break through in this current political moment, where Trump continues to claim he won the 2020 election and has taken significant steps to reward rioters and deflect blame for the attack.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Ex-Arizona Lawmaker Who Questioned Election Integrity Gets Probation for Using Forged Signatures

MSN – Jacques Billeaud (Associated Press) | Published: 1/6/2026

A former Republican lawmaker who questioned the integrity of Arizona’s elections and served as a leader for the conservative group Turning Point Action was sentenced to probation and a five-year ban on running for public office for using nominating petitions that contained forged signatures in a bid to qualify for a 2024 primary election. Austin Smith acknowledged trying to use petitions with forged signatures that he knew were false and forging a dead woman’s signature on a nominating petition.

Arkansas – Concerns Rise After Governor Appoints 2nd Lobbyist to Arkansas Board of Corrections

MSN – Andrew Mobley (KATV) | Published: 1/7/2026

Recent appointments by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders to the Arkansas Board of Corrections have drawn scrutiny from a state senator and a Franklin County resident running for Senate District 26, who are concerned that half the appointees work for prominent lobbying firms. State Sen. Bryan King Senate District 26 independent candidate Adam Watson say not only do the governor’s four appointments last year to the seven-member board stack the deck in her favor as she pursues building a 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County, but they also create conflicts-of-interest.

California – SF Official’s ‘Great Betrayal’ Ends in Prison for $600K Theft of City Funds

MSN – Olivia Hebert (SFGATE) | Published: 1/6/2026

A former high-ranking San Francisco city employee was sentenced to three years in state prison after pleading guilty to multiple felony counts tied to a yearslong public corruption scheme that siphoned more than $627,000 from the city’s workers’ compensation system. The sentence follows Stanley Ellicott’s arrest in March 2024, when officials announced 62 felony charges tied to the scheme. At the time, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins described the case as a “great betrayal.”

California – SF Accused a Nonprofit of Corruption and Lost. Now the City Is Appealing

MSN – Michael Barba (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 1/5/2026

San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu is not giving up the legal battle he lost against a nonprofit at the center of an ethics scandal over its deep ties to a former city official. Two months after a hearing officer rejected arguments that the nonprofit Collective Impact should be barred from city funding for allegedly bribing former San Francisco Human Rights Commission Executive Director Sheryl Davis, Chiu is appealing the decision.

Connecticut – Connecticut Election Regulators Face First Test of New Foreign Contribution Ban

MSN – Paul Hughes (CT Insider) | Published: 1/3/2026

A 2024 state law that prohibits foreign nationals from making political contributions or expenditures under Connecticut’s campaign finance laws is posing a novel legal question for in-house lobbyists working for foreign-owned businesses. A lobbyist for the government relations firm Gaffney Bennett and Associates petitioned the State Elections Enforcement Commission for a declaratory ruling clarifying whether state residents who are U.S. citizens and in-house lobbyists on the payroll of corporations owned by foreign parent companies can make personal contributions to Connecticut campaigns.

District of Columbia – Why D.C.’s Next Council Member Will Be Chosen by Lawmakers, Not Voters

MSN – Jenny Gathright (Washington Post) | Published: 1/7/2026

The next new member of the District of Columbia Council will not be elected by voters but will instead be selected by the council itself, in a process that has already elicited frustration from some lawmakers. Councilperson Kenyan McDuffie resigned his seat to set up a mayoral run. City law says it is up to the council to select an interim replacement, but the law is vague on exactly how lawmakers should go about choosing their new colleague.

Hawaii – $35K Mystery Payment: Bill would extend time to prosecute

Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 1/8/2026

Hawaii campaign finance regulators would be given more time to investigate the case of an unnamed lawmaker who accepted $35,000 in a paper bag from a man involved in a federal bribery investigation in 2022 under a proposal expected to go before lawmakers in the upcoming session. The U.S. attorney’s office has stated the transaction was not related to the bribery investigation. But it could still be a violation of state campaign spending law.

Indiana – Indiana Employers Face Yearlong Public Works Contract Ban Under Immigrant Work Eligibility Bill

Yahoo News – Leslie Bonilla Muñiz (Indiana Capital Chronicle) | Published: 1/8/2026

A bill to close so-called loopholes in Indiana’s employment eligibility verification law could bar employers who purposefully flout the requirements from taking part in public works projects for a year. Public work project contracts entered into or renewed after June 30 would have to include a provision requiring the primary contractor and all tiers of subcontractors to enroll in E-Verify, an internet-based federal program that cross-checks a new hire’s eligibility to work in the U.S.

Maryland – Ethics Complaint Clouds Opening of Howard Office Charged with Detecting Fraud, Waste

MSN – Kiersten Hacker (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 1/7/2026

Howard County’s new Office of the Inspector General was created to detect fraud, waste, and abuse, but an ethics complaint about the selection process for its leader has some county leaders questioning the new office’s own ethics. Others say the allegations are unfounded, or “silly and desperate.” The complaint involves the process of selecting Kelly Madigan and alleges a conflict-of-interest involving Steven Quisenberry, who worked with Madigan in Baltimore County and will now lead that county’s Office of the Inspector General.

Minnesota – Walz Drops Bid for Reelection as Minn. Governor While Klobuchar Considers Run

MSN – Hannah Knowles, Dan Merica, and Theodoric Meyer (Washington Post) | Published: 1/5/2026

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said he is dropping his bid for reelection, a dramatic turn for the two-term governor who now faces scrutiny over welfare fraud investigations in his state. Walz was tapped as Kamala Harris’s running mate in 2024 and viewed as a potential presidential candidate in 2028. Democrats had grown increasingly worried about Walz’s choice to seek a third term as Republicans, including President Trump, put a spotlight on the growing fraud probe.

Minnesota – ICE Shooting Reinforces Minnesota’s Grim Role as Trump’s Public Enemy No. 1

MSN – Nicholas Riccardi and Steve Karnowski (Associated Press) | Published: 1/8/2026

Federal officers have encountered opposition in nearly all the cities targeted by President Trump’s immigration enforcement campaign. But it was in Minnesota that a 37-year-old woman was shot and killed by an immigration officer. Trump has focused on several blue states in his second term, and now he has turned to Minnesota, where the killing of George Floyd and the protests it sparked stained his first presidency.

New York – Judge Disqualifies US Attorney in Albany Investigating Letitia James

MSN – Jeremy Roebuck and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 1/8/2026

A federal judge ruled President Trump’s acting U.S. attorney in Albany is unlawfully serving in his role and tossed subpoenas his office issued as part of an investigation into actions by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The judge concluded that John Sarcone III, appointed in March as interim U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York, had served beyond the 120-day expiration date for that position and the administration’s efforts to keep him beyond that deadline did not withstand legal scrutiny. He is the fifth Trump-appointed interim U.S. attorney who has been disqualified from serving in such a role.

North Carolina – Bob Phillips Retires from Common Cause NC, the Pro-Democracy Group He Helped Grow to Prominence

Yahoo News – Lynn Bonner (NC Newsline) | Published: 1/5/2026

For nearly a quarter century, when debates over voting laws, gerrymandering, or money in politics enveloped North Carolina, Bob Phillips has been in the thick of them. That era will end in January when Phillips retires from day-to-day advocacy work. As the leader of Common Cause North Carolina since 2001, Phillips has helped to shape anti-corruption laws and organize support for voting rights. He has worked with other groups to remove obstacles to voting and increase government transparency and try to overturn election districts they argued were unfair.

Ohio – FirstEnergy to Pay $275 Million to Ohio Customers Over HB 6 Corruption Scandal

MSN – Laura Hancock (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/7/2026

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved a settlement agreement to provide FirstEnergy customers $275 million in restitution after the company violated state laws in the passage of the House Bill 6, a controversial energy bill that was the largest corruption scheme in state history. Maureen Willis, agency director of the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, which represents utilities customers before the commission, said the settlement provides accountability.

Ohio – Larry Householder, Matt Borges Ask US Supreme Court to Review Cases at Heart of Their HB6 Convictions

MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/5/2026

Imprisoned ex-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and former Ohio Republican Party Chairperson Matt Borges have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit two court rulings underpinning their corruption convictions in connection with the House Bill 6 bribery scandal. If successful, their requests would not only open the door to throwing out their convictions but rewrite decades-old legal precedent for what constitutes political bribery in America.

Tennessee – Judge Spares Tennessee Lawmaker Prison Time in Corruption Case Where Trump Pardoned Ex-Speaker, Aide

MSN – Jonathan Mattise (Associated Press) | Published: 1/5/2026

A federal judge reduced a prison sentence to probation for a former Tennessee lawmaker whose testimony helped convict the former state House speaker and his onetime aide of public corruption. Although her cohorts were pardoned by President Trump, ex-Rep. Robin Smith had been slated to report to prison for an eight-month sentence. But U.S. District Court Judge Eli Richardson reduced it to one year of probation.

Texas – 350 Texas Teachers Targeted for Posts About Charlie Kirk, Lawsuit Says

MSN – Molly Hennessy-Fiske (Washington Post) | Published: 1/6/2026

The Texas chapter of the country’s second-largest teachers union sued in federal court to block state education officials from investigating educators’ comments about Charlie Kirk’s killing last year, alleging they violated free speech protections. The lawsuit filed by the Texas American Federation of Teachers appears to be the first to challenge a state policy investigating complaints about teachers’ comments in the wake of Kirk’s shooting, in part because Texas and Florida state superintendents were the only ones to solicit such complaints.

Virginia – After Virginia Judges’ Misconduct Became Public, Lawmakers Reinstated Secrecy

Yahoo News – Ben Paviour (Virginia Mercury) | Published: 1/5/2026

At the end of every year, state agencies, boards, and commissions in Virginia churn out dozens of annual reports. Last year, one notable document was missing – the 2024 annual report from the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission (JIRC). The report for the first time contained the names and misdeeds of Virginia judges who were disciplined by the seven-member commission for violating the commonwealth’s judicial cannon. But a brief window of transparency shut last year, when lawmakers unanimously passed a bill specifying that they would be the first ones to see JIRC’s annual report and decide if it is ever made public.

Wisconsin – Judge Hannah Dugan Resigns from Court Weeks After Federal Jury Finds Her Guilty

MSN – Mary Spicuzza and John Diedrich (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) | Published: 1/3/2026

In the face of an effort to impeach her and remove her from the bench, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan announced she is resigning. The announcement came weeks after a federal jury found Dugan guilty of obstructing federal immigration agents seeking to make an arrest outside her courtroom. Dugan was found not guilty of concealing a wanted person.

January 2, 2026 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – January 2, 2026

National/Federal Kennedy, Other Trump Officials Balk at Requests to Testify on Capitol Hill MSN – Theodoric Meyer, Dan Diamond, and Noah Robertson (Washington Post) | Published: 12/27/2025 When Sen. Bill Cassidy announced in February he would vote to confirm Robert […]

National/Federal

Kennedy, Other Trump Officials Balk at Requests to Testify on Capitol Hill

MSN – Theodoric Meyer, Dan Diamond, and Noah Robertson (Washington Post) | Published: 12/27/2025

When Sen. Bill Cassidy announced in February he would vote to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary despite concerns about his skepticism of vaccines, Cassidy said he had secured a commitment from Kennedy to testify before the committee Cassidy chairs once a quarter if asked. But Kennedy has not come before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee since May, and he is hardly the only administration official who has frustrated senators by failing to show up.

With More Than a Million Pages to Go, Justice Struggles with Epstein Files

MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 12/24/2025

The Justice Department has had a choppy and often frenetic rollout of the massive Epstein investigatory files. In mid-November, Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which ordered the release of nearly all unclassified government files on Epstein by December 19, with necessary redactions to ensure the identities of victims are protected. More than a week past the deadline, the department appears to still be struggling to get its arms around the massive project and find an orderly way to make the files available to the public.

Trump Suffers Several Defeats in Effort to Punish Opposing Lawyers

MSN – Julian Mark (Washington Post) | Published: 12/28/2025

Since taking office for the second time, President Trump has suffered multiple losses in his efforts to strip security clearances from political opponents and prestigious law firms. With several of those cases working through the courts, the issue could become one of the next Supreme Court fights over presidential power. The president’s latest loss came when a federal judge temporarily blocked Trump’s efforts to strip a security clearance from national security attorney Mark Zaid.

Pipe Bomb Suspect Told FBI He Targeted US Political Parties Because They Were ‘in Charge,’ Memo Says

MSN – Eric Tucker (Associated Press) | Published: 12/28/2025

The man accused of placing two pipe bombs in Washington on the eve of the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol told investigators after his arrest he believed someone needed to “speak up” for people who believed the 2020 election was stolen and he wanted to target the country’s political parties because they were “in charge,” prosecutors said. The allegations were laid out in a Justice Department memo arguing Brian Cole Jr., who was arrested on charges of placing pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican national committees, should remain locked up while the case moves forward.

‘I Ultimately Had to Comply’: ’60 Minutes’ EP faces fallout after Bari Weiss shelves story

MSN – Liam Scott and Scott Nover (Washington Post) | Published: 12/22/2025

The executive producer of “60 Minutes” responded to criticism after CBS News abruptly pulled a segment on the Trump administration’s deportations, telling colleagues in a private meeting she stood by the investigation but could not allay the concerns of the network’s editor in chief, Bari Weiss. The last-minute change has fueled internal tension at “60 Minutes” and CBS News, with some staffers arguing the decision hamstrings the network’s reporters. The segment’s correspondent, Sharyn Alfonsi, called the decision “political” in an internal email to producers.

Why Trump’s EEOC Wants to Talk to White Men About Discrimination

MSN – Taylor Telford (Washington Post) | Published: 12/30/2025

In December, the nation’s leading workplace civil rights enforcer took to social media to pose a question: “Are you a white male who has experienced discrimination at work based on your race or sex?” Andrea Lucas, chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), appeared in the video, urging those who have to contact the agency. It was an unusual move, because the EEOC does not typically solicit complaints. But it underscores the sea change at an agency central to President Trump’s civil rights agenda, one that began with executive orders gutting the last vestiges of affirmative action.

Can Congress Find a Path on Government ‘Jawboning’ Limits?

MSN – Allison Mollenkamp (Roll Call) | Published: 12/24/2025

Members of both parties want government officials to stop putting pressure on social media platforms to censor speech but turning that stance into law would require getting specific about what kind of pressure is inappropriate, and what those censored can do about it. U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairperson Ted Cruz has said he will “soon introduce” legislation that would “provide transparency” about government contacts with social media companies and allow individuals to sue if their speech has been indirectly censored due to government pressure, known as jawboning.

Kennedy Center Changed Board Rules Months Before Vote to Add Trump’s Name

MSN – Janay Kingsberry and Kelsey Ables (Washington Post) | Published: 12/31/2025

The Kennedy Center adopted bylaws earlier this year that limited voting to presidentially appointed trustees, a move that preceded a unanimous decision by board members installed by President Trump to add his name to the center. Legal experts say the move may conflict with the institution’s charter. Trump took over the Kennedy Center in February, purging its board of members he had not appointed. The months that followed saw struggling ticket sales and programming changes that began to align the arts complex with the Trump administration’s broader cultural aims.

The Federal Government’s Top Watchdog Has Retired. Now Congress Has to Pick a Replacement.

MSN – Jennifer Scholtes (Politico) | Published: 12/30/2025

For the first time in nearly two decades, Congress is on the hunt for a new boss at the federal government’s top watchdog agency. With the retirement of Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, congressional leaders are now supposed to recommend candidates for President Trump to nominate for a 15-year term to lead the Government Accountability Office. That person would lead the agency as it works through dozens of investigations into whether the Trump administration broke the law by withholding billions of dollars Congress previously approved.

Twins in Congress: Nehls brothers and a potentially history-making transition

MSN – Nick Eskow (Roll Call) | Published: 12/31/2025

Trever Nehls is the identical twin brother of U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, and he is running for his brother’s seat in the midterms. The three-term Trump loyalist was quick to endorse his brother after announcing he would not be running for reelection in 2026. If Trevor Nehls wins, it will be the first time in U.S. history that a member of Congress is succeeded in office by their identical twin.

The Plot to Redraw America

Politico – Adam Wren and Andrew Howard | Published: 12/31/2025

President Trump’s top political aide, James Blair, pitched a novel gambit to Trump – Republicans could begin padding their narrow U.S. House majority well before voters went to the polls in November 2026 through redistricting. If successful, the move could insulate the White House from a potentially brutal midterm election. But things did not go quite as planned, as Trump triggered a conflict he could not easily win. Republicans fell far short of the 18 congressional seats which party strategists initially believed they could flip, and whatever gains they did make likely came at significant enduring cost for Trump’s White House.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Arizona Bill Aims to Shield Small-Dollar Donors’ Information

MSN – Zachery Schmidt (Center Square) | Published: 12/29/2025

Arizona Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh pre-filed a 2026 bill designed to protect the information of small-dollar campaign donors. Under Senate Bill 1006, campaign finance reports would not include personal information on donors who give $200 or less. The only exception would happen if donors give their permission.

California – Why Do California Cities, Counties Pay Millions to Lobby Their Own Statehouse?

MSN – Andrew Graham (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 12/21/2025

Through the first three quarters of this year, the 35 largest California cities have spent a combined $3.4 million in public funds on private lobbying firms. Only two cities on that list did not report hiring a lobbying firm. City and county officials interviewed by The Sacramento Bee said such fees were necessary expenditures for local governments competing with each other and with private industries in a political system flooded with lobbying and campaign finance dollars. But the spending raises questions about equity between rich and poor cities.

Florida – After 20 Years of Florida’s Gift Ban, Some Would Like to Make a Return

MSN – Gary Fineout (Politico) | Published: 12/25/2025

Florida’s gift ban, which prohibits legislators and others in top roles in state government from accepting anything of value from lobbyists or the principals that hire them, took effect January 1, 2006. In the years since its passage, the law has either been ignored or sidestepped in various ways, while making it awkward for a lawmaker to accept token items such as a bottle of water. But Tom Lee, the former state Senate president who championed the legislation, still thinks it was the right thing to do.

Georgia – Bill Eliminates Last Minute Ethics Complaints in Georgia Elections

Yahoo News – Kim Jarrett (Center Square) | Published: 12/29/2025

A bill that took effect on January 1 bars Georgia’s State Ethics Commission from investigating complaints filed 60 days or fewer before an election. Senate Bill 199 will also require PACs that make contributions or expenditures on behalf of candidates to have separate bank accounts.

Illinois – Supreme Court Blocks National Guard Deployment to Chicago Area

MSN – James Romoser (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 12/23/2025

The U.S. Supreme Court blocked President Trump from sending the National Guard into the Chicago area, dealing a rare loss to the president on an issue of executive power. The decision, issued in an unsigned order on the court’s emergency docket, is the first time the justices have weighed in on Trump’s efforts to dispatch the military to American cities. Though the order is preliminary and applies only in Illinois, it suggests the court is unwilling to rubber-stamp Trump’s assertions of broad authority to use the National Guard to manage protests and violent crime.

Iowa – Dems Tout Another Special Election as a Boost for Their Party Ahead of Midterms

MSN – Kelly Kasulis Cho and Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 12/31/2025

West Des Moines City Councilperson Renee Hardman won a special election for a state Senate seat in Iowa, denying Republicans the opportunity to regain a supermajority in the chamber and handing the Democratic Party a large-margin victory ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Hardman will be the first Black woman to serve in the Iowa Senate. Democrats tend to over-perform in off-year races and special elections, but in the wake of 2024 losses, the party has attributed several recent off-year gains around the country to national momentum against President Trump and Republicans.

Maine – Conservative Groups Push Back on Maine Law in Latest Campaign Finance Court Battle Filing

Maine Morning Star – Emma Davis | Published: 12/22/2025

The conservative groups that sued Maine over a voter-approved law that established stricter regulations on money in elections filed their rebuttal in the case, claiming it violates free speech. In 2024, voters overwhelmingly passed a law that set a $5,000 limit on contributions to PACs that independently spend money to try to support or defeat candidates, commonly referred to as super PACs. Those behind the law welcomed the lawsuit as it was a key part of their ultimate goal: to get the U.S. Supreme Court to regulate super PACs.

Maryland – Lobbyists Spend Big on ‘Committee Dinners’ with Maryland Lawmakers

MSN – Katie Shepherd (Washington Post) | Published: 12/30/2025

Energy companies, climate advocacy groups, nonprofits, trade associations for nurses, restaurateurs, and chicken farmers, and many other groups took Maryland legislators out for dinner over the last lobbying year. The meals are part of a long-standing practice known as committee dinners that dates back more than 30 years. Del. Joe Vogel is taking aim at the legislative perk with a bill that would bar lobbyists, corporations, and special interest groups from taking lawmakers out on the town, except in a few limited circumstances.

Massachusetts – Mass. Legislation Aims to Point Light at Dark Money in Local Politics

Cape Cod Times – Sam Drysdale (State House News Service) | Published: 12/23/2025

Legislation requiring public disclosure for people and groups spending significant sums to influence town meeting votes is gaining some traction in Massachusetts. House Bill 806 won initial approval and would amend the law to cover spending aimed at influencing the outcome of warrant articles taken up at the local government level. The bill would apply statewide but is driven in part by spending intended to influence short-term rental and housing decisions on Cape Cod and the Islands.

Massachusetts – Lawmakers Push for Tighter Disclosure Rules on Ballot Question Funding

WBUR – Sam Drysdale (State House News Service) | Published: 12/30/2025

Facing a potentially crowded and costly 2026 election cycle, Massachusetts lawmakers advanced legislation to tighten disclosure rules for ballot question campaigns and reveal who is funding them. The votes signal interest among lawmakers in updating laws that critics say have not kept pace with the scale and sophistication of modern ballot campaigns. The Ballot Spending Transparency Act would expand what ballot question committees must report to state regulators, increase the frequency of required filings, and more clearly define non-cash political support that currently can remain largely out of public view for much of a campaign cycle.

Michigan – Benson Declines to Rule on Constitutionality of Michigan Endorsement Conventions, Concerns Persist

Yahoo News – Ben Solis (Michigan Advance) | Published: 12/22/2025

Election lawyers from both sides of the political spectrum said Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson correctly declined to issue a declarative ruling on whether the major party’s endorsement conventions were constitutional. But the attorneys, in interviews with Michigan Advance, were split on whether the initial concerns of potential special-interest meddling in party decisions at those conventions – engaging in so-called bribery of delegates in the worst-case scenario or pushing issue advocacy influence campaigns as a lesser evil – held water.

Minnesota – HHS Freezes All Child Care Funding for Minnesota

MSN – Jacob Wendler (Politico) | Published: 12/30/2025

The Department of Health and Human Services froze hundreds of millions of dollars in childcare funding for Minnesota, the latest in a series of moves against Gov. Tim Walz’s administration as it attempts to manage allegations of fraud. The funding freeze comes as Minnesota faces probes by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security over allegations the state’s Democratic leaders were complicit in exploiting federal funds for nutrition and childcare.

New Jersey – Man at Center of Murder-for-Hire Plot Says Corruption Probe Was a ‘Sham’

New Jersey Monitor – Nancy Solomon | Published: 12/23/2025

When campaign consultant Sean Caddle pleaded guilty in 2022 to murder-for-hire, he was allowed to remain at home for nearly two years while he cooperated with federal prosecutors on a political corruption investigation. But that probe went nowhere, and now a series of prison interviews with Caddle raises questions about why the U.S. attorney’s office in Newark was not able to bring charges stemming from a sweeping “pay-to-play” scheme that Caddle ran.

New York – NYC Board Probes Pro-Cuomo PACs Spearheaded by Finance CEOs

MSN – Laura Nahmias (Bloomberg) | Published: 12/22/2025

New York City’s Campaign Finance Board is probing whether a group of PACs that spent more than $20 million supporting Andrew Cuomo’s unsuccessful bid for mayor illegally coordinated with the former governor and his campaign, according to people with knowledge of the investigation. Zohran Mamdani’s campaign alleges donors gave to Put NYC First, a PAC, which then transferred funds to an array of Super PACs. These entities have fewer restrictions than traditional PACs and are allowed to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money but are not allowed to co-ordinate with candidates or campaigns.

New York – Hung Jury Ends Trial of Ex-New York Governors’ Aide Accused of Selling Influence to China

MSN – Philip Marcelo (Associated Press) | Published: 12/22/2025

A judge declared a mistrial in the corruption case of Linda Sun, a former aide to New York governors, after jurors said they were hopelessly deadlocked and could not reach a verdict. Sun was accused of using her state government position to subtly advance China’s agenda in exchange for financial benefits worth millions of dollars. They say Sun also took kickbacks from Chinese companies to steer lucrative state contracts for face masks and other critical medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

New York – Eric Adams Reigned Over a Run of Scandal Not Seen Since Boss Tweed

MSN – Greg Smith and Yoav Gonen (The City) | Published: 12/24/2025

In his last days in office, New York Mayor Eric Adams has doubled down on attacking his corruption indictment, dismissing it as “lawfare” brought by a Biden administration angry at his criticism of policies he blamed for triggering a flood of migrants to New York City. He has repeated his mantra that the media unfairly focused on the indictment, which a federal judge was forced to void after the Trump administration dropped the case. But by any number of telling measures, Adams’ four tumultuous years at City Hall could generate a highlight reel of notoriety that would surpass that of any mayor of the 20th and 21st centuries.

North Carolina – A Company Invited Cary Staff to Dinner. The Offer Came from the Mayor.

MSN – Dan Kane (Raleigh News and Observer) | Published: 12/29/2025

The engineering and land development firm WithersRavenel has a prominent presence in its hometown of Cary, North Carolina. In recent years it has helped develop the town’s downtown park and design a new fire station. One of the people helping the firm win projects beyond the town is Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, who began consulting for WithersRavenel in 2023. An action Weinbrecht took in 2023 is now raising questions about how much separation exists between his public work as mayor and his private work as a consultant.

Ohio – New Ohio Election Integrity Commission Begins to Take Shape

Ohio Capital Journal – Nick Evans | Published: 12/30/2025

Secretary of State Frank LaRose has tapped leadership for the new Ohio Election Integrity Commission. As part of last summer’s budget, state lawmakers axed the state’s existing independent campaign watchdog and replaced it with a new office under the secretary’s control. The board’s membership shrinks from seven to five, and instead of a bipartisan panel selecting a nonpartisan colleague, all commissioners will be chosen by state leaders.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Ethics Watchdog to Implement Original Election Reporting System

Oklahoma Voice – Emma Murphy | Published: 12/19/2025

After three months without a fully functioning campaign finance system, the Oklahoma Ethics Commission voted to immediately terminate the vendor’s contract and to authorize pursuing legal action. The commission also voted to reinstate the original Guardian system operated by the previous vendor, Civix. It voted to enter into a $217,000 contract with Carahsoft, a partner of Civix, that lasts three years.

Washington – Seattle Passes New Transparency Law Aimed at Political Consultants

Seattle Times – David Kroman | Published: 12/17/2025

The Seattle City Council passed a new law requiring political consultants to register with the city when accepting taxpayer-funded work. Concerns over viability and the broadness of the original bill spurred members to cut back on some provisions, reducing it instead to a transparency-focused law that puts consultants into a similar category as lobbyists. In addition to registering with the city, consultants must say whom they are advising outside of the city and on what issues.

December 19, 2025 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – December 19, 2025

National/Federal Trump Bashes Late Director Rob Reiner, Drawing Immediate Backlash MSN – Amy Wang (Washington Post) | Published: 12/15/2025 Less than a day after film director Rob Reiner was found dead in his Los Angeles home, President Trump posited without […]

National/Federal

Trump Bashes Late Director Rob Reiner, Drawing Immediate Backlash

MSN – Amy Wang (Washington Post) | Published: 12/15/2025

Less than a day after film director Rob Reiner was found dead in his Los Angeles home, President Trump posited without evidence that the Hollywood icon was killed because he was critical of Trump. The president wrote that Reiner’s death was :”reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.” The couple’s son was arrested on a murder charge. There was no indication from the authorities that the couple’s political beliefs had anything to do with their deaths.

Trump Has Signed More Executive Orders in 2025 Than in His Entire First Term

MSN – Emily Davies, Cat Zakrzewski, and Clara Ence Morse (Washington Post) | Published: 12/16/2025

President Trump has signed more executive orders in less than a year of his presidency than he did in his entire first term, repeatedly bypassing Congress and forcing the courts to grapple with the constitutional bounds of his power. American presidents have consolidated executive power to skirt Congress since the beginning of the 20th century. But Trump has accelerated the trend that intensified in recent decades amid a decline in legislative activity and rising partisan brinkmanship.

How a Trump Media Deal with a Crypto Firm Exposes Potential Conflicts of Interest

MSN – Brian Slodysko (Associated Press) | Published: 12/16/2025

Legal and ethics experts say Crypto.com’s journey from investigative target to a business partner of Donald Trump provides a case study of the conflicts-of interest that have arisen in Trump’s second presidency. Unlike any of his predecessors in the modern era, Trump has allowed his family businesses to enter lucrative arrangements with companies regulated by the federal government, some of which have benefited from action taken by his administration.

Rob Reiner Was More Than a Hollywood Liberal. He Was a Sophisticated Political Operator.

MSN – Melanie Mason (Politico) | Published: 12/15/2025

What qualifies as political activism in Hollywood usually starts and ends with writing a big check. Not so for Rob Reiner. The actor and director, who was found dead in his home along with his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, in a suspected homicide, was a policy maker and campaign strategist in his own right with lasting fingerprints on the political ecosystem in California and beyond.

Trump Chief of Staff Susie Wiles Says President ‘Has an Alcoholic’s Personality’ and Much More in Candid Interviews

MSN – Kevin Liptak, Alejandra Jaramillo, and Kristen Holmes (CNN) | Published: 12/16/2025

The White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles, delivered a series of unusually candid and at times unflattering assessments of President Trump, his second-term agenda, and some of his closest allies in a series of wide-ranging interviews with Vanity Fair. Across more than 10 interviews, Wiles spoke frankly about working for Trump, saying the president “has an alcoholic’s personality,” despite being known as a teetotaler. She acknowledged the president’s appetite for revenge, conceding many of his second-term actions were driven by a desire for retribution.

DHS Fast-Tracked $1 Billion Contract to Pro-Trump Donor’s Company

MSN – Isaac Arnsdorf (Washington Post) | Published: 12/17/2025

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) fast-tracked a contract worth almost $1 billion to a company led by a donor to a pro-Trump nonprofit group where one of the officials overseeing the deal previously worked. The contract involves a DHS program called Project Homecoming that offers cash bonuses, free flights, and a “concierge service” at airports for departing migrants. The agency said nonpartisan professionals control its contracting decisions. But in the case of the Project Homecoming contract, political appointees coordinated the process.

Data Centers Have a Political Problem – and Big Tech Wants to Fix It

MSN – Gabby Miller (Politico) | Published: 12/17/2025

Tech companies and lobbyists are investing millions of dollars to tackle a new political problem for the industry: data centers, the lifeblood of the growing Artificial Intelligence economy, are becoming toxic with voters. Alarmed by elections that candidates won by campaigning against new data centers, the industry is taking out ads and funding campaigns to flip the narrative and put data centers in a positive light, spinning them as job creators and economic drivers rather than resource-hungry land hogs.

Jack Smith Tells Congress He Could Prove Trump Engaged in a ‘Criminal Scheme’ to Overturn 2020 Election

MSN – Ryan Reilly (NBC News) | Published: 12/17/2025

Former special counsel Jack Smith told a congressional committee his team found “proof beyond a reasonable doubt” that President Trump engaged in a “criminal scheme” to overturn the results of the 2020 election, according to portions of his opening statement. Facing a renewed wave of Republican attacks on his investigations into Trump, Smith was expected to attempt to use the hearing to correct what his team has described as mischaracterizations about the special counsel investigation.

Trump Administration Prepares Sweeping Crackdown on Leftist Networks

MSN – Eva Dou, Joseph Menn, and Will Oremus (Washington Post) | Published: 12/18/2025

The Trump administration is embarking on an expansive effort to root out what it sees as rampant left-wing domestic terrorism, raising concerns among some security experts and lawmakers that broad categories of Americans’ political speech could come under surveillance. Some of the statutes Attorney General Pam Bondi directed prosecutors to consider as they investigate extremists reflect the same charges leveled at many of the January 6 rioters, including picketing and parading with intent to obstruct the administration of justice.

Dan Bongino Announces He Is Leaving FBI Deputy Director Job in January

MSN – Perry Stein and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 12/17/2025

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced he will leave his job in January, after a tumultuous tenure in which he helped oversee major shifts in the bureau’s resources and dramatic dismissals of experienced agents. When Donald Trump named Bongino deputy director, the president transformed what was long a powerful career position that oversaw the day-to-day operations of the bureau into a political job with a more public presence.

Sleepy. Divisive. A Fan of Young Trump: A look at the new plaques on the Presidential Walk of Fame

MSN – Matt Brown and Bill Barrow (Associated Press) | Published: 12/17/2025

President Trump has affixed partisan plaques to the portraits of all U.S. commanders in chief, himself included, on his Presidential Walk of Fame at the White House, describing Joe Biden as “sleepy,” Barack Obama as “divisive,” and Ronald Reagan as a fan of a young Trump. The additions mark Trump’s latest effort to remake the White House in his own image, while flouting the protocols of how presidents treat their predecessors and doubling down on his determination to reshape how U.S. history is told.

House Democrats Roll Out Stock Trading Ban That Includes Trump

MSN – Riley Beggin and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 12/17/2025

House Democrats introduced their own ban on lawmakers trading stocks that would cover President Trump, probably quashing a separate bipartisan effort that has been simmering for weeks. The White House lashed out at Sen. Josh Hawley earlier this year over concerns that his proposal to ban lawmaker stock trading would apply to the executive branch; the proposal was later changed to apply to officials after their term ends, exempting Trump.

Brendan Carr Said the FCC Isn’t Independent. Its Website Quickly Updated.

MSN – Scott Nover and Ian Duncan (Washington Post) | Published: 12/17/2025

During an otherwise bland Senate committee hearing where its commissioners were testifying, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) removed the word “independent” from a description of the agency on its own website to line up with its chairperson’s live remarks. After the hearing, an FCC spokesperson said in a statement: “With the change in Administration earlier this year, the FCC’s website and materials required updating. That work continues to ensure that they reflect the positions of the agency’s new leadership.”

From the States and Municipalities

California – LA City Attorney Accused of Ethics Breach Before Settling Major Case for $18M

LAist – Nick Gerda | Published: 12/11/2025

An investigator for the Los Angeles Police department determined an officer was at fault for driving at an unsafe speed in an accident that seriously injured two people. Facing a lawsuit, the city ultimately settled in the middle of a trial for $18 million. Days before settling, lawyers for the plaintiffs accused the elected city attorney of an ethics breach. As the case was about to go to trial, City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto called an expert witness for the plaintiffs, “attempted to ingratiate herself with him and asked him to make a contribution to her political campaign,” according to a sworn declaration by the plaintiffs’ attorney.

California – LA Councilmember John Lee Hit with $138,000 Fine in Las Vegas Gift Case

MSN – David Zahniser (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 12/18/2025

Los Angeles City Councilperson John Lee is facing a steep fine for his notorious 2017 trip to Las Vegas, with the city Ethics Commission saying he must pay $138,424 in a case involving pricey meals and expensive nightclub “bottle service.” The commission said he committed two counts of violating the gift law and three counts of violating a law requiring that such gifts be disclosed to the public. The Lee case revolves around gifts, mostly meals and alcohol but also hotel stays, transportation, and $1,000 in gambling chips, provided by three businesspeople.

Colorado – Trump Asserts He Has Pardoned County Clerk Convicted in Colorado Case

MSN – Derek Hawkins and Alec Dent (Washington Post) | Published: 12/11/2025

President Trump said he pardoned Tina Peters, a former county clerk in Colorado who was convicted in state court on felony charges related to efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. It was unclear whether Trump was asserting he has the power to free Peters from state prison. She is serving a nine-year sentence. Presidents have the power to pardon defendants convicted in federal courts, but previous presidents have not claimed that authority in a state case.

District of Columbia – Appeals Court Hands Trump a Win Over D.C. National Guard Deployment

MSN – Jenny Gathright (Washington Post) | Published: 12/17/2025

An appeals court signaled it may find the National Guard deployment in the District of Columbia to be lawful, disagreeing with a lower-court judge’s opinion and issuing an order that will allow troops to stay in the city while litigation continues. A three-judge panel wrote the Trump administration is likely to succeed in its appeal of that lower-court ruling. The panel’s order was not a determination of the deployment’s legality and functioned only to allow the troops to remain pending final rulings, likely to come next year.

Georgia – Brad Raffensperger Sues to Win More Campaign Spending Power in Georgia Governor Race

MSN – Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 12/8/2025

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is the latest Republican candidate for Georgia governor to attack campaign finance rules, saying they unconstitutionally limit his free speech while allowing Lt. Gov. Burt Jones to raise unlimited contributions. Safe Affordable Georgia filed suit asking a judge to rule the PAC chaired by Raffensberger can coordinate with his gubernatorial campaign in the same way that Jones’ leadership committee can.

Illinois – 2 Illinois Election Board Democrats Who Blocked Senate President Don Harmon Fines Have Ties to His Donors

Yahoo News – Rick Pearson (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 12/14/2025

Two Democratic members of the State Board of Elections who helped block nearly $10 million in campaign fines against Illinois Senate President Don Harmon have political ties to organizations that contributed disputed, above-limit donations to Harmon and continued giving to him even as the case was pending. The board’s staff concluded Harmon violated state campaign law by collecting $4 million in unlimited contributions after fundraising caps he took steps to lift were reinstated.

Indiana – Indiana GOP Rejects Trump’s Map in Major Blow to His Gerrymandering Push

MSN – Adam Wren (Politico) | Published: 12/11/2025

Indiana Republicans withstood immense pressure from President Trump, ignoring anonymous threats on their lives as they defeated his plan to redraw the state’s congressional map and dealt him one of his most significant political setbacks since his return to the White House. The GOP-controlled state Senate voted down the map that would have gerrymandered two more safe red seats, imperiling the party’s chances at holding control of Congress next November.

Michigan – Former Chatfield Aides Get Probation in Exchange for Testimony

Bridge Michigan – Simon Schuster | Published: 12/17/2025

Two of former House Speaker Lee Chatfield’s top legislative aides, Anné and Rob Minard, have been sentenced to probation after agreeing to testify against their former boss in next year. The two had been charged as part of a corruption probe that also ensnared Chatfield and his wife, as the four allegedly tapped into the millions of dollars they raised while Chatfield led the Michigan House to fund a lavish lifestyle.

New York – New York’s Senate Doesn’t Publish Votes on Nominees. Advocates Want That to Change

MSN – Dan Clark (Albany Times Union) | Published: 12/18/2025

When the U.S. Senate considers a nominee from the president, such as a federal judge or a cabinet official, the results of that vote are published on the chamber’s website for the public to review. That is not the case in New York, where the state Senate regularly considers nominees from the governor but does not publish publicly online how each member voted. When someone lobbies state officials on regulations or members of the New York Legislature on a bill, they must report that activity to the state’s ethics commission. That is not the case for lobbying members on one of the governor’s nominees.

New York – Administration Fails Again to Indict N.Y. Attorney General Letitia James

MSN – Perry Stein, Jasmine Golden, Salvador Rizzo, and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 12/11/2025

The Justice Department once again failed to persuade a grand jury to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James, an embarrassing loss for a law enforcement agency that has repeatedly tried to charge the president’s foe in a mortgage fraud case that career prosecutors have long viewed as weak. It marked the second time in two weeks that panels have refused the government’s efforts to indict James.

North Dakota – North Dakota Attorney General Voids Ethics Opinion, Says Agency Lacked Authority

Yahoo News – Jacob Orledge (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 12/15/2025

North Dakota’s attorney general says a recent state Ethics Commission advisory opinion related to campaign finance law is void, arguing the agency exceeded its authority. Attorney General Drew Wrigley said the commission has no authority to issue an opinion based on general questions of law. The opinion relates to guidance the commission issued in June, responding to questions about whether campaign funds can be used to pay for a candidate’s childcare or security expenses.

North Dakota – Committee Names New Member to North Dakota Ethics Commission, Ending Impasse

Yahoo News – Mary Steurer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 12/16/2025

North Dakota leaders appointed Jared Huibregtse to the state Ethics Commission, ending a nearly two-month stalemate over who to appoint to an open four-year seat on the commission. Huibregtse is a project manager for an engineering firm. The selection committee recently appointed former Office of Management and Budget Director Pam Sharp and attorney Mark Western to two other open seats on the commission.

Oregon – Ethics Commission Investigates Progressive Portland City Councilors over August Retreat

MSN – Jonathan Bach and Shane Dixon Kavanaugh (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 12/13/2025

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission will investigate whether six Portland City Council members violated public meetings law when they met for a private August retreat. The council members had planned to discuss topics including “defunding” city economic development agency Prosper Portland at the retreat. Under Oregon public meetings law, members of legislative bodies are prohibited from privately discussing legislative matters among a quorum.

Oregon – Oregon Ethics Commission Finds Rep. Greg Smith Violated State Ethics Laws in Pursuit of Raise

Yahoo News – Shaanth Nanguneri (Oregon Capital Chronicle) | Published: 12/12/2025

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission found Rep. Greg Smith used his position as a public official to secure a higher salary. He has long added onto his legislative salary with high-paying consulting contracts and side gigs supporting economic development efforts in eastern Oregon. The commission voted to extend for 30 days its investigation into Smith and allow investigators to gather more information, but members decided that given the evidence they reviewed, he was in violation of state ethics laws.

Pennsylvania – Dauphin County Sheriff Son’s Hire Raises Questions About Nepotism Policy

MSN – Juliette Rihl (PennLive) | Published: 12/18/2025

According to Dauphin County’s nepotism policy, children do not count as family members. That is because the county commissioners revised the policy in 2023 to remove “son or stepson” and “daughter or stepdaughter,” instead adding aunts, uncles, and half-siblings in their place. Ethics experts said the policy change blatantly defies standard government practices and questioned what, if anything, could have justified it.

Texas – They Left Office Years Ago. Why Are Their Campaigns Still Spending on Steakhouses and Fancy Hotels?

MSN – Taylor Goldenstein (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 12/17/2025

Lax campaign finance laws in Texas allow former candidates and their candidate-specific PACs to keep their coffers open in perpetuity, providing them with a rolling supply of money to dole out to their favorite charities and politicians and spend on travel, dining, and whatever else they deem political in purpose. Outgoing politicians are required to clear out their campaign accounts within six years of either leaving office or filing a final campaign finance report, whichever is later. But the law does not set a deadline for filing that report, so they can technically leave their accounts open as long as they never file one.

Virginia – Instacart Director Says She Was Fired for Democratic Congressional Campaign

MSN – Dan Merica (Washington Post) | Published: 12/15/2025

A lawsuit against Instacart alleges the mobile shopping giant fired a corporate employee for running for Congress, citing fears that some of her Democratic positions could lead to backlash from President Trump and Republicans. Lisa Vedernikova Khanna, a candidate in Virginia, contends Instacart’s action is the latest example of how Trump’s threats of retaliation have intimidated corporate America, leading large companies to recalibrate their approach to political speech. The lawsuit says Instacart violated a California law that bars companies from preventing their employees from becoming candidates for public office, among other complaints.

Wisconsin – Prosecutor Says Judge Knew She Would Get ‘Heat’ for Aiding Immigrant

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 12/15/2025

Federal prosecutors alleged a Wisconsin judge helped a Mexican man briefly elude immigration officials in April and just before she directed him through the back door of her courtroom, she said that she would “get the heat” for it. An attorney for Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan disputed prosecutors’ characterization of her actions and contended the judge was trying to follow draft court rules about how to handle immigration arrests at the courthouse. Dugan faces up to six years in prison if convicted on all counts.

Wisconsin – 2 Former Trump Associates Bound Over for Trial in Wisconsin Fake Elector Case

Yahoo News – Molly Beck (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) | Published: 12/15/2025

Top architects of an effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Wisconsin were in a courtroom facing felony charges related to a plan to gather signatures of Republicans falsely claiming to be electors for President Trump. Dane County Judge John Hyland ruled there is enough evidence to move forward with a trial in the case against Jim Troupis and Michael Roman, a former attorney and aide to Trump, for their alleged roles in the effort. The judge will consider evidence separately against a third defendant, former Trump attorney Kenneth Chesebro.

December 16, 2025 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Georgia: “Brad Raffensperger Sues to Win More Campaign Spending Power in Georgia Governor Race” by Jeff Amy (Associated Press) for MSN Illinois: “2 Illinois Election Board Democrats Who Blocked Senate President Don Harmon Fines Have Ties to His […]

December 12, 2025 • Written by Jim Sedor

News You Can Use Digest – December 12, 2025

National/Federal Did Emil Bove Violate Judicial Ethics Code with Appearance at Trump Rally? Courthouse News Service – Bernjamin Weiss | Published: 12/10/2025 Third Circuit Judge Emil Bove may have violated the federal judiciary’s ethics code when he attended a political […]

National/Federal

Did Emil Bove Violate Judicial Ethics Code with Appearance at Trump Rally?

Courthouse News Service – Bernjamin Weiss | Published: 12/10/2025

Third Circuit Judge Emil Bove may have violated the federal judiciary’s ethics code when he attended a political charged rally held by President Trump, legal experts and lawmakers said. Experts also said Bove’s appearance at Trump’s event adds to a trend of nominally impartial federal judges who have increasingly embroiled themselves in partisan politics.

Stephen Miller Faces Ethics Concerns Over Stock Sale of Las Vegas Mining Company

Las Vegas Sun – Ana Swanson (New York Times) | Published: 12/10/2025

Stephen Miller, a top adviser to President Trump, sold shares worth $50,000 to $100,000 in the mining company MP Materials following a July announcement of a lucrative deal between the Las Vegas company and the Trump administration, government filings show. The sale came one month after the administration announced an extraordinary series of measures to support MP Materials. The deal, which included the government purchasing shares in the company and committing to buy its products, led MP Materials’ share price to skyrocket.

Democrats’ Path to Power May Come Through Hundreds of Races Far from Washington

MSN – Hunter Woodall (CBS News) | Published: 12/10/2025

Much of national Democrats’ attention in next year’s midterms is centered on working to flip control of the U.S. House and win consequential races for governor. But some in the party have zeroed in on less talked-about elections that could prove less costly and have a far-reaching impact at a time when the Democratic brand has grown wearisome with some voters. Democrats’ state legislative campaign arm is outlining a potential path “to flip more than 650 state legislative seats” across a range of states.

The Capitol Is Hard to Navigate. Does It Have to Be?

MSN – Nina Heller (Roll Call) | Published: 12/10/2025

To the unfamiliar, the Capitol and its surrounding office buildings are a maze of fluorescent lighting, identical hallways, and unmarked tunnels. Even experienced staff and lawmakers sometimes get lost. But that could start to change next year, if some House members get their way. Wayfinding tools could offer turn-by-turn directions, according to a new proposal from the House Administration Modernization and Innovation Subcommittee.

Supreme Court Will Hear Case on Trump’s Ban on Birthright Citizenship

MSN – Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) | Published: 12/5/2025

The Supreme Court said it will hear a case examining the legality of President Trump’s ban on birthright citizenship, a high-stakes test of the controversial policy that could redefine who is considered an American. The justices have yet to set a date for arguments, but the court has taken the case in time to render its decision by June or July, when the current term ends. The administration asked the justices to take up the case on an expedited basis after lower courts found the policy unconstitutional and blocked it.

What We Know About Suspect Brian Cole’s Arrest in Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Case

MSN – Connor Greene (Time) | Published: 12/5/2025

Nearly five years after pipe bombs were planted near the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican national conventions the night before the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, authorities have arrested a suspect in the case. Brian Cole Jr. of Virginia was charged with transporting an explosive device and attempted malicious destruction by means of explosive materials, marking the culmination of a years-long, and still ongoing, investigation, federal officials announced.

Supreme Court Seems Likely to Back Trump’s Power to Fire Independent Agency Board Members

MSN – Mark Sherman (Associated Press) | Published: 12/8/2025

The Supreme Court seemed likely to expand presidential control over independent federal agencies, signaling support for President Trump’s firing of board members. The court’s conservative majority suggested it would overturn a unanimous 90-year-old decision that has limited when presidents can fire agencies’ board members, in part to try to ensure decision making free of political influence, or leave it with only its shell intact.

New Dark Money Network Could Exploit Campaign Finance Loophole Banning Federal Contractors

MSN – Robert Schmad (Washington Examiner) | Published: 12/9/2025

Top employees at Anthropic, a major federal contractor, are reportedly involved in discussions to establish a dark money network that could be used to skirt campaign finance laws prohibiting the company from making political donations. Company executives would likely donate to a new political network helmed by former U.S. Rep. Brad Carson, which will be composed of two super PACs with the whole thing being funded through an affiliated 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization called Public First. Unlike super PACs, which are required to list the names of all their donors, the individuals and organizations funding 501(c)(4) groups are totally anonymous.

Supreme Court Weighs Further Loosening Campaign Finance Limits

MSN – Julian Mark (Washington Post) | Published: 12/9/2025

The Supreme Court wrestled over whether to lift limits on how much political parties can spend in cooperation with candidates, in a case that could change how money flows through the campaign finance system. Republican leaders are asking the court to remove limits on how much parties can spend on items like advertisements and campaign expenses. They say the existing limits hinder the partie’’ free-speech rights and put parties in a weaker position than outside groups like Super PACs.

Justice Dept. Says a Court Ruling Is Blocking Efforts to Reindict Comey

MSN – Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 12/9/2025

Justice Department lawyers said a recent ruling barring their access to key evidence has effectively crippled their efforts to reindict former FBI Director James Comey after their original case against him was dismissed. The concession came in a court filing urging a federal judge to lift a temporary order she imposed restricting the government’s ability to review or use emails and other electronic communications seized as part of an investigation more than five years ago involving Comey confidante Daniel Richman.

Justice Dept. Kills Long-Time Tool Used to Prove Racial Discrimination

MSN – Laura Meckler (Washington Post) | Published: 12/9/2025

After years of complaints from consercatives, the Justice Department moved to end a decades-old provision of civil rights law that allows statistical disparities to be used as proof of racial discrimination. The new regulations reinterpret a key plank of the Civil Rights Act and were issued without an opportunity for public comment, which is unusual for major regulatory action. While they apply only to Justice Department programs, the Trump administration has made clear it plans similar regulatory rollbacks across the government.

From the States and Municipalities

California – California Lobbyist Pleads Guilty in Capitol Corruption Case

Courthouse News Service – Alan Riquelmy | Published: 12/4/2025

Lobbyist Greg Campbell pleaded guilty for his role in a scheme to help Dana Williamson, California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s former chief of staff, to draw $225,000 from a dormant campaign account belonging to then-U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra. Prosecutors also said Campbell created fake contracts for Williamson, who had obtained a loan from the Covid-19 paycheck protection program.

California – An SDPD Captain Helped Secure a Multimillion-Dollar Surveillance Deal. Now He Works for the Contractor.

MSN – Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Published: 12/9/2025

As a captain in charge of special projects and legislative affairs, Jeff Jordon was the San Diego Police Department’s point person for implementing the so-called smart streetlights, a network of cameras across the city that record cars as they pass by. Before he retired in April, Jordan helped select Flock Safety to run the city’s multimillion-dollar surveillance system. Within three months of leaving public service, Jordon was hired by Flock Safety to help it win even more police contracts.

California – Former Compton Councilman Pleads Guilty in Scheme Involving Secret Bribes and Corrupt Officials

MSN – Richard Winton (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 12/9/2025

Former Compton City Councilperson Isaac Galvan pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges for bribing a Baldwin Park City Council member, whom he paid $70,000 in exchange for city marijuana permits. Galvan, who ran a consulting service, was involved in a scheme in which he facilitated bribes to Councilperson Ricardo Pacheco from one of Galvan’s clients who wanted a marijuana permit in Baldwin Park.

California – SLO County Supervisor Adds 2 People to Staff: His wife and his hopeful successor

MSN – Chloe Shrager (San Luis Obispo Tribune) | Published: 12/9/2025

San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Bruce Gibson made two new high-level staffing changes that have been questioned. Gibson hired his wife, Cherie Gibson, who exited retirement to fill the role of his legislative assistant. Cherie Gibson will be joined on her husband’s staff in January by Jim Dantona, chief executive officer of the SLO Chamber of Commerce and a candidate for Bruce Gibson’s seat in the 2026 election.

California – Why Does Oakland Pay Millions to a Security Firm Linked to the FBI Corruption Case?

MSN – Kate Talerico (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 12/10/2025

A year after former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao was swept out of office amid a federal corruption probe, the city still has not replaced a security company with one of the city’s biggest contracts despite the firm’s ties to the investigation. Although ABC Security’s contract expired in 2023, the city council has repeatedly extended it. For the last five months, it has failed to agree on who should be awarded the new contract. The political deadlock suggests Oakland is struggling to shake familiar issues with drawn-out procurement processes, political influence. and lingering fallout from the Thao corruption scandal.

Florida – Miami Will Have Its First Democratic Mayor in Nearly 30 Years

MSN – Sabrina Rodriguez (Washington Post) | Published: 12/9/2025

Miami will have its first Democratic mayor in nearly 30 years, after the city elected former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins in a contest that attracted attention from President Trump and national Democrats. Although the race was technically nonpartisan, the political divide was clear. Trump backed Emilio González, while the Democratic National Committee and potential Democratic presidential hopefuls supported Higgins. She will become the first woman mayor in the history of Miami.

Georgia – Georgia Ethics Panel Decides a GOP Candidate for Governor Can Loan $10M to Aid His Election

MSN – Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 12/4/2025

Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is allowed to loan $10 million to his campaign for governor, the state’s ethics panel said. Attorney General Chris Carr, who is running against Jones, alleged it evaded campaign finance restrictions. But the Ethics Commission decided a loan to a leadership committee counts as a contribution under state law, adopting a legal opinion that there is “nothing in the current statute which prohibits such a loan of personal funds.”

Hawaii – He Spent Funds Meant for Native Hawaiians on Polo and Porsches. The Federal Government Failed to Stop Him

Honolulu Civil Beat – Nick Grube | Published: 12/10/2025

Christopher Dawson and his companies had won hundreds of millions of dollars in no-bid government contracts through the Small Business Administration based on the promise that his profits would primarily be used to help Native Hawaiians by, in part, promoting the culture, building homes, and supporting orphaned children. A former employee met with federal investigators and filed a whistleblower lawsuit accusing Dawson and executives of cheating the program by spending money on private jets, luxury homes in Hawaii and Florida, memberships to private social clubs, and a nearly $1 million annual salary.

Maryland – Nash’s Lobbying While on City Council Draws Scrutiny

Frederick News-Post – Nolan Wilkinson | Published: 12/10/2025

Frederick City Councilperson Katie Nash’s job as a lobbyist is being scrutinized as she prepares for a second term on the council, with concerns she might have connections to data centers that present a conflict-of-interest. Nash has worked as a lobbyist for energy companies, taking in a gross total of over $350,000 from just one of her clients, Vistra Corp., since 2019. Vistra is a retail energy provider and generator that operates nationwide, including as an electricity provider in Maryland.

Missouri – Missouri Democrats’ Effort to Block GOP Gerrymander Picks Up Steam

MSN – Aaron Pellish (Politico) | Published: 12/9/2025

Democrats in Missouri looking to block the state’s new congressional districts hit a key deadline to getting a step closer to freezing the map drawn by the Republican-controlled Legislature to create an additional GOP-leaning district in the 2026 midterms. People Not Politicians, the committee organizing to block the new map, said it submitted over 305,000 signatures, more than double the 107,000 valid signatures needed to trigger a referendum process that could put the map in front of voters next year.

Nevada – Sandoval, Aguero, Vellardita Won’t Face Sanctions for Failing to Register as Lobbyists

Yahoo News – Dana Gentry (Nevada Current) | Published: 12/5/2025

Critics say a Nevada law that requires lobbyists to register within two days of attempting to influence state lawmakers has no teeth, following the Legislative Counsel Bureau’s (LCB) decision to let violations slide against a former governor, a union boss, and a consultant who lobbied lawmakers on behalf of the current governor. The Nevada State Education Association is questioning whether LCB Acting Director Roger Wilkerson followed state law, which requires him to not only investigate, but also report suspected violations to the attorney general.

New Jersey – Trump Loyalist Alina Habba Resigns as New Jersey’s Top Federal Prosecutor

MSN – Jeremy Roebuck and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 12/8/2025

Alina Habba, President Trump’s embattled pick as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey, said she is resigning after a protracted legal battle over the legitimacy of her appointment. A federal appeals court panel ruled she has been serving unlawfully as acting U.S. attorney. She will transition to a new role as a senior Justice Department adviser and could return to lead the New Jersey prosecutors’ office if that court decision is overturned on appeal, Attorney General Pam Bondi said.

New Jersey – Bill Targeting NJ Corruption Watchdog Withdrawn After Public Outcry

MSN – Susan Livio and Ted Sherman | Published: 12/9/2025

A controversial bill seeking to eviscerate a corruption-fighting watchdog agency has been abruptly pulled by its sponsor, New Jersey Senate President Nick Scutari. The bill sought to undercut the watchdog role of the Office of the State Comptroller, transferring much of its responsibilities to the State Commission of Investigation. The effort to downgrade the comptroller came in the wake of a series of critical reports by the agency that have embarrassed or angered officials who have been targets of the comptroller.

New York – Cuomo Files New Lawsuit Seeking to Block Ethics Probe of His Book Deal

Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons | Published: 12/10/2025

Andrew Cuomo’s years of legal battles with New York’s ethics agencies continued when the former governor filed another lawsuit against the state Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, seeking an injunction to block the panel from investigating his $5.1 million book deal. The petition alleges his constitutional rights are being violated and the statutes used to empower the ethics commission are facially invalid.

New York – Grand Jury Refuses to Reindict Letitia James in Mortgage Fraud Case

MSN – Perry Stein and Gregory Schneider (Washington Post) | Published: 12/4/2025

A grand jury in Virginia rejected Justice Department efforts to charge New York Attorney General Letitia James with mortgage fraud, declining to indict her again after a judge dismissed the charges recently. It marks a major defeat for President Trump, who has made a priority of prosecuting James, a longtime foe. As New York attorney general, James brought a civil fraud case against Trump and his real estate empire, which resulted in a verdict that Trump and others in his company had committed fraud.

New York – NYC Council Committee Criticizes Inna Vernikov for Bringing Gun to Protest, but Doesn’t Censure Her

Yahoo News – Josephine Stratman and Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 12/9/2025

The New York City Council’s Ethics Committee criticized Councilperson Inna Vernikov for bringing a gun to a peaceful protest in 2023 but voted not to formally take the matter further. Vernikov was arrested and criminally charged hours after bringing her firearm to the 2023 Brooklyn College rally five days after Hamas’ attack on Israel, which she was counterprotesting. The charges against her were later dropped after police found the weapon was inoperable.

Ohio – ‘Weak Slap on the Wrist’: Elections Commission fines HB 6 repeal group just $400 for violations

MSN – Anna Staver (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 12/5/2025

After years of not reporting the millions of dollars it raised to repeal House Bill 6 in Ohio, the committee behind the failed referendum will pay just $400 in fines. “Fine should’ve easily been more than $100,000 based on years of no accountability,” Secretary of State Frank LaRose posted on X. “Today, OEC issued a pathetic $400 fine.”

Oklahoma – Oklahoma’s Campaign Finance Site Has Been Offline for Months. Why?

MSN – Alex Gladden (Oklahoman) | Published: 12/6/2025

Oklahoma’s campaign finance website has been offline for nearly three months, raising questions about access to public information ahead of a critical election year. The Oklahoma Ethics Commission had planned to launch a new campaign finance site on October 1, but that fell behind schedule and no new date has been set. The outage has left some voters waiting for information that is typically available with a simple online search.

Pennsylvania – Former Dauphin County Official’s NRA Show Contract Didn’t Violate Ethics Law, State Finds

MSN – Juliette Rihl (PennLive) | Published: 12/9/2025

Jeff Haste, a longtime Dauphin County commissioner who came under fire last year for a series of apparent conflicts, began receiving $60,000 a year to act as the county’s “liaison” to the National Rifle Association’s outdoor show six months after resigning from office in 2021. State law prohibits former public officials from receiving contracts with their prior agency within a year of leaving, that role. But the Pennsylvania Ethics Commission ruled that does not apply to this case.

Texas – Supreme Court Hands Trump Victory in Fight over Texas Congressional Map

MSN – Justin Jouvenal, Julian Mark, and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 12/4/2025

The Supreme Court handed President Trump and Republicans a major political victory by clearing the way for a Texas congressional map that was drawn in the hope of flipping up to five House seats to the GOP. The order marks the latest development in a battle between Republican and Democratic states that are seeking partisan advantage ahead of the 2026 midterms. The states are taking the unusual step of redistricting congressional seats at the halfway point between the U.S. Census Bureau’s nationwide surveys of the population.

Wisconsin – Unlimited Donations, Weak Recusal Rules Led to Record Wisconsin Supreme Court Spending

MSN – Larry Sandler (Wisconsin Watch) | Published: 12/4/2025

The Wisconsin Legislature enacted a public campaign financing law for state Supreme Court elections in 2009. But it lasted for just one Supreme Court campaign before a Republican-controlled Legislature repealed it in 2011. Members of the court then adopted what might be one of the nation’s most lax recusal rules for campaign donations. The stories behind that shift in recusal rules, the short-lived venture in public financing of high court races, and the campaign finance laws that followed help explain how Wisconsin Supreme Court campaign spending exploded this spring to a national record of $114.2 million.

December 9, 2025 • Written by Jim Sedor

Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Georgia: “Georgia Ethics Panel Decides a GOP Candidate for Governor Can Loan $10M to Aid His Election” by Jeff Amy (Associated Press) for MSN Ohio: “‘Weak Slap on the Wrist’: Elections Commission fines HB 6 repeal group just […]

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