A 3-0 North Carolina Court of Appeals ruling rejected a bid to recognize a state right to “fair elections,” upholding a dismissal of a high-profile challenge to recent maps. The decision leans on a 2023 state precedent that limits judicial oversight of partisan gerrymanders.

Hillsborough County’s emergency management director was put on leave months ago and the county won’t say why. An interim director is running the office as hurricane season nears.

Harford County attorney Jim Rutledge is running for Maryland attorney general on a crime‑first platform, prioritizing gang prosecutions and cybercrime enforcement.

Perry County agreed to pay $835,000 to settle a federal suit after a Lexington man spent 37 days jailed over a Facebook meme. The settlement resolves his civil‑rights claims.

Summit County Democrats asked the Justice Department to investigate GOP nominee Carey Coleman for failing to file a required personal financial disclosure while FEC filings show campaign loans.

The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved steps to stand up an independent Ethics Commission and Office of Ethics Compliance, setting timelines for recruitment and a draft ordinance. County Counsel must return with a draft by June 30.

An ex‑staffer says Commissioner Mike Causey sent messages that made her uncomfortable and filed whistleblower complaints; screenshots were provided to reporters.

Child‑safety groups asked the FTC to investigate Roblox’s design and marketing, saying the platform misleads parents and pressures minors to spend. The move adds federal scrutiny as lawsuits pile up.

The Columbus Board approved eliminating 299 district positions to help close a $50M budget gap; officials say most roles were vacant and the cuts target non-classroom staff.

J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio have both used recent White House briefings as televised auditions, turning routine Q&As into high‑profile showcases. Rubio’s clip has already gone viral, and Trump’s praise has added fuel to 2028 chatter.

A new Ohio bill would treat vaping products not cleared by federal regulators as contraband, set up a state registry, and tighten retailer licensing and penalties. Sponsors say it’s about enforcement, not a ban.

The Registrar posted Ballot Drop Stop visits May 18–22 at libraries, senior centers and community sites across the East Bay. Check ACVOTE for exact times.

Detroit councilwoman Mary Waters was listed as disqualified from the Aug. 4 Democratic primary after election officials said her nominating petitions failed review. Her campaign has appealed to the state Bureau of Elections.