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…
Senators would stop 'micropolitan' label for 144 US cities
Some lawmakers are trying to stop 144 U.S. cities from losing their designations as “metropolitan areas" as the federal government updates its standards, doubling the minimum number of residents required in a city'…
Military defends Jan. 6 response as House steps up probes
WASHINGTON (AP) — A top Army leader defended the Pentagon’s response to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, telling a House panel Tuesday that the National Guard was delayed for hours because it had to pro…
After tumultuous year, can Portland make a comeback?
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The smell of fresh empanadas wafted through the stands at Portland's Saturday Market. People talked through their masks with artists as others sifted through fork windchimes, crystal necklaces…
Let the recovery begin: EU chief OKs first virus plans
MADRID (AP) — The European Union moved a step closer Wednesday to deploying the bloc’s massive pandemic recovery fund, with a top executive going to Portugal and Spain to announce the bloc’s initial endorsement of …
Impatient Democrats prepare to go-it-alone on infrastructure
WASHINGTON (AP) — Patience running thin, Democratic leaders are laying the groundwork for a go-it-alone approach on President Joe Biden's
Biden elevates energetic critic of Big Tech as top regulator
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday installed an energetic critic of Big Tech as a top federal regulator at a time when the industry is under intense pressure from Congress, regulators and state attorn…
US ends strict Trump-era asylum rules for violence victims
The U.S. government on Wednesday ended two Trump administration policies that made it harder for immigrants fleeing violence to qualify for asylum, especially Central Americans.
AP FACT CHECK: Putin's errant claims on cyberattacks, Jan. 6
Russian President Vladimir Putin contradicted the evidence Wednesday when he asserted Russians are not a leading source of cyberattacks on the United States and other countries. They are.
Biden abroad: Pitching America to welcoming if wary allies
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden spent
Airbus-Boeing deal eases US-EU tensions but conflicts remain
BRUSSELS (AP) — The deal the United States and the European Union reached Tuesday to end their long-running rift over subsidies to Boeing and Airbus will suspend billions in punitive tariffs. It will ease trans-Atl…
Bipartisan infrastructure group swells to 21 senators
WASHINGTON (AP) — A bipartisan senators’ group working on a
Drought saps California reservoirs as hot, dry summer looms
OROVILLE, Calif. (AP) — Each year Lake Oroville helps water a quarter of the nation’s crops, sustain endangered salmon beneath its massive earthen dam and anchor the tourism economy of a Northern California county …
The Latest: EU leaders back Biden on response to Russia
The Latest on U.S. President Joe Biden's trip to Europe:
UK fends off demands to give workers more virus support help
LONDON (AP) — The British government fended off calls Tuesday to provide more financial support to businesses and workers suffering from its decision to delay lifting coronavirus restrictions in England until July …
Biden trip takeaways: Respect, optimism, some skepticism
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s first overseas trip put his diplomatic and negotiating philosophy on display, as he rallied traditional U.S. democratic allies to confront new and old challenges and offered …