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…
Trump administration won't accept new DACA applications
CHICAGO (AP) — The Trump administration said Tuesday that it will reject new applications and shorten renewal periods for an Obama-era program that shields young people from deportation, taking a defiant stance aft…
Police launch morning sweep of homeless camp near Capitol
DENVER (AP) — Denver and state police and public health officials cleared a large camp of homeless people in downtown's Lincoln Park on Wednesday, citing the threat of the spread of the coronavirus and other diseas…
4 arrested under new Hong Kong security law for online posts
HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong police have signaled their intent to enforce a new Chinese national security law strictly, arresting four youths Wednesday on suspicion of inciting secession through social media posts.
Hopeful signs for LA County in fight to halt COVID-19 spread
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles County is seeing fragile progress in its battle against the coronavirus pandemic, with hospitalizations and the rate of transmission slowing even though thousands of new cases are bei…
Advocates urge Hogan to adjust plan for traditional election
SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) — Rebecca Wilson has supervised the same polling location in Maryland’s Prince George’s County for every election since 2004, but her streak will end this fall. She has underlying health con…
Ohio House prepares to vote on removing disgraced GOP leader
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Nine days after federal officials released details of a $60 million bribery probe, the Ohio House is preparing for an historic vote on whether to remove the powerful Republican speaker alleged…
Lawyers: Cooper didn't need group's consent for virus orders
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper didn't need the consent of other statewide elected leaders to issue COVID-19 orders shuttering businesses, limiting assemblies and mandating face cover…
Florida hits 216 virus deaths; governor wants schools open
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday continued his push to reopen schools amid pushback from the state's teachers union, as health officials reported a new record of COVID-19 deaths re…
LA County sees hopeful signs amid coronavirus surge
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles County, which recently appeared headed for another lockdown amid escalating coronavirus cases, now is seeing fewer hospitalizations and a lower transmission rate that health officials…
Gaps in federal oversight add to virus woes at vets homes
WASHINGTON (AP) — Big gaps in federal oversight of long-term care facilities for aging veterans may have contributed to rampant coronavirus infections and more than 200 deaths at state-run homes, according to a con…
COVID-19 cancels Wyoming hunt amid Native American criticism
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The coronavirus has prompted cancellation of a charity antelope hunt that has drawn teams of famous, powerful men to central Wyoming for over 75 years and now faces growing criticism that cere…
Senators seek EPA help to fix Metro East public health issue
CENTREVILLE, Ill. (AP) — Residents in Illinois’ Metro East region are facing a major public health crisis because of persistent flooding and sewage problems, the state’s two U.S. senators said in a letter sent Wedn…
Reno-Sparks schools to reopen Aug. 17; health boss fearful
RENO, Nev. (AP) — Washoe County Health District Officer Kevin Dick said Wednesday he’s concerned and disappointed that the county school board has decided to stick with plans to reopen school classrooms for in-pers…
House orders broad mask mandates after Gohmert gets virus
WASHINGTON (AP) — Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Capitol officials issued broad new mask requirements Wednesday after a Republican member of Congress tested positive for the coronavirus. The member, Texas Rep. Louie Gohm…
Pennsylvania may pilot virus-tracing app popular in Ireland
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A contact-tracing app that was downloaded by one-fifth of Ireland in 36 hours might undergo a pilot project in Pennsylvania that could go live in the coming weeks as part of an effort to more…