Money In Politics
July 20, 2012 -
This week Senate Republicans killed the DISCLOSE Act, which would have expanded transparency requirements for political money. We take a by-the-numbers look at the bill's failure -- and why it matters.
July 12, 2012 -
The Democratic Party tied its upcoming convention's fortunes to Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers, now embroiled in a scandal over an abrupt CEO switch following the company's merger with Progress Energy. What will the controversy mean for the party in the upcoming election?
July 11, 2012 -
A controversial bill that would block North Carolina agencies from considering the science of sea level rise in making planning decisions has gotten a lot of national attention -- but what hasn't gotten much scrutiny are the powerful development interests behind the legislation.
July 2, 2012 -
An analysis of Chinese names on a petition urging the Obama administration to oppose strict regulations for toxic coal ash reveals hundreds of bogus monikers including "Big Steamed Bun" and "Come to China Donkey." Who's behind the petition, and what big energy interests are they fronting for?
June 27, 2012 -
The U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington rejects Ken Cuccinelli's challenge to the EPA's finding that unregulated greenhouse gas emissions pose a danger to human health and safety. Cuccinelli, who's running for governor, says he'll take the case to the Supreme Court.
June 26, 2012 -
A Washington Post investigation finds that members of Congress are trading stock in companies they have the power to influence. That's perfectly legal under current law and ethics rules -- but should it be?
June 26, 2012 -
As expected, this week the Supreme Court reaffirmed its 2010 Citizens United decision. While the ruling's impact on federal races has been well-documented, the influence of shadowy money on state-level races has received less attention -- but could be even more important.