Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Preliminary primary results set stage for November races across Columbia Basin
EPHRATA — Initial results from Washington's Aug. 5 primary election show several closely watched races beginning t…
Gender gap among Latino voters seen in some families
PHOENIX (AP) — Paul Gonzales promised his wife he wouldn’t vote for Donald Trump in 2016. But the 60-year-old salesman in the Phoenix suburb of Mesa voted for him anyway and said he plans to do it again next week.
Indian agency raids home of journalist, activists in Kashmir
SRINAGAR, India (AP) — India’s premier investigating agency on Wednesday said it raided 10 locations in Indian-controlled Kashmir, including the offices and residences of a journalist and two prominent activists, t…
Kansas sees new COVID highs; Kelly not dropping mask mandate
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas set new state pandemic records Wednesday for reported coronavirus cases and COVID-19-related hospitalizations, and Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said she hasn’t dropped the idea of calling …
Philly shooting brings policing, racism back into campaign
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The fatal shooting of another Black man on America's streets by police — with subsequent unrest — has brought the fraught issues of policing and racism in the nation back to the fore of the pres…
Justice Dept. charges 8 in Chinese harassment plot in US
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has charged eight people with working on behalf of the Chinese government in a pressure campaign aimed at coercing a New Jersey man who was wanted by Beijing into returning …
10th Arkansas lawmaker tests positive for coronavirus
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A tenth Arkansas lawmaker tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday in what has become the second largest outbreak of the virus in a state legislature.
Iowa doctors say virus spread risks overwhelming hospitals
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa's number of coronavirus cases, deaths and hospitalizations continued to surge higher Wednesday as medical professionals have begun to express concern that hospitals could be overwhelmed…
State senator pivots from fugitive to reformer
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A state senator who fled home because of threatening phone messages after criticizing a protest against coronavirus restrictions says he plans to pursue reforms that make police more responsiv…
Massive turnout yet smooth process in Arizona, key state
PHOENIX (AP) — Even on weekends, there's a constant stream of cars that drive through the downtown Phoenix building where one of Maricopa County's several secure drop boxes allow voters to return their ballots.
Nevada judge to decide GOP bid to stop Vegas ballot counting
LAS VEGAS (AP) — A Nevada state judge said Wednesday he’ll decide “soon” whether county election officials can continue to process mail-in ballots and use a computer to verify voter signatures in the Las Vegas area.
Anchorage urges masks, staying home as virus infections rise
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Anchorage is on a “dangerous path” as coronavirus cases rise, the city's health director said Wednesday as officials implored people to avoid gatherings and follow orders to wear masks in publ…
The Latest: Winfrey boosts Biden at get-out-the-vote event
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on
Pandemic politics: Biden shuns 'false promises' of fast fix
BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. (AP) — Focused firmly on COVID-19, Joe Biden vowed Wednesday not to campaign in the election homestretch “on the false promises of being able to end this pandemic by flipping a switch.” Preside…
Nevada governor: 'We are not rounding the corner'
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Businesses may close and hospitals may need to adopt “crisis standards" that include care rationing if the coronavirus continues to spread at current rates in Nevada, state leaders said Wed…
Judge: Virginia can't count some ballots without postmarks
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A judge ruled Wednesday that Virginia elections officials cannot count absentee ballots with missing postmarks unless they can confirm the date of mailing through a barcode, granting part of an…