The Latest Breaking News from Washington D.C.

Chicago progressives in Washington to celebrate one of their own in Congress, Freshman Delia Ramirez

In a day of tumult on the House floor, Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., in three votes, fails to win the speakership. Downstate Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., was among those refusing to support McCarthy.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 4, 2023

Suspect in University of Idaho killings agrees to extradition, but timing of return from Pa. is being kept secret

The 28-year-old Washington State University graduate student accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death waived his right to fight extradition Tuesday, Pennsylvania State Police Maj. Christopher Paris said during a news conference.

Tribune News Service · Jan 4, 2023

History of speaker elections in the US House: How does it work? How do candidates win?

WASHINGTON — As soon-to-be members of the House of Representatives of the 118th Congress continue to cast their votes for a new speaker, Kevin McCarthy made history as the first leader of the majority party in 100 years to fall short in his speakership bid on the first ballot.

Tribune News Service · Jan 4, 2023

Blinken talks Lula White House visit, Venezuela with top Brazil diplomat

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Brazil's new Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira on Tuesday and discussed a trip to Washington by newly sworn-in leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Reuters · Jan 3, 2023

‘Good riddance’: In first act in power, Republicans remove metal detectors from House chamber

WASHINGTON — As Republicans took control of the House on Tuesday, they wasted no time in erasing one symbol of the previous era. They removed the metal detectors that stood outside the House chamber for the last two years.

Tribune News Service · Jan 3, 2023

House GOP dysfunction leaves Sen Patty Murray second in line for presidency

The Washington senator is the Senate’s President Pro Tempore, a largely ceremonial post that is normally third in the presidential order of succession

The Independent UK · Jan 3, 2023

Kevin McCarthy falls short on first two votes for House speaker in historic defeat

WASHINGTON — House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy fell short of the necessary number of votes to succeed Nancy Pelosi as speaker in the first two rounds of balloting Tuesday.

Los Angeles Times · Jan 3, 2023

Advocacy groups denounce GOP proposals to ‘gut’ ethics office

WASHINGTON — Ethics advocacy groups are sounding alarms that a proposal from House Republicans to change the Office of Congressional Ethics could gut the watchdog, leaving it unable to function.

Tribune News Service · Jan 3, 2023

Kevin McCarthy set to fall short on first vote for speaker in historic defeat

WASHINGTON — House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy fell short of the necessary number of Republican votes to succeed Nancy Pelosi as speaker in an initial roll call Tuesday, and appeared set to become the first majority party leader in a century to fail to secure the speakership on the first…

Los Angeles Times · Jan 3, 2023

2 arrested in power substation vandalism in Washington state

U.S. prosecutors say two men have been arrested and charged with vandalizing electrical substations in Washington state, attacks that left thousands without power over the holidays

The Independent UK · Jan 3, 2023