Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Ybarra announces run for Washington Senate
QUINCY — State Representative Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, has announced his candidacy for the Washington Senate. If he…
Biden's view of job comes into focus after Afghan collapse
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden made up his mind about Afghanistan months — really years — ago.
Harris' Asia trip carries new urgency after Afghan collapse
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Taliban takeover of Afghanistan has given new urgency to Vice President Kamala Harris' tour of Southeast Asia, where she will attempt to reassure allies of American resolve following the chaot…
Scottish Greens agree to back pro-independence government
LONDON (AP) — The Scottish National Party and the Scottish Greens agreed Friday on a power-sharing deal that falls short of a coalition government but could pave the way to another referendum on Scotland's independ…
Biden backs end to wolf protections but hunting worries grow
FARIBAULT, Minn. (AP) — President Joe Biden's administration is sticking by the decision under former President Donald Trump to lift protections for gray wolves across most of the U.S. But a top federal wildlife of…
China allows couples third child amid demographic crisis
BEIJING (AP) — China will now allow couples to legally have a third child as it seeks to hold off a demographic crisis that could threaten its hopes of increased prosperity and global influence.
EXPLAINER: Why it takes months to subdue some wildfires
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — At nearly every community meeting on firefighting efforts in the U.S. West, residents want to know why crews don’t simply put out the flames to save their homes and the valuable forests surround…
Judge: California ride-hailing law is unconstitutional
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge Friday struck down a California ballot measure that exempted Uber and other app-based ride-hailing and delivery services from a state law requiring drivers to be classified as employees e…
Vietnam calls on army for food delivery ahead of lockdown
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Vietnam's government said it is sending troops to Ho Chi Minh City to help deliver food and aid to households as it further tightens restrictions on people’s movements amid a worsening surge o…
Federal courts impose new COVID-19 restrictions amid surge
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — When Sigal Chattah goes to federal court to challenge a school mask mandate issued by the governor of Nevada, she'll likely be required to wear the very thing she's arguing against: a mask.
Sheriff contracts COVID-19, still plans to fight mandates
GOLDENDALE, Wash. (AP) — A Southwest Washington state sheriff who has been especially vocal in his opposition to pandemic restrictions recently contracted COVID-19, was hospitalized and is relying on oxygen.
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.