Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
In Grant County Judge debate, Bevier, Chadwick place emphasis on experience and constitutional interpretation
EPHRATA — The two candidates seeking Grant County Superior Court Judge Position 3 highlighted their legal experien…
Leading in pandemic becomes part of audition for Biden's VP
CHICAGO (AP) — California Sen. Kamala Harris is raising money for
Takeaways from internal documents on China's virus response
On Jan. 14, China’s top health agency told provincial officials that they were facing a likely pandemic from a new coronavirus — but didn't alert the public for six key days.
UK set to extend lockdown amid signs outbreak nearing peak
LONDON (AP) — The U.K. government was poised Thursday to extend a nationwide lockdown for several more weeks, as health officials said Britain’s coronavirus outbreak — one of Europe’s worst — is nearing its peak.
Wolf mandates masks as GOP seeks to relax business shutdown
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Going to a Pennsylvania supermarket, home improvement center, pharmacy or other business that remains open during the pandemic? Be prepared to wear a mask. That goes for workers, too.
US accuses Iran of 'dangerous' harassment of US warships
WASHINGTON (AP) — A group of 11 Iranian naval vessels made “dangerous and harassing” maneuvers near U.S. ships in the Persian Gulf near Kuwait on Wednesday, in one case passing within 10 yards (meters) of a Coast G…
Tennesseans seeing first federal supplement to unemployment
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennesseans receiving unemployment benefits on Wednesday began seeing their first payments include a $600 federal supplement for those rendered newly jobless. Normal weekly benefits in Tenne…
Trump looks to ease distancing in places; CEOs urge caution
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Wednesday he's prepared to announce new guidelines allowing some states to quickly ease up on social distancing even as business leaders told him they need more coronav…
DeSantis moves department head to handle unemployment claims
MIAMI (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis assigned a troubleshooter Wednesday to take over the state’s flat-footed response to the explosion in unemployment claims that followed mandatory business closings brought on …
Mnuchin, Schumer rev up talks as small-business aid runs dry
WASHINGTON (AP) — With a key coronavirus rescue fund nearly exhausted, negotiations are accelerating in Washington over President Donald Trump’s $250 billion emergency request to help smaller employers across the c…
National forests in New Mexico impose campfire restrictions
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — National forests around New Mexico are imposing campfire restrictions to protect the health and safety of employees and communities during the coronavirus outbreak.
Arkansas bonus plan for health workers during pandemic OK'd
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The federal government has approved Arkansas' plan to use Medicaid funds to pay bonuses to health workers at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities during the coronavirus pandemi…
Self-employed and gig workers in Utah can get unemployment
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah residents who are self-employed or work in the gig industry can file for unemployment benefits amid the coronavirus outbreak, state officials announced Wednesday.
Pence to highlight ventilator production during Wis. visit
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence is traveling to Wisconsin next week to highlight the production of ventilators during the coronavirus pandemic.
Justice Dept. watchdog to inspect prisons amid virus spread
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department’s inspector general will conduct remote inspections of Bureau of Prisons facilities to ensure they are following best practices to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus aft…
New Mexico to join pilot US effort on contact tracing
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's governor says the state has accepted an invitation from the White House to participate in a pilot program to improve and expand contact tracing for coronavirus infections in effor…