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 vote on federal grant for pedestrian safety upgrades
Kalispell City Council is expected to vote Monday on whether to pursue a federal grant to improve pedestrian safet…
AP-NORC poll: Coronavirus concern now surpasses that of flu
CHICAGO (AP) — A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that two-thirds of Americans say they're at least somewhat co…
US pausing movement of troops into Afghanistan, quarantining 1,500 new arrivals to country due to virus
WASHINGTON (AP) — US pausing movement of troops into Afghanistan, quarantining 1,500 new arrivals to country due to virus.
Germany bans anti-Semitic group, raids homes in 10 states
BERLIN (AP) — Authorities conducted raids in 10 German states Thursday at premises linked to a group accused of pursuing a mix of anti-government and racist ideology.
Prisons work to set up video chats for inmates, families
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania's prisons are working to set up video conferences between inmates and family members now that visits have been suspended in an effort to keep the coronavirus from spreading to pe…
Maryland lawmakers approve coronavirus bill, adjourn early
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The Maryland General Assembly on Wednesday adjourned early for the first time since the Civil War, after passing emergency legislation an…
European Union chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier says he has tested positive for COVID-19
BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier says he has tested positive for COVID-19.
Gambling shuts down in Nevada under governor's virus order
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Casinos throughout Nevada were closed Wednesday along with other nonessential businesses following an unprecedented order from Gov. Steve Siso…
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…