Latest news with #DarkMoney
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Michigan utility aided sabotage of Covid lockdown policies, documents reveal
Newly released court documents show power utility DTE Energy knowingly contributed $100,000 to a dark money non-profit that helped sabotage Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer's Covid lockdown policies. The documents contradict previous DTE statements that claimed the utility was not involved with the donation. In January 2023, the Guardian detailed how a DTE-affiliated dark money non-profit financially contributed to the successful repeal of Whitmer's emergency order powers. The campaign, coordinated with state Republican leadership, helped bring about an end to Covid lockdowns and policies. Related: Group aiming to sabotage Whitmer's Covid policies funded by dark money Peter Ternes, then a DTE Energy spokesperson, twice emphatically denied the company's involvement. In late 2022, he told a Guardian reporter, 'DTE unequivocally is not financially supporting' the campaign to kill Whitmer's emergency order powers, led by Unlock Michigan, and made an almost identical statement when asked in 2020. New emails, however, show a DTE employee coordinated the $100,000 contribution. The dark money non-profit and Unlock Michigan leadership referred to it as a 'DTE donation' and '$100,000 DTE check', emails show. The emails are part of a criminal case over alleged Unlock Michigan campaign finance violations and are not directly related to DTE. The 'revelatory' emails illuminate how DTE 'deploys dark money in Michigan', said Karlee Weinmann, research and communications manager with the utility industry watchdog Energy and Policy Institute. The group detailed the emails in a new report. 'The emails raise questions about the appropriateness of DTE's political spending and activity,' Weinmann added. Michigan was a global flashpoint in the cultural and political fight over how governments should handle Covid. Whitmer's lockdowns were effective at controlling the virus's spread, but rightwing opposition to the restrictions culminated with multiple demonstrations and armed protesters storming the state legislature in mid-2020. While the Covid restrictions are over, dark money groups remain powerful players in state and national politics, and the emails show how lax transparency laws shield them as they move funding for politicians or causes. Utilities generally opposed lockdowns in 2020, industry observers have said. During the first wave of Covid restrictions, many voluntarily stopped or were required to cease shutting off service to financially struggling customers. Sources initially alerted a Guardian reporter to the donation around the time it was made in late 2020, but no public record of it was available at the time. Internal Revenue Service records confirming the donation became public in late 2021. They show the funds went from a DTE-affiliated dark money group, Michigan Energy First (MEF), to another dark money non-profit called Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility (MCRF). The latter served as a primary funder of the Unlock Michigan campaign, donating about $1.8m in 2020. Though DTE lobbyists served on MEF's board, then DTE spokesperson Ternes had steadfastly insisted it was a separate entity and there was no coordination between the two. Ternes also said DTE did not give donations to MEF. In an email sent on Wednesday, DTE spokesperson Jill Wilmot conceded that the company gave money to MEF, representing a shift from its past statements. Still, DTE denied that it knew what MEF did with the donation. 'While DTE has contributed to Michigan Energy First (MEF) in the past, we can't speak on behalf of MEF or the contributions the organization makes,' the spokesperson said. However, the new emails show DTE did know how MEF would spend the money. The company's corporate and government affairs chief of staff, Pam Headley, in 2020 facilitated the $100,000 donation from MEF to MCFR, emails show. MEF's board president at the time was Renze Hoeksema, a now-retired DTE lobbyist. Headley was a DTE employee with no known role with MEF. Headley sent an email from her DTE email account during business hours to MCFR with the subject line 'RE: Contribution from Michigan Energy First'. The email shows how Headley coordinated the DTE donation: 'Renze asked me to let you know that today the Michigan Energy First Board approved a $100,000 contribution to Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility.' She included a request for an invoice and closed out the email with her DTE email signature. The criminal filings also include emails between MCFR and Republican Senate leadership working with Unlock Michigan. They refer to the donation as being from DTE Energy. One email states, 'I think I'm getting the $100,000 tomorrow from DTE.' Another from the following day states, 'Unlock Michigan update: $100,000 DTE check arrived today.' In 2022, DTE's Ternes told the Guardian: 'DTE has worked hand-in-hand with the governor to protect our customers, employees and the public throughout the coronavirus pandemic. The actions taken by the state have slowed Covid transmission and death rates.' The best public interest journalism relies on first-hand accounts from people in the know. If you have something to share on this subject you can contact us confidentially using the following methods. Secure Messaging in the Guardian app The Guardian app has a tool to send tips about stories. Messages are end to end encrypted and concealed within the routine activity that every Guardian mobile app performs. This prevents an observer from knowing that you are communicating with us at all, let alone what is being said. If you don't already have the Guardian app, download it (iOS/Android) and go to the menu. Select 'Secure Messaging'. SecureDrop, instant messengers, email, telephone and post See our guide at for alternative methods and the pros and cons of each. The utility industry widely uses dark money to influence policy across the country, and the donations have been at the center of recent scandals, including two in neighboring Ohio. MEF also donates millions each election cycle to a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including to Whitmer's affiliated Pac. The donations show DTE 'has power and wields influence over parts of people's lives that they don't want DTE to have influence over', said Eli Day, communications director for the We the People Action Fund, which has been involved in utility affordability campaigns. Donations like this are made through dark money channels because companies know their political donations would generate blowback, Day added. 'Ordinary people who are outraged can have a real impact and change their lives for the better, and DTE is terrified of that,' he said.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
I'm Your Venus OTT Release Date: When & where to watch documentary tribute to Venus Xtravaganza
I'm Your Venus OTT Release Date: This new thrilling documentary is dropping on Netflix starting June 23, 2025. It shines a spotlight on Venus Xtravaganza, the transgender star of the landmark film Paris Is Burning . Venus's life was full of raw passion and vibrant ballroom energy, but it ended tragically when she was murdered in 1988. Now, decades later, I'm Your Venus reunites both her biological siblings and her 'chosen family' from the House of Xtravaganza to relive her story, seek justice, and honour her fierce spirit. What's it about? Directed by Kimberly Reed, the film picks up nearly 35 years after Venus's death. It follows her three brothers, John, Joe, and Louie Pellagatti, as they sift through old police records, fight for a posthumous name change, and search for answers. Alongside them are members of the House of Xtravaganza, including House Mother Gisele Alicea and other prominent figures from the ballroom scene. Across home visits, legal meetings, and heartfelt interviews, the two families form a bridge between different worlds, biological and chosen, united by love and loss. The documentary also weaves in archival footage from Paris Is Burning, showing Venus in her own words and moves. Her voguing, her dreams of modelling, her raw interviews, these are revisited, reminding viewers of just how alive and present she was, even before the tragedy struck. Behind the scenes Kimberly Reed isn't new to documentaries; she previously made award-winning films like Prodigal Sons and Dark Money. She produced I'm Your Venus with Jamie Schutz, Steven Cantor, and Mike Stafford, working alongside cinematographers Rose Bush and Joshua Z. Weinstein. The film was edited by Eric Daniel Metzgar, Michael Palmieri, and supervising editor Dava Whisenant, who helped tie together the old and the new into a seamless narrative, 80 to 85 minutes of emotional storytelling. Executive producers Jonovia Chase, Dominique Jackson, David Linde, Jennie Livingston (who directed Paris Is Burning), Henry Schleiff, and Courtney Sexton lend their voices and perspectives to help shape this tribute. Venus's life and legacy Born Venus Pellagatti on May 5, 1965, in Jersey City, New Jersey, she became involved in drag and performance in her teens. By the early 1980s, she'd joined the House of Xtravaganza, one of the most iconic houses in New York's ballroom world. Paris Is Burning immortalised her, and her presence still resonates today. But her life was cut short on December 21, 1988, when she was found strangled in a New York City hotel room. Her case went cold and remained unsolved. In 2022, thanks in part to the efforts sparked by this documentary, her murder was re-examined. The NYPD reopened the case, and her family successfully changed her name legally to Venus Pellagatti Xtravaganza, symbolic acts meant to restore her to history and fight for recognition.
25-04-2025
- Politics
Trump orders Justice Department to investigate Democrats' top fundraising platform
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump has ordered the Justice Department to investigate the Democratic Party's top fundraising platform, the latest example of Trump using the tools of the government to go after his political opponents. Trump, in an executive order signed Thursday, directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate allegations that Republicans have raised that ActBlue allows illegal campaign donations. Democrats, who had anticipated they would be targeted, condemned the move Thursday and ActBlue called it an 'oppressive use of power' by the White House. 'The Trump Administration's and GOP's targeting of ActBlue is part of their brazen attack on democracy in America. Today's escalation by the White House is blatantly unlawful and needs to be seen for what it is: Donald Trump's latest front in his campaign to stamp out all political, electoral and ideological opposition," ActBlue said in a statement. ActBlue said it would pursue 'all legal avenues to protect and defend itself.' "ActBlue will continue its mission and work undeterred and uninterrupted, providing a safe, secure fundraising platform for the millions of grassroots donors who rely on us.' Trump's order directs Bondi, in consultation with the Treasury Department, to investigate allegations that online fundraising platforms, and specifically ActBlue, have been used by some to 'make 'straw' or 'dummy' contributions or foreign contributions to political candidates and committees.' The findings of the investigation will be reported back with 180 days, according to the order. Since taking office, Trump has sought to use the powers of the government to retaliate against his opponents, including ordering security clearances to be stripped and punishing law firms linked to prosecutors who have investigated him or who have ties to his adversaries. ActBlue, which Democratic campaigns have used for two decades, had helped power an outpouring of small-dollar donations to candidates and causes. It was so successful that Republicans eventually created a counterpart, WinRed — which Trump did not target in the order. Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley applauded the investigation, saying in a statement, 'The Democrats' Dark Money scam has gone on long enough." Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Suzan DelBene, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand and Democratic Governors Association Chair Laura Kelly denounced the executive order in a joint statement. 'Donald Trump's memorandum targeting ActBlue is designed to undermine democratic participation — and it's no wonder why,' the statement said. 'He knows Americans are already fed up with his chaotic agenda that is driving the economy off a cliff, so he's trying to block lawful grassroots donations from supporters giving just $5 or $10 to candidates who oppose him while further empowering the corrupt billionaires who already control his administration.'
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Trump orders Justice Department to investigate Democrats' top fundraising platform
Live Events President Donald Trump has ordered the Justice Department to investigate the Democratic Party's top fundraising platform, the latest example of Trump using the tools of the government to go after his political opponents. Trump, in an executive order signed Thursday, directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate allegations that Republicans have raised that ActBlue allows illegal campaign who had anticipated they would be targeted, condemned the move Thursday and ActBlue called it an "oppressive use of power" by the White House."The Trump Administration's and GOP's targeting of ActBlue is part of their brazen attack on democracy in America. Today's escalation by the White House is blatantly unlawful and needs to be seen for what it is: Donald Trump's latest front in his campaign to stamp out all political, electoral and ideological opposition," ActBlue said in a said it would pursue "all legal avenues to protect and defend itself.""ActBlue will continue its mission and work undeterred and uninterrupted, providing a safe, secure fundraising platform for the millions of grassroots donors who rely on us."Trump's order directs Bondi, in consultation with the Treasury Department, to investigate allegations that online fundraising platforms, and specifically ActBlue, have been used by some to "make straw' or dummy' contributions or foreign contributions to political candidates and committees."The findings of the investigation will be reported back with 180 days, according to the taking office, Trump has sought to use the powers of the government to retaliate against his opponents, including ordering security clearances to be stripped and punishing law firms linked to prosecutors who have investigated him or who have ties to his which Democratic campaigns have used for two decades, had helped power an outpouring of small-dollar donations to candidates and causes. It was so successful that Republicans eventually created a counterpart, WinRed - which Trump did not target in the National Committee Chair Michael Whatley applauded the investigation, saying in a statement, "The Democrats' Dark Money scam has gone on long enough."Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Suzan DelBene, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand and Democratic Governors Association Chair Laura Kelly denounced the executive order in a joint statement."Donald Trump's memorandum targeting ActBlue is designed to undermine democratic participation - and it's no wonder why," the statement said."He knows Americans are already fed up with his chaotic agenda that is driving the economy off a cliff, so he's trying to block lawful grassroots donations from supporters giving just USD 5 or USD 10 to candidates who oppose him while further empowering the corrupt billionaires who already control his administration."
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Trump orders DOJ to investigate Democrats' top fundraising platform
Trump, in an executive order signed Thursday, directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate allegations that Republicans have raised that ActBlue allows illegal campaign donations AP Washington President Donald Trump has ordered the Justice Department to investigate the Democratic Party's top fundraising platform, the latest example of Trump using the tools of the government to go after his political opponents. Trump, in an executive order signed Thursday, directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate allegations that Republicans have raised that ActBlue allows illegal campaign donations. Democrats, who had anticipated they would be targeted, condemned the move Thursday and ActBlue called it an oppressive use of power by the White House. The Trump Administration's and GOP's targeting of ActBlue is part of their brazen attack on democracy in America. Today's escalation by the White House is blatantly unlawful and needs to be seen for what it is: Donald Trump's latest front in his campaign to stamp out all political, electoral and ideological opposition," ActBlue said in a statement. ActBlue said it would pursue all legal avenues to protect and defend itself. "ActBlue will continue its mission and work undeterred and uninterrupted, providing a safe, secure fundraising platform for the millions of grassroots donors who rely on us. Trump's order directs Bondi, in consultation with the Treasury Department, to investigate allegations that online fundraising platforms, and specifically ActBlue, have been used by some to make straw' or dummy' contributions or foreign contributions to political candidates and committees. The findings of the investigation will be reported back with 180 days, according to the order. Since taking office, Trump has sought to use the powers of the government to retaliate against his opponents, including ordering security clearances to be stripped and punishing law firms linked to prosecutors who have investigated him or who have ties to his adversaries. ActBlue, which Democratic campaigns have used for two decades, had helped power an outpouring of small-dollar donations to candidates and causes. It was so successful that Republicans eventually created a counterpart, WinRed which Trump did not target in the order. Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley applauded the investigation, saying in a statement, The Democrats' Dark Money scam has gone on long enough." Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Suzan DelBene, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand and Democratic Governors Association Chair Laura Kelly denounced the executive order in a joint statement. Donald Trump's memorandum targeting ActBlue is designed to undermine democratic participation and it's no wonder why, the statement said. He knows Americans are already fed up with his chaotic agenda that is driving the economy off a cliff, so he's trying to block lawful grassroots donations from supporters giving just USD 5 or USD 10 to candidates who oppose him while further empowering the corrupt billionaires who already control his administration. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
