Year: 2025

  • ESG critic appointed to Labor Department

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    In this week’s edition of Economy and Society: In Washington, D.C. ESG critic appointed to Labor Department What’s the story? The Department of Labor this month appointed Justin Danhof—a critic of ESG investing and a proxy voting and corporate engagement expert—as a senior policy advisor in the Employee Benefits Security Administration. Why does it matter?…

  • Montana Gov. Gianforte (R) signs bill banning the use of extreme risk protection orders

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    On May 8, Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) signed HB 809 into law, banning local governments in the state from enacting or enforcing extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs). The Republican-sponsored bill passed the legislature largely along party lines, but two Republicans in both the Montana House of Representatives and Montana Senate voted against the bill. With…

  • Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter announces 2026 run for the U.S. Senate in Georgia

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    Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter (R-Ga.) announced on May 8, 2025, that he will run for the U.S. Senate in Georgia in 2026 rather than another term in the U.S. House of Representatives. As of May 6, 2025, independent race forecasters The Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball have rated the general election for the…

  • Mixed-party election outcomes in three most recent presidential election years continue downward trend from highs in the 1980s

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    Welcome to the Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Brew.  By: Lara Bonatesta Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: Mixed-party election outcomes in three most recent presidential election years continue downward trend from highs in the 1980s  When there are multiple offices on the ballot, voters can choose candidates from different political…

  • Referendum to repeal Utah bill prohibiting public sector collective bargaining clears signature threshold for 2026 ballot

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    The Utah Election Office announced on May 8 that signature verification for the collective bargaining referendum is complete. The referendum seeks to repeal House Bill 267, which prohibits public unions and public employers from engaging in collective bargaining. Of the signatures submitted with the referendum petition, 251,590 signatures were verified, and 73,136 were rejected. This…

  • Trump announces first judicial nominees

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    President Donald Trump (R) on May 1, 2025, announced that he would nominate Whitney Hermandorfer for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. This marks his first federal judicial nomination since taking office on January 20, 2025. During his first term, Trump issued his first nomination 11 days after he took office: Justice…

  • Seven candidates are running in the nonpartisan general elections for the Conway School Board in Arkansas

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    Seven candidates are running in the nonpartisan general elections for Conway School Board in Arkansas on May 13. Three of the board’s seven seats are up for election. The Conway School District consists of seven members serving five-year terms. During the 2023 school year, 10,251 students attended one of the district’s 16 schools. This is…

  • Robe & Gavel: SCOTUS hears May 2025 argument

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    Welcome to the May 12 edition of Robe & Gavel, Ballotpedia’s newsletter about the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) and other judicial happenings around the U.S. Today, we reflect on the legacy of retired Justice David Souter, who died on May 8, at 85. Justice Souter served on the Supreme Court for 19…

  • The last uncalled race of the 2024 election cycle has ended

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    Welcome to the Monday, May 12, Brew.  By: Briana Ryan Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: The last uncalled race of the 2024 election cycle has ended Six months and numerous legal challenges later, the 2024 North Carolina Supreme Court election is officially over. On May 7, Jefferson Griffin (R)…

  • President Donald Trump ends April with 44% approval, 53% disapproval

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    At the end of April, approval polling averages showed President Donald Trump (R) at 44% approval. Fifty-three percent of voters disapproved of his performance. The lowest approval rating he’s received during his presidency is 44%, last seen on April 30, 2025. The highest approval rating Trump has received is 54%, last seen on Jan. 22,…