State & Local — Archive
Governors, state legislatures, and local government
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.