July 11, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 11, 2025

National/Federal Trump Appointees Have Ties to Companies That Stand to Benefit from Privatizing Weather Forecasts MSN – Michael Biesecker and Brian Slodysko (Associated Press) | Published: 7/9/2025 Deadly flooding in Texas has drawn a spotlight to budget cuts and staff […]
National/Federal
Trump Appointees Have Ties to Companies That Stand to Benefit from Privatizing Weather Forecasts
MSN – Michael Biesecker and Brian Slodysko (Associated Press) | Published: 7/9/2025
Deadly flooding in Texas has drawn a spotlight to budget cuts and staff reductions at the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, two agencies that provide the public with free climate and weather data that can be crucial during natural disasters. What has drawn less attention is how the downsizing appears to be part of an effort to privatize the work of such agencies. In several instances, the companies poised to step into the void have ties to people tapped by President Trump to run weather-related agencies.
Gabbard’s Team Has Sought Spy Agency Data to Enforce Trump’s Agenda
MSN – Ellen Nakashima, Warren Strobel, and Aaron Schaffer (Washington Post) | Published: 7/8/2025
A special team created by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has expressed a desire to gain access to emails and chat logs of the largest U.S. spy agencies with the aim of using artificial intelligence tools to ferret out what the administration deems as efforts to undermine its agenda, according to several people familiar with the matter. The mission of the Director’s Initiative Group is to enforce President Trump’s executive orders to end “weaponization” of the federal government, declassify documents, and halt diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, according to Gabbard’s office.
X CEO Linda Yaccarino Resigns After Two Years at the Helm of Elon Musk’s Social Media Platform
MSN – Matt O’Brien (Associated Press) | Published: 7/9/2025
X Chief Executive Officer Linda Yaccarino said she is stepping down after two bumpy years running Elon Musk’s social media platform. Since Musk’s takeover, a number of companies had pulled back on ad spending over concerns that his thinning of content restrictions was enabling hateful and toxic speech to flourish. Most recently, an update to Grok, the chatbot developed by Musk’s company xAI, led to a flood of antisemitic commentary from the chatbot that included praise of Adolf Hitler.
Supreme Court Allows Trump to Launch Mass Layoff and Restructuring Plans
MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 7/8/2025
The Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to launch plans for mass firings and reorganizations at 19 federal agencies and departments while litigation continues. The justices lifted a lower-court order that temporarily blocked plans to lay off thousands of federal workers, including at the State Department and the Social Security Administration, because the administration did not first consult with Congress.
California Awaits Disaster Relief as GOP Offers Full Support of Texas
MSN – Maeve Reston and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 7/9/2025
For months, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has pressed the GOP-led Congress to free up $40 billion in federal relief for swaths of Los Angeles consumed by devastating wildfires. President Trump and other Republicans have so far withheld the funds, with many arguing Newsom and other Democrats in the blue state have mishandled the fires and should be forced to rescind liberal policies in exchange for aid. But now deadly floods have struck ruby-red Texas and Trump and others promising unfettered and prompt federal support. The contrast underscores the extent to which the Trump administration treats blue and red states differently.
Former FBI, CIA Directors Under Investigation, DOJ Indicates in Statement
MSN – Perry Stein and Ellen Nakashima (Washington Post) | Published: 7/9/2025
The Justice Department acknowledged it had opened criminal probes into former FBI Director James Comey and former CIA Director John Brennan, two frequent targets of President Trump who played roles in the investigation into his 2016 campaign’s ties to Russia. CIA Director John Ratcliffe referred Brennan to the FBI to be criminally investigated for allegedly lying to Congress, according to a person familiar with the matter. The scope and nature of the investigation into Comey is unclear.
Lobbyists Revel in Trump Bonanza but Ask How Long It Can Last
MSN – Josh Dawsey, Rebecca Ballhaus, and Maggie Severns (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 7/9/2025
It is boom time on K Street for the influence industry, according to interviews with more than a dozen Republican lobbyists. The top 10 lobbying firms in Washington took in about $123 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared with about $80 million in the same time frame of both Joe Biden’s presidency and Trump’s first term. Lobbyists with close ties to Trump are having a particularly lucrative year and expanding their offices, with some firms even turning down clients because they already have too many.
Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff Unloaded Trump Media Stock the Day Before Tariff Announcement
MSN – Suhail Bhat (USA Today) | Published: 7/10/2025
Dan Scavino had months to sell off up to $5 million worth of Trump Media stock after he joined President Trump’s administration as a deputy chief of staff. But Scavino picked April 1, the day before the president announced sweeping tariffs, to make the sale. Trump Media stock fell 11 percent after the announcement. There is no evidence that Savino had knowledge of the tariffs beforehand. But experts say when trades are placed in proximity to a major news event from the White House, they raise ethical questions as well as concerns of wrongdoing.
Federal Judge Places New Block on Trump’s Ban on Birthright Citizenship
MSN – David Nakamura (Washington Post) | Published: 7/10/2025
A federal judge in New Hampshire placed a new nationwide block on President Trump’s efforts to end birthright citizenship, a decision that came two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court opened a path for the administration to begin enforcing the order. During a court hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante said he would issue the temporary injunction after agreeing to a request from civil rights groups to certify a class-action lawsuit against the administration on behalf of U.S.-born children or future children whose automatic citizenship could be jeopardized by the president’s executive order, lawyers for the plaintiffs said.
The Supreme Court and Congress Cede Powers to Trump and the Presidency
MSN – Naftali Bendavid (Washington Post) | Published: 7/4/2025
In a striking dynamic of the Trump era, analysts say, the judicial and legislative branches have been steadily transferring many of their powers to the executive – or at least acquiescing in the transfers. That has shaken up a system that depends on the three branches of government jostling sharply as each jealously guards its own prerogatives, many critics contend. But the country has become so divided, some scholars say, that leaders of the three branches are often more loyal to their parties than to their institutions.
Trump Administration’s Push to Deport Student Activists Goes on Trial
MSN – Joanna Slater and Justine McDaniel (Washington Post) | Published: 7/7/2025
The Trump administration’s attempts to deport international students and scholars involved in pro-Palestinian advocacy are unconstitutional, lawyers argued during the opening of one of the first federal trials challenging the president’s broad immigration policies. Instead of challenging individual detentions, the plaintiffs in the trial have taken a broader approach. Their case focuses on stopping what they have termed the “ideological deportation policy” of the administration, which they say includes revoking visas and extends to arrests and deportations.
Trump Administration Asserted Sweeping Power in Seeking to Bypass TikTok Ban
MSN – Charlie Savage (New York Times) | Published: 7/4/2025
Attorney General Pam Bondi told tech companies that they could lawfully violate a statute barring American companies from supporting TikTok based on a sweeping claim that President Trump has the constitutional power to set aside laws, documents show. The letters portrayed Trump as having nullified the legal effects of a statute that Congress passed by large bipartisan majorities in 2024 and the Supreme Court unanimously upheld.
MSN – Fredreka Schouten (CNN) | Published: 7/7/2025
President Trump’s demand for an investigation into ActBlue worried some Democrats who argue his order was not about allegations of campaign finance violations but an attempt to stifle liberal campaigns. So far, ActBlue remains a Democratic juggernaut. The platform brought in more than $393 million during the second quarter of this year, nearly on par with the $400 million it processed in the first quarter. The platform remains integral to Democratic campaigns trying to capitalize on progressive anger at Trump’s second-term agenda, even as some Democrats adopt ActBlue alternatives.
Roughly 140 EPA Staffers Who Signed ‘Dissent’ Letter Are Put on Leave
MSN – Hannah Natanson and Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 7/3/2025
The Trump administration has placed on leave roughly 140 staffers at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who signed a letter of dissent protesting the agency’s current direction and policies. Nearly 300 EPA workers had signed the letter sent to Administrator Lee Zeldin, which said President Trump’s changes to the agency “undermine the EPA mission of protecting human health and the environment.” More than 170 of the signatories chose to be named, and some began receiving notifications they had been placed on leave.
IRS Says Churches Can Endorse Candidates from the Pulpit
Salt Lake Tribune – David Fahrenthold (New York Times) | Published: 7/7/2025
The Internal Revenue Service said churches and other houses of worship should be allowed to endorse political candidates to their congregations, carving out an exemption in a decades-old ban on political activity by tax-exempt nonprofits. The agency made that statement in a court filing intended to settle a lawsuit filed by two Texas churches and an association of Christian broadcasters.
Military Veteran Gets a Life Sentence for Plotting an FBI Attack After His Jan. 6 Arrest
Yahoo News – Michael Kunzelman (Associated Press) | Published: 7/2/2025
A military veteran was sentenced to life in prison for plotting to attack an FBI office and assassinate law enforcement officers in retaliation for his arrest on charges he was part of the mob that stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Edward Kelley was one of the first rioters to breach the Capitol. Nearly two years later, Kelley made plans with another man to attack the FBI office in Knoxville, Tennessee. Kelley argued that his pardon was broad enough to cover his conduct in the Tennessee case, but the judge disagreed.
From the States and Municipalities
MSN – Kristen Taketa (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Published: 7/5/2025
Grossmont Union High School District teachers, parents, and community members are raising concerns about records they say suggest some board trustees and their allies manipulated last year’s board election, including a pay-to-play transaction and an effort to run fake spoiler candidates to pull votes away from their political rivals. Trustees’ text messages and emails revealed the plotting by an inner circle of select board trustees and their allies who were often instructed by Jerry Hobbs, an ousted former teacher who briefly became the district’s chief of staff before leaving with a six-figure settlement amid a dispute with trustees.
California – City Official Got Paid by Architecture Firm While Approving Its Projects
San Francisco Standard – Gabe Greschler | Published: 7/3/2025
A San Francisco planning commissioner supported the development of at least two projects in the city by an architecture firm from which she also receives income. Kathrin Moore, who was appointed to the commission in 2006 and currently serves as the body’s vice president, has reported earning between $10,000 and $100,000 each year since 2012 from the global firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. San Francisco prohibits city officials from making decisions that involve entities from which an individual has received more than $500 in the past year. The state has similar regulations.
Georgia – Georgia Appeals Court Upholds Ruling Saying Election Officials Must Certify Results
MSN – Kate Brumback (Associated Press) | Published: 7/7/2025
A Georgia appeals court upheld a lower court ruling that said county election officials in the state must vote to certify results according to deadlines set in law. Certification became a political flashpoint when Donald Trump tried to overturn his loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 general election. Republicans in several swing states refused to certify results during primary elections last year, and some sued to try to keep from being forced to sign off on election results.
Idaho – Idaho Lawmaker Worked to Legalize This Drug. He Was Among the First to Sell It
MSN – Sarah Cutler (Idaho Statesman) | Published: 7/7/2025
In the final days of this year’s legislative session, Idaho lawmakers passed a bill to allow pharmacies to sell ivermectin over the counter. Soon after, a pharmacy owned by the bill’s sponsor began selling the drug. Rep. Jordan Redman, who owns Medicine Man Prairie Pharmacy, disclosed – as required – that as a pharmacy owner, he had a conflict-of-interest in sponsoring and voting on the legislation. But after lawmakers make these declarations, they are still free to vote on the bills in question unless they volunteer to abstain.
Illinois – Ex-Ald. Carrie Austin Too Sick to Stand Trial on Corruption Charges, Federal Judge Rules
WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 7/9/2025
Former Chicago Ald. Carrie Austin is too sick to stand trial on charges she took bribes in the form of home improvements including new kitchen cabinets and granite countertops from a developer and lied to federal agents, a federal judge ruled. Prosecutors argued Austin was healthy enough to stand trial and agreed to ensure she had access to additional supplies of oxygen, access to medication during the day, and breaks when needed during a trial. Austin’s attorneys argued a trial could prove fatal for the former city council member.
Yahoo News – Dan Petrella (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 7/7/2025
A lawyer for Illinois Senate President Don Harmon’s political operation says state election authorities reached an “absurd” conclusion earlier this year in issuing nearly $10 million in penalties against Harmon’s campaign fund after determining he violated fundraising limits. Attorney Michael Kasper also laid out what amounted to a legal justification for Harmon’s unsuccessful attempt in the closing hours of this spring’s legislative session to pass a measure that could have negated the case and the $9.8 million potential penalty.
Kentucky – Probable Cause Rep. Daniel Grossberg Violated KY Ethics Code, Commission Finds
MSN – Alex Acquisto (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 7/9/2025
The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission found probable cause that Rep. Daniel Grossberg violated the state ethics code on three different counts, including when he invited a young woman to his legislative office, asked her sexually intimate questions, and offered her alcohol. There also exists probable cause that Grossberg violated the Code of Ethics when he made “intimidating statements (and) actions toward a private business.”
Louisiana – Longest Serving Louisiana Ethics Board Member Says Lawmakers Want the Board Dismantled
Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 7/3/2025
La Koshia Roberts, the immediate past chairperson of the Louisiana Board of Ethics, said Gov. Jef Landry and state lawmakers are tearing down government ethics enforcement with the massive overhaul of ethics and campaign finance laws they enacted in June. At the urging of Landry, lawmakers passed sweeping changes to ethics and campaign finance laws that loosen dozens of existing restrictions on public servants and create new ways for people accused of government misconduct to push back on charges they face for allegedly breaking the law.
Maryland – Lobbyists Increase Donations to Maryland Politicians by 75% Since Last Election
MSN – Sam Janesch (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 7/7/2025
Lobbyists seeking to influence Maryland officials donated about $2.6 million to the campaigns of those officials since the last statewide election in 2022, a nearly 75 percent increase compared to the same period during the previous four-year term, according to an analysis by The Baltimore Sun. Companies with a stake in decisions made by state lawmakers have spent millions of dollars every year on lobbying. Critics say the spending reflects the complex, and generally spreading, web of money involved in Maryland policymaking.
Missouri – How Missouri’s Ethical Watchdog Was ‘Quietly Dismantled,’ According to New Report
MSN – Kacen Bayless (Kansas City Star) | Published: 7/8/2025
Dozens of complaints of misconduct have been effectively dismissed over the past two years as the Missouri Ethics Commission remains hobbled by vacancies. A new report from Progress MO, a progressive advocacy group, argues that failures by Gov. Mike Kehoe and his predecessor to fill those vacancies have “quietly dismantled” the commission, leaving it unable to investigate complaints, issue fines, or hold meetings. “The consequence is a system vulnerable to corruption, where big donors influence decisions and there is no oversight for those in power,” the report’s executive summary said.
Nevada – LVCVA Fires Executive, Alleging Conflict of Interest, Appoints New Chief Sports Officer
MSN – Mick Akers (Las Vegas Review-Journal) | Published: 7/9/2025
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority fired an executive in charge of sports deals over conflict-of-interest concerns related to the hiring of her ex-husband for a contracted position. The authority appointed Brian Yost to the new role of chief sports officer to replace Lisa Motley. She was fired after the hiring of sports marketing firm Position Sports for services tied to the 2027 College Football Playoff national championship game.
New York – NY Public Campaign Program Fuels Spending for Political Consultants
Albany Times Union – Emilie Munson | Published: 7/6/2025
New York’s new public campaign finance program has triggered big business for political strategists, fundraisers, accountants, and advertisers. Legislative candidates in New York spent more money last year than in any election in the past 25 years, except one when accounting for inflation, and much of that money flowed to the legion of professionals who orchestrate campaigns behind the scenes.
New York – Eric Adams’ Chances of Getting Public Campaign Matching Funds Just Got Worse
MSN – Greg Smith (The City) | Published: 7/9/2025
The New York City’s campaign finance watchdog has greatly expanded its investigation into Mayor Eric Adams’ fundraising, targeting alleged illegal straw donations arranged by an agent of the Uzbekistan government and demanding records related to several fundraisers Adams failed to disclose. The Campaign Finance Board has repeatedly denied Adams’ requests for public matching funds as he runs for re-election, charging that credible evidence of illegal donations render him ineligible for generous matching funds paid for by taxpayers. In response, Adams has sued the board.
Ohio – Ohio Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Free Sports Tickets for Legislators
MSN – Frances McGowan (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 7/8/2025
An Ohio lawmaker wants to ban state legislators from accepting free or discounted tickets to professional sporting events, pointing to ethical concerns raised by the state’s $600 million commitment to a new Cleveland Browns stadium. Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan said the legislation would close a loophole that allows lobbyists and team officials to offer lawmakers perks to high-profile games. The bill would require state lawmakers to pay fair market value for any tickets to professional sporting events, regardless of who offers them.
Oregon – Powerful Oregon Union May Have Skirted Lobbying Laws, Republican Lawmakers Allege
MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 7/9/2025
In a complaint filed with the Government Ethics Commission, some lawmakers contend the Oregon chapter of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) provided false information on letters they delivered to lawmakers supporting a bill they lobbied for this year. The union represents thousands of workers who could have benefited from provisions in the bill. The complaint said SEIU violated state lobbying rules by providing information to legislators that misrepresented individuals’ support.
Oregon – Portland’s Campaign Finance Program Met Expectations in Unusual 2024 Election, Report Finds
Oregon Public Broadcasting – Alex Zielinski | Published: 7/8/2025
Faced with a new election system, limited cash, and questionable politicking, Portland’s campaign finance program appeared to met expectations during the November 2024 election cycle, according to an analysis by the city’s independent elections commission. The commission found the Small Donor Election program, paired with massive changes to the city’s form of government, created a clear path for candidates to win races with small donor contributions.
Pennsylvania – CEO of Pa.’s Largest Cyber School Made $700K on the Side from Its Bank
MSN – Oliver Morrison (PennLive.com) | Published: 7/9/2025
The leader of Pennsylvania’s largest cyber charter school earned more than $700,000 from his side job as a bank director from 2016 through 2024. The bank, Orrstown, was the school’s primary financial institution during that time and now holds more than $230 million in deposits from Commonwealth Charter Academy. Acting as chief executive for the charter school while getting income from its bank raises conflict-of-interest questions for Tom Longenecker, ethics experts said.
Rhode Island – How an Amendment, a Lobbyist and a Phone Call Led to Big Drama Over a New Self-Storage Law
USA Today – Patrick Anderson (Providence Journal) | Published: 7/7/2025
Nothing seems to slow the growth of self-storage units across Rhode Island, and at the state Legislature, the industry also appears unstoppable. In the most improbable sequence of this year’s General Assembly legislative session finale, industry critics passed a rare amendment to a self-storage bill against the wishes of General Assembly leadership, only to have that win snatched from them minutes later.
July 10, 2025 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Oregon: “Portland’s Campaign Finance Program Met Expectations in Unusual 2024 Election, Report Finds” by Alex Zielinski for Oregon Public Broadcasting Ethics National: “Trump Appointees Have Ties to Companies That Stand to Benefit from Privatizing Weather Forecasts” by Michael […]
Campaign Finance
Oregon: “Portland’s Campaign Finance Program Met Expectations in Unusual 2024 Election, Report Finds” by Alex Zielinski for Oregon Public Broadcasting
Ethics
National: “Trump Appointees Have Ties to Companies That Stand to Benefit from Privatizing Weather Forecasts” by Michael Biesecker and Brian Slodysko (Associated Press) for MSN
National: “Gabbard’s Team Has Sought Spy Agency Data to Enforce Trump’s Agenda” by Ellen Nakashima, Warren Strobel, and Aaron Schaffer (Washington Post) for MSN
Illinois: “Ex-Ald. Carrie Austin Too Sick to Stand Trial on Corruption Charges, Federal Judge Rules” by Heather Cherone for WTTW
National: “X CEO Linda Yaccarino Resigns After Two Years at the Helm of Elon Musk’s Social Media Platform” by Matt O’Brien (Associated Press) for MSN
Nevada: “LVCVA Fires Executive, Alleging Conflict of Interest, Appoints New Chief Sports Officer” by Mick Akers (Las Vegas Review-Journal) for MSN
Legislative Issues
Rhode Island: “How an Amendment, a Lobbyist and a Phone Call Led to Big Drama Over a New Self-Storage Law” by Patrick Anderson (Providence Journal) for USA Today
Lobbying
Oregon: “Powerful Oregon Union May Have Skirted Lobbying Laws, Republican Lawmakers Allege” by Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) for MSN
July 9, 2025 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Illinois: “Illinois Senate President Don Harmon Appeals Potential $9.8 Million Fine for Improperly Accepting Campaign Cash” by Dan Petrella (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News Elections California: “‘Ghost’ Candidates, Pay-to-Play Accusations: Grossmont school board critics say messages suggest ‘wildly […]
Campaign Finance
Illinois: “Illinois Senate President Don Harmon Appeals Potential $9.8 Million Fine for Improperly Accepting Campaign Cash” by Dan Petrella (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News
Elections
California: “‘Ghost’ Candidates, Pay-to-Play Accusations: Grossmont school board critics say messages suggest ‘wildly unethical’ campaign efforts” by Kristen Taketa (San Diego Union-Tribune) for MSN
Georgia: “Georgia Appeals Court Upholds Ruling Saying Election Officials Must Certify Results” by Kate Brumback (Associated Press) for MSN
National: “IRS Says Churches Can Endorse Candidates from the Pulpit” by David Fahrenthold (New York Times) for Salt Lake Tribune
Ethics
National: “Roughly 140 EPA Staffers Who Signed ‘Dissent’ Letter Are Put on Leave” by Hannah Natanson and Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Military Veteran Gets a Life Sentence for Plotting an FBI Attack After His Jan. 6 Arrest” by Michael Kunzelman (Associated Press) for Yahoo News
Kentucky: “For KY Lawmakers, Sexual Harassment Isn’t ‘Ethical Misconduct.’ That Could Change” by Alex Acquisto (Lexington Herald-Leader) for MSN
Missouri: “How Missouri’s Ethical Watchdog Was ‘Quietly Dismantled,’ According to New Report” by Kacen Bayless (Kansas City Star) for MSN
July 8, 2025 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Maryland: “Lobbyists Increase Donations to Maryland Politicians by 75% Since Last Election” by Sam Janesch (Baltimore Sun) for MSN National: “ActBlue Brings in Nearly $400 Million More for Democrats Amid Trump’s Pressure on the Fundraising Platform” by Fredreka […]
Campaign Finance
Maryland: “Lobbyists Increase Donations to Maryland Politicians by 75% Since Last Election” by Sam Janesch (Baltimore Sun) for MSN
National: “ActBlue Brings in Nearly $400 Million More for Democrats Amid Trump’s Pressure on the Fundraising Platform” by Fredreka Schouten (CNN) for MSN
New York: “NY Public Campaign Program Fuels Spending for Political Consultants” by Emilie Munson for Albany Times Union
Ethics
National: “The Supreme Court and Congress Cede Powers to Trump and the Presidency” by Naftali Bendavid (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Trump Administration’s Push to Deport Student Activists Goes on Trial” by Joanna Slater and Justine McDaniel (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Trump Administration Asserted Sweeping Power in Seeking to Bypass TikTok Ban” by Charlie Savage (New York Times) for MSN
Idaho: “Idaho Lawmaker Worked to Legalize This Drug. He Was Among the First to Sell It” by Sarah Cutler (Idaho Statesman) for MSN
Louisiana: “Longest Serving Louisiana Ethics Board Member Says Lawmakers Want the Board Dismantled” by Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) for Yahoo News
July 4, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 4, 2025

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

Campaign Finance Florida: “DeSantis Vetoes Bill Aimed at Limiting Corruption in Office” by Lawrence Mower (Tampa Bay Times) for Yahoo News Michigan: “New Ballot Committee Aims to Get More Corporate, Utility Money Out of Michigan Politics” by Arpan Lobo for […]
Campaign Finance
Florida: “DeSantis Vetoes Bill Aimed at Limiting Corruption in Office” by Lawrence Mower (Tampa Bay Times) for Yahoo News
Michigan: “New Ballot Committee Aims to Get More Corporate, Utility Money Out of Michigan Politics” by Arpan Lobo for Detroit Free Press
Virginia: “State’s First-Ever Audit of Campaign Finance Report Leaves Many Questions Unanswered” by David Poole for Cardinal News
Elections
North Carolina: “NC Republicans Unveil Sweeping Elections Bill. Could It ‘Purge’ Nonpartisan Staff?” by Kyle Ingram (Raleigh News and Observer) for Yahoo News
Ethics
California: “Ex-Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet Gets Probation, No Jail Time for Taking Bribes” by Christopher Damien (Palm Springs Desert Sun) for Yahoo News
National: “How Trump’s Media War Brought Paramount to Its Knees” by Sarah Ellison and Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) for MSN
North Dakota: “North Dakota Ethics Commission Makes First Finding of Violations by Public Official” by Mary Steurer (North Dakota Monitor) for Yahoo News
Legislative Issues
National: “Carveouts for Alaska and Tax Breaks for Whalers: How Lisa Murkowski got to yes on Trump’s agenda bill” by Eric Bradner, Sarah Ferris, Lauren Fox, and Annie Grayer (CNN) for MSN
July 2, 2025 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Kansas: “Judge Allows Kansas Law Barring Foreign Contributions to Constitutional Amendment Campaigns” by Anna Kaminski (Kansas Reflector) for Yahoo News Massachusetts: “MCAS Ballot Question Supporters Pay $4K Penalty to Resolve Late Reporting Accusations” by Chris Van Buskirk (Boston […]
Campaign Finance
Kansas: “Judge Allows Kansas Law Barring Foreign Contributions to Constitutional Amendment Campaigns” by Anna Kaminski (Kansas Reflector) for Yahoo News
Massachusetts: “MCAS Ballot Question Supporters Pay $4K Penalty to Resolve Late Reporting Accusations” by Chris Van Buskirk (Boston Herald) for MSN
Elections
Iowa: “Trump Drops Federal Lawsuit Against Iowa Pollster, Refiles in State Court” by Brianna Tucker and Frances Vinall (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Appeals Court Seems Likely to Back Trump’s Deportations Under Wartime Law” by Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “DOGE Has the Keys to Sensitive Data That Could Help Elon Musk” by Desmond Butler, Jonathan O’Connell, Hannah Natanson, and Aaron Gregg (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Judge Finds Trump Executive Order Punishing Susman Godfrey Unconstitutional” by Melissa Quinn (CBS News) for MSN
Illinois: “Cook County Tax Board Commissioner, Staff Face Multiple Fines from Ethics Board” by A.D. Quig (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News
Lobbying
California: “Irvine City Council Re-Adopts Lobbying Rules to Settle Lawsuit” by Angela Hicks for Voice of OC
July 1, 2025 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “US Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Campaign Spending Curbs in JD Vance Case” by John Kruzel (Reuters) for MSN Vermont: “Gov. Phil Scott Signs New Campaign Finance Rules, Other Election Changes into Law” by Shaun Robinson […]
Campaign Finance
National: “US Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Campaign Spending Curbs in JD Vance Case” by John Kruzel (Reuters) for MSN
Vermont: “Gov. Phil Scott Signs New Campaign Finance Rules, Other Election Changes into Law” by Shaun Robinson for VTDigger.com
Elections
National: “GOP Sen. Thom Tillis Won’t Seek Reelection After Opposing Trump Tax Bill” by Theodoric Meyer, Liz Goodwin, Mariana Alfaro, and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
National: “The First Rule in Trump’s Washington: Don’t write anything down” by Hannah Natanson (Washington Post) for MSN
New Mexico: “Joseph Shepard Sued by the New Mexico State Ethics Commission” by Joshua Bowling (Searchlight New Mexico) for Yahoo News
Oregon: “Longtime Oregon Legislator Faces Ethics Investigation Over Pay Raise” by Les Zaitz (Salem Reporter) for Portland Oregonian
South Dakota: “Kristi Noem Secretly Took a Cut of Political Donations” by Justin Elliott, Joshua Kaplan, and Alex Mierjeski (ProPublica) for MSN
Lobbying
Illinois: “Mayor Brandon Johnson’s ‘Pending’ Springfield Lobbyist Team Draws Ethics Questions” by Alice Yin, Jeremy Gorner, and A.D. Quig (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News
June 30, 2025 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Oregon: “Lawmakers Nix Proposal to Delay Campaign Finance Limits for Years After Backlash” by Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) for MSN Washington: “Foes of WA Initiative to Repeal Climate Law Fined $20K for Campaign Finance Violations” by Jerry Cornfield […]
Campaign Finance
Oregon: “Lawmakers Nix Proposal to Delay Campaign Finance Limits for Years After Backlash” by Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) for MSN
Washington: “Foes of WA Initiative to Repeal Climate Law Fined $20K for Campaign Finance Violations” by Jerry Cornfield (Washington Standard) for Yahoo News
Elections
Washington DC: “As Indicted Ex-D.C. Lawmaker Seeks Election, Opponents Urge Voters to Move On” by Meagan Flynn and Jenny Gathright (Washington Post) for MSN
Maine: “Why Maine Lawmakers Pulled Back on Ranked Choice Voting Expansion” by Randy Billings for Portland Press Herald
Ethics
National: “Pardon Applications Are Being Carefully Crafted with One Man in Mind: Donald Trump” by Jim Mustain (Associated Press) for MSN
National: “Supreme Court Limits Nationwide Injunctions, but Fate of Trump Birthright Citizenship Order Unclear” by Mark Sherman (Associated Press) for MSN
New York: “Ex-Trump Lawyer Chesebro Disbarred Over Fake Elector Scheme” by Dave Thomas for Reuters
Redistricting
Louisiana: “Supreme Court to Rehear Case Over Louisiana’s Second Majority-Black District” by Justin Jouvenal and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN
June 27, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – June 27, 2025

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

Campaign Finance Massachusetts: “GOP’s Mike Kennealy Has Loaned His Campaign Double the Amount Allowed Under State Law” by Chris Van Buskirk (Boston Herald) for MSN Oregon: “Good Government Advocates Blast Lawmakers for Moving to Delay Campaign Finance Limits for Years” […]
Campaign Finance
Massachusetts: “GOP’s Mike Kennealy Has Loaned His Campaign Double the Amount Allowed Under State Law” by Chris Van Buskirk (Boston Herald) for MSN
Oregon: “Good Government Advocates Blast Lawmakers for Moving to Delay Campaign Finance Limits for Years” by Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Trump’s Name Could Adorn Tel Aviv Hotel, Becoming a Symbol or a Target” by Debra Kamin, Ben Protess, and Steve Eder (New York Times) for DNyuz
Louisiana: “Louisiana Ethics Board Will Broadcast Public Meetings Following Lawmakers’ Complaints” by Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) for Yahoo News
Legislative Issues
National: “Trump Administration Is Preparing to Challenge Budget Law, U.S. Officials Say” by Jeff Stein, Hannah Natanson, Carolyn Johnson, and Dan Diamond (Washington Post) for MSN
Tennessee: “Nashville Council Members Sue State Over Law Criminalizing a Vote for Sanctuary Policies” by Connor Daryani (Nashville Banner) for Chattanooga Times Free Press
Lobbying
California: “How a Billboard Company Melded Its Interests with Oakland’s in the New City Budget” by Eli Wolfe (Oaklandside) for MSN
Louisiana: “Louisiana Files Lawsuits Alleging Pharmaceutical Giant CVS Deceived Customers in Text Messages” by Jack Brook (Associated Press) for MSN
Minnesota: “Gun Rights, Anti-Abortion Groups Challenge Minnesota Lobbying Disclosure Rules” by Allison Kite (Minneapolis Star Tribune) for MSN
June 25, 2025 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Michigan: “Benson: State working around the clock to fix campaign finance reporting system” by Ben Solis (Michigan Advance) for Yahoo News Elections Washington DC: “D.C. Elected These Noncitizens to Office. Congress Could Oust Them.” by Olivia George and […]
Campaign Finance
Michigan: “Benson: State working around the clock to fix campaign finance reporting system” by Ben Solis (Michigan Advance) for Yahoo News
Elections
Washington DC: “D.C. Elected These Noncitizens to Office. Congress Could Oust Them.” by Olivia George and Meagan Flynn (Washington Post) for MSN
New York: “Mamdani Poised for Major Upset After Cuomo Concedes NYC Mayor Primary. Here’s What’s Next.” by Sarah Ellison and Marie-Rose Sheinerman (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Supreme Court Allows Trump to Remove Migrants to South Sudan and Other Turmoil-Filled Countries” by Angélica Franganillo Díaz and John Fritze (CNN) for MSN
National: “Justice Dept. Leader Suggested Violating Court Orders, Whistle-Blower Says” by Devlin Barrett (New York Times) for DNyuz
National: “Jan. 6 Rioter Ordered to Pay $500K to Widow of Officer Who Killed Himself” by Victoria Bisset (Washington Post) for MSN
Texas: “New Texas Law Mandates Ten Commandments in Public Schools. Next Stop, the Courts.” by Sophie Hills for Christian Science Monitor
Lobbying
Pennsylvania: “GOP Leaders Accused of Pressuring Lobbyists to Drop Gaming Client in ‘Ugly’ Pa. Budget Fight” by Amanda Berg for Spotlight PA
June 24, 2025 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Maryland: “Pittman’s Rise to Democratic Party Chair Will Be Delayed by Campaign Finances” by Brian Sears (Maryland Matters) for Yahoo News Tennessee: “Tennessee Campaign Finance Agency Seeks Probe of Secret PAC” by Sam Stockard (Tennessee Lookout) for Yahoo […]
Campaign Finance
Maryland: “Pittman’s Rise to Democratic Party Chair Will Be Delayed by Campaign Finances” by Brian Sears (Maryland Matters) for Yahoo News
Tennessee: “Tennessee Campaign Finance Agency Seeks Probe of Secret PAC” by Sam Stockard (Tennessee Lookout) for Yahoo News
Ethics
National: “Trump Undermines Watergate Laws in Massive Shift of Ethics System” by Naftali Bendavid (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Judge Says Government ‘Failed’ to Prove Wrongly Deported Man Poses a Danger” by Maria Sacchetti and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) for MSN
Hawaii: “Hawai’i Senator Didn’t Disclose Possible Conflict of Interest Before Voting” by Chad Blair for Honolulu Civil Beat
Nevada: “Ethics Commission Fines State Official for Accepting Golden Knights Tickets, Perks” by Mary Hynes (Las Vegas Review-Journal) for MSN
Lobbying
National: “Little Lobbyists’ Urge Senators to Oppose Trump’s Bill Cutting Medicaid” by Megan Mineiro and Margot Sanger-Katz (New York Times) for DNyuz
Michigan: “Michigan Lawmakers’ Personal Disclosures Often Leave Out Key Details” by Craig Mauger (Detroit News) for ArcaMax
June 23, 2025 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Montana: “Former Public Officeholders Propose Constitutional Initiative to Take Corporate Money Out of Politics” by Zeke Lloyd for Montana Free Press Rhode Island: “R.I. Elections Board OKs $140K Contract for Long-Awaited Campaign Finance Software Upgrade” by Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) […]
Campaign Finance
Montana: “Former Public Officeholders Propose Constitutional Initiative to Take Corporate Money Out of Politics” by Zeke Lloyd for Montana Free Press
Rhode Island: “R.I. Elections Board OKs $140K Contract for Long-Awaited Campaign Finance Software Upgrade” by Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) for Yahoo News
Elections
National: “The D.N.C. Is in Chaos and Desperate for Cash” by Shane Goldmacher and Reid Epstein (New York Times) for DNyuz
Ethics
California: “Trump Can Keep National Guard in Los Angeles for Now, Appeals Court Rules” by Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN
Florida: “A Judge Sided with Trump. Behind the Scenes, He Was Lobbying for a Nomination.” by Hailey Fuchs (Politico) for Yahoo News
National: “DHS Tightens Protocol for Lawmaker Visits to Immigration Facilities” by Chris Johnson (Roll Call) for MSN
Nevada: “Nevada Supreme Court Rules in Lombardo’s Favor Over Ethics Commission Dispute” by Eric Neugeboren for Nevada Current
Redistricting
North Carolina: “North Carolina Redistricting Trial Begins, with Racial Gerrymandering Allegations the Focus” by Gary Robertson (Associated Press) for MSN
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