California cities, counties split on enforcing health orders

SAN DIEGO (AP) — San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore on Thursday announced a “full-time law enforcement presence” to get more businesses to comply with California's tightening coronavirus restrictions, joining one o…

Biden wins Georgia, ending long losing streak for Democrats

ATLANTA (AP) — Joe Biden has won Georgia, scoring a rare win in a Southern state that hadn’t backed a Democrat for president in nearly 30 years.

Alaska official seeks initiative audit to calm questions

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska Republican Lt. Gov. Kevin Meyer said he plans to seek an audit of votes cast on a statewide ballot initiative to help put to rest questions some have raised about the “validity” of elec…

GA-Pres-elected

GOP wins court order on mail ballots in state Senate contest

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — More than 2,000 undated mail-in ballots cannot be counted in a western Pennsylvania state Senate race, an appeals court ruled Thursday, saying handwritten dates “provide a measure of security…

Georgia hand tally of votes is complete, affirms Biden lead

ATLANTA (AP) — A hand tally of ballots cast in Georgia for the presidential race has been completed, and it affirms Democrat Joe Biden's narrow lead over Republican President Donald Trump, according to results rele…

Nevada reports record-high 2,416 COVID-19 cases amid surge

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Nevada health officials reported 2,416 new coronavirus cases on Thursday and six additional deaths as the virus continues to surge throughout the state.

Governor calls on Legislature to approve pandemic relief

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's governor is calling a special legislative session next week in the hope of providing new economic relief to those who lost their jobs and small businesses that are reeling from th…

New Mexico increases enforcement of clean-up at oil sites

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico State Land Office that oversees thousands of oil and natural gas development leases in a major U.S. petroleum-production basin is expanding environmental enforcement efforts to …

Berger chief of staff Tripp leaving for UNC post

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The chief of staff for North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger is stepping down to take a position within the University of North Carolina system.

Kentucky sets new daily high: 3,649 new coronavirus cases

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky reported a new daily record of 3,649 coronavirus cases Thursday amid warnings by Gov. Andy Beshear that the situation for many of the state’s hospitals and healthcare centers could b…

Bill to limit health orders passes, but DeWine promises veto

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Republican Gov. Mike DeWine — after promising a veto — failed to convince lawmakers Thursday not to pass legislation that would limit the powers of his administration and health officials as t…

AP FACT CHECK: Trump legal team's batch of false vote claims

Despite a lack of evidence of widespread irregularities or fraud, President Donald Trump’s legal team used a Thursday press conference to go through a laundry list of far-fetched, thoroughly debunked claims on the …

Republicans OK election study despite House Dems' opposition

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Republicans in the Pennsylvania House succeeded Thursday in directing a state agency to conduct a review of election procedures despite unified opposition from Democrats.

Retailers curb indoor sales as virus surges in New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — With the coronavirus surging in New Mexico, more retail stores are shutting down in-person sales ahead of a holiday shopping season that's critical for business.