Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Thompson leads 13th District race, plans focus on costs, access
EPHRATA — Joshua Thompson led Deanna Martinez by 3,278 votes for the 13th Legislative District’s state representat…
Delays, high costs plague efforts to house LA's homeless
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A $1.2 billion program aimed at building housing for homeless people in Los Angeles has been plagued by delays and soaring costs that have seen the average price of constructing a single unit jum…
Tennessee city will allow abortion clinic, pay legal bill
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee city that tried to outlaw surgical abortions has agreed to pay $225,000 in legal fees to attorneys representing an abortion clinic, according to an order entered in federal court…
Nebraska court strips medical marijuana measure from ballot
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska voters won't get the chance to legalize medical marijuana this year after the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the measure set to appear on the November ballot is unconstitution…
New Orleans won't follow state in easing virus restrictions
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans will not follow the rest of Louisiana in easing up on public gathering restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19, Mayor LaToya Cantrell said Thursday.
Black Democrat urges governor to drop Black court nominee
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A Black Democratic state lawmaker who is challenging the appointment of a Black woman to the Florida Supreme Court contended Thursday that Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is engaging in “ra…
Indiana court denies challenge to religious objection limits
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — An Indiana court rejected an appeal Thursday from conservative religious groups that have unsuccessfully challenged limits on the state’s religious objections law that were adopted under then-Go…
Extra benefits ending with Montana's unemployment rising
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The extra $400 in weekly unemployment insurance payments is no longer available in Montana, the Department of Labor and Industry said Thursday, even as new unemployment claims are on the rise.
Dem report: Medicare chief used fed money to bolster image
WASHINGTON (AP) — Private consultants to the federal official who oversees Medicare billed taxpayers almost $6 million in less than two years to bolster her personal image, including efforts to win awards, place he…
SC's Graham says he orchestrated Trump-Woodward interviews
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump's top congressional allies, is denouncing an implication floated by a Fox News personality that he intended to sabotage the president by sett…
St. Paul guaranteed $500 monthly income proposal hits a snag
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A pilot program proposed by St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter to guarantee $500 in monthly income to 150 low-income families affected by COVID-19 has hit a snag, with an influential congressional libe…
Nebraska to end nearly all social distancing restrictions
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts will end nearly all of his state's social-distancing restrictions on Monday even as the number of new coronavirus cases has trended upward over the last few months.
Money for $300 unemployment boost to run out after 6 weeks
The temporary $300-a-week unemployment insurance boost implemented by President Donald Trump is about to end, with no extension in sight.
Democrat Fairfax announces bid for Virginia governor
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax is launching a run for governor despite facing two high-profile allegations of sexual assault he has strenuously denied.
Russian, Ukrainian lawmaker accused of election interference
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Thursday charged a Russian national in a sweeping plot to sow distrust in the American political process and also imposed sanctions against a Ukrainian lawmaker accused…
House committee holds hearing on repeal of bailout law
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The alleged corruption that led to passage of a nuclear plant bailout law and questions about whether the bailout was financially necessary demand the law's immediate repeal and replacement, D…