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More than 170 cases opened in federal probe of U.S. Capitol attack
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 […]
Multiple investigations opened into the death of U.S. Capitol Police officer in pro-Trump riots
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
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. That […]
Pro-Trump mob storms Capitol, halting counting of Electoral College votes
WASHINGTON — A violent mob derailed the typically routine process of Congress certifying the presidential election results on Wednesday, with both chambers abruptly recessing after President Donald Trump’s supporters clashed with police and forced their way into the U.S. Capitol. They’ve asked us to take cover on the House floor and get our gas masks […]
Dozens of GOP lawmakers to reject certifying Biden as president
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 D.C.
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 […]
What’s in the COVID-19 relief bill, and what’s not in it
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 payments —$166 billion in another round of economic impact payments that will go directly to Americans. —$600 stimulus checks for individuals that begin […]
Minnesotan Denis McDonough joins Biden cabinet as secretary of Veterans Affairs
WASHINGTON—President-elect Joe Biden said Thursday he will nominate U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge of Ohio, former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack and Minnesota native Denis McDonough to join his Cabinet. If confirmed by the Senate, Fudge will lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the second Black woman to head the $50 billion agency, and Vilsack […]
Rep. Dean Phillips among bipartisan group pitching new COVID-19 relief bill
WASHINGTON—More than a dozen U.S. House and Senate members including Minnesota DFL U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips are pushing for a bipartisan COVID-19 relief package to aid struggling states and local governments and fund programs such as unemployment and rental assistance that are set to expire later this month. During a Tuesday press conference, lawmakers unveiled […]
Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith urge federal funding for state distribution of COVID-19 vaccine
WASHINGTON — More than a dozen U.S. Senate Democrats are urging congressional leaders to include “robust” funding in any coronavirus relief package for states to prepare for vaccine distribution. “Dedicated funding for COVID-19 vaccine distribution is especially critical now as jurisdictions are facing historic budget shortfalls amid the pandemic and funding for health departments had […]
Struggle for control of the U.S. Senate enters its final tense hours
WASHINGTON — Democrats have a shot at winning the White House, capturing the Senate majority and keeping their hold on the House — an election result that could dramatically shift the policy agenda away from the gridlock that’s gripped the nation’s capital for years. In the Senate, the clearest route to that outcome is through […]
Biden in final debate vows an immigration overhaul in his first 100 days as president
WASHINGTON — Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Thursday night distanced himself from the Obama administration’s handling of undocumented people that led to the highest rate of deportations of any presidency and said he would act swiftly on immigration as president. During the final presidential debate at Belmont University in Nashville, Biden admitted that the […]