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…
Indiana governor imposing statewide face mask order
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana will have a statewide face mask mandate starting next week, joining many other states in similar orders aimed at slowing the coronavirus spread, Gov. Eric Holcomb said Wednesday.
Minnesota governor announces statewide mask mandate
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz said Wednesday he is mandating Minnesotans wear face masks to help stem the spread of the coronavirus following a recent rise in cases statewide.
Congress passes sprawling plan to boost conservation, parks
WASHINGTON (AP) — A bipartisan bill that would spend nearly $3 billion on conservation projects, outdoor recreation and maintenance of national parks and other public lands is on its way to the president's desk aft…
Nebraska Senate hopeful who sent vulgar texts declines exit
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Democratic U.S. Senate candidate in Nebraska doubled down Wednesday on his promise to stay in the race, despite growing pressure to drop out after he sent
Murphy: Schools miss $1B in state funds without federal help
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey's schools could lose out on $1 billion in state funding unless the federal government comes through with more aid, Gov. Phil Murphy said Wednesday as he criticized the latest proposa…
Illinois reports July's highest one-day total of virus cases
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — As parts of the nation struggle with a worse coronavirus outbreak than during its high points last spring in other states, Illinois, where officials continue to congratulate residents for k…
DC mayor orders mandatory masks as infections rise again
WASHINGTON (AP) — With coronavirus cases rising, Mayor Muriel Bowser issued an executive order Wednesday making face masks mandatory outside homes — an unprecedented step in the nation's capital.
Vice presidential debate to be held with audience in Utah
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A vice presidential debate will be held with an audience at the University of Utah in October, though it will be significantly smaller to accommodate social distancing amid a surge of coronavi…
South Dakota budget analysts predict revenue shortfall
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota budget could see revenue shortfalls between $16 million and $40 million during the next year due to the coronavirus pandemic, lawmakers were briefed on Wednesday.
Judge blocks McMaster's $32 million plan for private schools
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina state judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked a plan announced by Gov. Henry McMaster earlier this week to direct $32 million in pandemic relief funds for tuition grants at pri…
Tennessee secretary of state opposes absentee drop boxes
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett voiced opposition Wednesday to offering drop boxes for absentee ballots, telling a U.S. Senate panel that the state requires returning those ballots …
A look at candidates signed up for Louisiana's fall election
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — The sign-up period for the Nov. 3 election continues through Friday. After the presidential race, the top of the ballot will include a U.S. Senate race and all six U.S. House races. The cand…
House votes on statues of Confederates, racist chief justice
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House moved toward a vote Wednesday on removing from the U.S. Capitol statues of Confederate heroes, including Robert E. Lee, and a bust of Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, the author of the 1857…
Mississippi politico, civil rights figure Charles Evers dies
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Charles Evers, who led an eclectic life as a civil rights leader, onetime purveyor of illegal liquor in Chicago, history-making Black mayor in deeply segregated Mississippi and contrarian with…
Evers calls for $250 million in cuts from state agencies
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers on Wednesday ordered $250 million in cuts to state agencies this year — the latest financial hit caused by the coronavirus pandemic.