Claudia Grisales

Donald Trump's lawyers presented a spirited defense of the former president in their first and only day of presentations. Questions from the senators could commence as soon as Friday.

The House members are beginning their second and final day of arguments before the defense team presents their side. On Thursday, managers plan to focus on impact "beyond the obvious physical harms."

The Democratic House managers are presenting their opening arguments on the second day of former President Donald Trump's Senate impeachment trial.

Aides for the House managers' team say members will present footage from Capitol security cameras that they call "devastating." Wednesday is the first of two days of arguments for the prosecution.

"The enormity of the multiple leadership failures both in leading up to the insurrection, and in the Department's response to it, have convinced us there is no other choice," the union head says.

The U.S. Senate on Tuesday will begin trying former President Trump for his role in last month's insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. He's accused of inciting that deadly riot.

The Texas Republican died after he tested positive for the coronavirus more than two weeks ago. Wright had remained in isolation and was also being treated for cancer.

Congress saw its first two members enter self-quarantine on March 8. Several outbreaks forced dozens more to quarantine after testing positive. Lawmakers started receiving the vaccine in December.

The House voted to remove Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from the Education and Budget committees following controversial statements citing conspiracy theories prior to her election win.

Republicans in the House are under pressure to address controversy that's boiling over for freshman member Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has supported QAnon and other conspiracies.

Conference Chair Cheney faces calls to step down after backing impeachment, while Rep. Greene, who was backed by former President Donald Trump, could be punished over controversial comments.

NPR looks at how the upcoming tests for the Republican Party — the Senate impeachment trial and how House Republicans address its divisions — will test if the GOP is ready to divorce Trumpism.

The speaker rebuked House Republicans for giving the supporter of conspiracy theories a spot on the Education Committee. Greene's views have come under fresh scrutiny this week.

The House impeachment managers are expected to deliver an article of impeachment against former President Donald Trump to the Senate on Monday. The impeachment trial is set to begin in two weeks.

The House normally has no role in Cabinet nominations, but because Austin, a retired Army general, has been out of uniform for less than seven years, both chambers of Congress must approve a waiver.

The inauguration wasn't the only transition of power that took place on Wednesday. Vice President Harris was to swear in new senators from Georgia, giving Democrats control of the chamber.

President-elect Biden's inaugural week kicks off under high security in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere. His team says it's vital that he takes the oath of office outside the Capitol as is tradition.

Former Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund says he believes the Capitol riot was part of an orchestrated plan. He also says reports of pipe bombs planted nearby may have been used to distract police.

Sund says U.S. Capitol Police expected some additional violence the day of the insurrection but says nothing could have prepared them for what actually happened.

Barricades were set several blocks from the Capitol building. Law enforcement and national guard officials checked badges for anyone to enter the perimeter even by foot.