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…
Virginia unemployment agency getting outside PR help
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A Virginia state agency that has faced criticism for its handling of an unprecedented flood of claims for unemployment benefits has hired a well-connected lobbying and communications firm to he…
Biden outlines priorities for next pandemic relief package
WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden is calling President Donald Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic “inept” in a new statement that lays out his priorities for the next relief package in Congress.
Navajo lawmakers to take up coronavirus-related bills
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — Navajo Nation lawmakers are considering overturning a presidential veto of a bill that cancels the tribe's primary election in early August over concerns about the coronavirus.
Councilor resigns after calling Black Lives Matter criminals
CORALVILLE, Iowa (AP) — A long-serving city councilor in eastern Iowa has resigned days after calling Black Lives Matter protesters “a bunch of criminals" at a public meeting, the city said Monday.
Federal aid helps Michigan fill $2.2B hole; more sought
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan lawmakers will return to session to pass a multibillion-dollar plan to resolve the deficit caused by the coronavirus shutdown — with a mix of spending cuts, a drawdown of the state's …
Biden says he's getting briefings from lawyers on VP options
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrat Joe Biden said Monday that he is getting extensive briefings from lawyers vetting candidates for vice president and plans to have “personal discussions” with his final choices for running…
Cuomo calls for police to disperse crowds outside bars
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City moved to what was supposed to be the final phase of its coronavirus reopening Monday, but with indoor service at restaurants and bars still banned, malls and museums shuttered and thea…
Nebraska lawmakers resume session with virus in mind
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers returned to their session Monday with lingering concerns about the coronavirus and extra safety precautions that will likely remain in place until they adjourn for the year.
Prosecutor: Kansas congressman blamed staff for registration
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A freshman Kansas congressman misled a sheriff's detective by blaming staff for a problem with his state voter registration form that led to three felony criminal charges, a prosecutor alleged M…
First lady delivers lunch to firefighters and families in DC
WASHINGTON (AP) — Lunch was on the first lady during the coronavirus pandemic.
Minnesota lawmakers struggle over details of policing bill
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Legislative leaders had a tentative agreement Monday on the outlines of a police accountability bill, the top Republican in the Minnesota Senate said, but lawmakers struggled with the details and…
Unemployment director quietly fired amid record claims
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky's unemployment director was quietly fired in May as the state dealt with a record number of jobless claims due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Democrats urge action on voting rights as tribute to Lewis
WASHINGTON (AP) — Mourning the death of civil rights hero John Lewis, Democrats are urging the Senate to take up a bill of enduring importance to Lewis throughout his life: protecting and expanding the right to vot…
State Supreme Court to eye ban on indoor restaurant dining
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state Supreme Court announced Monday it will weigh a challenge to New Mexico's prohibition on indoor service at restaurants and breweries, as the administration of Gov. Michelle Lujan Gris…
He's back: Trump to re-up virus briefings amid lagging polls
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is set to once again take center stage in the government's coronavirus response after a White House debate over how best to deploy its greatest and most volatile asset — him…