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.
Neill, Bankhead court rural voters in Senate primary
For two of the front-running Montana Democrats in this year’s U.S. Senate race, part of the strategy has been to c…
Health and safety: Police shift priorities as crisis grows
NEW YORK (AP) — Police officers in Fort Worth and Denver have stopped arresting people for some low-level crimes. The district attorney in Brooklyn is declinin…
Alaska House falls short on votes for budget bill funding
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The Alaska House failed to get sufficient support Wednesday to fully fund legislation that includes additional aid to help the state respond to coronavirus concerns.
The Latest: Ships going to Honolulu won't let off passengers
The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than 218,000 people and killed more than 8,800. The COVID-19 illness causes mild or moderate sy…
Getting coronavirus updates in Spanish is a mixed bag in US
PHOENIX (AP) — Osvaldo Salas speaks a little English, but not proficiently. The suburban Phoenix man relies on Spanish-language TV and friends and family for i…
States suspending standardized tests as schools close
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Closing schools to combat the spread of the coronavirus is having a sweeping impact on an annual rite of spring: the standardized tests th…
Get out of jail? Inmates fearful of virus argue for release
NEW YORK (AP) — Coronavirus has become a “get out of jail" card for hundreds of low-level inmates across the country, and even hard-timers are seeking their fr…
Bill limiting Idaho whistleblower lawsuits heads to governor
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Whistleblower lawsuits against Idaho would be limited to $370,000 in non-economic damages under legislation that headed to the governor on Wednesday.
More of California under tight restrictions due to virus
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Extraordinary restrictions on everyday activities expanded to more areas of California on Wednesday as Gov. Gavin Newsom announced he…
Arizona prisons take more steps to guard against COVID-19
PHOENIX (AP) — Inmates in Arizona’s prisons are being offered free soap and are no longer routinely being moved between prison complexes in the latest efforts to guard against the risks of the coronavirus.
Georgia's virus deaths rise, senator says he has coronavirus
ATLANTA (AP) — State officials confirmed Wednesday that two COVID-19 patients have died in southwest Georgia, one of the hardest-hit areas outside metro Atlant…
AP Explains: What exactly is the Defense Production Act?
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday invoked a Korean War-era law as part of his response to the coronavirus pandemic, aiming to boost private…
Congressman Ben McAdams tests positive for coronavirus
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday, an announcement that comes shortly after the first kno…
Bill to compensate wrongly convicted heads to Idaho governor
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Legislation that would compensate the wrongly convicted headed to the governor's desk on Wednesday.
Alabama delays March 31 GOP Senate runoff to July 14
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama is postponing a closely watched Republican primary runoff between former U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions and a formidable rival because…
White House, media team up for virus public service campaign
LOS ANGELES (AP) — First lady Melania Trump and Dr. Anthony Fauci will take part in public service messages aimed at informing Americans about how to protect t…