Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
3 council members renew oaths of office in Ephrata
EPHRATA — Three Ephrata City Council Members were sworn in Wednesday evening after winning their respective races.…
Questioning a catchphrase: 'Pandemic of the unvaccinated'
WASHINGTON (AP) — This summer’s coronavirus resurgence has been labeled a “pandemic of the unvaccinated” by government officials from President Joe Biden on down.
Suga bows out of party vote, paves way for new Japan leader
TOKYO (AP) — Amid growing criticism of his handling of the pandemic, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Friday he won’t run for the leadership of the governing party later this month, paving the way for a new Japan…
Julie Pace named new Associated Press executive editor
NEW YORK (AP) — Julie Pace, a longtime Washington journalist who managed coverage of the U.S. government during a period of historic tumult, was named Wednesday as the executive editor and senior vice president of …
Oregon House Speaker Kotek announces run for governor
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Tina Kotek, the Speaker of the Oregon House, announced Thursday she is running for governor.
Biden blasts high court failure to block Texas abortion curb
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday blasted the Supreme Court's decision not to block a new Texas law banning most abortions in the state and directed federal agencies to do what they can to “insulate…
AP FACT CHECK: Biden’s shaky claim of US readiness in Afghan
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden made dubious assertions that the U.S. was well-prepared for the sudden collapse of Afghanistan’s government during the U.S. drawdown and glossed over his broken promise to keep…
Idaho hospitals nearly buckling in relentless COVID surge
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The intensive care rooms at St. Luke's Boise Medical Center are full, each a blinking jungle of tubes, wires and mechanical breathing machines. The patients nestled inside are a lot alike: All u…
Milley: US coordination with Taliban on strikes 'possible'
WASHINGTON (AP) — Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said it's “possible” the United States will seek to coordinate with the Taliban on counterterrorism strikes in Afghanistan against Isl…
'It looked apocalyptic': Crew describes Afghan departure
WASHINGTON (AP) — It looked like a zombie apocalypse.
Tea party 2.0? Conservatives get organized in school battles
MEQUON, Wis. (AP) — A loose network of conservative groups with ties to major Republican donors and party-aligned think tanks is quietly lending firepower to local activists engaged in
China bans men it sees as not masculine enough from TV
BEIJING (AP) — China’s government banned effeminate men on TV and told broadcasters Thursday to promote “revolutionary culture,” broadening a campaign to tighten control over business and society and enforce offici…
Lake Tahoe resort city OK for now, wildfire fight not over
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (AP) — Better weather on Thursday helped the battle against a huge California wildfire threatening communities around Lake Tahoe, but fire commanders warned firefighters to be prepared for …
The Latest: S Korea tops 1,000 cases for 57th straight day
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea has reported more than 2,000 new coronavirus cases, approaching a daily record set last month just a day after officials cautiously expressed hope that infections may slow.
AP sources: Intel shows extremists to attend Capitol rally
WASHINGTON (AP) — Far right extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers are planning to attend a rally later this month at the U.S. Capitol that is designed to demand “justice” for the hundreds of people …
Judge blocks Western Michigan's vaccine mandate for athletes
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday blocked Western Michigan University from enforcing a COVID-19 vaccine requirement against four female soccer players, ruling they are likely to prevail on claims it …