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…
California governor steps up urgency of virus messaging
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued his sharpest warning yet on the rising coronavirus threat, announcing for the first time the state wanted a county to shut down again, pleading with res…
Supreme Court doesn't wade into Texas mail-in voting battle
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday rejected a request by Texas Democrats to allow all of the state's 16 million registered voters to vote by mail during the coronavirus pandemic.
Anchorage to order use of masks in certain public settings
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska's largest city will begin requiring masks in certain public settings, Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz said Friday, calling it an act of community responsibility amid the coronavirus pan…
Pennsylvania officials eye areas where COVID-19 cases rising
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania health officials are looking closely at areas where COVID-19 infection rates and deaths are ticking back up, threatening to turn back progress against the pandemic, the state's h…
California governor steps up urgency of virus messaging
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued his sharpest warning yet on the rising coronavirus threat, announcing for the first time the state wanted a county to shut down again, pleading with res…
8 more suspects arrested in Scottsdale mall destruction
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Police in Scottsdale say they’ve arrested eight more people connected to the destruction and burglary of several stores at a high-end mall in the city’s downtown last month.
Use of plastic bags still allowed in Bernalillo County
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Bernalillo County will continue to allow for the use of single-use plastic bags amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
New Mexico Supreme Court chief justice postpones retirement
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The top judge on the New Mexico Supreme Court is postponing her scheduled retirement from the state high court from July 31 until later in the year because of a late-emerging snag.
Georgia lawmakers adopt $26B budget as end of session nears
ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia lawmakers agreed Friday to a budget that promises sharp cuts but is supposed to avoid unpaid employee furloughs and layoffs in one of the closing acts of the 2020 session of the General Assem…
Nevada to limit public access to special legislative session
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — When Nevada lawmakers convene for a special session to address coronavirus-related budget shortfalls, the normally bustling legislative building will be closed to the public.
California counties backtrack on reopening as virus surges
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — With the coronavirus surging, at least four California counties on Friday paused or prepared to backtrack on their reopening plans in a bid to halt the spread of the virus. Gov. Gavin Newsom ur…
Lawsuit: Kern County court denied moms entry to proceedings
FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — A lawsuit says Kern County Superior Court is unlawfully denying the public's access to court proceedings despite resuming jury trials as the county began reopening for business.
Georgia lawmakers: Block COVID-19 lawsuits against business
ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia lawmakers want to protect businesses and other from being sued if someone blames them for contracting COVID-19, but House members voted Friday for less-extensive protections than the business…
New Mexico governor signs 3 bills from special session
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The creation of a state commission on civil rights and changes aimed at ensuring access to Election Day polls on Native American lands were among the measures signed into law Friday by Gov. Mi…
Reporter at Trump's Tulsa rally tests positive for COVID-19
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A journalist who attended President Donald Trump's rally in Tulsa last week said Friday he has tested positive for COVID-19.