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…
Watchdog: DOJ bungled 'zero tolerance' immigration policy
WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Department leaders under President Donald Trump knew their 2018 “zero tolerance” border policy would result in family separations but pressed on with prosecutions even as other agencies be…
Wisconsin Rep. Fitzgerald not sure Trump to blame for riot
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin's newest member of Congress, Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, said Thursday he didn't know if President Donald Trump incited the riot last week at the U.S. Capitol and wants
Talk of more Kansas Statehouse security doesn't dispel fears
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Assurances from Gov. Laura Kelly and other Kansas officials that Statehouse security is being heightened haven't dispel concerns that the state isn't doing enough to prepare for a possible armed…
For first time in 5 years, US gas mileage down, emissions up
DETROIT (AP) — A new government report says gas mileage for new vehicles dropped and pollution increased in model year 2019 for the first time in five years.
Judge rejects 1 of many challenges to new education tax
PHOENIX (AP) — A judge on Thursday rejected one of several constitutional challenges to a new voter-approved tax on the wealthy to fund education but put off deciding on several other legal arguments brought by opp…
Minnesota health officials expand vaccine eligibility
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Health told hospitals, health care systems and other vaccination providers Thursday that they can now provide coronavirus shots to a broader group of the population, i…
Charges: Ex-firefighter threw extinguisher at Capitol Police
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A retired Pennsylvania firefighter was arrested Thursday on federal charges that he threw a fire extinguisher that hit three Capitol Police officers during the violent siege on the Capitol last …
GOP lawmakers reject effort to require masks around staff
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Republican leaders in Montana’s Legislature refused Thursday to require lawmakers to wear masks while meeting with legislative staffers in their offices to discuss bill drafts, amendments or ot…
Tunisia marks revolution's 10th anniversary in lockdown
TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — Tunisia on Thursday commemorated the 10th anniversary since the flight into exile of iron-fisted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who was pushed from power in a popular revolt that foreshado…
National Guard troops flooding in as Washington locks down
WASHINGTON (AP) — All through downtown Washington, the primary sound for several blocks was the beeping of forklifts unloading more fencing.
SC Legislature takes days off amid COVID, security worries
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The full House and Senate in South Carolina are taking a few days off next week, including Wednesday's presidential inauguration day when the FBI has warned state governments there could be vi…
Ducey: Trump 'bears some responsibility' for insurrection
PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said Thursday that President Donald Trump “bears some responsibility” for the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol last week but he does not support impeachment.
Comparison between Capitol siege, BLM protests is denounced
Black activists are coming out strongly against a growing narrative among conservatives that equates the deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol with last summer's Black Lives Matter protests of racial injustice.
New Mexico wildlife officer charged in decapitated cat case
BLOOMFIELD, N.M. (AP) — A wildlife officer in New Mexico has been arrested after police say he allegedly decapitated a nine-week-old gray kitten at his home in Bloomfield, authorities said.
Security officials urge Minnesotans to avoid state Capitol
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Security officials asked Minnesotans on Thursday to consider staying away from the state Capitol complex unless they have specific planned activities or business there.