Year: 2025

  • Iowa Gov. Reynolds signs bill banning RCV

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    On June 2, 2025, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed HF 954, making Iowa the sixth state to ban ranked-choice voting (RCV) this year.  The new law says: “An election in this state shall not be conducted using ranked choice voting or instant runoff voting.”  The bill also makes other changes to election laws in the…

  • President Donald Trump ends May with 47% approval, 50% disapproval

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    At the end of May, approval polling averages showed President Donald Trump (R) at 47% approval. Fifty percent of voters disapproved of his performance. The lowest approval rating he’s received during his presidency is 44%, last seen on May 22, 2025. The highest approval rating Trump has received is 54%, last seen on Jan. 22,…

  • President Donald Trump issued 14 executive orders in May

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    President Donald Trump (R) issued 14 executive orders in May, bringing his total to 157. To view the titles and text of each order he issued in May, click here. Trump issued 46 executive orders in January 2025, more than any other month of his presidency. He issued 14 executive orders in May 2025, fewer…

  • Texas Legislature refers 17 constitutional amendments for Nov. 2025 ballot—the highest number for a single election date since 2003

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    The 89th Regular Session of the Texas State Legislature adjourned on June 2. During the 140-day session, legislators referred 17 constitutional amendments to the Nov. 4, 2025, ballot—the highest number for a single election date in more than two decades. As Republicans hold majorities in both chambers but lack the two-thirds required to refer constitutional…

  • As NYC votes in 2025 mayoral primary, a look back at the 1833 ballot measure that allowed New Yorkers to elect their mayors

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    Welcome to the Wednesday, June 4, 2025, Brew.  By: Lara Bonatesta Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: As NYC votes in 2025 mayoral primary, a look back at the 1833 ballot measure that allowed New Yorkers to elect their mayors With the upcoming mayoral primary election in New York City…

  • Labor Department drops defense of ESG rule

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    In this week’s edition of Economy and Society: In Washington, D.C. Labor Department drops defense of ESG rule What’s the story? The Department of Labor (DOL) filed court documents last week indicating it will stop defending a Biden-era rule allowing ESG considerations in retirement plans. The agency said it plans to propose a new rule…

  • Nebraska voters to decide on 2026 constitutional amendment to lengthen state legislative term limits—20 years after they took effect

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    Welcome to the Tuesday, June 3, Brew.  By: Briana Ryan Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: Nebraska voters to decide on 2026 constitutional amendment to lengthen state legislative term limits—20 years after they took effect On Nov. 3, 2026, Nebraska voters will decide on a constitutional amendment to lengthen state…

  • Maine school board members face recall election June 10

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    Recall elections against Alisha Ames and Judy Saunders, members of the Maine School Administrative District 46 school board, are being held on June 10, 2025. On the ballot, voters will be asked if they are in favor of recalling each board member, and they will have the option to vote yes or no.  A group…

  • Texas Legislature referred seven constitutional amendments to November 2025 ballot last week, including bail measure

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    The Texas State Legislature voted to send seven constitutional amendments to the Nov. 4 ballot last week (May 25 – May 31). One amendment would let judges deny bail for individuals accused of certain crimes, one would make changes to the state judiciary oversight commission and process, two would adjust the allocation of tax revenue,…

  • Oklahoma passes REINS Act, legislative and executive oversight, and judicial nondeference bills

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    Governor Kevin Stitt (R) signed House Bill 2728, titled Oklahoma’s Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025, on May 21. HB 2728 directs the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) to independently review and verify economic impact statements for rules with implementation and compliance costs exceeding $1 million over five…