Author

Ariana Figueroa

Ariana Figueroa

Ariana covers the nation's capital for States Newsroom. Her areas of coverage include politics and policy, lobbying, elections and campaign finance.

U.S. Capitol

Biden takes the oath of office with troops on guard and towering challenges ahead

By: and - January 20, 2021

WASHINGTON — Joe Biden is set to become the 46th president of the United States at noon, when he will take the oath of office while standing on the same platform where insurrectionists swarmed just two weeks ago as they sought to prevent Congress from certifying Biden’s victory. That violent mob of rioters damaged the […]

Jan. 6 insurrection

U.S. House votes to again impeach Trump, as a ‘clear and present danger’

By: and - January 13, 2021

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House voted Wednesday to impeach President Donald Trump for a second time, charging him with inciting violent rioters last week who rampaged through the U.S. Capitol, temporarily derailing the tally of presidential votes and leading to at least five deaths. The 232-197 vote concluded a swift, truncated process in the House, […]

Sedition and conspiracy charges among the 170 cases opened in federal probe of U.S. Capitol attack

By: - January 12, 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 […]

U.S. Capitol

Some Republicans hunkering down during U.S. Capitol riot refused offer of face masks

By: - January 11, 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 […]

Multiple investigations opened into the death of U.S. Capitol Police officer in pro-Trump riots

By: - 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 by several […]

Congress certifies Biden as president after rioting mob is driven from the Capitol

By: and - January 6, 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. That included […]

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia

Democrats prepare to take over U.S. Senate control after double victories in Georgia

By: - January 6, 2021

WASHINGTON—Democrats were poised Wednesday to gain control of the U.S. Senate after securing historic wins in two Georgia runoff elections against Republican incumbents. Democrat Raphael Warnock defeated Sen. Kelly Loeffler Tuesday and Democrat Jon Ossoff was declared the winner in his race against incumbent Sen. David Perdue on Wednesday, giving each party 50 seats in […]

U.S. Capitol

Woman shot during U.S. Capitol violence dies

By: - January 6, 2021

WASHINGTON—A woman was shot inside the U.S. Capitol Wednesday during a riot provoked by Trump backers and later was pronounced dead at a local hospital, according to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.  Officials did not provide details on the woman, her hometown or which hospital she was taken to. U.S. Capitol Police did not respond […]

Jan. 6 protestor inside U.S. Capitol

U.S. Capitol on lockdown after pro-Trump rioters storm inside

By: and - January 6, 2021

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 Donald Trump’s supporters clashed with police and forced their way into the U.S. Capitol. Both legislative chambers were evacuated amid the chaos of pro-Trump rioters who […]

Dozens of GOP lawmakers to reject certifying Biden as president

By: and - 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 D.C.

By: - December 31, 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, […]

What’s in the $900B emergency relief bill—and what’s out

By: and - 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 phasing out […]