Congress races to finish up some big-ticket items during its lame duck session Congress has a lot on its plate before the Republicans take over the House in January. Democrats hope to pass a spending bill, and the Jan. 6 committee will issue its final report. Rob Schmitz
Seattle Councilmember Debora Juarez will not run for reelection in 2023 It was a quick, passing comment at the Seattle City Council's Dec. 12 briefing, but it affirmed that Councilmember Debora Juarez will not seek a third term in 2023, making this her last year on the dais. Dyer Oxley
Inflation has reached the North Pole as a Santa shortage looms Santa's services are more in demand than ever — and he and his helpers are having a hard time keeping up. Greg Rosalsky
President Biden to host more than 40 African leaders at U.S.-Africa summit The summit is the centerpiece of a major effort to reset and improve U.S. ties with the continent — at a moment when Africa's ties with China and increasingly Russia, have attracted scrutiny. Emmanuel Akinwotu
Seattle Councilmember Lisa Herbold will not run for reelection in 2023 Herbold has represented Seattle's District 1 since 2016. Now, she says her time on the dais will come to an end after 2023. Still, she wants to work to keep a progressive voice in the role. Dyer Oxley
Second Iranian detainee is executed over alleged protest crime The execution comes less than a month after the man allegedly carried out the fatal stabbings of two security officials during one of the demonstrations the government is trying to put an end to. The Associated Press
Nearly a million adults became U.S. citizens this past year, a record high since 2008 Despite the setbacks caused by the pandemic, the federal government naturalized a record number of adult immigrants this year and reduced its application backlog by nearly half. Juliana Kim
Sinema's break with the Democratic Party may not help her as much as she'd like Sen. Kyrsten Sinema announced she will no longer be a member of the Democratic Party, raising questions about how independent politicians can really be. Domenico Montanaro
Newt Gingrich thinks the GOP needs to stop underestimating Biden NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich about how President Biden has been able to complete his goals in a divided House. Megan Lim
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is leaving the Democratic Party Arizona Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is leaving her party to register as an independent. The decision shakes up the power dynamic in the closely divided U.S. Senate. Deirdre Walsh
