"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."

Justice Clarence Thomas, questioning lawyers representing Mississippi in a key Supreme Court case over mail-in voting. During oral arguments on Monday, the court seemed poised to reject Mississippi’s mail-in voting law. Conservative justices appeared to agree with the plaintiffs’ argument that mail-in ballots should not count if they’re received after Election Day. “The justices repeatedly pressed the lawyer for Mississippi on what is required to make a ballot selection final,” writes the New York Times, “suggesting that federal law sets out Election Day as the day ballots should be considered final.” The court is expected to issue its opinion in the case on Wednesday morning. It could affect at least 18 states and territories with similar laws. [New York Times]

Mia Bonta, a California assemblymember, warning about the growing reach of fantasy sports wagering platforms among minors. Bonta made the remark while announcing legislation to restrict advertising and access to sports betting-style apps for minors, arguing that the platforms blur the line between gaming and gambling. Lawmakers say the apps are increasingly targeting younger users, even as sports betting remains illegal in California. (The Sacramento Bee)

Illinois state Senator Karina Villa, as she trailed in a tightly contested Democratic primary for state comptroller. Villa, one of four candidates in the race, pointed to tens of thousands of outstanding mail-in and drop-box ballots as reason to hold off on declaring a winner. With state Rep. Margaret Croke holding only a narrow lead in a crowded field that also included Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim and state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, the race remained one of the closest and only unresolved statewide contests heading into the final vote count. (Chicago Tribune)

California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials, in a social media warning aimed at drivers trying to cheat carpool lane rules with fake passengers. The message came alongside a recent enforcement example in Southern California, where a driver used a jacket arranged in the passenger seat to mimic a person. CHP noted that such tactics — from mannequins to makeshift decoys — are a recurring issue, and violations can result in tickets exceeding $400 as part of ongoing HOV lane crackdowns. (Los Angeles Times)