South Dakota House nixes ban on lawmaker spouse lobbying
March 6, 2023 GMTPIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A bill that would prohibit the spouses of South Dakota state lawmakers from serving as lobbyists was defeated Monday in the state House.
Backers described the bill as a much-needed ethics measure, while opponents said it targeted Republican Sen.
Feds drop lobbying probe of retired general, lawyer says
January 31, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has dropped its probe of retired four-star Gen. John Allen for his role in an alleged illegal foreign lobbying campaign on behalf of the wealthy Persian Gulf nation of Qatar, his lawyer told The Associated Press.
EU watchdog seeks powers, funds for lawmaker probe body
January 30, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — A European Parliament body supervising anti-lobbying and lawmakers' conduct rules must be given the power and money to launch independent investigations into abuses in the wake of a major corruption scandal, the European Ombudsman’s office warned Monday.
Two-year sentence for Hawaii woman’s Trump lobbying scheme
January 19, 2023 GMTHONOLULU (AP) — An American consultant was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison for an illicit lobbying effort to get the former Trump administration to drop an investigation into the multibillion-dollar looting of a Malaysian state investment fund, and to arrange for the return of a Chinese dissident living in the U.S.
Top EU lawmakers greenlight anti-corruption reform plans
January 12, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Senior European Union lawmakers agreed Thursday to press ahead with a major overhaul of the rules governing access to the European Parliament and the way it deals with lobbyists in response to a massive corruption scandal, the assembly’s president said.
Officials must choose between jobs or office with new law
January 2, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — A new Florida law is forcing some public officials to choose between their day jobs or holding office.
The measure, which took effect over the weekend, prohibits public officials from working as lobbyists while holding public office.
Swiss climate activists lament election of oil lobbyist
December 7, 2022 GMTBERLIN (AP) — Environmentalists in Switzerland criticized the election Wednesday of a top car and oil industry lobbyist to the country's new government, calling it a “disaster for climate policy.”
Lawmakers picked Albert Roesti of the nationalist Swiss People's Party as one of two new members of the Cabinet, or Federal Council.
CFP deja vu: TCU in third, Ohio State lurking and lobbying
December 3, 2022 GMTFORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — TCU has been in this position before, third in the College Football Playoff rankings going into its last game before the final four teams are set.
Spanish govt proposes rules for lobbyists, public officials
November 8, 2022 GMTMADRID (AP) — Spain's Council of Ministers presented a law Tuesday to increase the transparency of interactions between public officials and lobbyists.
Officials involved in any stage of policymaking would have to report their meetings with representatives of companies or groups that hoped to influence governmental decisions.
Ex-state police union head, lobbyist, guilty of racketeering
November 4, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — The former president of the Massachusetts State Police troopers' union and a lobbyist have been convicted by a federal jury of using union funds to benefit themselves.
Dana Pullman, 60, the former president of the State Police Association of Massachusetts, and Anne Lynch, 71, were convicted in U.S.
FBI probing ex-CIA officer’s spying for World Cup host Qatar
October 27, 2022 GMTA former CIA officer who spied on Qatar’s rivals to help the tiny Arab country land this year’s World Cup is now under FBI scrutiny and newly obtained documents show he offered clandestine services that went beyond soccer to try to influence U.S.
Judge ends lobbying suit against casino developer Steve Wynn
October 12, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed a Justice Department lawsuit that sought to force longtime casino developer Steve Wynn to register as a foreign agent because of lobbying work it said he conducted at the behest of the Chinese government during the Trump administration.
The Satanic Temple takes aim at Idaho, Indiana abortion bans
October 5, 2022 GMTBOISE, Idaho (AP) — Religious organizations have long been involved in the debate over Idaho's strict abortion laws, with Catholic priests, evangelical Christian groups and others frequently lobbying lawmakers and filing legal briefs in support of abortion bans.
House approves antitrust bill targeting Big Tech dominance
September 30, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Thursday approved antitrust legislation targeting the dominance of Big Tech companies by giving states greater power in competition cases and increasing money for federal regulators.
Fierce lobbying caps fight over California nuke plant future
August 30, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — California is about to send the nation a powerful message on the future of nuclear power — it’s just not clear what it is yet.
Legislators in Sacramento are expected to vote this week on Democratic Gov.
Brookings president resigns amid FBI foreign lobbying probe
June 13, 2022 GMTThe president of the Brookings Institution resigned Sunday amid a federal investigation into whether he illegally lobbied on behalf of the wealthy Persian Gulf nation of Qatar.
Retired Gen. John Allen wrote in a letter to the think tank that he was leaving with a “heavy heart" but did not offer a direct explanation.
Brookings places retired general on leave amid FBI probe
June 9, 2022 GMTThe prestigious Brookings Institution placed its president, retired four-star Marine Gen. John Allen, on administrative leave Wednesday amid a federal investigation into his role in an illegal lobbying campaign on behalf of the wealthy Persian Gulf nation of Qatar.
Lobbying spending topped $11 million during Kentucky session
June 8, 2022 GMTFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Lobbying groups spent more than $11 million to try to influence legislation during this year's General Assembly session in Kentucky, according to reports from the Legislative Ethics Branch Commission.
FBI seizes retired general’s data related to Qatar lobbying
June 8, 2022 GMTThe FBI has seized the electronic data of a retired four-star general who authorities say made false statements and withheld “incriminating” documents about his role in an illegal foreign lobbying campaign on behalf of the wealthy Persian Gulf nation of Qatar.
Former U.S. ambassador points finger in Qatar lobbying probe
June 3, 2022 GMTA former high-ranking U.S. ambassador admitted Friday to illegal foreign lobbying on behalf of Qatar after demanding that prosecutors tell him why a retired four-star general who worked with him on the effort has not also been charged.
US sues casino mogul Steve Wynn over relationship with China
May 18, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department sued longtime Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn on Tuesday to compel him to register as a foreign agent because of lobbying work it says he performed at the behest of the Chinese government during the Trump administration.
AP source: SEC, Pac-12 leaders to push for NIL law in DC
May 5, 2022 GMTSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The commissioners of the Southeastern Conference and Pac-12 are scheduled to meet with lawmakers in Washington on Thursday to lobby for federal legislation to regulate name, image and likeness compensation to athletes.
Plan to ban menthol cigarettes prompts late lobbying blitz
April 22, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — As federal officials finalize a long-awaited plan to ban menthol cigarettes, dozens of interest groups have met with White House staffers to try to influence the process, which has the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives while wiping out billions in tobacco sales.
Business Highlights: Lobbyists leaving, rate hike talk
March 2, 2022 GMT___
Ukraine invasion leads US lobbyists to ditch Russian clients
WASHINGTON (AP) — A half-dozen U.S. lobbying firms have severed ties with Russian-linked businesses over the past week. It represents a dramatic pullback for an industry that typically has few qualms about representing controversial interests.
Ukraine invasion leads US lobbyists to ditch Russian clients
March 2, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — A half-dozen U.S. lobbying firms severed ties with Russian-linked businesses over the past week, a dramatic pullback for an industry that often has few qualms about representing controversial interests.
Craft breweries in Richmond area still strong a decade later
February 20, 2022 GMTRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — In 2012, Virginia lawmakers ended some Prohibition-era rules and allowed breweries to sell beer by the glass at their production facilities. The law sparked a boom in craft breweries, cideries and distilleries that is still going strong a decade later.
Whisper campaigns grow as Biden nears choice for high court
February 18, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Too progressive. Too moderate. Bad for workers.
The whispers and background chatter about top contenders for the Supreme Court are growing as President Biden zeroes in on a nominee to replace retiring Justice Stephen Breyer.
Hawaii House creates panel to improve standards of conduct
February 18, 2022 GMTHONOLULU (AP) — The state House of Representatives on Thursday created a commission that will recommend how to boost the effectiveness of state ethics, lobbying and campaign finance laws after two former lawmakers earlier this week pleaded guilty in connection with their acceptance of bribes.
FirstEnergy settles lawsuits seeking corporate reform
February 11, 2022 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — Akron-based First Energy announced it has settled a series of shareholder lawsuits seeking corporate reforms in the wake of a bribery and corruption scandal.
FirstEnergy in a statement on Thursday said provisions of the settlement include an agreement that six longtime board members will not stand for election at the company's May shareholder meeting.
FirstEnergy must repay customers over lobbying for bailout
February 4, 2022 GMTAKRON, Ohio (AP) — Federal regulators told FirstEnergy Corp. to refund customers after an audit found the electricity provider didn't properly track some of the $71 million it spent on lobbying for a nuclear plant bailout at the center of a state government bribery scheme.
Dominion contribution-limit bills killed by lawmakers
February 2, 2022 GMTRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — On a bipartisan basis, Virginia lawmakers have quickly dispensed with this year's key legislative efforts to rein in campaign cash from Richmond-based lobbying powerhouse Dominion Energy.
Italy’s next moral compass? Berlusconi, 85, eyes presidency
January 21, 2022 GMTROME (AP) — Italy is poised to elect a new president, meant to serve as the nation’s moral compass and foster unity by rising above the political fray.
Republican lawmakers target Arizona school boards group
January 19, 2022 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona School Boards Association, which successfully sued the Arizona Legislature to invalidate key parts of the state budget last year, is now being targeted by Republican lawmakers who have long opposed its efforts to lobby for local school boards.
Taiwan pays $900,000 for ally Guatemala to lobby Washington
January 18, 2022 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Guatemala has hired for $900,000 a major supporter of former President Donald Trump to seek influence with U.S. officials in an unusual lobbying contract paid for by its ally Taiwan, foreign lobby records show.
Break-ins reported at Sacramento lobbying, nonprofit offices
December 28, 2021 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Burglars broke into more than a dozen offices of lobbying firms, nonprofits and a union a block from the state Capitol last week and stole computers and files with identity information, it was reported Tuesday.
EU plan for sweeping update of Big Tech rules gains momentum
December 14, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — The European Union’s ambitious plan to update its pioneering internet rules gained momentum Tuesday after a key committee passed measures requiring technology companies to better police content and lawmakers prepared to vote on regulations to rein in Big Tech.
Former House speaker hired as a lobbyist for Lifespan
November 19, 2021 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Former Rhode Island House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello has been hired to work as a lobbyist for the state’s largest hospital system.
UK Parliament votes to curb members’ 2nd jobs after scandal
November 17, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — Britain’s Parliament voted Wednesday to restrict lawmakers’ ability to hold second jobs outside politics, in an attempt to stem a slew of damaging headlines over lobbying and political “sleaze.”
UK govt vows to toughen rules for lawmakers after ethics row
November 16, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday proposed a ban on lawmakers acting as “paid consultants” and promised to tighten ethics rules in response to scandals over lobbying and outside jobs that have tarnished U.K.
UK lawmaker defends lucrative 2nd job as Johnson feels heat
November 10, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — A British lawmaker defended his 400,000-pound ($540,000) a year second job on Wednesday, as calls grew for a crackdown on politicians earning outside income.
And amid a swirl of allegations about lobbying and cronyism by members of the governing Conservative Party, Prime Minister Boris Johnson insisted: “The U.K.
Corruption claims roiling UK govt put Johnson under pressure
November 8, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to talk about climate change. But his opponents want to focus on corruption.
As a United Nations climate summit aimed at staving off catastrophic global warming entered its final week in Glasgow, Scotland on Monday, host Johnson faced a barrage of criticism in London over his attempts to change the system that oversees lawmakers’ standards.
Ex-Indiana House Speaker Bosma registers as paid lobbyist
November 8, 2021 GMTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The former top Republican in the Indiana Legislature has registered as a paid Statehouse lobbyist a little more than a year after he left elected office.
UK Conservatives back down on lobbying plan overhaul
November 4, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government is facing allegations of favoritism and corruption amid a backlash from lawmakers and the public over efforts to rewrite lobbying rules and shield a member of Johnson's party from censure.
UK lawmakers vote not to suspend MP who broke lobbying rules
November 3, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — British lawmakers voted Wednesday not to suspend a Conservative legislator who was found to have broken lobbying rules — a decision that instantly brought accusations of corruption from opponents of the Conservative government.
Carroll Hughes, veteran Connecticut lobbyist, dies at age 79
November 2, 2021 GMTHARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Carroll Hughes, a veteran lobbyist at the Connecticut state Capitol who was well-known for representing the interests of package store owners and the state's police chiefs, has died.
UK lawmaker faces suspension for breaching lobbying rules
October 26, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — Britain’s parliamentary standards watchdog said Tuesday that a Conservative lawmaker should be suspended from the House of Commons for breaking lobbying rules.
Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Kathryn Stone said Owen Paterson lobbied the government in 2016 and 2017 on behalf of two companies that were paying him — the clinical diagnostics company Randox and the meat-processing firm Lynn’s Country Foods.
Former Cabinet secretary defends auto dealerships from Tesla
October 8, 2021 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A recently retired state Cabinet secretary who oversaw New Mexico's first major foray into electric vehicles for government fleets has gone to work at a lobbying group for automotive dealerships as they safeguard state-authorized control over direct sales of new vehicles from incursions by electric-car maker Tesla and other potential rivals.
State cannabis lobbying group forms even as drug’s illegal
September 19, 2021 GMTLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska remains one of only two states that haven't legalized cannabis use in some form, but the industry has already launched a lobbying group in the state to help influence the rules that will regulate the industry.
GOP lobbyist McCoshen won’t run for Wisconsin governor
September 15, 2021 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — Longtime lobbyist Bill McCoshen said Wednesday he will not seek the Republican nomination for Wisconsin governor.
McCoshen said he's spent the past 15 months traveling the state and meeting with citizens, business owners and politicians to gauge their interest in his candidacy and was encouraged by the support he received.
Judge suspends Minnesota’s tougher standards on deadly force
September 14, 2021 GMTST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A judge has suspended Minnesota’s new stricter standards on when police can use deadly force, halting a change in state law that followed the death of George Floyd while in custody of Minneapolis police.
FirstEnergy reports smaller lobbying contributions in 2021
August 20, 2021 GMTCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The energy giant at the center of a $60 million bribery scheme in Ohio has dramatically decreased the amount of money it provides to dark money groups to influence public policy, according to a Friday filing required by a deal with federal prosecutors that allowed the company to avoid a criminal case.
Giuliani seeks to limit what feds see on his electronics
August 18, 2021 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Rudy Giuliani wants to limit what federal investigators can see on his electronic devices to dates specified on search warrants that resulted in raids on his residence and office, according to a former federal judge appointed to oversee disputes over what criminal prosecutors get to look at.
Lobbying costs surpass $4m in Maine during the pandemic
August 16, 2021 GMTAUGUSTA, Maine (AP) —
Despite the pandemic limiting access to lawmakers, corporate and political interests working to influence the Maine State House spent $4 million on lobbyists in 2021.
Pharmaceutical companies, cable companies, electric utilities, hospitals and casinos were the handful of companies spending the most on lobbyists.
Ex-coal lobbying group chief named to WVa utility regulator
August 6, 2021 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — The retired longtime president of the West Virginia Coal Association has been appointed by the governor to a three-member commission that regulates state utilities.
Wisconsin Republican chairman stepping down ahead of midterm
July 28, 2021 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — The chairman of the Wisconsin Republican Party announced Wednesday that he is stepping down from the volunteer position he has held since April 2019, covering one of the most tumultuous times in modern political history.
Trump inaugural chair: I’m ’100% innocent’ in lobbying case
July 26, 2021 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The chair of former President Donald Trump’s 2017 inaugural committee pleaded not guilty Monday and said he was “100% innocent” of charges that he secretly lobbied the U.S. on behalf of the United Arab Emirates.
COVID-19 derails Texas Democrats lobbying in Washington
July 20, 2021 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas lawmakers who hightailed it to the nation's capital in a faceoff over voting rights said Tuesday that they're pressing on with their mission to get Democrats in Washington, D.C., to bolster their cause, even as COVID-19 spreads through their ranks.
The long, ‘surreal’ days of the runaway Texas legislators
July 16, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Sheltered in a downtown D.C. hotel, the Democratic lawmakers who left Texas to block a restrictive voting bill are living a life of stress and scrutiny.
The long, ‘surreal’ days of the runaway Texas legislators
July 16, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Sheltered in a downtown D.C. hotel, the Democratic lawmakers who left Texas to block a restrictive voting bill are living a life of stress and scrutiny.
Firm gets more time to explain bills for bailout legislation
July 13, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — A federal bankruptcy judge on Tuesday gave law firm employees another three months to explain in detail the millions of dollars they billed for lobbying and other work on behalf of an electric utility in support of a now-tainted Ohio energy bill.