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…
Spaniards put faith in COVID-19 vaccines even as cases surge
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Like many of Spain’s 20-somethings, Sergio Rosado has seen the new, more contagious coronavirus strain strike those too eager to cut loose when authorities rolled back health restrictions wi…
The Latest: Macron appeals for French unity in virus fight
PAPEETE, French Polynesia — French President Emmanuel Macron has appealed for national unity and vaccination to fight the resurgent virus, and lashed out at those fueling anti-vaccination sentiment and protests.
The Latest: Germany warns unvaccinated may face restrictions
BERLIN — German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s chief of staff says restrictions for unvaccinated people may be necessary if case numbers reach new heights in the coming months.
NC high school sports oversight revamp clears another panel
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Legislation to replace the North Carolina High School Athletic Association with a new commission to administer interscholastic sports advanced through another Senate committee on Thursday.
The Latest: Education Dept OKs Georgia plan for relief funds
ATLANTA — The U.S. Department of Education approved Georgia’s plans to use $1.4 billion in federal coronavirus relief money.
In shift, GOP ramps up vaccine push as resistance hardens
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican politicians are under increasing pressure to speak out to persuade COVID-19 vaccine skeptics to roll up their sleeves and take the shots as
Beware of budget gimmicks in push for massive spending deals
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senators fashioning a pair of colossal bills that would deliver more than $4 trillion for infrastructure, health care, environment and other initiatives insist they will fully pay for both plans.
The Latest: Oklahoma new virus cases top 1,000 for third day
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The number of newly reported coronavirus cases in Oklahoma topped 1,000 for a third consecutive day on Friday and the seven-day average of new cases has nearly quintupled in less than a month, acco…
Haitian president's hometown holds funeral amid violence
CAP-HAITIEN, Haiti (AP) — The funeral for slain Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was briefly interrupted Friday by nearby gunfire and tear gas as well as agitated supporters that caused U.S. and U.N. officials to le…
Garland vows crackdown on gun trafficking as violence surges
WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Merrick Garland vowed Thursday that the Justice Department would crack down on gun trafficking corridors as part of a comprehensive approach to combat surging gun violence that al…
Thousands march in Hungary Pride parade to oppose LGBT law
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Rising anger over the policies of Hungary's right-wing government filled the streets of the country's capital on Saturday as thousands of LGBT supporters marched in the annual Budapest Prid…
Kaseya gets master decryption key after July 4 global attack
BOSTON (AP) — The Florida company whose software was exploited in the devastating Fourth of July weekend ransomware attack, Kaseya, has received a universal key that will decrypt all of the more than 1,000 business…
Free money for all? Mayors hope local tests bring big change
By triggering $1,400 stimulus checks for millions of people and expanding the child tax credit for many families, the pandemic offered a clear takeaway for some officials: That putting tax dollars in people’s pocke…
Biden stumps for McAuliffe in early test of political clout
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — President Joe Biden led the kind of campaign rally that was impossible last year because of the pandemic, speaking before nearly 3,000 people in support of a fellow moderate Democrat whose rac…
The Latest: Indian government dismisses excess deaths study
DELHI, India — India's government has dismissed a recent study which estimated that the country's excess deaths during the pandemic could be 10 times the official COVID-19 toll, calling it “misleading” and “fallaci…