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…
Kentucky lawmakers pass coronavirus-relief measure
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Reconvening after a weeklong break, Kentucky lawmakers passed a measure Thursday offering relief to workers and employers suffering econo…
Washington set to deliver $2.2 trillion virus rescue bill
WASHINGTON (AP) — With rare bipartisanship and speed, Washington is about to deliver massive, unprecedented legislation to speed help to individuals and busine…
Texas requires New York, New Orleans travelers to quarantine
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas joined other states Thursday in imposing quarantines on travelers from the New York area, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak …
Noem pushes emergency bills, but doctors say it's not enough
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem on Thursday said she will pitch legislators on a series of 10 emergency bills to address what she believes will be a …
Missouri swamped by unemployment claims as cases exceed 500
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — President Donald Trump has approved Missouri Gov. Mike Parson's request for federal disaster declaration, the governor's office announc…
Colorado unemployment claims soar 737% amid virus shutdown
Colorado had more than 19,000 unemployment claims last week, a 737% increase from the previous week, as businesses laid off workers amid the widespread economi…
Deja vu: LA County sheriff closes gun shops again
LOS ANGELES (AP) — For the second time this week, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva has ordered gun shops to close, a move that challenges the county …
Nevada coronovirus deaths climb to 10; include 1st under 50
RENO, Nev. (AP) — The coronavirus has claimed 10 lives in Nevada, including the first person younger than 50, state health officials said Thursday.
Wyoming governor signs permanent daylight saving time bill
GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming's governor signed a bill making daylight saving time permanent in the state.
New unemployment claims post steep growth in Utah
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Nearly 20,000 new people applied for unemployment in Utah last week, an explosive increase that’s in line with national data released Thu…
3 migrant children in US custody test positive for virus
WASHINGTON (AP) — Three immigrant children in U.S. government custody at a New York facility have tested positive for the coronavirus, officials said Thursday.
Coronavirus surge in Kansas touches inmates, taxes, pastures
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas officials are looking for extra hospital beds, releasing jail inmates and bracing for a slump in state tax collections as they add f…
Wisconsin's longest-serving legislator says he will retire
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin state Sen. Fred Risser, the longest-serving legislator in the nation's history, said Thursday that he plans to retire.
Minnesota House passes $330 million COVID-19 aid bill
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Legislature was poised Thursday to pass a $330 million financial aid package to help soften the economic impact of the coronav…
New Mexico regulators getting squeezed out of state building
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A powerful commission in charge of regulating utilities and other New Mexico businesses is being evicted from its state offices by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's administration.