Author: Samuel Wonacott
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All 50 states have active declared emergencies related to the coronavirus pandemic
All 50 states are currently operating under active states of emergency related to the coronavirus pandemic, with several set to last until rescinded by the governor. Starting in late February, governors across the country declared states of emergency as coronavirus cases climbed. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) was the first governor in the country to…
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Virginia Supreme Court rules that Walmart must purchase electricity from Virginia Electric & Power Co.
On July 9, 2020, the Virginia State Supreme Court issued a ruling that affirmed the State Corporation Commission’s denial of Walmart’s petition to seek an alternative energy supplier to the state utility. Justice Arthur Kelsey penned the unanimous opinion of the court. In December 2017 Walmart sought permission to buy its electricity from a non-state…
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U.S. extends travel restrictions on Canada and Mexico through July 21
On June 16, 2020, acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf announced the U.S. would extend travel restrictions in place at the Canadian and Mexican borders through July 21. The restrictions, initially put into place in late March in coordination with both countries, close the borders to nonessential travel. Essential travel, including for trade and commerce,…
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U.S. Representative Tom Rice tests positive for coronavirus
On June 15, Rep. Tom Rice (R-S.C.) announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. In a Facebook post, he said his wife and son also tested positive for the virus. Rice has represented South Carolina’s 7th Congressional District since 2013. Ballotpedia tracks politicians and government officials who…
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Utah gubernatorial candidate Jon Huntsman tests positive for coronavirus
On June 10, former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman (R) announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Huntsman, who served as governor of the Beehive State between 2005 and 2009, is once again making a bid for the governor’s seat in Utah’s 2020 gubernatorial election. Huntsman wrote in…
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Judge rules that Tennessee must provide absentee ballots to all eligible voters on request
Ellen Hobbs Lyle, a judge on the Davidson County Chancery Court in Nashville, Tennessee, ruled on June 4 that the state must give all eligible voters the option to vote by mail in upcoming elections because of the coronavirus pandemic. The decision is expected to be appealed. In Tennessee, voters can request an absentee ballot…
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All of Virginia now operating under Phase One of reopening plan
On May 29, Northern Virginia, as well as Richmond and Accomack County, moved into Phase One of the “Forward Virginia” reopening plan, leaving no part of the state under a stay-at-home order. The stay-at-home order ended for parts of the state on May 15, but Gov. Ralph Northam (D) delayed Northern Virginia’s entry into Phase…
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Delaware Governor will end travel restrictions June 1
On May 26, Gov. John Carney (D) announced that restrictions on travelers entering Delaware will expire on June 1, the same day the state is scheduled to begin the first phase of its reopening plan. Carney issued the restrictions, which require travelers who enter the state to self-quarantine for 14 days, on March 29 in…
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Michigan legislature asks state Supreme Court to take up lawsuit challenging governor’s emergency powers
On Friday, May 22, Republicans in the Michigan Senate and House asked the Michigan Supreme Court to consider a lawsuit filed by House Speaker Lee Chatfield (R) and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R) challenging Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) emergency declarations issued in response to the coronavirus. A Michigan Court of Claims Judge ruled against…
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Illinois state representative tests positive for COVID-19
Illinois state representative Edgar Gonzales Jr. (D) announced in a Facebook post on May 18 that he had tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Gonzales was appointed to represent District 21 in January, 2020, to fill the vacancy left by former Rep. Celina Villanueva (D), who was appointed to the…