Democrat Logs 35K Miles in Long-Shot Bid in Trump Territory

REDMOND, OR (AP) — One of the largest U.S. congressional districts voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump in 2016, yet an Oregon Democrat campaigning against a Republican incumbent doesn’t see it as hostile territory. Buoyed by electoral wins by a couple of Democrats elsewhere in Trump territory, candidate Jamie McLeod-Skinner is undaunted, traveling a district that’s…

Gov. Parson Sets Limits on Missouri Special Session

JEFFERSON CITY, MO (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is limiting lawmakers’ focus during an upcoming special session to drug treatment courts, appointments and education. Parson in a proclamation released Wednesday directed lawmakers to pass legislation to reform and expand treatment courts. The special session begins Monday. Parson’s directive comes after he vetoed a wide-ranging…

Southern Illinois University Sees Continued Enrollment Drop

CARBONDALE, IL (AP) — Enrollment is continuing a steep decline at Southern Illinois University’s Carbondale campus, with nearly 12 percent fewer students this fall semester. The drop to 12,817 students follows enrollment declines of 7.5 percent in 2016 and 9 percent in 2017. The Southern Illinoisan reports the Carbondale enrollment about half of its 1991 peak of…