Government Oversight & Ethics - Page 2
72 stories
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.
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.
Page 2 of 3