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Three U.S. House Democrats test positive for COVID-19 after sheltering with maskless Republicans during Capitol riot
By: Ariana Figueroa - January 13, 2021
WASHINGTON—The leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus said Tuesday that she has tested positive for COVID-19, and blamed Republicans who refused to wear masks in a secure room where lawmakers were kept during the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol last week. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, (D-Wash.), said those Republicans “mocked colleagues and staff” who offered […]
More than 170 cases opened in federal probe of U.S. Capitol attack
By: Ariana Figueroa - January 13, 2021
WASHINGTON—Almost a week after a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, top officials at the FBI and Department of Justice held their first press conference on Tuesday to announce that they are directing prosecutors to issue a slew of sedition and conspiracy charges against pro-Trump rioters. More than 170 cases have been opened relating to […]
Biden: ‘Irresponsible’ of Republicans to refuse masks while sheltering during Capitol riot
By: Ariana Figueroa - January 12, 2021
WASHINGTON — President-elect Joe Biden on Monday chastised GOP lawmakers for refusing to wear masks while they were held in a safe location as a violent mob of pro-Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol last week. As lawmakers waited for law enforcement to secure the Capitol on Wednesday, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) went around […]
Multiple investigations opened into the death of U.S. Capitol Police officer in pro-Trump riots
By: Ariana Figueroa - January 8, 2021
WASHINGTON — A Capitol Police officer died late Thursday from injuries he sustained while a violent mob breached the U.S. Capitol as lawmakers were set to vote to certify the presidential election results. The officer, Brian Sicknick, died at 9:30 p.m. at a local hospital, according to U.S. Capitol Police. His death is being investigated […]
Congress certifies Biden as president after rioting mob is driven from the Capitol
By: Ariana Figueroa - January 7, 2021
WASHINGTON — After a day of insurrection and deadly violence at the U.S. Capitol, lawmakers early Thursday certified Electoral College votes declaring Joe Biden the winner of the November presidential election. But as they moved toward the certain outcome of victory for Biden, some Republicans backed away from their earlier objections to the certification. They […]
Trump supporters mob U.S. Capitol, delaying certification of Joe Biden’s election
By: Ariana Figueroa - January 6, 2021
Update: This story has been recast to include additional details, quotes. WASHINGTON — A violent mob derailed the typically routine process of Congress certifying the presidential election results on Wednesday, with the House of Representatives and Senate abruptly recessing after President Trump’s supporters clashed with police and forced their way into the U.S. Capitol. Both […]
Dozens of GOP lawmakers to reject certifying Biden as president, including several FL lawmakers
By: Ariana Figueroa - January 5, 2021
WASHINGTON — The final step in a turmoil-filled 2020 presidential election is set for Wednesday, when Congress will certify election results showing that Joe Biden defeated President Donald Trump. But a series of objections from GOP legislators is expected to stretch that routine process into a much lengthier one — and one that is dividing […]
The top 10 unforgettable moments of a tumultuous year in Washington, D.C.
By: Ariana Figueroa - December 27, 2020
WASHINGTON—To say that 2020 has been an eventful year in the nation’s capital is an understatement. Amid a global pandemic, a bitter race for the presidency and protests over police brutality, news in Washington never let up. As the year winds to an end, let’s take a look back at the moments of most drama, […]
President-elect Biden was looking for a U.S. Education Secretary with classroom teaching experience
By: Ariana Figueroa - December 23, 2020
WASHINGTON—President-elect Joe Biden on Wednesday formally introduced his nominee for U.S. Secretary of Education—Miguel Cardona, a veteran of public schools and the third Latino selected for the Cabinet. “We knew we needed an education secretary who truly understands what it’s been like for educators, administrators, families, caregivers and students this past year,” Biden said at an […]
Trump loyalist Perdue fights for not just his seat but the future of the GOP
By: Ariana Figueroa - December 22, 2020
WASHINGTON—Sen. David Perdue during his six years in Congress served as a close ally of President Donald Trump. But with Trump in defeat, it now falls to the senior Georgia senator to preserve not just his own seat in January’s runoff election but also control of the U.S. Senate as the GOP’s last bastion in […]
What’s in Congress’ $900B COVID relief bill — and what’s left out
By: Laura Olson and Ariana Figueroa - December 21, 2020
WASHINGTON — Congress is set to pass a massive bipartisan emergency relief bill that’s intended to aid Americans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Summaries from House Democratic appropriators say it includes: DIRECT CHECKS —$166 billion in another round of economic impact payments that will go directly to Americans. —$600 stimulus checks for individuals that begin […]
Biden to nominate Buttigieg for transportation secretary
By: Ariana Figueroa - December 16, 2020
President-elect Joe Biden said Wednesday he will nominate former presidential primary rival Pete Buttigieg to serve in his Cabinet as secretary of transportation. “What I admire about Pete, is he’s always clear about who he is, what he believes and how he wants to bring people in, not exclude them,” Biden said at an appearance […]