Haiti, one year later: a status report

One year after a catastrophic earthquake devastated Haiti, Gail McGovern, the head of the American Red Cross, defended the pace of the organization’s donation distribution, arguing the group was making a long-term investment in the country. “We resisted the urge to...
U.S. says Taliban losing ground

U.S. says Taliban losing ground

WASHINGTON — The nation’s top military officer said Wednesday the growth and development of Afghan national security forces is progressing more quickly and the result is a much-weakened Taliban. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen told reporters at...
Calming Congress’ fears

Calming Congress’ fears

WASHINGTON — Senate Sergeant of Arms Terrance Gainer hosted a security briefing in the Dirksen Senate Office for lawmakers Wednesday. The briefing was also broadcast to 454 police offices. The briefing was intended to “calm the fears” in the wake of weekend...

How’d he get a gun?

Accused gunman Jared Lee Loughner faces five criminal charges after he allegedly shot dead six people and injured 14 in Saturday’s Tucson rampage. But the 22-year-old will not face charges on at least one count: law enforcement officials say Loughner legally obtained...
House returns for somber agenda

House returns for somber agenda

WASHINGTON — The House chamber was nearly empty. Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, led the floor in a prayer and a pledge of allegiance, and heard from two members of Congress with procedural questions. With that, the House adjourned – four minutes after the session...
Boehner’s big moment

Boehner’s big moment

WASHINGTON — Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio., was elected speaker of the House of Representatives as the 112th Congress convened for the first time Wednesday, returning divided government to the nation’s capital after a two year interlude. A cheer went up from...
Senators enjoy ceremony of the day

Senators enjoy ceremony of the day

WASHINGTON—Vice President Joe Biden, in his role as president of the Senate, has now sworn in 50 senators, 16 of them entering their freshmen term, at the official ceremony that started shortly after noon on Wednesday. But just down the hall in the Old Senate Chamber,...
Dorm-style housing on Capitol Hill

Dorm-style housing on Capitol Hill

Story by Lauren Schwartzberg and Roshan Nebhrajani Business meetings, banquets and bedtime. The offices of some congressmen host all three. By 4 p.m. Wednesday, all new and re-elected members of the 112th Congress will be sworn in. Members of Congress are required to...
Some Democrats defect on Pelosi

Some Democrats defect on Pelosi

WASHINGTON—Nancy Pelosi handed over the speaker’s gavel to John Boehner Wednesday and assumed her role as the top Democrat in the House, but not without competition inside her own party. While the 241 votes in favor of Boehner were expected due to the new...