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…
'So much work to do': How Biden is planning for transition
WASHINGTON (AP) — If Joe Biden defeats President Donald Trump next month, he'll quickly face a new challenge: standing up a new administration to lead a divided nation through a series of historic crises.
Kyrgyzstan calls new parliamentary election in December
MOSCOW (AP) — Authorities in Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday set a new parliamentary election for December following a disputed vote that led to the resignation of the country's president.
Polish academics protest 'fundamentalist' education minister
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Activists dressed as security guards climbed onto a balcony of a Polish Education Ministry building early Wednesday and hung a banner protesting the appointment of a new minister whom they con…
North Carolina scrambles to inform voters of absentee errors
DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Time was dwindling for thousands of North Carolina voters to fix absentee voting errors as elections officials hustled out an updated process for handling mail-in ballot problems two weeks befor…
Worsening opioid crisis overshadowed in presidential race
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Like millions of Americans, Diane Urban watched the first presidential debate last month at home with her family. When it was over, she turned off the television and climbed into the bed her 2…
More fire-prevention power shutoffs possible in California
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Electricity may be shut off to about 54,000 Northern California utility customers this week to try to prevent power lines from sparking and igniting new wildfires during a predicted new round o…
Growing NKorean nuclear threat awaits US election winner
WASHINGTON (AP) — “Where’s the war?” That’s how President Donald Trump defends his North Korea policy at campaign rallies even though he’s joined the list of U.S. presidents unable to stop the ever-growing nuclear …
Business mandates mount as New Mexico deals with virus surge
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday unveiled more requirements for businesses after a string of record-breaking daily case counts prompted renewed restrictions just last week.
Profane messages briefly mar congressional debate
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Candidates in Connecticut's 1st Congressional District race on Tuesday condemned profane and threatening messages that appeared on screen during a virtual debate.
New Mexico Supreme Court seeks members for equity commission
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court is looking for people to serve on a newly created commission on equity and justice.
Barrett was trustee at private school with anti-gay policies
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett served for nearly three years on the board of private Christian schools that effectively barred admission to children of same-sex parents and made it plain that openly gay an…
Parents of 545 children separated at border can't be found
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Court-appointed lawyers said Tuesday that they have been unable to find parents of 545 children who were separated at the U.S. border with Mexico early in the Trump administration.
Nevada plans no immediate changes as COVID-19 cases spike
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Nevada’s rate of coronavirus infections is steadily rising again. But state officials are reluctant to blame relaxed guidelines and say there is no reason yet to consider stricter measures.
Shaheen, Messner debate Trump's handling of coronavirus
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The Trump administration’s handling of the coronavirus again highlighted contrasts between U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Republican challenger Corky Messner in their third and final debate Tuesd…
Becerra wants judge to make GOP give details on ballot boxes
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California's Democratic attorney general sued the state Republican Party on Tuesday, asking a judge to make them hand over the names and contact information of every voter who used one of …