Another top aide to New York City mayor resigns amid federal probe

NEW YORK (AP) — Embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams has accepted the resignation of his deputy mayor for public safety, Philip Banks. The resignation is the latest in a string of departures from the Adams administration. Adams said on TV station NY1 on Monday that Banks told him “he wants to transition to some other things.” The resignation comes one month after federal agents seized devices from top city officials including Banks as well as his brother, schools chancellor David Banks, who also resigned. Adams has pleaded not guilty to the charges and rebuffed calls to resign. Philip Banks has denied wrongdoing

Chicago mayor names new school board after entire panel resigns

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has named members of a new school board, days after all seven members resigned amid an escalating fight over control of the public schools in the nation’s third-largest city. Johnson has been trying to oust Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez, who was named to the job in 2021 by Johnson’s predecessor. Johnson, a former Chicago Teachers Union organizer, has clashed with Martinez, including over how best to close gaps in the district’s nearly $10 billion budget. Martinez has declined to resign, citing the need for stability in the district. During a news conference Monday, Johnson introduced six new school board members and said he’d name a seventh at a later date.

Hurricane Milton is a Category 5

BELLEAIR BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Milton strengthened rapidly into a Category 5 hurricane on a path toward Florida. The system is threatening the densely populated Tampa area with a potential direct hit and menacing the same stretch of coastline that was battered by Hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago. The center of the storm could come ashore Wednesday in the Tampa Bay region, which has not endured a head-on hit by a hurricane in more than a century. Scientists expect the system to weaken slightly before landfall, though it is still forecast to hit as a Category 3 hurricane or higher.

Mega Millions tickets will climb to $5

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The cost of a Mega Millions lottery ticket will soon more than double, but officials said they’re confident players won’t mind paying more after changes that will lead to larger prizes and more frequent winners. Lottery officials announced Monday that it will cost $5 to play Mega Millions beginning in April. That is up from the current $2 per ticket. Along with the high price, officials plan changes leading to improved jackpot odds, more frequent giant prizes and larger payouts. Mega Millions and its lottery compatriot Powerball are sold in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.