Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Grant County primary turnout slips from 2022 levels as officials look ahead to November election
EPHRATA — Grant County's voter turnout in the 2026 primary election finished at nearly 34%, a figure county electi…
California closer to banning sale of most flavored tobacco
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California is on track to ban the sale of most flavored tobacco products, joining states like New York and Massachusetts in an effort to slow the spread of the harmful habit among children.
WWII surrender ceremony in Hawaii limited to local veterans
HONOLULU (AP) — A Pearl Harbor ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II — possibly the last opportunity for many aging U.S. veterans to commemorate the day — will be limited to survivors of …
Mississippi lawmakers resolve budget for Marine Resources
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi Legislature returned to the Capitol on Monday and adopted a budget for the state Department of Marine Resources, nearly two months after the July 1 start of the state fiscal ye…
2 lawsuits challenge Trump's drilling plan in Alaska refuge
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Environmental groups wasted no time challenging the Trump administration’s attempt to allow oil and gas drilling in an Alaska refuge where polar bears and caribou roam.
SC economists face COVID-19 unknown to craft budget estimate
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The board in South Carolina that predicts how much the state will collect in taxes and fees so lawmakers can know how much they can spend wants to be as conservative as possible without hamper…
Biden, Harris to get routine virus testing, a notable change
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a notable change, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris, will now be regularly tested for the coronavirus as the race heats up, a campaign aide confirmed…
New Mexico Republican leader sees quiet support for Trump
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A half-dozen delegates from New Mexico are attending the Republican National Convention with hopes that President Donald Trump can reverse a progressive political shift at home.
Missouri governor candidates split on requiring masks
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri gubernatorial hopeful Democrat Nicole Galloway said she'll require face masks statewide as part of a plan unveiled Monday for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
Michigan's budget outlook is not as bad as expected
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan's budget outlook is not as bad as was thought — thanks to federal pandemic relief aid, higher consumer spending and tax payments than expected, and a quicker recovery by the manufactu…
Hollowed out public health system faces more cuts amid virus
The U.S. public health system has been starved for decades and lacks the resources to confront the worst health crisis in a century.
Virginia lawmakers advance absentee voting measures
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia lawmakers on Monday advanced proposals aimed at making absentee voting easier amid the coronavirus pandemic, including having the state prepay postage, setting up drop boxes and establ…
New Mexico ACLU sues over inmate treatment amid pandemic
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico and a group of criminal defense lawyers claim in a
Kommer to step down as North Dakota commerce commissioner
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Commerce Commissioner Michelle Kommer is leaving government to operate her own business, Gov. Doug Burgum announced Monday.
Storm not expected to delay $300 jobless checks in Louisiana
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — The tropical weather threatening Louisiana won't stop $300 checks from going out this week to about 400,000 people left unemployed during the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. John Bel Edwards said…
Wife of ex-California congressman sentenced for corruption
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The wife of former California Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter was sentenced Monday in U.S. court to eight months of home confinement after pleading guilty to misusing more than $150,000 in campaign f…