HISD will ask Texas for an exemption to a new law requiring three‑point seat belts on every school bus, saying retrofits and replacements would cost about $29 million amid tight budgets.

The Education Department approved Ed‑Flex waivers for Florida and Illinois on May 13, 2026, allowing more state and local control over federal K‑12 dollars.

Colorado Democrats filed a complaint seeking to censure Gov. Jared Polis after he commuted Tina Peters' sentence, making her eligible for parole June 1.

Bacarra Mauldin says she was fired while on FMLA leave and has sued the city and MATA, seeking reinstatement or up to $1 million in damages. The filing challenges MATA’s spending review and termination process.

Xi Jinping hosted Vladimir Putin in Beijing days after President Trump’s state visit; the leaders extended a 2001 friendship treaty and put energy deals front and center.

Minneapolis is weighing a $90–$105M, PreK–8 Anishinabe Academy at the former Cooper site even as the district faces a $39.7M gap and many underused schools. The plan wins community praise but raises tough enrollment and budget trade‑offs.

A settlement requires Columbia County Jail to change booking, release and federal-custody procedures to comply with Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Act. Local oversight will track implementation.

Hutto directed the HEDC to buy land and start design on a fire station near the megasite; Williamson County ESD No. 3 objected to potential service duplication.

Rep. Nikema Williams won the May 19 Democratic primary in Georgia’s 5th District and will face Republican John “Bongo” Salvesen again in November.

A Davidson County judgment found unequal treatment in Nashville’s home‑occupation code, prompting Metro to file a bill to rewrite the rules. Advocates call it a win for home studios and in‑home services.

President Trump signed an executive order asking Treasury and bank regulators to beef up checks on customers' citizenship, directing a fast rule‑making timeline. Analysts say the move targets a narrow slice of mortgages and could trigger legal fights.

A Miami Beach major who faced an FBI inquiry and internal discipline is now part of the department’s top team, raising fresh questions about promotions and oversight.

Former Wilmington mayor Mike Purzycki died at 80 on May 19, 2026. Officials praised his role remaking the Riverfront and ordered flags at half‑staff.