Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Baumgartner, Conroy outline their top 5th Congressional District issues
RITZVILLE — Incumbent Republican Michael Baumgartner is being challenged for his position in the U.S. House of Rep…
'Always working': Biden eyes 1st summer getaway as president
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — After more than six months of work combating the coronavirus, negotiating a bipartisan infrastructure bill and repairing the U.S. image abroad, President Joe Biden should be heading out on v…
US officials approve Florida-Seminole sports betting deal
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Federal officials approved a deal Friday that will allow the Seminole Tribe to operate sports betting and add roulette and craps to its seven Florida casinos, with the state potentially rec…
'Trauma as his shield': Cuomo's apology, defense criticized
NEW YORK (AP) — He said his actions had been misconstrued, his words misunderstood. He said it was cultural: He hugs, he kisses, he says “Ciao, bella.” He said it was generational: Sometimes he lapses into “honey” …
Senators struggle to amend, finish $1T infrastructure bill
WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearing decision time, senators struggled late Thursday to wrap up work on the
Northwest heat wave targeted vulnerable, tested climate prep
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Karen Colby thought she could make it through an unprecedented Pacific Northwest heat wave with a little help from her neighbor, who dribbled cold water on her head and visited every hour to w…
What Gov. Andrew Cuomo's accusers felt, in their own words
NEW YORK (AP) — Violated, demeaned, humiliated, a horror movie: Those are some of the words 11 women used to describe how Gov. Andrew Cuomo made them feel when he touched, kissed or hugged them or asked invasive qu…
No home, mentally ill: California case shows system’s flaws
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The big brother Suzette Chaumette remembers was witty and kind, an aspiring historian at the University of California, Berkeley whose promise was derailed by mental illness. Over the decades,…
Senate slog to pass infrastructure bill goes on over weekend
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senators will resume a weekend session toward passage of a
DeSantis feuds with Biden White House as COVID cases rise
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — It didn't take much for the White House to set Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis off. As coronavirus cases rise across the Sun Belt, President Joe Biden asked GOP governors to “get out of the way” …
US automakers pledge huge increase in electric vehicles
WASHINGTON (AP) — Declaring the U.S. must “move fast” to win the world's carmaking future, President Joe Biden on Thursday announced a commitment from the auto industry to produce electric vehicles for as much as h…
US hiring surges in July, but the variant is the wild card
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S employers added 943,000 jobs in July and drove the unemployment rate down to 5.4% in another sign the economy is bouncing back with surprising vigor from COVID-19. But there is growing fear th…
For 4th week, protesters in France decry virus pass rules
PARIS (AP) — Thousands of people marched in Paris and other French cities Saturday for a fourth consecutive week of protests against the COVID-19 health passes that everyone in the country will need shortly to ente…
Recreation at risk as Lake Powell dips to historic low
PAGE, Ariz. (AP) — A thick, white band of newly exposed rock face stretches high above boaters’ heads at Lake Powell, creating a sharp contrast against the famous red desert terrain as their vessels weave through t…
Once-gloomy scientist says future UK lockdowns unlikely
LONDON (AP) — A British scientist who gained prominence for issuing dire warnings about the spread of COVID-19 said Saturday the U.K. is unlikely to need future lockdowns, although new infections may rise significa…
Texas Democrats continue holdout, don’t show for new session
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Democrats still refused to return to the state Capitol on Saturday as Gov. Greg Abbott began a third attempt at passing new election laws, prolonging a monthslong standoff that ramped up …