Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Homesley, Falstad share plans for growing county, auditors office
EPHRATA — As Grant County continues to grow, the county auditor's office is tasked with keeping pace with increasi…
Merkel steps down with legacy dominated by tackling crises
BERLIN (AP) — Angela Merkel will leave office as one of modern Germany's longest-serving leaders and a global diplomatic heavyweight, with a legacy defined by her management of a succession of crises that shook a f…
State: Newark skirted no-bid laws in $5M ice rink renovation
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey's largest city violated state guidelines when it financed a $5.4 million contract to renovate a public ice skating rink when the cost should have been borne by the entity performing t…
State mask bans face federal civil rights inquiries
The Education Department on Monday opened civil rights investigations into five Republican-led states that have banned or limited mask requirements in schools, saying the policies could amount to discrimination aga…
EXPLAINER: Hit by Ida, New Orleans faces weeks without power
WASHINGTON (AP) — Hurricane Ida knocked out all eight transmission lines that deliver power to New Orleans, leaving the entire city without electricity as the
Backers of Seattle homelessness plan appeal ballot rejection
SEATTLE (AP) — Backers of a measure that would change Seattle’s approach to homelessness are appealing a judge’s decision that blocked it from the November ballot.
FACT FOCUS: Trump, others wrong on US gear left with Taliban
The Taliban have seized both political power and significant U.S.-supplied firepower in their whirlwind takeover of Afghanistan, recovering guns, ammunition, helicopters and other modern military equipment from Afg…
Black US farmers awaiting billions in promised debt relief
BOYDTON, Va. (AP) — There was a time when Black farms prospered.
As US military leaves Kabul, many Americans, Afghans remain
WASHINGTON (AP) — As the final five U.S. military transport aircraft lifted off out of Afghanistan, they left behind up to 200 Americans and thousands of desperate Afghans who couldn't get out and now must rely on …
Oregon denies oil terminal permit needed to fully operate
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon regulators said Wednesday they will not renew a permit needed by a crude oil storage company to operate portions of its facility in Northwest Portland.
AP FACT CHECK: Biden skirts broken promise on Afghan exit
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday glossed over his broken promise to keep U.S. troops in Afghanistan until the last Americans are out and offered the faint assurance — even with the last U.S. planes …
High court divides 5-4 to leave Texas abortion law in place
WASHINGTON (AP) — A deeply divided Supreme Court is allowing a Texas law that bans most abortions to remain in force, for now stripping most women of the right to an abortion in the nation’s second-largest state.
Changing winds provide hope in California wildfire battle
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (AP) — With winds finally turning in their favor, firefighters are throwing all their resources into boxing a California blaze that was scant miles from Lake Tahoe and neighboring Nevada.
AP Explains: Congress asks tech companies for Jan. 6 records
WASHINGTON (AP) — A House committee investigating the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection has requested that telecommunications and social media companies preserve the personal communications of hundreds of people who…
After voters embraced mail ballots, GOP states tighten rules
A monthslong campaign by the Republican Party, fueled in part by the false narrative of widespread fraud in last year's presidential election, has led to a wave of new voting laws that will tighten access to the ba…
'It looked apocalyptic': Crew describes Afghan departure
WASHINGTON (AP) — It looked like a zombie apocalypse.