Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Kriete, Gregg weigh continuity vs. change in final Q&A
EPHRATA — After four rounds of questions on leadership, public safety, accountability and the future of the Grant …
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…
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…
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.
'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…
Judge rejects charges for Hawaii officers in teen's killing
HONOLULU (AP) — A Hawaii judge on Wednesday rejected murder and attempted murder charges against three Honolulu police officers in the fatal shooting of a teenager, preventing the case from going to trial.
Climate impact of coal sales from US lands scrutinized
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — U.S. officials launched a review Thursday of climate damage and other impacts from coal mining on public lands as the Biden administration expands its scrutiny of government fossil fuel sales…
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…
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.
For US military leaders, Afghan news strikes personal chord
WASHINGTON (AP) — For senior military and Pentagon leaders, this week's news was profoundly personal.
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.
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…
Biden vows to evacuate all Americans — and Afghan helpers
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden pledged firmly Friday to bring all Americans home from Afghanistan — and all Afghans who aided the war effort, too — as officials confirmed that U.S. military helicopters flew …
GM extends recall to cover all Chevy Bolts due to fire risk
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — General Motors said Friday it is recalling all Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles sold worldwide to fix a battery problem that could cause fires.