Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Washington’s gas tax is going up, but state transportation revenue is falling short
Washington state’s gas tax, already among the highest in the nation, is going up next week. The state’s per-gal…
Biden administration extends eviction moratorium for 30 days
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has extended the nationwide ban on evictions for 30 days to help tenants who are unable to make rent payments during the coronavirus pandemic.
Russia border countries in Europe cool on Putin talks plan
BRUSSELS (AP) — Countries bordering Russia expressed deep concern Thursday about a Franco-German plan to resume official meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, likening the move to an attempt to talk a bea…
Russia says next time it may fire to hit intruding warships
MOSCOW (AP) — Russia is prepared to target intruding warships if they fail to heed warnings, a senior Russian diplomat declared Thursday after a Black Sea incident in which a British destroyer sailed near Crimea in…
US, Germany confront rising antisemitism, Holocaust denial
BERLIN (AP) — The United States and Germany launched a new initiative Thursday to stem an alarming rise in antisemitism and Holocaust denial around the world.
The Latest: Infections, deaths continue to soar in Russia
MOSCOW — Coronavirus infections continue to soar in Russia, with the authorities reporting 20,182 new cases on Thursday and 568 further deaths. Both tallies are the highest since late January.
Senators push $953B infrastructure plan, raise hope for deal
WASHINGTON (AP) — A bipartisan group of senators is seeking President Joe Biden’s support for a $953 billion infrastructure plan, raising hopes for a breakthrough agreement after arduous negotiations on
Russia says it may fire to hit intruding warships
MOSCOW (AP) — Russia will be ready to fire to hit intruding warships, a senior diplomat said Thursday in a tough warning in the wake of a Black Sea incident in which a British destroyer sailed near Crimea in an are…
Newhouse pushes Second Amendment is Essential Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., is sponsoring a bill that would categorize the firearms industry as “critical infrastructure” and those who make, sell and repair guns and ammunition as essential work…
AP sources: Officials mulling ousting US prisons director
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senior Biden administration officials have discussed whether to remove the holdover director of the beleaguered federal Bureau of Prisons who has been at the center of the agency’s myriad crises.
Michigan Senate GOP probe: No systemic fraud in election
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — State Senate Republicans who investigated Michigan's 2020 presidential election for months concluded there was no widespread or systemic fraud and urged the state attorney general to consider …
Catalan separatists eye freedom after Spain's Cabinet pardon
MADRID (AP) — Nine Catalan separatist leaders jailed for sedition were eyeing freedom, after Spain’s Cabinet pardoned them Tuesday in the hope of starting what Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called a much-needed reco…
The Latest: Guam launching COVID-19 vaccine tourism program
HAGATNA, Guam — Guam is launching a vaccine tourism program to encourage citizens of neighboring countries and Americans living in East Asia to come get inoculated against COVID-19.
Washington state revenues continue to rise above projections
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — An increase in sales tax revenue that came as people bought more durable goods during the COVID-19 pandemic led to another positive quarterly state revenue forecast Wednesday, with Washington'…
How Big Tech created a data 'treasure trove' for police
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — When U.S. law enforcement officials need to cast a wide net for information, they’re increasingly turning to the vast digital ponds of personal data created by Big Tech companies via the dev…
Background checks blocked a record high 300,000 gun sales
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The number of people stopped from buying guns through the U.S. background check system hit an all-time high of more than 300,000 last year amid a surge of firearm sales, according to new recor…