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.
Counting machines add vote of confidence to elections security
The conference room of the Flathead County Elections Department whirred with noise. Volunteers rattled off strings…
Alaska residents to use tax credits to increase air quality
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Local governments in Alaska will be able to create and utilize property tax credits to increase energy efficiency and air quality under a bill passed by the Legislature.
Nursing home has many patients with virus symptoms; 1 dead
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee nursing home has moved 24 patients to a local hospital after some tested positive for COVID-19, and the hospital said Satur…
Arizona governor signs stripped-down $11.8 billion budget
PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed a stripped-down emergency state budget Saturday that contains $50 million in spending to help tenants, homeowners and small businesses weather the coronavirus crisis.
What's essential? In France: pastry, wine. In US: golf, guns
The coronavirus pandemic is defining for the globe what's “essential” and what things we really can't do without, even though we might not need them for surviv…
Arkansas creates COVID-19 fund as 2 more die from virus
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas' governor signed legislation early Saturday creating a $173 million fund that he can use to respond to the coronavirus outbre…
$35M set aside for Alaska mining access road amid pandemic
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority Board of Directors have voted during an emergency meeting to set aside $35 million for a mining road in northwest Alaska, bypassing st…
3 more national parks close to prevent coronavirus spread
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Three more of America's most popular national parks have closed their gates as pressure mounts on superintendents to prevent crowded trai…
Flagstaff mayor closes salons, says complaint unmerited
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The mayor of Flagstaff says her decision to close nail salons and beauty parlors is not barred by the governor's order blocking cities from expanding his list of businesses that can't be shut…
New Mexico police deny making stops to enforce virus order
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico State Police and other law enforcement agencies across the state say they're not making traffic stops to enforce a statewide stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Michelle Lujan Gri…
Hawks no more: Fiscal conservatives embrace rescue package
NEW YORK (AP) — Republicans who have spent the past decade howling about the danger of ballooning deficits embraced the coronavirus rescue package approved by …
New York governor delays state's presidential primary from April to June
NEW YORK (AP) — New York governor delays state's presidential primary from April to June.
Judge tosses 1 lawsuit over Wisconsin election; plenty left
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A federal judge has tossed one lawsuit seeking to delay Wisconsin's presidential primary, even as a handful of other legal actions remain …
Attorney General sending warning letters to landlords
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — The West Virginia Attorney General said Thursday he is sending warning letters to landlords who are threatening to evict tenants who can't pay rent during the coronavirus pandemic, the Char…
Communities urge Indiana to help fight Lake Michigan erosion
BEVERLY SHORES, Ind. (AP) — Leaders of several communities along Indiana’s Lake Michigan shoreline are calling on Gov. Eric Holcomb to declare a state of emerg…
Trump boosts virus aid, warns governors to be 'appreciative'
WASHINGTON (AP) — After days of desperate pleas from the nation’s governors, President Donald Trump took a round of steps to expand the federal government’s ro…