Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Fifth Congressional District candidates discuss their qualifications
SPOKANE — Six of the 12 candidates running for the Fifth Congressional District seat detailed some of their qualif…
House votes to expand legal safeguards for LGBTQ people
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Democratic-led House passed a bill Thursday that would enshrine LGBTQ protections in the nation's labor and civil rights laws, a top priority of President Joe Biden, though the legislation fac…
Defense head Austin weighs warship needs in Pacific, Mideast
ABOARD THE USS NIMITZ (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told sailors on the USS Nimitz Thursday that he hopes to avoid long ship deployments like the more than 10 months they just spent at sea. But as he made h…
Washington state justices strike down drug possession law
SEATTLE (AP) — In a decision with implications for tens of thousands of cases dating back decades, the Washington Supreme Court on Thursday struck down the state’s felony drug possession law because — unlike the la…
Things to Know: US Hospitalizations plunge, but still high
Here’s what’s happening Thursday with the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S.:
Ties with Saudis at stake as US releases findings on killing
The United States has pledged to tell the world its conclusions on what role Saudi Arabia's crown prince played in the brutal killing and dismembering of a U.S.-based journalist, but as important is what comes next…
The Latest: Europe agency give guidance to tweak vaccines
BERLIN — The European Medicines Agency has issued guidance to pharmaceutical companies on how to tweak already authorized coronavirus vaccines so they can be used to immunize against new variants.
The Latest: British health officials want lower alert level
LONDON — Health officials in Britain say the country’s COVID-19 alert level should move down from the highest level because hospitalizations have decreased.
Chief: Capitol assault much bigger than intel suggested
WASHINGTON (AP) — The acting U.S. Capitol Police chief was pressed to explain Thursday why the agency hadn't been prepared to fend off a violent mob of insurrectionists, including white supremacists, who were tryin…
Explainer: Mount Etna puts on its latest spectacular show
ROME (AP) — Mount Etna, the volcano that towers over eastern Sicily, evokes superlatives. It is Europe’s most active volcano and also the continent’s largest.
Manhattan prosecutor gets Trump tax records after long fight
NEW YORK (AP) — A New York prosecutor has obtained copies of Donald Trump’s tax records after the Supreme Court this week rejected the former president’s last-ditch effort to prevent them from being handed over.
Chief: Capitol Police were ready for trouble, but not a riot
WASHINGTON (AP) — The acting chief of the U.S. Capitol Police is testifying before Congress on Thursday as lawmakers press for answers about intelligence and procedural failures that allowed thousands of supporters…
The Latest: China OKs 2 more virus vaccines for wider use
TAIPEI, Taiwan — China has approved two more COVID-19 vaccines for wider use, adding to its growing arsenal of shots.
Armenian PM slams 'coup attempt' as political tensions rise
YEREVAN, Armenia (AP) — Armenia's prime minister accused top military officers on Thursday of attempting a coup after they demanded he step down, adding fuel to months of protests calling for his resignation follow…
Republican wants to require national anthem in Wisconsin
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The national anthem would have to be played before all sporting events held at Wisconsin venues that received any public funding, from Green Bay Packers games at Lambeau Field to beer league so…
House poised to vote on legal safeguards for LGBTQ people
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Democratic-led House is poised to pass a bill that would enshrine LGBTQ protections in the nation's labor and civil rights laws, a top priority of President Joe Biden, though the legislation f…