Government Oversight & Ethics
49 storiesReporting can include records-based investigations, audit analysis, ethics explainers and accountability timelines. Stories may trace open-meetings issues, procurement oversight or financial disclosures, but the central question is always whether public conduct, decision-making and oversight can be documented clearly and fairly.
Proof of Citizenship Ballot Proposal Blocked for Michigan's November Election
A proposal to require proof of citizenship for all Michigan voters will not appear on the November ballot after both the U.S. and Michigan Supreme Courts denied emergency appeals, leaving only two statewide measures for voters this fall.
Missouri Supreme Court Halts New U.S. House Map, Orders Statewide Vote
Missouri's highest court has blocked the use of new congressional districts backed by President Donald Trump, requiring voters to decide their fate before they can take effect in the November general election.
Supreme Court Asked to Weigh Trump Mail Ballot Rule Before Midterms
With mail ballots set to go out in North Carolina, the Trump administration is urging the Supreme Court to allow new federal restrictions on mail voting, even as lower courts question the system's readiness and legality ahead of November's elections
California Agencies Face New Rules for Public Participation and Trust
California's updated Brown Act now requires local agencies to offer two-way remote participation and expanded language access, but experts say real public trust depends on showing how community input shapes decisions
Michigan Audit Finds Voter Rolls Largely Accurate Ahead of 2026 Election
A new audit shows Michigan's voter registration system is overwhelmingly accurate, with only a handful of noncitizens and deceased individuals found on the rolls as the state prepares for the 2026 midterm election.
New York City Ends $200 Million T-Mobile Chromebook Contract for Schools
New York City has canceled a costly T-Mobile contract that provided LTE service for school-issued Chromebooks, citing duplication and high expense. The move is expected to save tens of millions as the city shifts to a more targeted internet access program for students.
Federal Judges Increase Security Measures Amid Rising Threats
Federal judges across the U.S. are taking new steps to protect themselves and their families as threats and harassment rise, with recent studies showing a 57% increase in serious security incidents over the past year
Whistleblower Warns USPS Mail Ballot System May Reject Valid Votes
A new mail ballot system rushed by the U.S. Postal Service to comply with a Trump executive order could lead to widespread rejection of mail ballots, according to a whistleblower. The system is under court review ahead of the midterm elections.
Arkansas to Receive $172 Million in Meta Settlement Over Child Safety
Arkansas will gain at least $172 million from a multistate settlement with Meta over online child safety, while several lawsuits against other social media companies-including TikTok, Google, and Snapchat-remain active in state and federal courts
Pennsylvania Lawmakers Propose Limits on Flock Cameras and ALPR Use
Pennsylvania legislators are considering new bills to regulate automated license plate readers and Flock cameras, aiming to address privacy concerns and set clear rules for law enforcement and local governments
Noncitizen Voting Claims Raise Election Security Debate Ahead of Midterms
As the November midterm elections approach, claims about noncitizen voting are fueling new debates over election security, with officials in several states responding to federal allegations and proposed legislation that could affect voter registration requirements.
Michigan Rural Townships Warn of Crisis as Help Stalls in Legislature
Rural townships across Michigan face mounting challenges filling key government roles and managing increased responsibilities, but proposed state legislation to provide relief remains stalled in Lansing with no hearings scheduled.
Voting Rights March Draws Hundreds to National Mall Before Midterms
Hundreds gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., for the 2026 "Defend the Vote" March, urging action on voting rights and racial justice as new voting laws and redistricting changes raise concerns ahead of the midterm elections.
New York Politicians Admit Using AI to Draft Public Op-Eds
Several New York elected officials, including the governor's running mate and Albany's mayor, have acknowledged using artificial intelligence to help write opinion articles, raising questions about transparency and new disclosure rules
Michigan Group Appeals to Supreme Court Over Blocked Voter ID Ballot
A proposed Michigan constitutional amendment requiring photo ID for all voters was blocked from the November ballot after a state board deadlocked. The group behind the initiative is now seeking urgent intervention from the Michigan Supreme Court.
Michigan Primary Election Process Earns Praise for Accuracy
Michigan's recent primary election saw all 83 counties complete ballot counting and certification without incident, reinforcing public trust in the state's election system ahead of a closely watched November vote
Mike Rogers Refines Senate Campaign, Seeks Broader Michigan Support
Mike Rogers is making a second bid for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, emphasizing bipartisan credentials and outreach to Democrats after a narrow 2024 loss. The campaign now targets key issues like education, housing, and affordability.
Farmington Schools Employee Charged With Embezzling Over $100,000
A longtime Farmington Public Schools staff member faces felony charges after being accused of embezzling more than $100,000, including federal grant funds intended to support students experiencing homelessness. The district says services were not disrupted.
Michigan Attorney General Releases Report on Flint Water Case Failure
A new report from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office defends its approach to the Flint water crisis prosecution, blaming a Supreme Court ruling for the collapse of criminal charges and leaving many Flint residents unsatisfied
Michigan Proof-of-Citizenship Ballot Proposal Blocked After Deadlock
A proposed Michigan constitutional amendment requiring voters to prove U.S. citizenship was blocked from the November ballot after a split decision by the Board of State Canvassers. Organizers plan to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court.
Michigan Education Leaders Urge State to Reject Federal Voucher Plan
Education experts in Michigan are calling on state officials to opt out of a proposed federal voucher program, warning it could destabilize public schools and divert resources from students and educators across the state.
States Shift AI Focus From Competition to Community Impact
California, New York, New Jersey and North Carolina are rethinking artificial intelligence oversight, prioritizing public benefit and risk over industry competition as new systems enter workplaces and public services.
Michigan GOP Finalizes 2026 Ticket, Focuses on State Issues
Michigan Republicans nominated Jay DeBoyer as lieutenant governor alongside John James at their Mount Pleasant convention, emphasizing opposition to Democratic policies and outlining priorities for the 2026 election cycle.
American Arab Chamber Director Fired Amid Investigation of Missing Funds
The American Arab Chamber of Commerce in Dearborn has dismissed Executive Director Bilal Hammoud after discovering unaccounted funds, with authorities now investigating possible misdirection of state economic development grants.
Michigan Officials Face Recall Efforts Over Data Center Projects
Local leaders across Michigan say they have little authority to block new data centers, as residents frustrated by recent approvals struggle to get recall votes on the ballot. Only one recall will proceed this November despite dozens of attempts.
Cities and Counties Sue DHS Over New Election Grant Conditions
Four local governments are challenging new Department of Homeland Security rules that tie counterterrorism grants to state election security measures, arguing the requirements overstep federal authority and could disrupt upcoming elections.
Jay O'Grady Appointed Rhode Island House Policy Director
Jay O'Grady, a former Rhode Island state representative, has been named House Policy Director after serving four terms in the legislature and holding leadership roles in community development organizations
Jocelyn Benson Selects Winnie Brinks as Running Mate for Michigan Governor
Jocelyn Benson has named Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks as her running mate in the 2026 Michigan governor's race, bringing legislative experience and a west Michigan connection to the Democratic ticket ahead of the November election.
Michigan Voters to Decide on Utility Political Donation Ban in November
A statewide ballot proposal could bar major utilities and large state contractors from making political donations in Michigan, raising questions about free speech and campaign finance rules ahead of the November 3 election.
Lakeville Man Sentenced to 78 Months for $250M Fraud and Witness Tampering
Abdinasir Mahamed Abshir of Lakeville, MN, received a 78-month federal prison sentence for his role in a $250 million child nutrition fraud scheme and for attempting to tamper with a trial witness during the case.
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