Campaign Finance Reform/Money in Politics / Public News Service

As of 2023, Wisconsin is home to over 450,000 small businesses, employing nearly 1 million people.<br />(Adobe Stock)

An Eau Claire small business braces for Trump tariffs

As the new year quickly approaches, Wisconsin business owners and shoppers alike are bracing for the prospect of tariffs from a new administration …

Coastal erosion threatens Washington state as sea levels rise, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Fossil-fuel lobbyists fail to disclose in WA

A new report found fossil fuel lobbyists in two states with strong transparency and disclosure laws were not making full disclosures, including …

In a report on the lobbying transparency laws of each state, Colorado was the only state to receive an 'A' grade. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Maryland fossil fuel lobbyists fail to disclose activities

A new report says fossil-fuel lobbyists in two states with strong transparency and disclosure laws are not making full disclosures - including in Mary…

The Wyoming Family Alliance Action's 2024 school board candidate questionnaire asked candidates how much they agree with this statement:

Some WY school board elections echoed national politics

School boards are nonpartisan, but a recent trend in Wyoming shows far-right candidates are bringing national politics to local elections. Public …

According to the South Dakota Secretary of State, South Dakota's Referred Law 21 was ousted by voters 59% to 41%. (Brent Coulter)<br />

Eminent domain reform could follow ousted SD pipeline law

In last week's election, South Dakota voters defeated the carbon pipeline law by a wide margin, but pipeline companies could still gain ground in …

Advocates are suing the state of Montana over a change that allows documents used in the Legislature's bill-drafting process to be kept secret, reversing a 25-year-old rule. (Adobe Stock)

Environmental advocates sue Montana over public documents

Montana citizens and environmental advocates have sued the state for withholding documents that have, for decades, been considered public information…

The proposed Net-Zero 1 corn-starch-to-jet-fuel plant in Lake Preston, S.D., would stem the release of over 600,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. (Adobe Stock)

Ethanol companies back SD pipeline ballot question with big bucks

A proposed corn-starch-to-jet-fuel plant in South Dakota is on track to get big federal funding, but its feasibility could hinge on election results…

Pro-cryptocurrency political action committees, winning 36 of 42 primary races they supported, have used their funds to help unseat candidates like U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., and Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y. (WindyNight/Adobe Stock)

Crypto backers pour millions into Ohio; U.S. regulation on the line

Ohio's U.S. Senate race between the incumbent, Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Republican Bernie Moreno has become one of the most expensive in …

Many political pundits, voters and candidates themselves have said the outcome of the 2024 presidential election could have a dramatic effect on the future of democracy. (Adobe Stock)

Historian: Past U.S. events offer clues for leaders to confront today's division

Election Day is inching closer and the battleground state of Wisconsin will see more visits from the two main party presidential campaigns. It was …

Climate change, marked by rising temperatures, sea levels and extreme weather, poses significant threats to Tennessee. The environmental shifts are predicted to cause more illness, death and forced relocation of Tennesseans. (michelmond/Adobe Stock)

Report exposes donors funding climate change disinformation in TN

As Tennesseans deal with record-breaking heat, hurricanes and prolonged drought linked to a changing climate, a new report showed how American …

Advocacy groups are asking folks in Wisconsin to pledge to become a Supreme Court voter. (Brianna Gonsalves/Clear Channel Outdoor)

Overlap cited between SCOTUS and presidential election

With a month to go before the presidential election, voters in swing states such as Wisconsin are likely to hear more messaging about the outcome …

New billboards in Philadelphia raise awareness about the role voters in the 2024 Election when it comes the future of the nation's highest court. (Brianna Gonsalves/Clear Channel Outdoor)

The link between the presidential election and future of SCOTUS

With a month to go before the presidential election, voters in swing states such as Pennsylvania are likely to hear more messaging about the outcome …

Some 83% of registered Democrats, 73% of Republicans and 83% of Independents support having open primary elections, according to a 2024 Clark University study. (Adobe Stock)

South Dakotans to vote on nonpartisan primaries

Voters next month will be shaping how future elections operate in many states, including South Dakota, where nonpartisan primaries are on the ballot…

FollowtheCrypto.org finds that the crypto industry provided more than $174 million for the 2024 election so far. (VideoFlow/Adobe Stock)

The power of crypto in Ohio's political landscape

As cryptocurrency becomes more prevalent, it's also making its way into the political arena. With millions of dollars being funneled into campaigns …

For decades, the fossil fuel industry has been able to slow or prevent policies to reduce climate pollution by laundering false claims and junk science through allied think tanks and media outlets. (Adobe Stock)

Report names donors bankrolling climate change disinformation

As Coloradans deal with record-breaking heat, wildfires, and prolonged drought - linked to a changing climate - a new report shows how American …

New York City Mayor Eric Adams' federal indictment claims he has sought out and accepted improper gifts and benefits since he was first elected as Brooklyn Borough President in 2014. (Marc A. Hermann/Wikimedia Commons)

Reactions to NYC Mayor's charges in federal corruption probe

New Yorkers are reeling from the news that Mayor Eric Adams has been charged with wire fraud, bribery and campaign finance offenses. The charges …

Since the U.S. Supreme Court ruling for Citizens United in 2010, a handful of wealthy donors have dominated electoral giving and spending in America's political campaigns. (AddMeshCube/Adobe Stock)

Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's

A new analysis of money contributed to 2024 congressional candidates showed women contribute about as frequently as men but dollar amounts are signifi…

A plan for the Trump Administration put together by a right-wing think tank, called Project 2025, calls to reclassify tens of thousands of employees as political appointees. (Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons)

‘Project 2025’ could affect thousands of federal workers in VA

Former president Donald Trump is vowing to eliminate or alter thousands of government jobs if he wins this November, which could have a big effect on …

The Utah State Legislature got a controversial constitutional amendment on the ballot by calling an emergency special session and holding a vote. (Jason/Adobe Stock)

UT legislature puts critical constitutional amendment on the ballot

Utah voters will decide on a critical constitutional amendment this fall. They'll choose whether or not the state legislature can alter or repeal …

The men competing for the open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan are more likely to be self-financing their campaigns than the women. (dark_blade/Adobe Stock)

MI women rise in politics, but funding disparities exist

Michigan women are making gains in state politics, ranking 14th nationally for the number serving in the legislature. However, the latest analysis …

Kari Lake has raised $8.4 million and is the only Republican woman with campaign finance data for the U.S. Senate or U.S. House races in Arizona. (Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons)

Report: AZ ranks 2nd for women's legislative representation

A new study showed women running for public office in Arizona and around the country often face disadvantages, especially in securing campaign …

Two of the five New Mexico Supreme Court justices are women, as are seven of the 10 Court of Appeals judges. (mehaniq41/AdobeStock)

Demystifing campaign finance effects on NM's female candidates

When it comes to getting elected to statewide offices, women candidates face a disadvantage, a new study shows. Historically, many women haven't been …

$Most methane pollution comes from the drilling and processing of fossil fuels, and has been on the rise since the introduction of hydraulic fracturing technology. (Adobe Stock)$

Colorado, nation face public health, climate risks as methane pollution soars

Methane pollution is increasing at the fastest rate in decades, according to a new report, and that's making it harder to turn the tide on climate …

National polling shows most Americans closely follow presidential election news but start to feel worn out by the coverage when Election Day draws closer. (Adobe Stock)

Will events of 2024 lead to a reset on the pace of presidential campaigns?

A day after introducing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris takes her presidential campaign to Wisconsin…

North Dakota voters will soon decide a ballot question on age limits for congressional candidates. Separately, some voters around the state have mixed feelings about a reform plan for the U.S. Supreme Court, including term limits for justices. (Adobe Stock)

ND voters weigh in on Biden reform plan for U.S. Supreme Court

Far removed from the nation's capital, voters in rural states like North Dakota are sharing their thoughts about a plan to hold the U.S. Supreme …

Negotiating the costs of health care procedures using Medicare payments as a reference has proven effective in reducing health care spending, especially for large employers. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado hospitals charge commercial insurers up to six times Medicare rates

The rates Medicare pays hospitals are carefully calculated to cover the actual cost of care in an efficient health care facility. But Anthem, Cigna…

Democrats have a chance for a reset at their August convention, but an SMU political science professor says the party must proceed carefully to pick its new presidential nominee in a smooth and graceful manner. (Fox_Dsign/Adobe Stock)

TX political science professor weighs in after Biden exits race

With fewer than four months before the November general election, Democrats are planning their next move following President Joe Biden's decision to …

By a 17-point margin, 53%-36%, voters favor Congress taking action to reform the Supreme Court and the way it operates, according to Stand Up America. (Adobe Stock)

UNLV law professor: SCOTUS has changed U.S. in 'dramatic ways'

A University of Nevada-Las Vegas law professor said the conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court has issued major decisions dramatically …

Voting by people who are not U.S. citizens already is illegal in federal elections, and there is no indication it's happening anywhere in significant numbers. (Adobe Stock)

Groups debunk claims of 'skyrocketing' numbers of non-citizen voters

After a recent flurry of claims that Democrats are allowing immigrants into the country illegally in order to register them to vote in the upcoming U.…

Of more than 7,300 lawmakers nationwide, just 116, or 1.6%, currently or last worked in manual labor, service industry, clerical or labor union jobs. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Working class missing in state legislatures

Half of Americans go to work every day in the service industry, doing clerical work or in construction and other manual labor jobs but fewer than 2% …

A joint fundraising committee enables donors to contribute up to $13,200 during an election cycle, which can then be divided among multiple candidates. The individual donation limit of $6,600 per candidate per election cycle remains unchanged. (Wikimedia Commons)

Bush joins 'Squad' in rally for $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash races

In the midst of political tensions surrounding Israel's handling of the conflict with Hamas, Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., is joining forces with …

A joint fundraising committee like that set up for Rep. Rashid Tlaib, D-Mich. enables donors to contribute up to $13,200 during an election cycle, which can then be divided among multiple candidates. (Chad Davis/Wikimedia Commons)

Tlaib and 'Squad' rally $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash

In the midst of political tensions surrounding Israel's handling of the conflict with Hamas, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., has voiced her support for …

OpenSecrets has tracked more than $2.8 billion in dark money spending and contributions reported to the Federal Elections Commission since the Supreme Court's Citizens United v. FEC decision in 2010. (pla2na/Adobe Stock)

'Dark money' floods 2024 elections

Undisclosed funding, or "dark money," is pumping into the 2024 election cycle. Political spending by donors who stay hidden is reaching record …

As with most presidential elections, Wisconsin is viewed as a

Constitutional amendment highlights WI primary ballot

Early voting is underway for the Wisconsin primary election and while the presidential primaries already appear settled for now, pro-democracy …

A bill limiting campaign contributions to candidates is expected to head to Gov. Tina Kotek's desk soon. (Joaquin Corbalan/Adobe Stock)

New campaign finance law limits OR donor influence

Oregon lawmakers took a step toward limiting the impact of money on elections during the legislative session. Lawmakers passed House Bill 2024…

Many New Mexico lawmakers travel hundreds of miles for annual legislative sessions and must rent lodging for 30 to 60 days. (JohnMcGrawPhotog/Adobe Stock)

Women in NM Legislature make the case for an annual salary

New Mexico's Legislature is becoming more diverse but its lawmakers are still the only ones unpaid in the nation, limiting who can afford to serve…

If Senate Bill 131 is enacted, violators could be charged up to a felony and fined more than $1,000.(Adobe Stock)

Proposed UT bill targets AI in political ads

One Utah lawmaker wants to regulate artificial intelligence in political ads. Sen. Wayne Harper, R-Taylorsville, is behind Senate Bill 131, which …

More than 60% of candidates for Maine's legislative offices participated in the state's Clean Election program in 2022, up from 30% of candidates in 2000, when it began. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br />

Maine considers expanding 'clean elections' law to county candidates

Maine could become the first state in the nation to provide public funding to candidates seeking the office of district attorney. Lawmakers are …

If a Republican wins the White House in the future, the Heritage Foundation has a plan to overhaul such federal agencies as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to operate under conservative regulation. (Tada Images/Adobe Stock)

Conservative groups write 'game plan' for U.S. government takeover

By Carrie Baker for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News Service Collaboration Wealthy right-…

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va (far left), and other lawmakers join President Joe Biden as he signs the Inflation Reduction Act into law on Aug. 16, 2022. (Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm/Wikimedia Commons)

Super PAC spending in WV Senate race ramps up as Manchin bows out

By Harshawn Ratanpal for OpenSecrets.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for West Virginia News Service reporting for the OpenSecrets-Public News Serv…

Despite concern over the influence of foreign money on statewide elections, Montana has just increased its campaign contribution limits for PACs and individuals to $1,120 from $1,000. (Adobe Stock)

Montana political candidates receive among highest foreign donations

New research from a campaign finance-tracking group shows foreign corporations are investing heavily in statewide elections. Montana is one of a …

The U.S. Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision held that the freedom of speech clause of the First Amendment prohibits the government from restricting independent expenditures for political campaigns by corporations. (Adobe Stock)

Tracking foreign interests in Colorado political campaigns

Despite federal laws that prohibit campaign contributions by people who are not United States citizens, foreign-influenced corporations and their …

Seattle is the largest city in the U.S. to ban political contributions from foreign-influenced companies. (JHVEPhoto/Adobe Stock)

Report: Foreign-influenced companies give big in WA elections

A report analyzed the impact of money from foreign-influenced corporations on elections in six states. Washington topped the list for most donations…

The Jan. 6 Committee's final report revealed members of the Oath Keepers and other Trump allies stockpiled weapons near Washington, D.C., as they waited for the former president to invoke the Insurrection Act and deploy the military for domestic law enforcement. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Social media's 'networked incitement' the latest challenge to democracy

The use of social media to organize the Jan. 6 insurrection marked a turning point in American political protest, according to a leading media and …

Most candidate elections in Arizona are determined in the Primary Election, where only about 23% of registered adults voted in August 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan AZ group pushes for open primaries on 2024 ballot

This week, a bipartisan group in Arizona officially launched its campaign to do away with the state's current system of primary elections - which are …

Gov. Andy Beshear speaks at an economic development event in Henderson in 2022. (Tkayne/Wikimedia Commons)<br />

Kentucky’s gubernatorial race breaks records, exceeds $44 million

By Anna Massoglia and Jimmy Cloutier for OpenSecrets.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Kentucky News Connection reporting for the OpenSecrets-Pu…

Aside from his constituents, the Nassau County Republican Party has asked Rep. George Santos to resign from office. This was initially based on a New York Times investigation revealing Santos had fabricated portions of his r�sum� to win election. (Adobe Stock)

NY Rep. George Santos survives expulsion vote. Now what?

A vote to expel U.S. New York Rep. George Santos, R-Queens, from the House failed last week to reach the needed two-thirds majority. But his troubles …

In terms of campaign funds, Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, has far outraised his Republican challengers. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Sen. Brown maintains grassroots fundraising lead in Ohio U.S. Senate race

By Harshawn Ratanpal for OpenSecrets.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Ohio News Connection reporting for the OpenSecrets-Public News Service Co…

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