Speaker Saga, 'Varsity Blues' Sentence, and Films Turning 50

House Speaker Tussle (Cont.)

Efforts to select a new speaker of the House head into their third day today after Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R, CA-23) failed to secure the necessary support in a series of chamber votes yesterday. McCarthy, previously the GOP minority leader, entered as the most likely candidate to take the gavel after Republicans won a slim majority in November.

Needing 218 votes, McCarthy garnered 203, 203, and 202 votes Tuesday in three successive failed attempts. Despite a public appeal for support from former President Donald Trump, McCarthy remained at 201 votes after the sixth round yesterday.

Dissenting Republicans switched from backing Rep. Jim Jordan (R, OH-4) to Rep. Byron Donalds (R, FL-19), a 44-year-old conservative entering his second term. Democrats unanimously supported incoming minority leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D, NY-8). 

The minimum number of votes required to win may be lower than 218 if some members abstain or vote "present," though too many GOP abstentions may potentially allow Jeffries to be named speaker. See how the process works here.

Admissions Scammer Sentenced

William "Rick" Singer, the architect of a broad decadelong college admissions scam, was sentenced yesterday to 3.5 years in prison and three years of supervised release. Prosecutors had requested a six-year sentence. 

Known as "Operation Varsity Blues" for the scheme's reliance on false college student-athlete applications, the case gained notoriety for the involvement of celebrities Lori Loughlin of "Full House" and Felicity Huffman of "Desperate Housewives." As the owner of a college counseling business, Singer accepted six-figure payments through a charity to help wealthy parents fraudulently admit their children into prestigious universities—including Yale, Stanford, and UCLA—by bribing coaches or helping students cheat on standardized tests. Read how the scam worked here. 

After being caught in a 2018 sting operation, Singer pleaded guilty to four felonies, including obstruction of justice and racketeering. His cooperation with investigators led to the conviction of dozens of parents, coaches, and administrators. See details on the case here.

Gadgets Debut in Vegas

One of the world's largest electronics and technology conferences returns to Las Vegas today, with 100,000 people expected to attend the four-day 2023 Consumer Electronics Show. The annual show-and-tell event, which began in 1967, allows companies to preview their latest innovations while setting the stage for the year's biggest trends in tech. 

About 3,000 companies, from startups to major brands, including Sony, Apple, and Samsung, are expected to exhibit their products at CES. This year's lineup includes a focus on next-generation TVs and laptops, electric vehicles, smart home appliances, and wearables to monitor health and wellness. See the latest news from the event here.

Among the unconventional gadgets are a handheld device from L'Oréal that uses augmented reality to draw the perfect eyebrow and an at-home hands-free toilet device to monitor metabolic and reproductive health.  

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In-Depth

> Inside Damar Hamlin's Life

Go Long | Tyler Dunne. (2021) A profile of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, from his upbringing in Pennsylvania's McKees Rocks and losing his friends to crime, to a mystery injury at University of Pittsburgh and his drive to inspire others. (Read)

> Junkyard of Classic Cars 

Texas Highways | Ian Dille. Near Route 66 in the Panhandle, hundreds of old vehicles sit on 65 acres of shrubland, paying tribute to the heyday of the hot rod. This is the story of Bob Owens and his lifetime of fulfilling a passion. (Read)

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