Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Soap Lake looking to seat salary commission
SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake is seeking residents to serve on its newly reactivated Salary Commission, a citi…
First new DACA applications approved in final weeks of 2020
NEW YORK (AP) — Over 170 new applicants have become the first individuals in several years to win approval to the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program for immigrants brought to the U.S. as young…
Mississippi legislators set to finalize magnolia-themed flag
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi legislators are beginning their 2021 session Tuesday and one of their first tasks will be to finish adopting a new state flag that voters approved, with a magnolia blossom and the …
California governor says vaccination pace 'not good enough'
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Only about 1% of California's 40 million residents have been vaccinated against the coronavirus, setting a pace of immunization that's “not good enough," Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday.
Kansas swears in new state treasurer, lieutenant governor
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Lynn Rogers was sworn in Monday as Kansas state treasurer, and David Toland took the oath of office to replace Rogers as lieutenant governor.
Governor to hospitals: Use the COVID shots or lose them
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — As seniors lined up at coronavirus vaccination sites and frustrations mounted over their inability to make appointments for life-saving injections, Gov. Ron DeSantis warned hospitals agains…
Montana legislature begins session amid dueling protests
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The 67th session of the Montana Legislature began Monday with dueling protests outside the Capitol over pandemic directives, as Republican leaders hinted they will ease restrictions put in plac…
Wisconsin Republicans ignore Evers on virus response plan
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republicans who control the Wisconsin Legislature introduced a sweeping COVID-19 bill on Monday, the first day of the session, and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said lawmakers will fast track it a…
Ducey to deliver 'state of the state' speech virtually
PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey will deliver his annual “state of the state” address virtually due to the pandemic, forgoing the traditional speech to a crowd of lawmakers, their guests and state dignitaries…
Trump-appointed US attorney resigns in Georgia
ATLANTA (AP) — The top federal prosecutor in Atlanta left his position Monday, a day after an audio recording was made public in which President Donald Trump called him a “never-Trumper."
Trump rewards ally Devin Nunes with Medal of Freedom
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Monday presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to one of his most outspoken congressional allies, California Rep. Devin Nunes, as he looks to reward loyalists with ju…
Indiana lawmakers open 2021 session amid virus changes
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana lawmakers opened their
West Virginia governor defends his resort's New Year's party
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice brushed off criticism that the posh resort he owns did not follow coronavirus pandemic guidelines after video surfaced of a New Year’s Eve gala showing a tigh…
Florida legislator: Punish Mar-a-Lago for mask-free party
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A Florida legislator wants President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago club fined and closed temporarily for hosting a New Year's Eve party where few of the 500 guests wore masks as they sang, …
Ohio governor signs gun bill eliminating duty to retreat
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — An individual’s duty to retreat before using force has been eliminated in Ohio under a gun rights bill signed by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine on Monday despite the governor's vocal concerns tha…
Democrats tighten control with House rules changes
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats controlling the House moved aggressively Monday to tighten their hold over the chamber despite their narrow margin, ramming through a rules package that limits the potential for embarras…