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.
Kalispell City Council to consider ways to notify residents of future development
Kalispell City Council is expected to update the municipality’s public participation process for future developmen…
Idaho reports its 1st coronavirus deaths: 3 men over age 60
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Three Idaho residents have become the first reported deaths in the state because of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, state health officials announced Thursday.
Jobless claims swamp Pennsylvania amid rise in virus cases
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Pennsylvania rose by 50% to more than 1,600 cases, while record numbers of state residents …
Baker seeks federal disaster declaration; help for homeless
BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday submitted a request to the federal government for a major disaster declaration for Massachusetts.
Trump camp threatens local TV stations over Democratic ad
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's reelection campaign is threatening legal action against local TV stations in Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylva…
DC officials: Relief bill cheats Washington of $700 million
WASHINGTON (AP) — Officials in the nation's capital lashed out Thursday at the $2.2 trillion coronavirus economic relief package moving through Congress, sayin…
New Mexico sees major jump in unemployment claims amid virus
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — More than 17,000 New Mexico residents have applied for unemployment benefits — more than 19 times the amount filed the previous week — amid the widespread economic shutdown caused by the cor…
Montana unemployment claims surge as result of coronavirus
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's unemployment claims are surging as some businesses have closed and others have reduced services due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump, eyeing easing of guidelines, says feds to offer categorizing counties by high, medium, low risk of virus spread
WASHINGTON (AP) — Trump, eyeing easing of guidelines, says feds to offer categorizing counties by high, medium, low risk of virus spread.
Lawyers, judges push to close immigration courts amid virus
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Immigration attorneys have sported swim goggles and masks borrowed from friends to meet with clients in detention centers. Masked judges are s…
Virus takes toll on US military as it tries to aid civilians
WASHINGTON (AP) — The coronavirus is taking a growing toll on the U.S. military, and commanders and senior officials are bracing for worse. From nuclear missil…
New Mexico reaches settlement with foster youth, advocates
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico has reached a settlement with foster youth and their advocates that will allow for the creation of a trauma response system for all children in state custody, officials said Thursda…
Major N Carolina disaster declared; more local orders ahead
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina can now receive additional emergency assistance after Gov. Roy Cooper's request for a major disaster area declaration due to COVID-19 has been approved by the federal government.
Virus relief bill nears signature; jobless claims skyrocket
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Republican Gov. Mike DeWine is poised to sign a sweeping relief package passed by lawmakers to address impacts of the coronavirus, while …
Maui residents use signs, checkpoints to stop highway travel
WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) — Maui residents have been using signs and checkpoints to help enforce a government order to keep visitors off Hana Highway during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
Alaska regional airlines forced to cut services and staff
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Some Alaska regional air carriers have cut services to communities and positions from their payrolls in response to the coronavirus outbreak.