The Latest Breaking News from Washington D.C.

House Republicans want to wipe out staff unions, but it’s not that simple

WASHINGTON — The House rules package proposed by Republican Kevin McCarthy, the man who would be speaker, aims to kneecap congressional staff’s nascent labor movement, but union supporters say his attempt at union-busting may go worse than his bid for the speaker’s gavel.

Tribune News Service · Jan 6, 2023

Ashli Babbitt's mother arrested during Jan. 6 demonstration

Police say the mother of Ashli Babbitt, the woman fatally shot by police inside the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot, has been arrested in Washington after refusing to get out of the street during a demonstration on the two year anniversary

The Independent UK · Jan 6, 2023

McCarthy falls short again, but says he has the votes to win

WASHINGTON — House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy of California told reporters Friday that he has the votes to be elected speaker, promising an end to a historic stalemate that has paralyzed Congress all week.

Los Angeles Times · Jan 6, 2023

McCarthy makes gains but falls short on 12th and 13th speaker votes

WASHINGTON — House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., on Friday failed in his 13th attempt to succeed Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., as speaker but edged closer to finally clinching the gavel as he flipped a 15th vote his way Friday.

Los Angeles Times · Jan 6, 2023

Former North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr says insider trading investigation ends with ‘no action’

WASHINGTON — Former Sen. Richard Burr announced Friday that an insider trading investigation about a $1.6 million stock sale before the COVID-19 pandemic ended without action against him.

McClatchy Washington Bureau · Jan 6, 2023

Putin war aims unchanged but lacks manpower, morale -Pentagon

President Vladimir Putin's aim of seizing Ukrainian territory has not changed, but Russian forces continue to suffer from military weaknesses including the amount of troops they have, the Pentagon said on Friday, as Washington hopes the latest record weapons package for Kyiv will help Ukraine retake territory occupied by Russia.

Reuters · Jan 6, 2023

Arizona's shipping container wall on border is coming down

Former Republican Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s border barrier of shipping containers has been largely dismantled just in time for a new Democratic administration, costing tens of millions of dollars over just a few months while they were set up and taken down again

The Independent UK · Jan 6, 2023

U.S. leaders to meet Japanese counterparts next week in Washington

U.S. President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will meet their Japanese counterparts next week in Washington, the Biden administration said on Friday.

Reuters · Jan 6, 2023

US looks for opportunity in demise of Guaido, whom it recognized as 'interim president' of Venezuela

WASHINGTON — For four years, Juan Guaido has embodied the audacious gamble by the U.S. government to unseat Venezuela's autocratic leader and restore democracy to a once-prosperous, oil-rich nation mired in political and economic chaos.

Los Angeles Times · Jan 6, 2023

McCarthy wins over key holdouts during 12th speaker vote

WASHINGTON — Kevin McCarthy began expanding his support as the 12th speaker vote got underway, gaining some key votes including Freedom Caucus Chair Scott Perry and influential conservative Chip Roy.

Tribune News Service · Jan 6, 2023