Government Oversight & Ethics - Page 2
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Petaluma Reviews Mayoral Candidate's Residency Before Election
Petaluma officials are investigating whether Shelina Moreda met the city's residency rules to qualify for the November mayoral ballot, following concerns raised by local labor leaders about her voter registration timing
Detroit Animal Euthanasia Fell Under El-Sayed's Oversight, Records Show
A review of Detroit's animal control records finds that euthanasia rates for dogs and cats dropped after Abdul El-Sayed became health director in late 2015, despite recent political claims suggesting otherwise
State Election Officials Clash With Trump Administration Over Security
With less than 90 days until the midterm election, state election leaders voiced frustration over reduced federal support and threats of prosecution, raising concerns about election security and federal-state cooperation.
Federal Judge Dismisses DOJ Lawsuit Over Minnesota Voter Data
A federal judge has rejected the Department of Justice's attempt to obtain Minnesota's full voter registration list, marking the 23rd consecutive loss for the DOJ in similar cases across the country
Republicans Question Benson's Role Amid SPLC Federal Charges
Michigan Republicans are raising concerns about Jocelyn Benson's past board service at the Southern Poverty Law Center, which is now facing federal criminal charges. Benson is not named in the indictment, but the case overlaps with her tenure.
Michigan Voter Citizenship Proposal Falls Short of Ballot Access
A proposal to require proof of citizenship and stricter voter ID rules in Michigan is unlikely to appear on the November ballot after state officials found it lacked enough valid signatures, leaving only two statewide questions for voters this fall
Evanston Seeks Guidance on Federal Agents' Actions During 2025 Operation
Evanston officials are consulting the Cook County State's Attorney's Office as they investigate federal agents' conduct during Operation Midway Blitz, following reports of excessive force and community trauma in 2025.
22 States Challenge DHS Subpoena for Trucker License Data
A coalition of 22 states is seeking to block a federal subpoena that would give the Department of Homeland Security access to millions of commercial driver's license records, raising concerns about privacy and federal overreach
Flock Safety Cuts Data Retention as Cities Drop License Plate Cameras
Flock Safety is reducing its recommended data retention period and adding new oversight tools after more than 50 U.S. communities canceled or suspended use of its automated license plate reader cameras in 2026
Local Governments Shift Toward Leaner, Accountable AI Systems
Cities and public agencies are moving away from massive, generic AI models in favor of smaller, purpose-built systems that prioritize efficiency, transparency, and local needs. The change aims to improve service delivery and meet strict governance standards.
Michigan Lawmakers Consider Ban on Seclusion in Public Schools
Michigan schools reported nearly 18,000 incidents of seclusion or restraint during the 2024-2025 school year. A new bill could prohibit seclusion and require more staff training to address student crises and trauma.
Michigan Charges 5 Noncitizens With Alleged 2024 Election Voting
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has charged five noncitizens and one U.S. citizen in connection with alleged illegal voting in the 2024 general election. Ten other cases were closed, and 22 remain under investigation statewide.
John James Selects Jay DeBoyer as Running Mate for Michigan Governor
Michigan gubernatorial candidate John James has named state Rep. Jay DeBoyer as his pick for lieutenant governor. The selection, if confirmed, would mark a shift in the Michigan GOP's statewide ticket ahead of the November 3 general election.
Whitmer Opposes Consumers Energy Plan to Sell 13 Michigan Dams
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has formally objected to Consumers Energy's proposed sale of 13 hydropower dams to a private equity firm, warning the deal could shift long-term safety and financial risks onto Michigan taxpayers if approved.
Federal TANF Data Sharing Plan Delayed Amid State Legal Challenge
A federal proposal to expand data sharing on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients has been postponed to September 1, as several Democrat-led states seek to block the policy in court over privacy and immigration concerns
Michigan Lawmakers Push for More Transparency at Public Universities
A 1999 Michigan Supreme Court ruling allows public university boards to make most decisions privately. Lawmakers and advocates are now seeking constitutional changes to require open meetings and greater accountability for how $1.8 billion in state funds are spent.
Hamden State Rep. Elliott Concedes Democratic Primary to Lamont
Hamden State Rep. Josh Elliott was defeated by Gov. Ned Lamont in Connecticut's Democratic primary, with Lamont securing nearly 68% of the vote. Lamont will now face Republican Ryan Fazio in the November general election.
Vandalism Targets License Plate Cameras as Michigan Debates Privacy
Communities across Michigan are seeing a rise in vandalism of police license plate cameras as lawmakers consider new regulations and residents voice concerns about surveillance and data privacy
Federal Election Security Review Halted After Voting Machine Findings
A federal review of Dominion voting systems in Puerto Rico was abruptly stopped after researchers found serious vulnerabilities but no evidence of vote tampering, raising questions about political pressure on election security work ahead of the 2024 midterms.
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