Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
3 council members renew oaths of office in Ephrata
EPHRATA — Three Ephrata City Council Members were sworn in Wednesday evening after winning their respective races.…
Allies embraced Biden. Did Kabul lay bare "great illusion"?
BRUSSELS (AP) — Well before U.S. President Joe Biden took office early this year, the European Union's foreign policy chief sang his praises and hailed a new era in cooperation. So did almost all of Washington's We…
Parents get coached on how to escape mask and vaccine rules
ALSEA, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon school superintendent is telling parents they can get their children out of wearing masks by citing federal disability law. A pastor at a California megachurch is offering religious exe…
Justice Dept. bolsters monitoring of federal inmate accounts
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is directing the federal prison system to revamp how it monitors government-run prison deposit accounts that have at times been used by inmates to shield themselves from pay…
For US military leaders, Afghan news strikes personal chord
WASHINGTON (AP) — For senior military and Pentagon leaders, this week's news was profoundly personal.
US to erase student debt for those with severe disabilities
The Biden administration announced Thursday it will automatically erase student loan debt for more than 300,000 Americans with severe disabilities that leave them unable to earn significant incomes.
Democrats face new hurdles in legal fight over redistricting
The fight over redrawing political maps is just ramping up in state legislatures and nonpartisan commissions around the country. But both Republicans and Democrats already are planning for major showdowns in the co…
'Bracing for the worst' in Florida's COVID-19 hot zone
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — As quickly as one COVID patient is discharged, another waits for a bed in northeast Florida, the hot zone of the state's latest surge. But the patients at Baptist Health’s five hospitals a…
Supreme Court halts reinstating 'Remain in Mexico' policy
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is temporarily halting a judge's order that would have forced the government to reinstate a Trump administration policy forcing thousands to wait in Mexico while seeking asylum i…
AP PHOTOS: Two decades of war and daily life in Afghanistan
The United States invaded Afghanistan along with allied forces in 2001 shortly after the 9/11 terror attacks and has been there ever since, before the impending withdrawal this year of the last American troops.
Oregon requires COVID-19 vaccination for teachers, staff
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, Gov. Kate Brown announced Thursday that Oregon is expanding its COVID-19 vaccine requirement to include all teachers, educators, support staff and volunteers…
Biden sees dip in support amid new COVID cases: AP-NORC poll
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is facing a summer slump, with Americans taking a notably less positive view of his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and his job approval rating ticking down.
Some governors use federal virus aid to expand school choice
When Congress sent states billions of dollars early in the coronavirus pandemic to help make schools safe, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee saw an opportunity.
Southern Democrats aim to export Georgia's 2020 success
ATLANTA (AP) — Stacey Abrams spent years telling donors that Democrats could win in Georgia if they would provide the money to build a statewide political operation. In 2020, Georgia finally delivered its 16 presid…
Portland, Oregon, preps for protests between opposing groups
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — All available police personnel in Portland, Oregon, will report for duty Sunday because of expected rallies between opposing groups downtown.
EU warns Taliban it has not recognized their regime
MADRID (AP) — The European Union’s top officials warned the Taliban on Saturday that the current conversations being held to secure the exit of as many Afghan evacuees as possible do not mean the bloc is prepared t…