State & Local

Guardian — US Aug 27

Florida Grand Jury Report Indicates Misappropriation of Medicaid Settlement Funds by DeSantis Administration

A Florida grand jury has found that Governor Ron DeSantis's administration misappropriated $10 million from a Medicaid settlement into a charity linked to his wife, which was then used for political activities. The grand jury concluded there was not enough evidence to indict anyone involved.

Bias: 30 Sentiment: +0.00

The Hill Aug 27

Rep. Chuck Edwards issues letter responding to Ethics Committee report on conduct

Rep. Chuck Edwards of North Carolina responded to an Ethics Committee report that found he engaged in inappropriate conduct towards two female staff members. In his letter, he denounced the report's reliance on interpretations of his interactions as romantic.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

boltsmag.org Aug 27

Wyoming Republican Primaries Result in Shift Away from Far-Right Election Policies

Wyoming's recent Republican primaries saw a shift away from far-right election policies, with voters nominating candidates who support secure and accessible voting. Robert Short won the secretary of state nomination, defeating Freedom Caucus Chair Rachel Williams, while Chuck Gray, a proponent of voter restrictions, secured a primary win for a U.S. House seat. The outcomes suggest a potential decline in the influence of far-right factions in Wyoming's legislature.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.10

Daily Wire Aug 27

Michigan Attorney General Criticizes El-Sayed Over Comments on Antisemitism

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has criticized U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed for comments she believes rationalized an attempted attack on a synagogue. Nessel, who has faced antisemitism within the Democratic Party, expressed concerns about El-Sayed's failure to retract his statements linking the attack to U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, stating that such framing excuses domestic terrorism.

Bias: 30 Sentiment: -0.20

Al Jazeera English Aug 27

California Election Officials Address Misinformation Ahead of Midterm Elections

As the midterm elections approach, California election officials are addressing misinformation regarding voting integrity, particularly in response to claims made by President Donald Trump. Officials emphasize transparency and voter education, noting that election fraud is rare. With concerns about federal interference and the scrutiny of mail-in voting, California is co-leading a lawsuit against new restrictions imposed by the Trump administration.

Bias: 36 Sentiment: +0.00

Fox News — Latest Aug 27

Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand expresses desire for new leadership, declines support from Biden and Harris

Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand has stated that he does not want former President Joe Biden or former Vice President Kamala Harris to campaign for him, expressing a desire for new leadership. Sand is running against Trump-backed Republican Zach Lahn in the 2026 gubernatorial race, while current Governor Kim Reynolds has announced she will not seek re-election.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

cbsnews.com Aug 27

Grand Jury Report Finds Misappropriation of $10 Million by DeSantis Administration

A grand jury report has concluded that the DeSantis administration misappropriated $10 million in taxpayer funds by diverting them from a Medicaid settlement to the Hope Florida Foundation, intended for political activities rather than health insurance for low-income children. While the report found evidence of misuse, it stated there was insufficient evidence for criminal charges. Key figures identified include James Uthmeier and Ashley Moody, both of whom have not publicly commented on the allegations.

Bias: 36 Sentiment: -0.10

Fox News — Latest Aug 27

Florida driver involved in crash with school bus while fleeing traffic stop

A Florida driver, Qahiem Williams, 23, allegedly fled a traffic stop and crashed into a school bus carrying 19 children. All children were unharmed, and Williams was arrested after fleeing on foot. He faces multiple charges, including fleeing or eluding and driving with a suspended license.

Bias: 36 Sentiment: +0.00

New York Post Aug 27

Santa Monica Increases Police Presence Following Recent Violence

Santa Monica is increasing police patrols in response to a rise in violence, including two shootings over a weekend. Police Chief Darrick Jacob emphasized the importance of visibility and accessibility for safety. The city has experienced several violent incidents this year, prompting officials to reassure residents and visitors about safety measures.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: -0.20

New York Post Aug 27

New York AFL-CIO Does Not Endorse Several Democratic Candidates in House Races

The New York AFL-CIO announced its endorsements for House races, choosing not to endorse Democratic candidates Daraliza Avila Chevalier, Brad Lander, and Laura Gillen. The organization, representing 3,000 unions, remains neutral in these races, which may not impact candidates in overwhelmingly Democratic districts but poses a challenge for Gillen in her re-election bid against Republican Jeanine Driscoll.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

New York Post Aug 26

Gavin Newsom discusses wine cellar at his Sacramento home amid sale

California Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife are selling their Sacramento home for $7.5 million. During a press conference, Newsom claimed he was unaware of the home's 5,000-bottle wine cellar, stating he used the space for books instead. The couple's financial situation has come under scrutiny amid a federal investigation into their family and associates.

Bias: 30 Sentiment: +0.00

Washington Examiner Aug 26

Maryland Judge Strikes Down Redistricting Amendment Ahead of 2028 Elections

A Maryland judge ruled against a proposed constitutional amendment for redistricting that could have allowed Democrats to gain a congressional seat in 2028. The decision, made by Judge Robert Thompson, was based on procedural issues, and the case will now be appealed to the Maryland Supreme Court.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

Washington Examiner Aug 26

Maine gubernatorial nominee Bobby Charles proposes ICE presence at polling locations

Bobby Charles, the Republican nominee for governor of Maine, has proposed requesting federal officers from ICE to be present at polling locations during the midterm elections. His comments have faced backlash from Democrats, who argue that such a move could intimidate voters and is likely illegal. Charles will run against Democratic nominee Hannah Pingree in the upcoming election.

Bias: 14 Sentiment: -0.20

Washington Examiner Aug 26

Federal Judge Denies Minnesota's Extradition Request for ICE Officer

A federal judge has denied Minnesota's lawsuit to compel Texas Governor Greg Abbott to extradite ICE officer Christian Castro, who faces criminal charges for a nonfatal shooting. The judge ruled that Minnesota's request was premature, as Abbott had not denied the extradition and had sought further information on the matter.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

nbcnews.com Aug 26

Maine gubernatorial candidate proposes federal agents at polling places

Bobby Charles, the Republican nominee for governor of Maine, proposed that U.S. Marshals and ICE agents be present at polling places during the upcoming midterm elections. He stated that this measure would help prevent violence and illegal voting. However, state officials and the Maine Democratic Party criticized the proposal as potentially illegal and politically motivated, emphasizing that federal agents are prohibited from being near polling locations.

Bias: 14 Sentiment: -0.10

The Hill Aug 26

Maryland Judge Blocks Redistricting Amendment Effort

A Maryland judge has ruled against a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at redrawing the state's congressional districts, marking a setback for Democratic redistricting efforts. The ruling was made by Judge Robert Thompson regarding House Bill 2100, signed into law by Governor Wes Moore.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

New York Post Aug 26

California Sues USPS Over Mail-in Voting Restrictions

California has initiated a lawsuit against the USPS to block new mail-in voting restrictions following a Supreme Court ruling that upheld parts of President Trump's executive order. The lawsuit, led by Attorney General Rob Bonta, argues that the USPS is overstepping its authority in regulating elections. This legal action comes amid concerns over mail ballot rejections and allegations of election fraud in California's voting system.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: -0.10

PBS NewsHour Aug 26

Mike Mazzei wins Republican nomination for Oklahoma governor

Mike Mazzei has secured the Republican nomination for Oklahoma governor, aided by support from former President Donald Trump, who criticized his opponent Gentner Drummond. The runoff campaign saw significant advertising expenditures, and Mazzei is now set to face Democratic nominee Cyndi Munson in the November election.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

New York Post Aug 26

California Governor Considers Speed Cameras on Pacific Coast Highway

Governor Gavin Newsom is evaluating a proposal to install speed cameras on the Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach following the passage of Senate Bill 1279. This legislation aims to address safety concerns in an area that has seen a significant number of traffic fatalities. The decision on whether to implement the cameras must be made by September 30.

Bias: 14 Sentiment: +0.00

Fox News — Politics Aug 26

Massachusetts State Representative Charged with COVID Relief Fraud

Massachusetts State Representative Francisco Paulino was arrested on charges of COVID relief fraud, facing 11 counts including pandemic loan fraud and money laundering. U.S. Attorney Leah Foley stated that Paulino allegedly obtained over $700,000 in federal funds for personal use. This arrest follows the similar arrest of Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña on related charges.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: -0.50