DAVID A. LIEB | The Seattle Times

April 14, 2021 at 12:44 pm

More COVID state shutdowns unlikely, despite CDC suggestion VIEW

When one of the nation's top health officials this week suggested states dealing with a spring spike of coronavirus cases should “shut things down,” the...

April 10, 2021 at 7:34 am

Lawmakers seek long-term limit on governors’ emergency power VIEW

As governors loosen long-lasting coronavirus restrictions, state lawmakers across the U.S. are taking actions to significantly limit the power they could wield in future emergencies....

A backed up line of traffic winds it’s way along a street near downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, March 28, 2021. U.S. drivers recently reached a major milestone when the number of daily passenger vehicle trips reached pre-pandemic levels for the first time in a year, according to data provided to The Associated Press by the transportation analytics firm Inrix. It’s a potential indicator that the pandemic’s strain on society may be easing. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) NYAG404 NYAG404

March 29, 2021 at 9:03 am

Passenger vehicle travel rebounding to pre-pandemic levels VIEW

The number of daily passenger vehicle trips has hit a major milestone, with Americans driving more often and farther than at any time since pandemic...

March 28, 2021 at 7:04 am

Census data delay scrambles plans for state redistricting

Stymied by delayed census data needed for redistricting, some states are considering postponing their 2022 primaries or turning to other population estimates to start the...

March 17, 2021 at 2:02 pm

Treasury says state tax cuts OK if separated from virus aid

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Responding to concerns from state officials, the U.S. Treasury Department said Wednesday that states can cut taxes without penalty under...

March 14, 2021 at 12:10 am

Pandemic redefines ‘public’ access to government meetings VIEW

It wasn’t long ago when a “public meeting” of the city council or state legislature meant the general public could show up to watch and,...

March 13, 2021 at 7:18 am

Virus tolls similar despite governors’ contrasting actions VIEW

Nearly a year after California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the nation’s first statewide shutdown because of the coronavirus, masks remain mandated, indoor dining and other...

Members of the Missouri House — some wearing masks, and other not — huddle closely in conversations before the beginning of session on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, in Jefferson City, Mo. The House chamber has no mask mandate and has not modified its seating during the coronavirus pandemic. The House canceled all work for a full week in January after a COVID-19 outbreak. (AP Photo/David A. Lieb) RPDL103 RPDL103

February 5, 2021 at 6:44 am

Virus outbreaks stoke tensions in some state capitols VIEW

Tensions are high among lawmakers meeting in person at some state capitols — not because of testy debates over taxes, guns or abortion, but because...

Jeff Fitter, owner of Super Smokers BBQ, poses for a photo inside his restaurant Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, in Eureka, Mo. Fitter says his profits were down by about half last year, largely because of the closures and capacity limits imposed by St. Louis County. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) MOJR104 MOJR104

January 28, 2021 at 8:11 am

State lawmakers are pushing to curb governors’ virus powers VIEW

Triggered by the sweeping use of executive orders in the COVID-19 crisis, state lawmakers around the U.S. are moving to curb the authority of governors...

January 17, 2021 at 12:01 am

Heavily fortified statehouses around US see small protests VIEW

Small groups of right-wing protesters — some of them carrying rifles — gathered outside heavily fortified statehouses around the country Sunday, outnumbered by National Guard...