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…
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.
Los Angeles considers new limits on where homeless can camp
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles is again considering a proposal to greatly restrict where homeless people may camp in public places around the city — rules that opponents say would criminalize homelessness.
Justices deny fast, new look at Pennsylvania ballot deadline
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it would not grant a quick, pre-election review to a new Republican appeal to exclude absentee ballots received after Election Day in the presidential battlegro…
Spain: judge probes Catalan separatism links with Russia
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — A judge in Barcelona is probing possible links between some of the promoters of Catalonia’s 2017 attempt to declare independence from the rest of Spain with an alleged misinformation campaig…
53 Indiana counties labeled higher-risk for COVID-19 spread
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana State Department of Health on Wednesday again increased the number of counties designated as higher-risk locations for coronavirus spread as the state continues to record sharp incre…
Tennessee offers post office absentee drop-offs until Nov. 3
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee voters now can drop off completed absentee ballots until Election Day afternoon at one post office location in every county, according to a
Lawsuit says census takers were pressured to falsify data
The U.S. Census Bureau was able to claim it had reached 99.9% of households when the 2020 census ended two weeks ago because census takers were pressured to falsify data as the statistical agency cut corners and sl…
France, Germany impose new lockdowns to curb virus spread
BERLIN (AP) — France announced a full nationwide lockdown for the second time this year and German officials imposed a partial four-week lockdown Wednesday, as governments across Europe sought to stop a fast-rising…
Belarus minister says police could use guns during protests
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The interior minister of Belarus warned that authorities wouldn't hesitate to approve the use of live ammunition on protesters if it's necessary to quash more than 2 1/2 months of demonstration…
Nevada judge hears GOP challenge to Vegas ballot counting
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Trump campaign and Nevada Republicans were seeking a state court order Wednesday to stop mail-in ballot counting and the use of a computer to check voter signatures in Las Vegas, the state’s mo…
Trump to return to Minnesota for Rochester rally on Friday
ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) — As Election Day looms, President Donald Trump is returning to Minnesota for a rally Friday in Rochester that will mark his fourth trip to the state in recent weeks, his campaign announced We…
South Dakota sees record virus hospitalizations, cases
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Hospitalizations from COVID-19 in South Dakota reached new heights for the fourth straight day on Wednesday.
Barrett confirmation rises as issue in Kentucky Senate race
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell took a victory lap Wednesday for shepherding Amy Coney Barrett onto the U.S. Supreme Court, while his Democratic challenger questioned his priorities.
France imposes new national lockdown as virus deaths mount
PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron ordered his country into a new month-long, nationwide lockdown Wednesday aimed at stopping a fast-rising tide of virus patients filling French hospitals, but said schoo…
Road, logging restrictions to end in largest national forest
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The federal government announced plans Wednesday to lift restrictions on logging and building roads in a pristine rainforest in Alaska that provides habitat for wolves, bears and salmon. Conse…