Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Auditor candidates discuss election integrity, public confidence
EPHRATA — Three Republican candidates are running for the position of Grant County Auditor: incumbent Shannon Fals…
N. Korea, slimmed down Kim Jong Un, enjoy toned-down parade
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Military search dogs and goose-stepping trainers. Health workers wearing gas masks and red hazmat suits. And a slimmed down, beaming Kim Jong Un in a cream-colored business suit. The parad…
Fighting Texas abortion law could be tough for federal gov't
WASHINGTON (AP) — Foes of the new Texas law that bans most abortions have been looking to the Democratic-run federal government to swoop in and knock down the most restrictive abortion law in effect in the country.…
Judge extends block of Western Michigan vaccine mandate
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday extended
Biden calls Xi as US-China relationship grows more fraught
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden spoke with China's Xi Jinping on Thursday amid growing frustration on the American side that high-level engagement between the two leaders' top advisers has been largely unfrui…
White House competition council seeks lower consumer prices
A new White House council on U.S. economic conditions held its first meeting Friday, with participants highlighting at least 18 actions taken to help consumers and potentially lower prices.
Unions split on vaccine mandates, complicating Biden push
The National Nurses Union applauded President Joe Biden's proposal to require that companies with more than 100 employees vaccinate their work force. The American Federation of Teachers once said vaccine mandates w…
Biden's vaccine rules ignite instant, hot GOP opposition
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden's aggressive push to require millions of U.S. workers to get vaccinated against the coronavirus is running into a wall of resistance from Republican leaders threatening everyth…
Analysis: Biden takes fight to unvaccinated in virus battle
WASHINGTON (AP) — They’re a source of frustration. A risk to their fellow citizens. A threat to the nation’s economic recovery.
Judge: Capital gains tax challenge can move forward
SEATTLE (AP) — A judge ruled Friday that a legal challenge to Washington’s new tax on capital gains can move forward.
Sweeping new vaccine mandates for 100 million Americans
WASHINGTON (AP) — In his most forceful pandemic actions and words, President Joe Biden on Thursday ordered sweeping new federal vaccine requirements for as many as 100 million Americans — private-sector employees a…
In COVID-slammed Idaho, schools risk buckling hospitals
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — When Idaho public health officials announced this week that northern hospitals were so crowded with coronavirus patients that they would be allowed to ration health care, roughly 11,000 kids in …
Now president, Biden to mark 9/11 rite amid new terror fear
NEW YORK (AP) — He will again make the ritual journey to sacred American landmarks of loss. He will once more bow his head in silent prayer. He will repeat words of comfort for those whose lives changed forever on …
Hong Kong Tiananmen vigil leaders charged with subversion
HONG KONG (AP) — Three leaders of the group that organized an annual Tiananmen candlelight vigil were being held in custody Friday after they were charged with subversion under Hong Kong's national security law, as…
Idaho patients in hospital halls amid COVID rationed care
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Amid the Idaho coronavirus surge that prompted officials to authorize hospitals to ration health care, Army soldiers sent to one hospital have traded their fatigues for personal protective equip…
AP FACT CHECK: Biden’s goal for cleaner jet fuel may not fly
DALLAS (AP) — President Joe Biden and his team are