Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Ballot processing continues as certification approaches
EPHRATA — Election officials in Grant and Adams counties are nearing the finish line of the 2026 general election,…
Hawaii CEO accused of $12.8M in fraud virus assistance loans
HONOLULU (AP) — The CEO of a company that was one of Hawaii’s largest recipients of the Paycheck Protection Program defrauded banks of more than $12.8 million in money meant to assist businesses affected by the cor…
Connecticut House votes to give more time to process ballots
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut lawmakers voted Wednesday to give local election officials some extra time to begin processing the large numbers of absentee ballots that are expected to be filed for the Nov. 3 g…
Kansas health chief predicts bigger COVID-19 spikes to come
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The top public health official in Kansas said Wednesday that the state has yet to see its biggest wave of coronavirus cases, suggesting the pandemic could spawn an average of 800 or even 900 new…
Federal judge questions North Carolina absentee rule change
A federal judge said Wednesday that a North Carolina elections board directive making it easier for voters to fix witness deficiencies in absentee ballots may violate a previous ruling he made and has ordered state…
California to study reparations for Black Americans
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California will develop a detailed plan for reparations under a new law signed on Wednesday by Gov. Gavin Newsom, making it the first state to mandate a study of how it can make amends for…
Bullock urges local steps to stop virus, none new from state
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Steve Bullock urged local officials where coronavirus cases are surging to consider stricter measures including shutting down bars in some hotspots to halt the virus' spread. But h…
Nebraska officials warn against 'ballot harvesting'
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Two top Nebraska officials urged voters Wednesday not to give their ballot to an unfamiliar third party who promises to turn it in on their behalf.
Kansas City introduces another plan to combat growing crime
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City officials on Wednesday introduced another attempt to reduce crime in the city, with a focus on increasing community involvement, breaking down barriers between groups, and helpin…
Federal judge loosens absentee rules for vulnerable voters
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Older Alabama voters at risk for contracting COVID-19 shouldn't have to comply with all the state's requirements for casting absentee ballots, which disproportionately harm Black people duri…
Indiana details COVID-19 cases in schools with new dashboard
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — State officials will release to the public a new online tool Wednesday designed to help
Man charged in shooting of 2 Los Angeles County deputies
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Prosecutors charged a 36-year-old man Wednesday with a brazen ambush of two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies earlier this month, an apparently unprovoked shooting as they sat in a squad car …
Collins criticizes Trump for failing to condemn Proud Boys
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Republican Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday criticized President Donald Trump for his failure to condemn white supremacists during a debate with Democratic challenger Joe Biden.
Quarantined Illinois governor lays out Halloween rules
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday that a member of his staff who tested positive for COVID-19 is symptomatic but is in good condition and resting at home.
Arizona state police gets body cameras for 12% of force
PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said Wednesday that someone is donating 150 body-worn cameras for state police officers, enough to equip about 12% of the force in the coming months.
Mississippi governor ends statewide mask mandate
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves ended a statewide mask mandate Wednesday but said he will still require people to wear face coverings in schools to curb the spread of the coronavirus.