Following lobbying efforts from the gun industry and Republican politicians, the Trump administration has allowed the resumption of sales for some of the most heavily regulated firearms and accessories. Federal employees responsible for regulating items like silencers, short-barreled rifles, and vintage machine guns have returned to work, ending the sales halt caused by the government shutdown. Industry groups argued that the sales restrictions violated Second Amendment rights, prompting the administration’s concession despite ongoing disruptions to other critical public services. While the move was celebrated by gun rights organizations, other aspects of the industry, such as international gun dealing permits, remain affected by the shutdown.
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The Trump administration, backed by private tax-filing corporations, has officially shut down the IRS’s Direct File service, a free online tax-filing option. This decision comes despite positive reviews and a 94% satisfaction rate from users who saved an average of $160 annually on filing fees. The program was projected to save Americans billions annually and provide billions more in tax credits to low-income families. The move was influenced by months of lobbying from private tax-filing companies and GOP congresspeople who had received campaign donations from the tax preparation industry, leading to the program’s demise and financial gain for these companies.
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In a recent development, Senator Bernie Sanders has publicly condemned the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). He urged fellow Democrats to sever ties with the organization, citing its alleged role in Donald Trump’s presidential victory. Sanders’ stance was made clear during an event held at NHTI Concord Community College in Concord, New Hampshire. The Senator’s call for a boycott signals a significant shift in the ongoing debate surrounding U.S.-Israel relations and the role of influential lobbying groups.
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Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Joe Neguse introduced the Close the Revolving Door Act of 2025, proposing a lifetime ban on former members of Congress becoming lobbyists. The legislation also includes stricter transparency measures, significantly increasing penalties for Lobbying Disclosure Act violations. The bill aims to prohibit senior congressional staff from lobbying for six years after leaving service and would create a public database of lobbyists. Furthermore, the legislation would restrict hiring lobbyists or foreign agents in congressional offices with previous lobbying contact, with an increase in civil penalties for violations of the Lobbying Disclosure Act.
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A UN special rapporteur is advocating for strict measures to combat the climate crisis, including criminal penalties for climate disinformation and a complete ban on fossil fuel industry lobbying and advertising. The report, presented to the general assembly, argues that wealthy fossil fuel-producing nations are legally obligated to phase out oil, gas, and coal by 2030, compensating communities harmed by climate change and fossil fuel extraction. Morgera emphasizes the need to “defossilize” economies, addressing the widespread human rights violations linked to fossil fuels and urging states to enforce harsh penalties. She highlights the urgent need for transformative action to prioritize human rights over industry profits, emphasizing that transitioning to renewable energy is now a more economically viable and healthier option for societies.
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A leaked document from Matt Gaetz’s laptop reveals a potential contract with marijuana company Trulieve, offering over $2 million in exchange for his “administration-related guidance” and Trumpworld connections. The contract, as suggested by the image, outlines fees for legal representation, consulting, and achieving “exclusive policy remedies,” potentially linked to the reclassification or legalization of marijuana, which Gaetz has previously supported. Gaetz, who was once considered for Attorney General under Trump, has been a vocal advocate for cannabis reform and has previously worked with Trump. The revelation highlights the financial opportunities available to those connected to the former president, especially given Trump’s stance on marijuana.
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Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, maintains close ties to numerous corporate interests and right-wing media outlets, including Koch Industries, Elon Musk’s X Corp., and oil and gas companies. His party’s National Council is heavily populated by corporate lobbyists, reflecting a deliberate weakening of lobbying restrictions. This network facilitates the advancement of the Conservative agenda, which, despite Poilievre’s populist rhetoric, benefits powerful corporations at the expense of average Canadians. This interconnected web of influence mirrors similar patterns of plutocratic influence in the United States, highlighting a transnational conservative movement.
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Delaware lawmakers recently approved a corporate bill that has sparked significant controversy, with critics labeling it a “giveaway to billionaires.” The legislation fundamentally alters shareholder rights, granting significant leeway to corporations, particularly those with controlling shareholders, in conducting potentially questionable transactions.
This move has ignited a debate regarding the state’s long-standing relationship with large corporations and the implications of prioritizing corporate interests over broader public concerns. The perception is that Delaware has long catered to the needs of corporations and wealthy individuals, a practice that many see as exacerbating existing economic inequalities.
A key point of contention centers on the bill’s complexity.… Continue reading
In his second term, President Trump rescinded ethics rules implemented by his predecessor, lifting restrictions on executive branch employees accepting gifts from lobbyists and transitioning between lobbying and government positions. Simultaneously, the Trump Organization has implemented a voluntary agreement limiting foreign government deals, while the president and his wife pursue lucrative personal ventures. Critics condemn these actions as blatant conflicts of interest, prioritizing personal profit over the needs of the American people. This represents a stark contrast to Trump’s initial “drain the swamp” campaign promise and his earlier, albeit short-lived, stricter ethics order.
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Elon Musk, strongly opposing a government spending bill, threatened electoral repercussions for supporting legislators. He leveraged his considerable wealth and influence, reminiscent of his role in the previous election, to mobilize opposition against the bill. Musk framed the bill as an unacceptable waste of taxpayer money, urging immediate action from concerned citizens. His campaign utilized social media to spread this message and encourage calls to elected officials.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood