State & Local
Governors, state legislatures, and local government
82 articlesReporting from the front lines of local governance, where statehouse decisions impact everyday lives across the country.
NYC Mayor Mamdani Condemns ICE After Arrests During Bushwick Protest
Nine demonstrators were detained during protests over the arrest of an illegal immigrant with prior assault and drug charges, according to DHS.
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How Tom Steyer's Unexpected Alliance With Progressives Vaulted Him Into Top Tier of California Governor Race
The hedge fund billionaire has poured more than $120 million of his own money into the race while securing backing from groups founded on anti-billionaire principles.
James Callahan
· 5 min
Mexican Governor, Mayor Step Down After U.S. Drug Trafficking Indictments
Rubén Rocha Moya and Culiacán mayor deny cartel ties as 10 people face charges in sweeping federal case targeting Sheinbaum's party.
James Callahan
· 4 min
Crockett Criticized for Latest Remarks About Texas Governor's Disability
The outgoing Democratic congresswoman referenced Gov. Greg Abbott's paralysis in a social media video, drawing condemnation from Republicans and disability advocates.
James Callahan
· 4 min
US Charges Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya With Drug Trafficking, Weapons Offenses
The governor and nine other Mexican officials allegedly partnered with the Sinaloa cartel to distribute massive quantities of drugs into the United States.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Jasmine Crockett's Comments About Texas Governor Greg Abbott Draw Fresh Criticism
The outgoing Democratic congresswoman referenced Abbott's paralysis in a video posted to her X account, sparking condemnation from critics.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Ron DeSantis Unveils New Florida Congressional Map That Would Give the GOP an Extra Four Seats
The proposal, which would take effect for the 2026 midterms, comes as both parties fight over redistricting in states with slim congressional majorities.
James Callahan
· 4 min
Meet the Mayor of a Tiny Texas Town Who Wants to Limit How Cities Can Govern
Art Martinez de Vara, mayor of Von Ormy (pop. 1,100), helped craft Dallas ballot measures that have opened the city to lawsuits over police funding.
James Callahan
· 4 min
California Oil Fight Tests State's Right to Push Back Against Washington During War
Crude oil is flowing through a pipeline crossing state park land after the Trump administration invoked Cold War-era authority to restart offshore drilling, prompting California to sue for trespassing.
James Callahan
· 4 min
Accused White House Correspondents' Dinner Attacker Identified as California Tutor and Computer Programmer
Authorities have released the identity of the suspect in an alleged assault at the annual journalism event, though details about the incident remain limited.
James Callahan
· 3 min
At Least 2 Dead After Tornadoes Destroy Homes in Northern Texas
Emergency crews clear debris to reach damaged homes as National Weather Service confirms EF-2 and EF-1 tornadoes struck Runaway Bay and Springtown.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Ohio GOP Governor Primary Reveals Headwinds for Ramaswamy Ahead of Fall Election
The biotech entrepreneur faces criticism from within his own party over policy proposals and personal attacks targeting his background as the May 5 primary approaches.
James Callahan
· 4 min
California DOGE Leader Slams Newsom, Bonta Over State's Massive Fraud Issues
Republican watchdog group CAL DOGE claims to have uncovered nearly $700 million in waste and fraud since launching in early 2026.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Dirk Kempthorne, Former Idaho Governor and U.S. Interior Secretary, Dies at 74
The Republican served as Boise mayor, two-term governor, and led the Interior Department under President George W. Bush before colon cancer diagnosis.
James Callahan
· 4 min
31 Sloths Die Before Opening of Orlando 'Slothnarium'; State Wildlife Officials Investigate
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission found most animals died after being shipped to a warehouse without proper heating, prompting regulatory scrutiny.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Michigan Governor Hopeful Pressed on Past SPLC Work After DOJ Indictment
The Southern Poverty Law Center, where Jocelyn Benson served on the board from 2014 to 2018, was indicted Tuesday on 11 counts of allegedly paying members of extremist groups.
James Callahan
· 5 min
Jeffries Calls DeSantis Lame Duck After Governor Offers to Pay for Florida Trip Amid Redistricting Fight
The House Democratic leader warned Florida Republicans that their redistricting efforts could backfire, echoing similar disputes in Texas and Virginia.
James Callahan
· 3 min
NC Woman and Texas Teen Arrested in Alleged Plot to Attack Houston Synagogue
An 18-year-old from Lexington, N.C., and a 16-year-old Houston boy face charges in what authorities described as a plot to 'kill as many Jews as possible' at Congregation Beth Israel.
James Callahan
· 4 min
5 Takeaways From First Major California Governor's Debate After Swalwell Exit
Six candidates squared off in San Francisco debate as Democrats scramble to coalesce ahead of June 2 primary, with party polling showing Republicans could advance to general election.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Groups Sue Alaska Election Officials Over Sharing Voter Data With DOJ
The League of Women Voters of Alaska and Alaska Black Caucus allege the handover violates the state constitution's right to privacy.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Fairfax County Releases Guatemalan Man Charged With Child Porn Despite ICE Detainer
DHS says the man, deported three times since 2015, was released without notification to federal immigration authorities.
James Callahan
· 3 min
NYC Council Member Chi Ossé Arrested During Protest to Stop Eviction
Council member was defending a 60-year resident facing eviction in Bed-Stuy, an area experiencing what his office calls 'Black displacement.'
James Callahan
· 3 min
Wildfires Destroy Nearly 50 Homes in Georgia as Blazes Grow in Florida
Georgia's two largest wildfires have burned more than 31 square miles, while Florida faces one of its worst fire seasons in decades.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Houston Council Reverses Sanctuary Policy After Abbott Threatens $110 Million Cut
The 13-4 vote to amend cooperation rules with ICE came after the Republican governor set a Wednesday deadline for the city to comply or refund state funding.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Florida AG Launches Criminal Investigation Into ChatGPT Over FSU Shooting
Attorney General James Uthmeier says the alleged shooter consulted ChatGPT for advice on guns, ammunition and timing, marking a potential first-of-its-kind prosecution of an AI company.
James Callahan
· 4 min
Mets Losing Streak Draws Humor, Criticism After Mayor Mamdani's Mascot Hug
New York Mets have gone 0-11 since Mayor Zohran Mamdani embraced Mrs. Met on April 9, sparking memes and scrutiny over the coincidental timing.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Miami Herald Poll: 68% of Cubans, Cuban Americans in South Florida Oppose Trump Deportation Policies
Poll of 800 South Florida residents finds 81% support legal immigration pathways as island faces humanitarian crisis
James Callahan
· 3 min
Boston Mayor Denies City Funding for LGBTQ Migrant Wellness Program After Group Advertised Up to $500 in Benefits
City officials say a $7,500 grant to OUTnewcomers was for mental health services, not the voucher program that sparked online criticism.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Mamdani Endorses City Council Candidate Who First Accused Cuomo of Sexual Harassment
Lindsey Boylan, who accused former Gov. Andrew Cuomo of harassment in 2020, faces off in April 28 special election with backing of newly inaugurated NYC mayor.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Why Steve Hilton Thinks He Can Turn California Red
The former Trump advisor and California native outlines his strategy for making the traditionally blue state competitive for Republicans.
James Callahan
· 3 min
NYC Mayor Mamdani Touts New $500M-A-Year Tax on Luxury Second Homes
Governor Hochul's pied-à-terre tax targets ultra-wealthy nonresidents with properties valued at $5 million or more, expected to generate at least $500 million annually.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Sotomayor Apologizes for Remarks Criticizing Kavanaugh Over Immigration Enforcement Case
Supreme Court justice called her comments inappropriate and hurtful after criticizing colleague's view on ICE enforcement in California
James Callahan
· 3 min
NYC Mayor Touts 'Socialist' Wins in First 100 Days Alongside Bernie Sanders
Mamdani highlighted $1.2 billion for universal child care, five publicly owned grocery stores, and 195,000 housing violations against landlords as achievements.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Pelosi, California Democrats Slam Swalwell Over Sexual Assault Allegations: 'Indefensible'
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Adam Schiff have withdrawn their support for Eric Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign following bombshell allegations from a former staffer.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Swalwell Calls Sexual Assault Claims 'Flat False' as Pressure Mounts to Drop Governor Bid
Sen. Adam Schiff withdrew his endorsement and called for Swalwell to exit the race, while House Democratic leadership demanded an investigation.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Texas Officials Investigating Hundreds of Complaints Against Camp Mystic Amid Bid to Renew License
Regulators and Texas Rangers are examining complaints alleging neglect during July 2025 floods that killed 27 girls, as the camp seeks to reopen this summer.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Photos Show California Home of Qasem Soleimani's Relatives After ICE Arrest
Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were taken into custody after the State Department revoked their green cards, marking one of the latest enforcement actions against Iranian regime family members.
James Callahan
· 3 min
DeSantis Signs Florida Law Allowing State to Label Groups as Terrorist Organizations
The law gives the governor and Florida Cabinet power to designate organizations and requires universities to report expelled student visa holders to federal immigration authorities.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Houston Deletes Post Referring to Good Friday as 'Spring Holiday' After Backlash
The city removed an office closure announcement after Republican officials and conservative commentators criticized the wording as dismissive of Christian observances.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Man Sentenced in Cross Burning Hoax Tied to Colorado Springs Mayor Race
Derrick Bernard receives nearly 4 years in federal prison for plot involving threat against Mayor Yemi Mobolade, who denies any involvement.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Illinois Governor Posts Walking Day Video after Student Killing Sparks Backlash
Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker's National Walking Day post, made days after an 18-year-old Loyola University student was fatally shot while walking, drew criticism from the victim's family and conservative commentators.
James Callahan
· 3 min
DHS Slams California Sanctuary County After Mom Allegedly Murdered by 2 Honduran Nationals
Santa Clara County is accused of refusing ICE detainer requests for two suspects, including one with prior domestic violence arrests and an outstanding murder warrant from New Jersey.
James Callahan
· 4 min
Student Dead After Shooting Teacher at Texas Prep School, Sheriff's Office Says
The 15-year-old student shot a female teacher before fatally shooting himself at Hill Country College Preparatory High School in Comal County.
James Callahan
· 3 min
CPAC Conference Returns to Texas for Annual Conservative Gathering
The Conservative Political Action Conference, a staple of the conservative movement's calendar, held its annual event in Texas this year.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Fulton County Asks Federal Judge to Order FBI Return of 2020 Ballots
A federal judge will hear arguments Friday after court-ordered mediation failed to resolve the dispute over seized election materials.
James Callahan
· 4 min
Chicago Mayor Johnson Unveils 'Abolish ICE' Snowplow Days After Student Allegedly Murdered by Migrant
The snowplow name was chosen from 13,000 submissions in the city's You Name a Plow contest, weeks after a Loyola University student was killed by a suspect who entered the US in 2023.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Drivers Hit With DMV Scam Texts in Colorado, Texas, Hawaii
State agencies warn of phishing texts impersonating DMVs as consumers report receiving fraudulent messages requesting personal information.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Pedestrian Overpass Project Dead After Norfolk Southern Withdraws Funding, Hammond Mayor Says
Norfolk Southern's former CEO promised to cover the $2.6 million local match for a bridge over a dangerous rail crossing used by schoolchildren.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Emmanuel Grégoire Elected Mayor of Paris, Succeeding Fellow Socialist Anne Hidalgo
Socialist candidate defeats conservative rival Rachida Dati in final round of French municipal elections, maintaining left-wing control of the French capital.
James Callahan
· 4 min
Hawaii Storms Have Caused $1B in Damage, Governor Says
Two consecutive storms dropped up to 50 inches of rain on parts of the state, causing worst flooding since 2004
James Callahan
· 3 min
US Border Patrol Arrests Two Mexican Fugitives in California Wanted for Murder and Child Sex Crimes
DHS confirms agents from the San Diego Sector arrested a homicide suspect in Anaheim and a child sex crimes suspect in Lemon Grove, turning both over to Mexican authorities.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Duffy Mocks Newsom's 'Bridges to Nowhere' as California Wildlife Crossing Overruns by $21M
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing cost rose from $92M to $114M, with completion delayed from 2025 to fall 2026.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Gas Price Spike Spurs Political Blame Game in California
California's average gas price of $5.50 per gallon, the highest in the nation, has become a political flashpoint as Democrats and Republicans trade blame over costs.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Nick Shirley Uncovers Over $170 Million in Alleged Fraud Across California Daycare and Hospice Operations
Independent journalist's 40-minute investigative video details alleged waste in Medi-Cal, hospice, and daycare programs.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Dallas County GOP Will Return to Countywide Voting for May Runoff After Primary Day Chaos
The party switched to precinct-based voting for the March primary, resulting in voter confusion and provisional ballots that prompted the reversal.
James Callahan
· 3 min
New York City Seeks to Stop Defending Former Mayor Eric Adams in Sex Assault Suit
The city's Law Department says new evidence shows Adams was not acting within the scope of city employment when alleged assault occurred in 1993.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Top California Librarian Questioned About Missing $650K Tied to Dolly Parton Child Literacy Program
State Senate subcommittee demands financial records from nonprofit administering Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in California.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Texas, Florida Exclude Islamic Schools from School Voucher Programs
Around two dozen Islamic schools in Texas left out of voucher program over alleged CAIR ties as critics file federal lawsuits alleging religious discrimination.
James Callahan
· 4 min
Trump Uses Numerically Possible Percentages in Local Kentucky Interview
President Trump, who has claimed prescription drug cost reductions of up to 1,500 percent in past statements, used mathematically valid percentage expressions during a Wednesday interview with WKRC local news.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Two Men Charged With Terror Offenses After Homemade Bomb Thrown Outside NYC Mayor's Home
Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, allegedly attempted to detonate two explosives outside Gracie Mansion during an anti-Islam protest, with police saying they were inspired by ISIS.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Explosives Thrown Near NYC Mayor's Residence Investigated as ISIS-Related Terrorism, Police Say
Two individuals are in custody after homemade devices were hurled during a far-right protest outside Gracie Mansion that drew counterdemonstrators.
James Callahan
· 4 min
GOP Challenger Steve Toth Ousts Rep. Dan Crenshaw in Texas Primary
The Houston-area incumbent lost to a conservative rival after Trump withheld endorsement ahead of the first major 2026 election.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Talarico Gives Defiant Victory Party Speech, Says 'There Is Something Happening in Texas'
The Democrat defeated Rep. Jasmine Crockett in Tuesday's primary and faces a Republican runoff in May 26.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Virginia Governor Refuses to Help ICE Deport Stabbing Suspect Without Warrant
Spanberger demands judicial warrants before releasing individuals to federal authorities following report of violent crime.
James Callahan
· 3 min
FAA Restricts Texas Airspace After Pentagon Reportedly Shoots Down CBP Drone
Temporary flight restrictions were expanded near Fort Hancock following an incident involving a counter-unmanned aircraft system and a suspected border patrol drone.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Texas Senate Primaries Enter Final Stretch With $110 Million Spent Ahead of Vote
Record spending and tight polling mark the Republican and Democratic contests as President Trump visits the state.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Breaking: DC Mayor Bowser Responds to Massive Potomac Sewage Crisis, 100 Million Gallons Spill
A burst pipe released an estimated 100 million gallons of raw sewage, prompting a live briefing and a temporary ban on river recreation.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Cruz Slams Newsom as 'Historically Illiterate,' Governor Fires Back With Sharp Retort
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and California Gov. Gavin Newsom exchange barbs over historical references in executive actions; Cruz tweets clown emoji following Newsom’s rebuttal.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Breaking: ICE Partnerships With Local Police Surge by 55%
Federal data indicates the number of jurisdictions participating in federal immigration enforcement programs has surged by more than 50% since 2020.
James Callahan
· 4 min
58% of OK GOP Voters Back Trump Over Stitt, Says Mullin
The Senator from Oklahoma downplayed the former president's criticism of the state's governor ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
James Callahan
· 4 min
Crowded Democratic Field in California Governor's Race
At least eight Democrats are vying to replace Governor Gavin Newsom in 2026, marking the state's most competitive primary in decades.
James Callahan
· 2 min
Trump DOJ Appointee Thomas Albus Tapped to Lead Fulton County Search Warrant Fight
Former Trump campaign attorney to oversee federal challenge to Georgia prosecutors' investigative powers
James Callahan
· 3 min
Minnesota Police Arrest Anti-ICE Protesters After Federal Pressure
Local law enforcement detained several demonstrators blocking ICE operations following new directives from federal immigration officials.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Adam Schiff Endorses Eric Swalwell in California Governor Race
Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) announced his endorsement of Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) for California governor on Sunday, providing a boost to Swalwell's cam...
James Callahan
· 4 min
Could California Elect a GOP Governor?
California, long considered a Democratic stronghold, is showing signs of political volatility heading into the 2026 gubernatorial election. Recent polling an...
James Callahan
· 3 min
Florida Driver's License Tests Now Exclusively in English
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has implemented a new policy requiring all driver's license examinations to be conducted solely in English.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Mississippi Education Reform Bill Sparks Legislative Debate Over School Choice
The Mississippi House of Representatives considers an omnibus education bill that would expand private school vouchers and public-to-public transfers.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Texas and California Governors Escalate Interstate Commerce Dispute
The clash centers on differing environmental standards and their impact on cross-border shipping costs.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Texas and California Governors Escalate Interstate Commerce Dispute
The clash centers on differing environmental standards and their impact on cross-border shipping costs.
James Callahan
· 3 min