Mayor races sharpen as primary results finally are released

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Races for mayors of four of Rhode Island's largest cities sharpened Thursday — two days after the state's primary — as officials finally released votes that were mailed in because of the cor…

Judges: Trump can't exclude people from district drawings

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Saying the president had exceeded his authority, a panel of three federal judges on Thursday blocked an order from President Donald Trump that tried to exclude people in the country illegally f…

South Carolina public health director heads to Ohio

WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — One of South Carolina's top health officials is leaving for Ohio, less than five months into the job helping to direct the Palmetto State's coronavirus pandemic response.

Reno-Sparks bars likely reopen next week; Vegas still closed

RENO, Nev. (AP) — Bars, taprooms, wineries and breweries will remain closed in Las Vegas but allowed to reopen as early as next week in the Reno-Sparks area under strict guidelines intended to prevent the spread of…

AG: N. Carolina board won't appeal ruling on felons voting

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's elections board won't try to stop enforcement of a court ruling that would allow more convicted felons to vote this fall, state Attorney General Josh Stein announced Thursday. …

McConnell clashes with McGrath over 9/11 comments

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — On the eve of the anniversary of the deadliest terror attack on American soil, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic challenger Amy McGrath battled over an ad reviv…

RI-Winners

US Attorney General levels broadside on voting by mail

PHOENIX (AP) — U.S. Attorney General William Barr delivered a broadside attack on mail-in voting Thursday, attacking the process used by many Americans — including the vast majority of Arizonans — as prone to undue…

Trump, Biden plan dueling visits to Minnesota next Friday

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden will both bring their presidential campaigns to Minnesota on Friday of next week.

Pentagon rescinding order to shutter Stars and Stripes paper

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Defense Department is rescinding its order to shut down the military’s independent newspaper, Stars and Stripes, in the wake of a tweet late last week by President Donald Trump vowing to conti…

Nebraska Democrats name third pick to replace Senate nominee

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — After months of bickering, accusations and apologies, Nebraska Democrats again named their candidate for U.S. Senate Thursday, and to no one’s surprise, he isn't the Democrat on the ballot.

Des Moines hopeful eyesore near downtown will be cleared

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A sprawling former industrial site on the edge of downtown Des Moines would be transferred to city ownership and prepared for future development under a plan that officials announced Thursda…

Ohio governor announces new health department director

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's new health director is a native of the Cleveland area who has served in top state health positions in Indiana and South Carolina, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Thursday.

Michigan House: Ease licensing for people with criminal past

LANSING, Mich (AP) — The Michigan House on Thursday unanimously approved bills designed to lift restrictions that prevent people with a criminal record from obtaining occupational licenses.

Utah aiming to keep COVID-19 fatalities, unemployment low

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah has set new goals for fighting the coronavirus pandemic that include keeping the state's fatality rate below 1% and maintaining an unemployment rate below 4.5%, state leaders said Thursda…