State Sen. Todd Weiler will lead the conservative Sutherland Institute while keeping his Senate seat, a move that critics say raises conflict questions. The hire is set to begin in early August.

A court‑watching report says judges at Leighton ordered detention in the majority of petitions — including many defendants the county’s risk tool labeled low risk.

A Detroit News–WDIV/Glengariff poll puts Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson at 72% and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson at 12% in the Democratic primary. The numbers show Benson widening an already‑large lead as Michigan heads toward the Aug. 4 primary.

Florida AG James Uthmeier told Winter Garden to take down park signs referencing firearms, calling the city's ban "null and void" and setting an Aug. 15 deadline. The AG warned legal action would follow if the signage isn't fixed.

Ossoff reported a $20M Q2 haul and more than $42M on hand; Collins raised about $2.1M. Outside groups are already lining up millions in ad buys.

Incumbent Robert Wittke faces Democrat Eddie Phanichkul in Assembly District 63, a suburban contest shaped by redrawn maps and a heated debate over AI data‑center projects.

Residents urged Hillsborough County to end taxpayer support for the Florida‑Israel Business Accelerator, arguing local needs should come before recruiting Israeli startups. County budget documents show a $100,000 annual agreement is currently in the FY25 allocations.

The IRS raised the standard business mileage rate to 76 cents per mile effective July 1, 2026, citing volatile fuel prices. The rare midyear change will affect reimbursements and recordkeeping through year‑end.

A new benchmarking review shows Chanhassen homeowners pay among the lowest city property taxes in peer suburbs even as local home values remain high. The analysis will shape upcoming budget talks.

Dyann Mack takes over Harford County schools amid a $15M funding gap and public fights over books and staffing. Her immediate task: quiet the noise and keep attention on classrooms.

Rep. Haley Stevens introduced the Tariff Refund Act to send rebate checks to households hit by Trump-era tariffs, proposing payments up to $1,700 per family.

Hernando County voters must register or change party by July 20 to be eligible for the Aug. 18 primary. The supervisor’s office says online and paper registration are available now.

Supervisors from six counties warned vote‑by‑mail enrollments have dipped sharply and outlined deadlines and safety plans for the Aug. 18 primary.