Correction: Capitol Breach-Civil War story

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — In a story January 16, 2021, about Republican leaders invoking war rhetoric, The Associated Press incorrectly referred to an incoming chairwoman of the Michigan GOP. Instead, she is the incoming party co-chair. A corrected version of the story is below.

COVID-19 fuels quick push for Kansas anti-abortion measure

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Abortion opponents are moving with unusual speed to put a proposed anti-abortion amendment to the state constitution on the ballot, fearing a COVID-19 outbreak could thwart them if they delay action even for a few weeks. The proposed amendment would overturn a Kansas Supreme Court...

Senate to gather on 'Lobby Day' under heightened security

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia state lawmakers will be meeting under heightened security Monday amid concerns about possible civil unrest in state capitals in the days leading up to President elect-Joe Biden's inauguration. Monday is also expected to bring a large showing of gun-rights supporters to...

South Carolina House and Senate to take an early break

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The full South Carolina House and Senate are taking a short break this week. The House won't meet at all and the Senate is only meeting on Thursday. But lawmakers won't get time off. Leaders in both chambers are asking them to hold committee and subcommittee meetings online so they...

Alaska Legislature to convene amid budget, virus concerns

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska lawmakers convene Tuesday amid economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic and a near decadelong run of budget deficits. Reserve money is depleted, and tough decisions are ahead on how to use the state's nest-egg oil-wealth fund. It's unclear who will lead those debates:...

Hawaii lawmakers face tough choices amid pandemic recession

HONOLULU (AP) — Cut spending, raise taxes or perhaps both. Hawaii lawmakers face tough choices as they convene a new legislative session this week amid a pandemic that has pummeled tourism, the state's biggest industry, and depleted tax revenue. Lawmakers expect to spend time addressing how to spend...

Wisconsin's top health official departing for federal job

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s top health official, who has led the state throughout the coronavirus pandemic, is leaving for a job with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under President-elect Joe Biden. Andrea Palm, secretary-designee of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services,...

Ohio Dems tap 1st female chair, 1st Black executive director

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Ohio Democratic Party is hoping that two historic picks last week — its first female chair and its first Black executive director — can restore its candidates' fortunes against the state's dominant Republicans while also healing internal party divisions. The choices...

Republican Boebert sued after blocking critic on Twitter

DENVER (AP) — A former state representative in Colorado sued Republican U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert on Sunday after being blocked from the first-term federal lawmaker's Twitter account. Attorneys for Democrat Bri Buentello of Pueblo filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Denver, claiming she was blocked...

The Latest: Sunday protests quiet; officials brace for more

The Latest on demonstrating Sunday at statehouses across the country. ___ After a small, peaceful protest at the Ohio Statehouse on Sunday, Gov. Mike DeWine says security levels will remain high in Columbus for Wednesday’s presidential inauguration. DeWine praised demonstrators for exercising their free...