Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Baumgartner, Conroy outline their top 5th Congressional District issues
RITZVILLE — Incumbent Republican Michael Baumgartner is being challenged for his position in the U.S. House of Rep…
Minnesota US Rep. Jim Hagedorn announces he has cancer
BLUE EARTH, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota freshman Republican Rep. Jim Hagedorn said Wednesday he is being treated for cancer but still plans to run for re-election this year.
Democrats won’t commit to same-day release of Nevada results
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Democrats won’t commit to releasing the unofficial results of Saturday’s Nevada caucuses on the day of the vote, as they emphasize accuracy over speed in the aftermath of the chaos surrounding the …
Pritzker budget would hike spending, amount hinges on voters
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposed a $40.7 billion state budget Wednesday — virtually flat from the current level — but dressed it up by dangling the prospect of a $1.4 billion revenue boost if vo…
Bill changing livestock siting rules appears doomed
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Support broke down Wednesday for a Republican-authored proposal that would strip the state agriculture department of its authority to regulate factory farm siting and expansion and hand oversig…
Group clears step to advance ballot drive to curb lobbying
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Organizers of a ballot drive to overhaul Michigan's lobbying rules say they will begin gathering signatures right away after clearing a procedural step.
Wisconsin Assembly to OK tax cuts, farm aid, later bar hours
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A $250 million income tax cut, tax breaks for farmers and a 4 a.m. bar time during the Democratic National Convention are among the final bills the Wisconsin Assembly plans to pass Thursday dur…
Laws require warning labels on Michigan marijuana products
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Marijuana sold in Michigan shops will have to have labels warning pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers about the health risks for their fetuses and infants under newly enacted laws.
Debate night brawl: Bloomberg, Sanders attacked by rivals
LAS VEGAS (AP) — From the opening bell, Democrats savaged New York billionaire Mike Bloomberg and raised pointed questions about Bernie Sanders' take-no-prisoners politics during a contentious debate Wednesday nigh…
Group clears step to advance ballot drive to curb lobbying
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Organizers of a ballot drive to overhaul Michigan's lobbying rules say they will begin gathering signatures right away after clearing a procedural step.
Debate underway: Bloomberg expecting fierce attacks
LAS VEGAS (AP) — New York billionaire Mike Bloomberg faced the biggest test of his political life Wednesday night in Las Vegas as the surging Democratic presidential contender confronted his rivals on the debate st…
The Latest: Democratic debate begins ahead of Nevada voting
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The latest on the
California governor seeks to expand involuntary treatment
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to make it easier for the government to force psychiatric treatment for people with mental illness and expand statewide a still-developing test program that allows …
New Mexico state Senate approves 8% spending increase
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's Democrat-led Legislature is haggling over annual spending priorities while racing to lock in significant policy initiatives on public safety, education funding, tobacco regulation…
Minnesota US Rep. Jim Hagedorn announces he has cancer
BLUE EARTH, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota freshman Republican Rep. Jim Hagedorn said Wednesday he is being treated for cancer but still plans to run for re-election this year.
Arkansas Department of Transportation director to retire
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The director of Arkansas' Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that he is retiring after nearly a decade managing the state's highway system.