Politics & Government
The Daily Inter Lake’s Politics & Government section delivers updated local and national political coverage, featuring legislative developments, elections, policy debates, and government actions shaping Montana.
Trump administration cancels rule that made conservation a 'use' of public lands
The Interior Department is canceling a rule that put conservation on equal footing with development, as President …
Idaho governor signs affirmative action ban into law
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho Gov. Brad Little has signed into law legislation banning affirmative action for state agencies, state contracting and public education.
2nd Mississippi rep resigns over pension and pay dispute
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A Mississippi lawmaker is resigning as of Tuesday because he will not be able to collect his state government pension while serving in the state House.
How will we vote? Outbreak revives debate on mail-in ballots
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — As the coronavirus pandemic knocks primary election after primary election off schedule, Democrats argue the outbreak shows the country n…
EU chief: Fighting virus should not erode democratic rights
BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union's top official urged member countries Tuesday to respect the bloc’s core values amid fears that restrictions imposed by some…
Royal no more: Harry and Meghan start uncertain new chapter
LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry and his wife Meghan officially make the transition Tuesday from senior members of Britain’s royal family to — well, it’s unclear. In…
How dire projections, grim images dashed Trump's Easter plan
WASHINGTON (AP) — The two doctors spread out their charts on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.
US extends Iran nuclear cooperation sanctions waivers
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Monday renewed several waivers on U.S. sanctions against Iran, allowing Russian, European and Chinese companies t…
Ukraine approves legislation in a bid for IMF aid
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine's parliament has voted to lift the ban on the sale of farmland in a move that would allow the country to get $8 billion worth of a…
Online voter registration options expanded in North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina is making it easier to register online to vote or to make registration changes through the Division of Motor Vehicles.
The Latest: WHO warns `far from over' in Asia and Pacific
The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with…
New Mexico official in video blames 'Asians' for virus
DEMING, N.M. (AP) — A southern New Mexico county official is under fire for posting a social media video casting blame for the novel coronavirus pandemic on “Asians.”
State ethics commission considers merits of four complaints
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's newly founded State Ethic Commission plans to meet by online video conference later this week to review the first four complaints it has received.
Hawaii Democrats to count presidential primary votes May 23
HONOLULU (AP) — The Democratic Party of Hawaii said Monday it will count ballots cast in its party-run presidential primary on May 23.
Judges slow abortion bans in Texas, Ohio, Alabama amid virus
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Federal judges on Monday temporarily blocked efforts in Texas and Alabama to ban abortions during the coronavirus pandemic, handing Pla…
'Please come help us': New York begs for medical workers
NEW YORK (AP) — New York's governor urgently appealed for medical volunteers Monday amid a “staggering” number of coronavirus deaths, as he and health official…