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…
House OKs cost-of-living increase for public pensioners
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Most retired school teachers, firefighters and other public workers would receive their first pension increase in 12 years under a bill that sailed through the Oklahoma House on Tuesday.
Dems add staff, equipment at crowded North Dakota caucus
FARGO, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota's Democratic Party said Tuesday it was adding staff, volunteers and equipment after heavy turnout at its caucuses led to significant lines at some locations.
Senators working fast on changes at SC state utility
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina senators are wasting little time in bringing together their plan to remake state-owned utility Santee Cooper.
The Latest: Democrats add staff, equipment for caucus delays
FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The Latest on North Dakota's caucuses (all times local):
Overhaul of Nebraska juvenile youth homes wins initial OK
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers on Tuesday took a step toward increasing transparency and accountability in state-run juveniles homes following an outbreak of violence, vandalism and escapes.
Moderate Democrats see edge in challenges from progressives
WASHINGTON (AP) — After narrowly thwarting a youthful progressive upstart's primary challenge, veteran Rep. Henry Cuellar says his fellow Democrats greeted him on the House floor last week with one overwhelming sen…
SC's longest serving black lawmaker to step aside
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A state senator who has served in the South Carolina General Assembly since 1975 said he will step aside at the end of the year.
Plan would boost funding for top Kansas lawmakers' offices
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislative leaders' offices would see an 11% increase in their funding under a proposal that cleared committee Monday, and almost all of the new dollars would go to top Republicans.
Coronavirus stokes worry over Florida economy, state budget
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The spread of the new coronavirus has stoked worries about Florida's economy, prompting lawmakers to rethink spending on big-ticket items as negotiations continue over the state budget.
Tennessee bill would keep most autopsy reports hidden
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Autopsy and toxicology reports would remain largely hidden from public scrutiny under legislation that advanced Tuesday in Tennessee's GOP-dominated Statehouse.
Indiana ban on drivers using handheld phones wins approval
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — State legislators on Tuesday gave their final approval to a proposal banning motorists from using handheld cellphones on Indiana roads to
US commander paints grim picture of US-Taliban peace accord
WASHINGTON (AP) — The top U.S. commander for the Middle East painted a grim picture Tuesday of the peace process with the Taliban in Afghanistan, saying the current level of violence is higher than allowed in the p…
Cyprus unveils new measures to curtail migrant influx
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Cyprus is more than doubling the number of officials vetting asylum applications, shortening application deadlines and fast-tracking deportations as part of a new string of measures aimed at …
First lady urges PTA to teach positive behavior to children
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — Melania Trump urged parents and teachers Tuesday to teach children how to interact in positive ways and also to prepare them for the negativity that comes with living in a digital age, callin…
Trump pitches payroll tax relief to wary lawmakers
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump pitched his proposed payroll tax break Tuesday on Capitol Hill as pressure mounts on the administration and Congress to work more vigorously to contain the coronavirus outbr…