State & Local — Archive
Governors, state legislatures, and local government
Florida Executes 74-Year-Old for Wife's Murder, Becoming Oldest Inmate Put to Death in State's Modern History
Dusty Ray Spencer was convicted of fatally stabbing his wife in 1992 and was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m. using a three-drug injection at Florida State Prison.
Hawaii Governor Signs Bill Banning Gondolas, Ending North Shore Project Proposal
House Bill 1881 prohibits private ropeway construction statewide after years of opposition to a proposed gondola at Kaukonahua Ranch.
North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek Is Shaping Counties' Early Voting Plans, Drawing Scrutiny From Democrats
The Republican auditor, who gained election authority in a lame-duck legislative maneuver after the 2024 election, is now weighing in on polling site locations across the battleground state.
Harvey Weinstein Loses Appeal to Overturn California Rape Conviction
A state appeals court upheld the conviction but ordered resentencing, citing the trial judge's reliance on overturned New York convictions.
NY Governor Hopeful Vows Showdown With Mamdani Over Policy Agenda if Elected
Republican Bruce Blakeman says he would block NYC Mayor's proposals including city-owned grocery stores and tax hikes, while Democrat Kathy Hochul's campaign calls him a MAGA-aligned candidate.
Religion Row as Texas Makes Bible Stories Required Reading in Schools
The Republican-controlled State Board of Education voted 9-5 to mandate biblical texts for all 5 million public school students, with full implementation set for 2030.
Texas Board of Education Passes Amendment Requiring Teaching About Prophet Mohammed's Military Campaigns
The Republican-controlled board approved curriculum changes that critics call biased while supporters say it provides historically accurate context, with new standards taking effect in 2030.
Newsom Urges National 'Billionaires Tax' While Opposing State-Level Version in California
The governor proposes a minimum tax on $100 million net worth and calls for federal action, arguing state-level wealth taxes drive billionaires to lower-tax states.
Texas Screwworm Cases Spark Debate Over U.S. Agricultural Biosecurity Readiness
The USDA confirmed 15 cases of the flesh-eating parasite across Texas and New Mexico within three weeks, raising questions about national preparedness for crop pathogens.
Flu Cases at Lackland Air Force Base Rise to 275 as Services Reinstate Vaccine Requirements
The outbreak has prompted military services to reinstate flu shot requirements for basic trainees after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's April decision eliminated mandatory vaccinations.