"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will heal their land."

California Rep. Kevin Kiley while announcing he will register as an independent in the U.S. House of Representatives, citing frustration with rising partisanship and what he called a nationwide “gerrymandering epidemic.” Kiley said he will still caucus with Republicans for administrative purposes but plans to approach the remainder of his term independently, arguing the political climate in Washington is more polarized than many Americans realize. The move comes days after he filed for reelection as a “No Party Preference” candidate and will make him one of only three independents in Congress. The other two serve in the Senate. (Sacramento Bee)

The slogan is part of a new public safety campaign launched by the Colorado State Patrol to warn drivers not to get behind the wheel after using psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin. The effort comes as Colorado implements voter-approved decriminalization of certain psychedelics and as microdosing grows more common. State officials say the campaign applies the same message used for alcohol and cannabis: Plan a safe ride home before using substances that could impair driving. (The Lawton Constitution)

North Dakota GOP Chair Matt Simon, reacting after several Republican incumbents announced they would skip the party’s state convention and bypass the endorsement process — an extraordinary move that underscores deep divisions within the state GOP. Simon said sitting officeholders declining to seek the party’s endorsement is something the party has never experienced before. (North Dakota Monitor)

Florida state House Speaker Daniel Perez as lawmakers in the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate struggled to reach agreement on a state budget with only days left in the Legislature’s 60-day session. Even though the two chambers’ proposals are less than 1 percent apart, negotiations have stalled over deeper disagreements about taxes and spending priorities. The impasse has raised the likelihood that lawmakers will need to extend the session to pass the constitutionally required balanced budget. (Orlando Sentinel)