The House of Representatives convened on January 4th, 2023 to vote for the next Speaker of the House, but failed to unify and elect a Speaker. U.S. Rep.-elect Jim Jordan (R-OH) was present and has been a vocal advocate for conservative causes and a leader of the House Freedom Caucus. His efforts were unsuccessful, and the House has been unable to pass the fiscal bills needed to keep the government operating.
News Mash
The race for the next Speaker of the House of Representatives has become increasingly competitive, with 25 entrenched GOP lawmakers blocking Rep. Jim Jordan from winning the gavel. Jordan received 194 votes in the third ballot, 21 votes short of the number he needed to be elected. Another round of voting is required, and the outcome is uncertain as the 25 entrenched GOP lawmakers have yet to declare their support for any of the candidates.
189 Decaying Bodies Discovered at Colorado Springs Funeral Home, Families Express Shock and Betrayal
189 Decaying Bodies Discovered at Colorado Springs Funeral Home, Families Express Shock and Betrayal
Families of those who have used Return to Nature Funeral Home in Colorado Springs are in shock after the discovery of 189 decaying bodies at the home this month. Evidence suggests the funeral home may have fabricated cremation records and given families fake ashes, leading to fears that their loved ones may have been among the unidentified corpses. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident and the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies has suspended the funeral home's license and urged anyone who has used their services to contact them.
On October 7th, Hamas militants attacked the small farming community of Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel, killing and kidnapping a quarter of its residents. Among the hostages are 8-year-old Ohad Munder-Zichri and 10-month-old Kfir Bibas, whose families are left to wait and hope for their safe return. The Israeli government has called on the international community to help secure the release of the hostages, but so far no progress has been made.
Former President Donald Trump's civil fraud trial took an unexpected turn when the spotlight shifted to his son Eric, who was actively involved in appraisals he has since said he doesn't remember. Judge Arthur Engoron issued a limited gag order on Trump and asked his lawyers why he shouldn't impose sanctions for violating the order. The trial is ongoing and it is unclear what impact Eric's testimony and documents will have on the case.
The Pentagon released a report on Thursday detailing China's increasing military power, including a potential intercontinental missile system and nuclear weapons arsenal. In response, President Joe Biden sent Congress a detailed request on Friday to spend $106 billion in the coming year to help Ukraine and Israel defend themselves and counter China in the western Pacific. The request is a sign of the Biden administration's commitment to countering China's military buildup.
Key takeaways: The White House requested more than $105 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel, and other national security needs. $61.4 billion in aid would…
A Maryland judge, Andrew Wilkinson, was shot and killed Thursday night at his home in Hagerstown. The Washington County Sheriff's Office has launched a homicide investigation into the incident, but has not released any further details. Judge Wilkinson had been a judge since 2017 and the Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information to contact them.