Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Grant County primary turnout slips from 2022 levels as officials look ahead to November election
EPHRATA — Grant County's voter turnout in the 2026 primary election finished at nearly 34%, a figure county electi…
Supreme Court blocks curbside voting in Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision Thursday blocked a lower court ruling allowing curbside voting in Alabama and waiving some absentee ballot requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Democrats say US needs to address protective gear shortage
A congressional committee criticized President Donald Trump’s administration on Thursday for a series of problems in distributing personal protective and testing equipment during the coronavirus pandemic and called…
Minnesota banks, credit unions, offer COVID-19 mortgage help
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — State officials said Thursday that 31 Minnesota financial institutions have committed themselves to provide additional mortgage-relief options to homeowners facing financial hardship caused b…
Australia may offer safe haven to Hong Kong residents
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Thursday his government was considering an offer of safe haven to Hong Kong residents threatened by China’s move to impose a tough national s…
UK grants asylum to ex-staffer at its Hong Kong consulate
LONDON (AP) — A former employee at the British consulate in Hong Kong has been granted political asylum in what he believes is the first successful U.K. asylum case from the former British colony.
Trump plans huge July 4 fireworks show despite DC's concerns
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s July Fourth celebration on the National Mall will feature one of the largest fireworks displays ever and as many as 300,000 face masks will be given away to those who want…
Finnish Air Force Command drops swastika logo as insignia
HELSINKI (AP) — Finland's Air Force Command has discreetly dropped a swastika logo from its unit emblem — after a century — and replaced it with a neutral insignia featuring a golden eagle.
Brooklyn's US attorney tapped for Justice Department role
NEW YORK (AP) — The top federal prosecutor in Brooklyn is leaving his post for a job at the U.S. Justice Department in Washington.
Buttigieg, South Carolina mayor teaming up on COVID effort
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Former South Bend, Indiana, mayor and presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg has teamed up with the mayor of South Carolina's capital city to help municipalities stem the spread of the coronavi…
Mississippi tightens its belt for new state budget year
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi government is on track to spend less during the new budget year than it did during the one that just ended, as questions remain about the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandem…
House judiciary panel to interview ousted NY prosecutor
WASHINGTON (AP) — The ousted former U.S. attorney for Manhattan will sit down with the House Judiciary Committee next week for a closed-door interview as the panel investigates politicization in the Justice Departm…
Trump's Rushmore trip draws real and figurative fireworks
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — President Donald Trump will begin his Independence Day weekend on Friday with a patriotic display of fireworks at Mount Rushmore, an event expected to draw thousands where masks and social …
Utah governor approves more mask mandates as cases rise
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Masks will be mandatory in parts of Utah that are home to several of the state’s famous national parks, the governor's office confirmed Thursday. The measures will not extend to park lands, wh…
New Mexico cases total 12,520 heading into holiday weekend
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico health officials on Thursday reported an additional 248 COVID-19 cases, bringing the statewide total of confirmed infections to 12,520.
Wyoming officials to meet Monday on possible $1B land bid
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Gov. Mark Gordon and other top Wyoming officials plan to meet Monday to discuss whether to bid on Occidental Petroleum’s land holdings in Wyoming, Utah and Colorado.