Joseph Wood went to buy gas in Ventura in anticipation of driving up the coast to visit his children this week. The 39-year-old gig driver knew he had money on a debit card connected to his unemployment payments when his purchase was declined.

Unable to fill up his tank, he found his card was frozen. By the time it unlocked Monday, $1,380 had disappeared.

The US Supreme Court refused to hear a last ditch attempt by Maine Republicans Tuesday to prevent ranked choice voting from being used in Maine’s presidential election -- a first in both state and US history.

The Associated Press reports that Maine Republicans filed the appeal after the first votes had already been cast. Not only have ballots been sent out to overseas voters, but additional absentee ballots were returned this week either by mail or in person.

Michael Allman joins host T.J. O’Hara on Deconstructed to discuss the challenges facing public schools during the COVID-19 pandemic and in general. Mr. Allman is a candidate for School Board in California’s San Dieguito Union High School District. He is a local CEO and an experienced board member having chaired numerous public and private boards and as well as chairing several audit committees. Mr.