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…
Maryland expands mask requirements, issues travel advisory
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan on Wednesday issued a travel advisory urging residents to avoid visiting some states with rapidly increasing cases of coronavirus and expanded mask-wearing requirements.
Proposed abortion restrictions hit snag in Nebraska
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A proposal to outlaw a common second-trimester abortion procedure in Nebraska hit a snag in the Legislature on Wednesday, leaving its prospects unclear.
Confirmed COVID-19 cases in New Mexico jump 352, now 20,136
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico health officials say the state has 352 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, bring the state’s total to 20,136.
State question to reduce incarceration rate headed to voters
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A group seeking to further reduce Oklahoma’s high prison incarceration rate announced Wednesday that its state question has qualified for the November ballot.
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…
MHSAA waits to clear football, soccer, volleyball games
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan High School Athletic Association said Wednesday that competition can begin Aug. 19 and 21 for lower-risk sports like golf, tennis and cross country, but it held off on allowing th…
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…
McMaster withholds HBCU funds as voucher lawsuit proceeds
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — State attorneys told a judge Wednesday that South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster is withholding pandemic relief funds to the state's historically Black colleges and universities following a laws…
Indiana governor urges virus safety steps, not tougher rules
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana will keep its current coronavirus restrictions in place for at least most of August, with Gov. Eric Holcomb choosing Wednesday to encourage compliance with safety measures amid continued…
Virus tracing app could go live in Pennsylvania in August
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A contact-tracing app for mobile phones is being piloted and could go live in Pennsylvania in the coming weeks as part of an effort to more quickly contain coronavirus outbreaks by notifying …
Montana announces 3 more COVID-19 deaths, total now 55
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana officials announced three more deaths due to COVID-19 on Wednesday as Gov. Steve Bullock said the state or county health departments might have to increase restrictions in nine counties…
Tennessee state senator charged with stealing federal funds
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee state senator has been charged with stealing more than $600,000 in federal funds received by a health care company she directed and using the money to pay for her wedding and other…
MHSAA waits to start football, soccer, volleyball games
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan High School Athletic Association said Wednesday that competition can begin Aug. 19 and 21 for lower-risk sports like golf, tennis and cross country, but it held off on allowing th…
North Carolina state Rep. Conrad to resign this week
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Four-term North Carolina state Rep. Deborah Conrad will resign her seat this week, with the possibility of returning to Raleigh soon as a lobbyist.
Ex-Maryland lawmaker gets 2 years in prison in bribery case
SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) — A former state lawmaker who helped create Maryland's medical marijuana industry was sentenced on Wednesday to two years in prison for taking bribes for legislative favors, including votes …