Sludge produces investigative journalism on lobbying and money in politics. We look beyond public records and disclosures to reveal the hidden networks and conflicts of interest that drive systemic corruption.
Sludge reports on the ways industries launder their agendas through independent groups, the power maps of corporate networks that extend deep into government, how concentrated economic powers dictate public policy, and more. We scour traditional lobbying disclosures and campaign contributions, but our primary focus is all the ways that money influences politics that don’t fit established patterns and often don’t have to be disclosed.
- Astroturf Campaign Attacks Discount Drug Program for the Poor
- The World’s Most Expensive Weapon Has Flopped
- ‘Red State Assault’ on Ballot Measures Threatens Direct Democracy
- Newsom Called on the Companies Lobbying Him to Fund His Pandemic Response
- The Least Transparent Big City in America
- Noem Bill Would Make Dark Money Disclosure Illegal
- Here Are the Companies Behind Trump’s Rollback of Shareholder Rights
- Anti-Marijuana Lawmakers Exploit Technicalities to Overrule Voters
- Google is Giving People Bad, Fossil Fuel-Funded Info on the Green New Deal
- Dysfunctional NYC Elections Board Staffed Through Pay-to-Play System
- Seattle’s Unique Campaign Finance System Is Boosting Donor Diversity
- How Corporations Gave Republicans Permission to Deny Reality
- Reps Would Have to Resign From Corporate Boards Under Democrats’ Ethics Bill
- Former PAC Rejector Elaine Luria Is Now Taking Checks From Raytheon and Rolls-Royce
- Chevron Greenwashes Shareholders on Climate Lobbying
