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…
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.
Walz signs order requiring Minnesotans to wear face masks
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is requiring Minnesotans to wear face masks to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
New Mexico officials wary of federal security deployments
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — An expected announcement that federal agents will surge into cities including Albuquerque is generating a backlash and opening divisions among Democratic elected officials in New Mexico.
AP-NORC poll: Very few Americans back full school reopening
BOSTON (AP) — Virtual instruction. Mandated masks. Physical distancing. The start of school will look very different this year because of the
Ocasio-Cortez rejects GOP colleague's apology in verbal spat
WASHINGTON (AP) — A Republican congressman offered an apology Wednesday for the “abrupt manner" he used in a verbal confrontation with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez but denied aiming a sexist slur at her. Ocasio-Co…
Canadian court invalidates asylum agreement with the US
A Canadian court Wednesday invalidated the country’s Safe Third Country Agreement with the United States, ruling elements of the law violate Canadian constitutional guarantees of life, liberty and security.