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…
Alaska judge declines to block virus aid to businesses
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A state court judge Friday denied a Juneau man's request to block distribution of federal coronavirus relief aid under expanded rules proposed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy's administration.
COVID-19 positive test reported at Nevada Legislature
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Someone who works in the Nevada legislative building has tested positive for the coronavirus as lawmakers debate emergency measures involving the pandemic, an official said Friday.
Atlanta mayor clashes with governor as Georgia expands beds
ATLANTA (AP) — Gov. Brian Kemp announced Friday that Georgia would increase hospital bed capacity as COVID-19 hospitalizations surged, the state set a new single-day record for coronavirus infections and he clashed…
COVID-19 spike in Kansas casts doubt on allowing local rules
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has not contained a resurgence in coronavirus cases, raising questions about whether Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and the Republican-controlled Legislature erred in allowing local official…
N.C. senator says he's tested positive for COVID-19
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina state senator on Friday said he's contracted
Montana reports 2 new virus deaths in assisted care facility
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Health officials confirmed the deaths of three Montana residents on Friday as a result of the coronavirus, including two residents of a memory care facility in Billings, bringing the number of …
Pennsylvania reports 1K new virus cases, 1st time since May
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — New confirmed coronavirus infections in Pennsylvania hit their highest one-day mark since May on Friday, with state officials blaming the rising numbers on crowded bars where people aren't we…
Utah hospitals call for statewide mask mandate as beds fill
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah healthcare company executives called on state leaders Friday to require masks as intensive care unit bed space dwindles amid a sustained surge in coronavirus cases.
Justice Department files emergency appeal after federal judge halts first federal execution in nearly 2 decades
WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Department files emergency appeal after federal judge halts first federal execution in nearly 2 decades.
South Carolina high court temporarily bans no-knock warrants
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina Supreme Court has temporarily ordered judges to stop issuing "no-knock" search warrants.
Suit seeks to block N.C. mail-in ballot witness mandate
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's witness requirement for people casting mail-in absentee ballots is unconstitutional during the COVID-19 pandemic, voters said Friday while suing to have it suspended during the…
Alabama elections chief: Masks can't be required at polls.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama’s elections chief said Friday that he is telling local officials that they cannot require voters to wear masks at polling places during Tuesday's election.
Judge tosses Trump rule on billing for abortion coverage
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge in Baltimore on Friday struck down a Trump administration rule that abortion rights advocates called a maneuver to restrict access but officials defended as merely following the la…
Walz formally calls special session to convene Monday
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz on Friday formally called a special legislative session to convene on Monday, and he urged lawmakers to work together to pass the police accountability and public works bills th…
Maryland AG criticizes governor's plan to conduct election
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland’s attorney general warned Friday of “devastating consequences” if all eligible voters are not directly sent ballots to mail in for November's election due to safety concerns about the…