Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Today is the final day to file in Grant County
EPHRATA — Grant County’s candidate filing week is underway, with several candidates submitting paperwork for local…
EXPLAINER: Why is North Korea skipping the Tokyo Olympics?
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea, citing the coronavirus, has become the world's first country to drop out of the Tokyo Olympics.
Turkey sentences dozens to life terms over 2016 failed coup
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — A Turkish court sentenced dozens of people, including former soldiers attached to the presidential guard regiment, to life imprisonment on Wednesday over their involvement in the 2016 failed c…
Noem pitches transgender sports ban; lawmakers say not now
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Despite South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem's renewed push for lawmakers to take up issues she feels were left unsettled during the regular legislative session, including banning transgender girl…
Official: EU agency to confirm AstraZeneca blood clot link
ROME (AP) — A top official at the European Medicines Agency says there's a causal link between AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine and rare blood clots, but that it's unclear what the connection is and that the benef…
County wants to hire former US attorney in sheriff probe
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — The Pierce County Council has chosen to hire former U.S. Attorney Brian Moran for an independent investigation of Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer’s controversial confrontation with a Black news…
UK advises limiting AstraZeneca in under-30s amid clot worry
LONDON (AP) — British authorities recommended Wednesday that the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine not be given to adults under 30 where possible because of strengthening evidence that the shot may be linked to rare blo…
Survey: Even as schools reopen, many students learn remotely
Large numbers of students are not returning to the classroom even as more schools reopen for full-time, in-person learning, according to a survey released Wednesday by the Biden administration.
House OKs bill making police intervene to stop undue force
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Washington state House on Wednesday approved a measure requiring police to intervene if they see a fellow officer using, or attempting to use, excessive force.
Bezos endorses higher corporate taxes for infrastructure
WASHINGTON (AP) — Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos endorsed President Joe Biden’s focus on building up the country’s infrastructure Tuesday and said the company even supports a corporate tax rate hike to help pay …
No timetable for withdrawal of troops after US, Iraq talks
BAGHDAD (AP) — The mission of U.S. forces in Iraq has shifted to training and advisory roles, allowing for redeployment of combat forces remaining in the country, U.S. and Iraq delegates said Wednesday, after a thi…
Virginia becomes first Southern state to legalize marijuana
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia became the first Southern state to legalize marijuana Wednesday, as lawmakers voted to approve Gov. Ralph Northam’s proposed changes to a bill that will allow adults to possess and cul…
Biden to unveil actions on guns, including new ATF boss
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will unveil a series of executive actions aimed at addressing gun violence on Thursday, delivering his first major action on gun control since taking office.
Biden makes all adults eligible for a vaccine on April 19
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said he's bumping up his deadline by two weeks for states to make all adults in the U.S. eligible for coronavirus vaccines. But even as he expressed optimism about the pace of …
China warns Washington not to boycott Winter Olympics
BEIJING (AP) — China's government warned Washington on Wednesday not to boycott next year’s Winter Olympics in Beijing after the Biden administration said it was talking with allies about
Biden seems ready to extend US troop presence in Afghanistan
WASHINGTON (AP) — Without coming right out and saying it, President Joe Biden seems ready to let lapse a