A Chestnut Hill Local Q&A had four Democrats answer five neighborhood-sourced questions ahead of the May 19 primary. The short format put local priorities front and center.

Illinois lawmakers are weighing rival AI bills: one would limit liability for frontier labs if they publish safety plans, the other would force audits, reporting and child-protection rules.

A White House AI image of Schumer and Jeffries in sombreros on Cinco de Mayo touched off a rapid meme war, with Schumer answering by posting an image of Trump and Jeffrey Epstein.

Six bills moved out of committee to expand safe‑harbor protections and update laws on intimate images and infant trafficking.

A May 6 hearing will decide whether OG&E can pre‑approve a 302‑MW battery project — and whether the average customer could pay roughly $2.21 more per month.

George Cardenas has formed an exploratory committee to test a Chicago mayoral bid after a narrow Board of Review win. His role on the tax appeals board could make property values a campaign issue.

The FDA authorized four Glas e‑cigarette pods — including two non‑tobacco flavors — under strict phone‑based age verification and marketing limits. The move is a narrow test of whether tech can keep flavored vapes out of young hands.

Harris Health says Wellpoint Texas underpaid or denied thousands of Medicare Advantage claims, and warns unpaid bills could shift millions in costs to Harris County taxpayers.

A 5.89‑mill, 28‑year bond would raise up to $27M to build a new firehouse, reconfigure police space and fix Veterans Memorial Stadium. Supporters stress safety; opponents call it rushed.

Supervisor Janice Hahn asked the sheriff to estimate the cost of free hygiene kits and to guarantee reliable access to menstrual products for people in LA County jails. She called the push "about health and dignity."

Orange County is weighing a stormwater utility fee to pay for more than $1 billion in drainage and water‑quality projects; commissioners have asked staff to host outreach before a June review.

A Portland advocacy group says Oregon State Police allowed federal immigration agencies to query driver‑license, registration and other private records about 1.4 million times; the suit seeks an injunction.

Former Cleveland councilman Eugene Miller captured the Democratic nomination for Ohio House District 20 and will face Republican Donna Walker‑Brown in November.