Latest Legislature News
The Latest: Lawmakers aim to limit state emergency powers
NEW YORK — State lawmakers across the U.S. are taking actions to limit the emergency powers of governors — not just in the current coronavirus pandemic, but for any future emergencies. The pushback is coming primarily from Republican lawmakers but is not entirely...
West Virginia lawmakers weigh needle exchange regulations
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A West Virginia bill that would regulate needle exchange programs is poised to gain final approval in the Republican-controlled legislature. Critics have said more stringent requirements for the programs will constrain the number of providers who give clean syringes...
Navajo president balks at reopening tribal roads to visitors
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez has vetoed a a resolution to reopen tribal roads on the Navajo reservation to tourists and other visitors amid the continuing pandemic. Nez said Friday in a statement that he vetoed the resolution approved...
Oklahoman charged with threatening federal officials
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — An Oklahoma man has been charged with 10 counts of threatening former President George W. Bush, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and and six members of Congress. Court documents dated Thursday allege Michael Brandon Houck made the...
Kyrgyzstan votes on constitution boosting president's powers
MOSCOW (AP) — Voters in Kyrgyzstan will cast ballots Sunday on whether to approve a new constitution that would substantially increase the president’s powers in this impoverished Central Asian nation. The referendum comes three months after Sadyr Zhaparov was elected...
Bill authorizing Windham election audit sent to governor
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A bill authorizing an audit of how votes were counted in Windham last fall is headed to the desk of Gov. Chris Sununu, who has said he would sign it. After eight candidates competed for the town's four House seats in November, a recount showed four...
Lawmakers seek long-term limit on governors' emergency power
As governors loosen long-lasting coronavirus restrictions, state lawmakers across the U.S. are taking actions to significantly limit the power they could wield in future emergencies. The legislative measures are aimed not simply at undoing mask mandates and capacity...
Iran says nuke program testing newest advanced centrifuge
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran said Saturday it has begun mechanical tests on its newest advanced nuclear centrifuge, even as the five world powers that remain in a foundering 2015 nuclear deal with Iran attempt to bring the U.S. back into the agreement. Iran's IR-9...
Maryland lawmakers plan to override vetoes on police reform
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland lawmakers gathered Saturday with plans to override Gov. Larry Hogan’s vetoes of three police reform measures. The Republican governor vetoed legislation Friday that includes the core components of a far-reaching police reform package....
‘Clear the Capitol,’ Pence pleaded, timeline of riot shows
WASHINGTON (AP) — From a secure room in the Capitol on Jan. 6, as rioters pummeled police and vandalized the building, Vice President Mike Pence tried to assert control. In an urgent phone call to the acting defense secretary, he issued a startling demand. “Clear the...
