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…
AP source: Trump expected to name Richard Grenell, US ambassador to Germany, as acting director of national intelligence
WASHINGTON (AP) — AP source: Trump expected to name Richard Grenell, US ambassador to Germany, as acting director of national intelligence.
Lee changes course on offering 12 weeks of paid family leave
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is backpedaling on a promise to offer up to 12 weeks of annual paid family leave for state workers through an executive order.
Antelope worries prompt lawsuit over Wyoming gas field plan
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Environmental groups are suing over plans for a potentially huge Wyoming gas field they say would endanger antelope in Grand Teton National Park by hindering a migration route between the park…
Governor makes history by attending gay rights rally
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Gov. Andy Beshear spoke against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and supported a ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth during a historic appearance at a gay-r…
As Trump ups attacks on Justice Dept, Barr remains in post
WASHINGTON (AP) — Even as President Donald Trump renewed his public attacks on the Justice Department on Wednesday, there was little outward worry from either end of Pennsylvania Avenue that Attorney General Willia…
New Mexico Legislature approves collective bargaining update
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…
Wisconsin Senate Democrats block vote on tax cut bill
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Senate on Wednesday debated a Republican-authored $250 million
GOP leader nixes bill to process surge of absentee ballots
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A top Republican lawmaker on Wednesday came out in opposition to legislation that would ease Michigan election clerks' ability to process an expected surge of absentee ballots and avoid a dela…
Governor unveils broader state ethics, transparency bill
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey's Legislature will be subject to the state's open records law, lobbying registration requirements will be tightened, and bills won't get a vote before lawmakers unless they were post…
Groups promote changes in Minnesota criminal justice system
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Groups calling for changes in Minnesota's criminal justice system to make it easier for people to turn their lives around said Wednesday that they're optimistic that some of the proposals the…
Alaska governor proposes supplemental oil-wealth fund check
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska's governor proposed Wednesday giving Alaskans an additional $1,304 from the state’s oil wealth fund on top of the roughly $1,600 they received last fall.
Connecticut governor drops proposal for highway tolls
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced Wednesday he is dropping his plan for highway tolls for trucks, expressing frustration with legislative leaders who have delayed a vote on the issue.
House passes tougher punishments for texting and driving
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Lawmakers in the South Dakota House on Wednesday passed a bill that would make texting and driving a criminal offense.
Ex-NYC police commish Kerik says he cried at being pardoned
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City's police commissioner during the Sept. 11 attacks said Wednesday he started crying when President Donald Trump pardoned him for felony convictions that put him behind bars for three ye…
Complaints about privacy follow switch to paper ballots
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — As many Pennsylvania counties adopting new hand-marked ballot voting systems, a persistent criticism is a perceived loss of privacy in polling places when filling them out and scanning them.