Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Follow Us:
Top Stories

New disclosure rules proposed by Treasury and IRS

"Dark money" groups, ranging from the National Rifle Association on the right to the American Civil Liberties Union on the left, won't have to provide the names and addresses of major donors if rules recently proposed by the Treasury Department and IRS are accepted.

While groups will still be required to report the amounts of substantial donations and keep detailed records on hand, donor files would only be reviewed by the IRS on a case-by-case basis, according to The Hill.


The IRS tried to lower the donor disclosure requirements for 501(c)(4) nonprofits last year, but the procedure was set aside by a Montana judge who said there hadn't been a proper notice and comment period.

Read More

Empty jury seats in a courtroom.

From courtrooms to redistricting, citizen panels prove impartial judgment is still possible in American democracy.

Getty Images, Mint Images

How Juries and Citizen Commissions Strengthen Democracy

In the ongoing attacks on democracy in 2025, juries and judges played a key role in maintaining normal standards of civil rights. As it turns out, they have something important to teach us about democracy reform as well.

The Power of Random Selection

Juries are an interesting feature of the American legal system. They are assemblies of men and women picked at random, who come together on a one-time basis to perform a key role: rendering an independent judgment in a trial or indictment proceeding. Once they're done, they are free to go home.

Keep ReadingShow less
Social Security card, treasury check and $100 bills
In swing states, both parties agree on ideas to save Social Security
JJ Gouin/Getty Images

Social Security Still Works, but Its Future Is Up to Us

Like many people over 60 and thinking seriously about retirement, I’ve been paying closer attention to Social Security, and recent changes have made me concerned.

Since its creation during the Great Depression, Social Security has been one of the most successful federal programs in U.S. history. It has survived wars, recessions, demographic change, and repeated ideological attacks, yet it continues to do what it was designed to do: provide a basic floor of income security for older Americans. Before Social Security, old age often meant poverty, dependence on family, or institutionalization. After its adoption, a decent retirement became achievable for millions.

Keep ReadingShow less