The Latest Breaking News from Nancy Pelosi

On the Friday in October when David DePape burst into the house where 82-year-old Paul Pelosi was sleeping and allegedly beat him with a hammer, fracturing his skull, most Americans were shocked, horrified and disgusted.

The concessions demanded of new House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., by the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus may, as speculated, weaken his position as leader of the chamber. But it also produced some reforms that could actually make Congress more deliberative and responsive.

WASHINGTON — It was a near-fist fight on the House floor. It was four days of name-calling, late-night huddles, rush deliveries of pizzas and burritos. It was cigar smoke wafting through the hallways, diaper changes and a dog on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Republican Kevin McCarthy is the new House speaker, but it took day and days, and 15 roll call votes, ending early Saturday

McCarthy had been on the cusp of victory in the 14th round of voting late Friday, but he fell one vote short. After nearly adjourning, the House remained in session and elected McCarthy on the 15th ballot.

WASHINGTON — House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., on Friday failed in his 13th attempt to succeed Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., as speaker but edged closer to finally clinching the gavel as he flipped a 15th vote his way Friday.

Police in New Mexico say the homes or offices of five elected Democratic officials in the Albuquerque area have been hit by gunfire over the past month

McCarthy's concessions send a signal to violent extremists: House Republicans will have your back

In an age in which national parties have less clout than ever, being and becoming a congressional leader are both very difficult tasks. So the chaos on view this week among House Republicans — with as many as 21 of 222 GOP members blocking the selection of a new speaker…