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 governor cautiously upbeat as virus numbers ease
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California appears to be getting a grip on a resurgence of the coronavirus, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday, though he warned the state is a long way from reopening some of the businesses it…
N.C. Rep. Destin Hall named to share duties on rules panel
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A second-term North Carolina Republican legislator is moving up the state House leadership ladder by taking some of the reins of the powerful House Rules Committee.
Lee calls special session to address COVID-19 liability
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Gov. Bill Lee on Monday announced he's calling lawmakers back to the Capitol to address legislation that would provide health care providers, schools and businesses broad protections against…
Michigan adapts to absentee ballot influx before primary
LANSING, Michigan (AP) — Michigan is navigating uncharted waters as more absentee ballots have been cast before Tuesday's primary than in any other election in state history and clerks figure out how to process the…
Correction: Election 2020-Legislature-Arizona-Republicans
PHOENIX (AP) — In a story August 2, 2020, about Republican Arizona legislative primaries, The Associated Press erroneously reported the timing of misconduct allegations against former state Sen. Steve Montenegro, w…
Kentucky reports lower daily number of coronavirus cases
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky posted lower numbers of new coronavirus cases Monday, but the governor braced the state for a potential increase in virus-related deaths after weeks of surging infections.
Lawsuit: Louisiana doing too little to protect voting rights
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Voting rights advocates filed a federal lawsuit Monday against Louisiana's governor and chief elections officer, saying the state is doing too little to protect ballot access in November and…
Nevada official reports slowing growth in new COVID-19 cases
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nevada health officials said Monday they're encouraged by a slowing of the growth rate in new COVID-19 cases statewide since the end of June.
Illinois launches $5M ad campaign to encourage mask wearing
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois launched a $5 million advertising campaign on Monday to remind people to cover their faces in public to slow the spread of COVID-19, which
Hogan orders ban on blanket school closings in Maryland
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Gov. Larry Hogan issued an amendment to an emergency order on Monday, giving local school systems across Maryland the authority to determine when to open their schools during the COVID-19 pand…
Former Virginia House speaker eyes gubernatorial run
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The former GOP speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates is eyeing a run for governor next year.
Arizona voters will find COVID-19 precautions at polls
PHOENIX (AP) — Voters going to the polls Tuesday for Arizona’s primaries will find larger venues to allow for social distancing and poll workers wearing masks as the tradition of casting a ballot adjusts to the cor…
Fire marshal: 698 Louisiana businesses violated virus rules
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Nearly 700 restaurants, bars and businesses in Louisiana were found in violation of the governor’s coronavirus restrictions in July, according to records from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
McGrath looks to win over supporters of primary opponent
LOUISVILLE, Ky, (AP) — Looking to reclaim the progressive and minority voters who didn't back her during Kentucky's U.S. Senate primary, Democrat Amy McGrath has unveiled a social justice plan and touted voter regi…
Police defend tactics in clash at suburban protest in Utah
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Suburban Salt Lake City police on Monday defended their actions during a clash with protesters that saw the arrest of eight people, including the father of a man who was fatally shot by police…