State & Local — Archive
Governors, state legislatures, and local government
Florida Executing Prisoners at Record Pace as Most States Abandon Death Penalty
The state has carried out 19 executions in a single year for the first time since 1936, accounting for 40% of all U.S. executions in 2025.
Supreme Court Upholds Mississippi Law Allowing Late-Mail Ballots in 5-4 Ruling
The decision, four months before the 2026 midterms, allows ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if received within five days.
Budapest Celebrates First Pride Parade Since Orbán Government Left Power
Around 50,000 marchers participated in the Hungarian capital's 31st Pride event on Saturday as temperatures reached around 40°C.
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.