Divided Democrats call for new strategy after disaster in VA

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats have differing explanations about why their gubernatorial candidates lost in blue-leaning Virginia and were deadlocked in heavily Democratic New Jersey. But they’re trying to figure out why the political terrain shifted against them and what it means for their congressional agenda. Party leaders in Congress moved toward strengthening the appeal of…

Youngkin’s Virginia Win Jolts Democrats, Tight Race in NJ

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Republican former business executive Glenn Youngkin has won Virginia’s governor’s race, a major political turnabout in a state that had been trending increasingly blue. The win has alarmed national Democrats already nervous about holding their party’s narrow control of Congress in next year’s midterm elections. The party was also looking at…

Missouri High Court Weigh Part of Rape Victims’ Rights Law

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Supreme Court judges are considering whether a sexual assault victims rights law is unconstitutional. Judges heard arguments in the case Tuesday. Part of the law says defense attorneys must inform their clients’ alleged victims that they can have a support person present while they’re being questioned. Missouri public defenders…