Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Homesley, Falstad share plans for growing county, auditors office
EPHRATA — As Grant County continues to grow, the county auditor's office is tasked with keeping pace with increasi…
SC senator was to charge $140 million to take TVA coal ash
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Less than a week after the Tennessee Valley Authority said it was looking at out-of-state sites to move millions of tons of coal ash, a South Carolina senator filed a bill that would charge th…
Noem signs ban on faculty union into law
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem on Thursday signed a law that will ban faculty unions at state universities starting in July.
Virus threat: West Virginia basketball tournaments suspended
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice on Thursday suspended state high school basketball tournaments due to concerns over the new coronavirus, just hours before he was supposed to take to the side…
South Dakota lawmaker tested for virus as session continues
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota lawmaker was being tested for COVID-19 on Thursday as the Legislature met for one if its final days of the session.
Virus testing lag is a 'failing,' US health official says
NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. lag in coronavirus testing is “a failing,” a top federal health official said Thursday, and public health experts say they still don't have a good understanding of how widely the new virus …
Biden, Sanders offer contrasts to Trump during outbreak
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Thursday called for a sweeping national response to the coronavirus outbreak, chiding President Donald Trump for a response he said was woefull…
Debate moves from Phoenix to DC over coronavirus concerns
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Democratic National Committee is moving Sunday's presidential debate from Arizona to Washington because of concerns about the coronavirus.
Missouri could be final state to track prescription opioids
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers on Thursday took a pivotal step toward becoming the final state to adopt a statewide prescription opioid tracking database, despite years of resistance to the idea by s…
Awkward moment: Trump and Irish PM skip the handshake
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump and Ireland’s Prime Minister Leo Varadkar found themselves in an awkward moment: How do you a greet a fellow world leader in the midst of a global viral pandemic?
Nebraska Legislature may suspend session due to virus threat
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers are set to take a four-day recess after they adjourn on Thursday, but they may extend the break to reduce the risk of a coronavirus outbreak at the state Capitol, the legisla…
Michigan OKs $25M to fight virus; tournaments suspended
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Legislature on Thursday approved the spending of up to $25 million to combat the new coronavirus, and some K-12 schools began announcing weekslong closures while others began trai…
Governor closes schools in Philly suburb county hit by virus
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania's governor on Thursday closed schools and other facilities in a suburban Philadelphia county that has been hard-hit by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Alabama lawmakers approve money for coronavirus response
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama lawmakers approved additional money Thursday for coronavirus testing and response to increase the number of people being screened for the rapidly spreading illness.
Brazilian who met Trump has virus; no plans to test Trump
WASHINGTON (AP) — A senior Brazilian official who attended weekend events with President Donald Trump in Florida has tested positive for the coronavirus, marking the first time that someone known to have the virus …
California governor: Guidance on limiting large gatherings likely to extend beyond March, will affect pro baseball games
SACRAMENTO (AP) — California governor: Guidance on limiting large gatherings likely to extend beyond March, will affect pro baseball games.