Tag Archives: local

The Legislature’s audit committee voted Tuesday to launch a comprehensive review of diversity and inclusion efforts across state government after the Assembly’s top Republican vowed to eliminate equity initiatives. The committee voted 6-4 to order the Legislative Audit Bureau to conduct the review, with all four Democrats on the panel voting against the proposal. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers signed an …

Randy Niemeyer will serve as the Republican nominee in one of Indiana’s most closely watched House races. Niemeyer, who won the Republican Party’s nomination for Indiana’s First Congressional District on Tuesday, will now face off against incumbent Democratic Rep. Frank Mrvan in the state’s general election later this year. Along with Niemeyer, two other candidates, Leyva and Ruiz took part …

A pair of Wisconsin wedding barns sued the state Tuesday seeking to block enactment of a new law that requires them to get liquor licenses similar to other establishments that host events. Owners and operators of wedding barns tried unsuccessfully last year to kill the law that overhauled regulation of the state’s multibillion-dollar liquor industry. The changes had been worked …

The GOP primary race to serve as Indiana’s next governor concluded Tuesday evening after it was announced Sen. Mike Braun received the most votes and will serve as the party’s nominee for the role in November. A total of six candidates ran in the GOP gubernatorial primary election to replace term-limited Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb, who has held the position …

Federal judges who recently threw out a congressional election map giving Louisiana a second mostly Black district said Tuesday the state Legislature must pass a new map by June 3 or face having the panel impose one on the state. The order from a panel of two federal district judges and an appellate judge noted that they would begin work …

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, signed into law on Monday a bill that strengthens the rights of homeowners against squatters who illegally occupy their property. The measure, House Bill 182, was sponsored by state Rep. Craig Lipscomb and creates harsher penalties for individuals who occupy property they do not own. Additionally, the measure enhances penalties for those who falsify …

A jury in North Dakota on Friday convicted a state lawmaker of a misdemeanor in connection with a state-leased building he has ownership ties to. A legislative leader said he disagrees with the verdict and plans to review the statute and rules involved. Republican Rep. Jason Dockter, of Bismarck, was charged in December 2023 with speculating or wagering on official …

Five vulnerable Democrats who voted against measures to strengthen border security in the past have seemingly changed their tune as they seek re-election to their posts in the lower chamber. Following President Biden’s signing of a $95 billion package with aid to both Ukraine and Israel last week, five Democrats – Reps. Jared Golden of Maine,Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, …

Supporters of a “top two” primary election system in South Dakota that would replace the current partisan process with one open to all voters have submitted thousands more petition signatures than required to bring a vote this fall on their ballot initiative. On Monday, South Dakota Open Primaries sponsors said they submitted petitions with 47,000 signatures to Secretary of State …

Colorado lawmakers passed a sweeping bill Monday to overhaul the state’s lax oversight over funeral homes after a series of horrific incidents, including sold body parts, fake ashes and the discovery of 190 decaying bodies. The cases have devastated hundreds of already grieving families, and encouraged lawmakers to pass the bill, which now goes to Democratic Gov. Jared Polis’ desk …