Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Gregg leads sheriff's race as thousands of ballots remain uncounted
EPHRATA — Challenger Darrik Gregg held an early lead over incumbent Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete following the…
Poland: Near-total abortion ban takes effect amid protests
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — A near-total ban on abortion has taken effect in Poland and triggered a new round of nationwide protests three months after the constitutional court ruled that the abortion of congenitally dam…
EXPLAINER: How experts will hunt for COVID origins in China
BEIJING (AP) — After a two-week quarantine, the real work can begin. Maybe.
'Take every shift as it comes': No respite for UK hospitals
LONDON (AP) — When the U.K. surpassed 100,000 coronavirus dead this week, it was much more than just a number to Justin Fleming.
New Biden health care orders begin to unspool Trump policies
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will act Thursday to get more people health insurance in the middle of
Russia detains Navalny's allies, warns social networks
MOSCOW (AP) — Russian authorities on Thursday detained several allies of opposition leader Alexei Navalny and issued warnings to social media giants after tens of thousands of people took to the streets in over 100…
Vaccine factory inspected amid EU dispute with AstraZeneca
BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgian health authorities said Thursday they have inspected a pharmaceutical factory to determine whether expected delays in the deliveries of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine are actually due to …
Polish ombudsman: Abortion ruling condemns women to torture
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland's top human rights official on Thursday denounced a top court ruling that amounts to a near total ban on abortion, saying it imposes a severe limitation of women's rights and “condemns …
Russia detains allies of jailed opposition leader Navalny
MOSCOW (AP) — Several allies and supporters of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny were detained in Moscow early Thursday after mass protests last Saturday demanding his release from prison drew tens of thousa…
Bill addresses law enforcement officers’ mental health
House Bill 1000 would allow the Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs to create pilot projects aimed to support law enforcement officers.
Lawmakers push competing COVID-19 packages
Relief for renters, schools, public health agencies and small businesses is rushing through the state Legislature, with the hope help can reach people by the end of February.
Tensions rise as AstraZeneca, EU spar over vaccine delays
BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union and drugmaker AstraZeneca sparred Wednesday over a delay in coronavirus vaccine deliveries amid a deepening dispute that raises concerns about international competition for limite…
In CDC’s backyard, school reopening debate divides experts
Just down the road from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in a community flush with resident health professionals, the Decatur, Georgia, school system had no shortage of expert input on whether t…
Veteran activists campaign for Biden's immigration reform
RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Immigrant rights activists energized by a new Democratic administration and majorities on Capitol Hill are gearing up for a fresh political battle to push through a proposed bill from President…
Broken by Trump, US refugee program aims to return stronger
Krish Vignarajah has been in survival mode for four years as the Trump administration slashed refugee admissions by 85%. She's had to close a third of her resettlement agency's 48 offices and lay off more than 120 …
AP sources: Biden to pause oil and gas sales on public lands
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is set to announce a wide-ranging moratorium on new oil and gas leasing on U.S. lands and waters, as his administration moves quickly to reverse Trump administration policies o…