Mike Johnson fights to retain his position as House Speaker. Details about the motive and background of the New Orleans attacker are emerging. Additionally, South Korea’s president defies an arrest warrant connected to his failed martial law declaration.
Here’s what you need to know today.
New Congress Session Begins with Speaker Vote The 119th Congress is now underway, marking a crucial moment for the Republican-controlled House, Senate, and White House. On Monday, the fourth anniversary of the January 6th Capitol riot, lawmakers are expected to certify Donald Trump’s election victory. However, before anything else, the House must elect a Speaker. Mike Johnson, who won his party’s nomination in November and has been endorsed by Trump, faces significant challenges in securing the role for a full two-year term. With a slim Republican majority of 219-215 seats, just two Republican defections could derail his bid.
If no candidate secures a simple majority, the House will be unable to conduct any business, preventing the swearing-in of members-elect, the formation of House committees, and the passage of bills.
Once a Speaker is chosen, the Republican agenda, including key priorities like immigration, energy, and taxes, will take center stage. The U.S. is also approaching a debt ceiling crisis, which will require action soon, and Congress must meet a government funding deadline by March 14. These issues will require cooperation between House Republicans and Senate Democrats.
- The 119th Congress is the third oldest in U.S. history.
- Key House members to watch in the new Congress, including both newly elected members and influential figures with strong ideological stances.
New Orleans Attack: ISIS Connection and Troubling Details In New Orleans, a heavy law enforcement presence and a makeshift memorial serve as reminders of the tragic attack when a driver plowed through crowds, killing 14 people. The victims included a university student, a former football player, and a mother who had just been promoted at work.
Authorities revealed that the attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was "100% inspired by ISIS." Jabbar, who was killed in a shootout with police, had posted Facebook videos prior to the attack, saying he initially intended to harm his family but decided to shift his focus to a broader message about the "war between believers and disbelievers." Jabbar, 42, from Texas, had served in the U.S. Army from 2006 to 2020 and worked for Deloitte.
While Jabbar had been described as disciplined and quiet by those who knew him, his life unraveled due to financial struggles and personal crises, eventually leading him to ISIS extremism. His family and friends were left shocked by the tragedy.
Additional Coverage:
- Survivor Jeremi Sensky recounts the horrific aftermath of the attack that left him severely injured.
- Trump and GOP allies incorrectly linked the attack to President Biden’s border policies, even though the attacker was a U.S. citizen.
Cybertruck Explosion: Soldier Identified The man who died in the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day has been identified as Matthew Alan Livelsberger, a decorated U.S. Army special forces master sergeant. Livelsberger, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, had served in multiple deployments. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible terrorist attack, though no connection has been found between this explosion and the New Orleans attack, despite both vehicles being rented through the same app.
South Korean President Defies Arrest Warrant South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces renewed attempts for arrest after failing to implement a martial law order that was later rescinded. Investigators and police were blocked from arresting Yoon by his security detail and supporters, many of whom held U.S. flags and “Stop the Steal” signs. Yoon was impeached after the botched martial law attempt but has avoided arrest so far. If arrested, he would be the first sitting South Korean president to face such action.
- A small plane crash in California left two dead and 18 injured.
- Real estate market predictions for 2025.
- A breakthrough method for diagnosing different types of asthma.
- An orca’s continued mourning of her deceased calf.
This was today’s Morning Rundown, curated by Elizabeth Robinson. Share it with friends and family by signing up here.
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