State & Local — Archive
Governors, state legislatures, and local government
Texas Law Targeting Drag Shows Could Have Criminalized Dolly Parton, Judge Rules
U.S. District Judge David Hittner struck down Senate Bill 12 for the second time, ruling its broad language could penalize mainstream performers beyond drag artists.
Seattle Man Charged With Threatening Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson After Hospital Disclosure
Nathaniel David Foster, 34, is accused of describing a detailed plan to travel to Olympia, surveil the governor's mansion and force his way inside.
Evacuations Ordered in Rural Texas as Wildfire Spreads Within Hours
The Ross Fire has burned more than 78 square miles across ranchland about 60 miles west of Fort Worth, with officials reporting minimal containment.
'Send Help': LA GOP Leader Issues Desperate Appeal After Dem Mayor's Campaign Video Goes Viral
Los Angeles County Republican Chair Roxanne Hoge called for national conservative support, pointing to the city's 6-to-1 taxpayer-funded donation matching program as evidence of Democratic overreach.
Kerr County Residents Rebuild After Second Devastating Flood in Two Years as Texas Policy Debate Continues
At least 119 people died in the 2025 Central Texas flooding; one year later, another flood struck the same communities while state leaders defend their post-disaster mitigation approach.
Soap Opera Civil Wars of Both Parties on Display in Florida
Internal party disputes highlight deepening divisions within both major parties as primary season unfolds.
Greg Abbott Downplays GOP Fears About Texas Senate Race Amid Close Polling
The three-term governor says the contrast between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico will make November's choice easy for voters.
Oregon Is Spending More Than Ever on Low-Income Housing. A State Law Keeps the Details Secret.
The state has directed $1.4 billion to developers over five years while blocking public access to financial records that could reveal whether the spending is effective.
Texas Appeals Court Slashes $50M Judgment Against Alex Jones to $1.5M Over Sandy Hook Hoax Claims
The reduction stems from Texas law capping punitive damages; a separate $1.4B Connecticut judgment remains intact.
Paramount's Warner Bros. Merger Faces California Blockade, CEO Threatens Exit
The $111 billion deal has split political leaders, labor unions, and industry watchers over antitrust concerns versus potential economic fallout.