Bernard Kalb, longtime newsman-turned State Dept. spokesman, dies at 100

Bernard Kalb was a former television reporter for CBS and NBC - who also quit his job as a State Department spokesman to protest a U.S. government disinformation campaign.

McCarthy elected House speaker after 4 days of votes and 15 ballots

Republicans launched a 15th vote in a dramatic turnaround near midnight Friday. Moments earlier McCarthy had failed to win the speakership on a 14th ballot, as tensions boiled over in a chaotic scene on the House floor.

This grandmother is second in line for the presidency – for now

When Washington Sen. Patty Murray was elected in 1992, she says, male senators treated her with some trepidation. But now she has outlasted almost all of them and, for the moment, is second in line to the presidency.

Idaho court tosses lawsuits aiming to block abortion bans

Idaho's Constitution does not implicitly enshrine abortion as a fundamental right, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday as it dismissed a series of lawsuits brought by Planned Parenthood.

House adjourns for 3rd day without speaker, GOP clash over McCarthy drags on

The House stalemate over choosing a new speaker has held firm through a long, excruciating third day and evening of voting with no conclusion.

House adjourns after Kevin McCarthy loses 6th speaker vote

The House stalemate over choosing a new speaker is continuing. Kevin McCarthy is determined to win over enough fellow Republicans, but he failed again on Thursday.

South Carolina’s top court strikes down state’s abortion ban

Currently, South Carolina bans most abortion at 20 weeks. The decision comes two years after Republican Gov. Henry McMaster signed the measure into law.

Former Philadelphia official Al Schmidt picked for key elections post in Pennsylvania

A former Philadelphia election official who has told of enduring death threats whipped up by Donald Trump for defending the city’s 2020 vote-counting against the former president’s lies will be nominated for the top election administration post in Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro’s administration.

New Jersey sets aside $15M for abortion provider upgrades

New Jersey will award $15 million in zero-interest loans and grants to health care facilities that provide abortion services for facility improvements and increased security.

FDA expands availability of abortion pills

The change could expand access at both brick-and-mortar stores and online pharmacies.

Kevin McCarthy fails in marathon votes to secure speakership, House adjourns

A new generation of Trump-aligned Republicans is leading the opposition to Kevin McCarthy, saying he isn't conservative enough or tough enough to battle Democrats.

Democrat voted Pennsylvania speaker, foiling GOP hopes

Rep. Mark Rozzi was elected speaker by a vote of 115-85 after Republicans were unable to convert a two-seat majority into a vote to retain control of the chamber.

Kim Ward begins brief Pennsylvania lieutenant governor term as Fetterman goes

Kim Ward, Pennsylvania’s ranking state senator, has ascended to the job of state lieutenant governor. That happened Tuesday, when Democrat John Fetterman resigned minutes before he was sworn in to office as the state’s newest U.S. senator.

2024 contest comes into view with hurdles for Republicans and Democrats

For Democrats, much depends on Joe Biden and whether the president will follow through on his plan to seek reelection. Republicans face contentious leadership battles inside their new House majority and at the Republican National Committee.

Brazil's Lula sworn in as president amid a polarized country

Lula’s presidency is unlikely to be like his previous two mandates, coming after the tightest presidential race in more than three decades.

Jan. 6 committee withdraws Trump subpoena

The House committee had voted to subpoena the former president during its final televised hearing before the midterm elections in October, demanding testimony and documents.