Explore

U.S. Office of Special Counsel Provides Guidance on Hatch Act Compliance for Federal Employees

U.S. Office of Special Counsel Provides Guidance on Hatch Act Compliance for Federal Employees

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is reminding federal employees about the importance of adhering to the Hatch Act, particularly in the aftermath of elections. The OSC emphasizes that while federal employees are citizens in their personal time, they must remain non-partisan while on duty, in federal buildings, or using government accounts. This includes refraining from partisan posts during work hours, even when teleworking or eating lunch at their desks. Additionally, federal employees are prohibited from soliciting campaign donations from coworkers, whether on or off duty, as such actions can lead to career termination. The OSC offers an advisory-opinion service for employees who are unsure about the permissibility of specific activities, encouraging them to seek guidance before acting. This guidance aims to help federal employees navigate political activity while upholding the principles of the merit system.

Federal Judges Face Scrutiny as Over 700 Financial Disclosure Reports Remain Missing

Federal Judges Face Scrutiny as Over 700 Financial Disclosure Reports Remain Missing

Five Oklahoma federal judges have not yet posted their 2025 financial disclosure reports, with a November 12 deadline approaching. This local issue reflects a broader national problem, as more than 700 such filings from the past three years are currently missing across the U.S. A 2022 law mandated online disclosure for these reports, aiming to increase transparency and public accountability for the judiciary. However, the law lacks an enforcement mechanism for late postings, creating significant gaps in public oversight. The absence of these disclosures means that the public cannot fully assess potential conflicts of interest or financial influences on judicial decisions, undermining the intended purpose of the legislation. This ongoing issue highlights a systemic challenge in ensuring transparency within the federal judiciary, despite legislative efforts to improve it.

Bookstore Owned by Senator Wyden's Wife to Repay $1.5 Million for Improper Pandemic Loan

Bookstore Owned by Senator Wyden's Wife to Repay $1.5 Million for Improper Pandemic Loan

The Strand Book Store, a New York City cultural landmark owned by Nancy Bass Wyden, wife of U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), has agreed to repay nearly $1.5 million to the federal government. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the settlement after determining the bookstore improperly received a second Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the initial PPP loan in 2020 did not have restrictions regarding congressional ties, a December 2020 law explicitly barred businesses from receiving a second round of funding if a member of Congress or their spouse held a significant stake. The Strand received over $930,000 in this second round despite Bass Wyden's ownership. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that the PPP was intended to save American jobs, not to enrich ineligible entities, particularly those connected to U.S. Senators. Bass Wyden attributed the error to rapidly changing regulations and a lack of awareness of the new eligibility rules by the bookstore's accountant...

Rep. Austin Scott Visits Chaparral and Robalo Boats to Discuss Industry Challenges

Rep. Austin Scott Visits Chaparral and Robalo Boats to Discuss Industry Challenges

Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) visited the manufacturing facilities of Chaparral and Robalo Boats on October 26. During his visit, Rep. Scott toured the facilities and engaged in discussions with company leadership, including the new president, Jeromie Johnston. The primary focus of these discussions was the economic pressures and policy challenges currently impacting the recreational boating industry. Company leaders provided insights into the current conditions faced by marine manufacturers, highlighting issues that affect American boatbuilders. Rep. Scott, who is described as an avid sportsman and boating enthusiast, was accompanied by members of his staff, Alice Johnson and Charles White. The visit aimed to provide the Congressman and his team with a direct understanding of the industry's concerns and to showcase the craftsmanship and innovation involved in boat manufacturing.

Senator Gary Peters' Net Worth Estimated Between $4.3 Million and $12 Million in 2025 Financial Disclosure

Senator Gary Peters' Net Worth Estimated Between $4.3 Million and $12 Million in 2025 Financial Disclosure

Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) reported a net worth estimated between $4.3 million and $12 million, with a midpoint of $8.1 million, according to his 2025 annual financial disclosure filed on May 14, 2026. This disclosure, the most recent on file with the Secretary of the Senate, lists 246 assets valued within this range and no liabilities exceeding $10,000. Senator Peters ranks 32nd among 100 senators by estimated net worth and 51st among 262 Democrats. His largest holdings include a UBS Retirement Account with UBS Bank USA Core Savings valued between $500,000 and $1 million, a Congressional Federal account with various deposits between $250,000 and $500,000, and an Ascensus Individual 401(K) with Vanguard Wellington Fund (VWELX) also valued between $250,000 and $500,000, held by his spouse.

Eminent Domain Challenges Impede Clean Energy Infrastructure Development

Eminent Domain Challenges Impede Clean Energy Infrastructure Development

Legal arguments against the use of eminent domain are increasingly being leveraged to oppose clean energy projects, such as wind farms and transmission lines, across the United States. This trend sees environmental activists, traditionally opposed to fossil fuel infrastructure, aligning with private property rights advocates to challenge the forced sale of land for public use. The R Street Institute highlights that this 'left-right political marriage' is creating significant hurdles for developers of renewable energy infrastructure. Projects like the Wind Catcher wind farm in Oklahoma have been canceled due due to such legal battles, and states like Iowa have banned the use of eminent domain for high-voltage transmission lines carrying wind energy. This development marks a shift where legal tactics previously used against oil and natural gas pipelines are now being applied to clean energy initiatives, slowing their deployment and increasing risks for investors.

Victor Davis Hanson and Carol Roth Discuss Economic and Political Outlook Following Midterm Elections

Victor Davis Hanson and Carol Roth Discuss Economic and Political Outlook Following Midterm Elections

On November 6, 2026, Hoover Institution senior fellow Victor Davis Hanson and former investment banker Carol Roth appeared on The Glenn Beck Program to discuss the economic and political ramifications of the recent midterm elections. The discussion followed a significant drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, described as its biggest hit since the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in substantial losses for average 401(k) accounts. This economic downturn was attributed to Democrats regaining a majority in Congress, leading to concerns about potential policy changes. Specifically, there are threats to target AI data centers and President Trump's energy deals. Hanson and Roth analyzed what the next two years might look like for President Trump, who will now have to contend with a Democrat-controlled House and Senate, and how these political shifts could impact the affordability crisis.

U.S. Office of Special Counsel Reports Record Outcomes in Fiscal Year 2026 Despite Government Shutdown

U.S. Office of Special Counsel Reports Record Outcomes in Fiscal Year 2026 Despite Government Shutdown

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) achieved record results in fiscal year 2026, as highlighted by Special Counsel Charles Baldis in a Federal News Network op-ed. Despite a 43-day government shutdown, the OSC resolved 363 prohibited personnel practice cases with at least one favorable outcome, marking a new record for the agency. Additionally, the OSC referred 47 whistleblower disclosures for agency investigation, the highest number since fiscal year 2021. These disclosures led to significant corrective actions, including addressing understaffing at the Federal Aviation Administration, overstaffing at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, reimbursement backlogs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and systemic failures in opioid prescribing practices also at the VA. The OSC's statutory authority covers four federal laws: the Civil Service Reform Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act, the Hatch Act, and the Uniformed Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).

Trump administration sues Penn State over in-state tuition for students in the US illegally

Trump administration sues Penn State over in-state tuition for students in the US illegally

The Department of Justice has filed a complaint against Penn State University challenging its policy of offering in-state tuition rates to some immigrants in the country illegally, part of a sweeping crackdown by President Donald Trump’s administration

OpenAI Global Affairs Chief Urges AI Policy Development Ahead of 2028 Election

OpenAI Global Affairs Chief Urges AI Policy Development Ahead of 2028 Election

Chris Lehane, OpenAI's chief global affairs officer, has called for the development of comprehensive AI policies, suggesting that artificial intelligence could be a defining issue in the 2028 presidential election. In a recent essay, Lehane drew parallels between AI's potential economic impact and President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, advocating for policies that ensure the public benefits from AI advancements. His five key policy priorities include worker protections, education, AI safety, and data center development. Lehane's proposals come as Americans express anxiety about their economic futures, and he urges politicians to find a 'compelling third path' to address these concerns. While AI was not a central issue in recent midterm elections, opposition to data centers emerged as a bipartisan concern in several races.

Exclusive-Expanding on naval blockade, US military looks to restrict Iranian land commerce

Exclusive-Expanding on naval blockade, US military looks to restrict Iranian land commerce

By Phil Stewart WASHINGTON, Nov 7 (Reuters) - Building on a months-long naval blockade on Iran, the US military said on Saturday it is launching a task force to help crack down on Tehran's movement of advanced weapons and other sanctioned material over its land borders and through the Caspian Sea.

Former Senator Jay Rockefeller IV, Heir to Prominent Dynasty, Dies at 89

Former Senator Jay Rockefeller IV, Heir to Prominent Dynasty, Dies at 89

John D. 'Jay' Rockefeller IV, a former Democratic senator who represented West Virginia for three decades, passed away on Friday at his Washington home at the age of 89. His family did not disclose the cause of death. Senator Rockefeller was a notable advocate for expanding healthcare access for the impoverished and was a critic of President George W. Bush's handling of the Iraq War. He served five six-year terms in the Senate from January 1985 to January 2015, following two terms as West Virginia's governor. Born in New York, he was the great-grandson of oil magnate John D. Rockefeller, and came from a family with a significant political and business legacy, including his uncle Nelson Rockefeller, who served as New York governor and Vice President, and his uncle David Rockefeller, who led Chase Manhattan Bank. His political career began after participating in a national service program in West Virginia's rural communities, leading to his election to the state legislature in 1966 and as secretary of state ...