It's official: Kevin McCarthy is out as House Speaker

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Wednesday, October 4, 2023 1/ House votes to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy in historic ouster Rep Kevin McCarthy has been ousted from the speakership after a motion to vacate was filed by Rep Matt Gaetz. It's the first time in history that a speaker has been removed by the House. This comes after Mr McCarthy struck a deal with Democrats over the weekend on a 45-day funding resolution to avert a government shutdown. Eight Republicans voted with the Democrats to remove Mr McCarthy, including Reps Andy Biggs, Ken Buck, Tim Burchett, Eli Crane, Bob Good, Nancy Mace, Matt Rosendale, and Mr Gaetz.   The final tally was 216 supporting the ouster and 210 members voting against it. Rep Patrick McHenry was named as the interim speaker. Read the full article here 2/ McCarthy hits back after Matt Gaetz-led coup to oust him: 'You know it was personal' Dethroned Speaker says coup ringleader Matt Gaetz is taking revenge for a House Ethics Committee probe 3/ A drab courtroom and a swift hearing: Hunter Biden and his gun charges head to court Surrounded by security in a federal courtroom, Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to three firearm-related charges 4/  Trump is silent in court. His outbursts outside it get attention – but may have serious consequences Alex Woodward reports from the Manhattan court where Trump is appearing this week 5/  Charlotte Sena kidnapper's ransom note details revealed as suspect is held without bail Craig Ross wrote a ransom note 'with the intent to compel the payment of monies as ransom for [Charlotte]' THE BIG QUESTION Who voted to oust Kevin McCarthy as House speaker? The unprecedented seems to have become almost routine in US politics in recent years – but we have reached another such moment. The removal of Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the house of representatives in congress is the first time someone has been forced out of the role in US history. It is a  pivotal moment because of the key role the speaker plays in US politics and the removal leaves the Republicans in a state of disarray. What does the speaker do and why is the role so important? And who voted to oust McCarthy? Read more here Watch / Suspect arrested for Tupac Shakur's muder recalls night rapper died NUMBER OF THE DAY 5 Five victims were found wounded and at least one suspect is still at large following a shooting at Morgan State University in Maryland on a night when students were celebrating a pre-homecoming ball. Read more QUOTE OF THE DAY "The only candidate for Speaker I am currently supporting is President Donald J. Trump." A growing number of far-right Republican lawmakers including Marjorie Taylor Greene are calling for Donald Trump to become the next House speaker. Read more OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE  Florida police release bodycam video of officers beating Black man during arrest LeBron James shares update on his son's health after cardiac arrest HBO documentary star goes missing from Pittsburgh bar Jason Solomons: How a strike changed Hollywood forever – and what happens next? The Independent proudly partners with Refuge and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 Join the conversation or follow us Download the free Independent app Please do not reply directly to this email   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's US Morning Headlines newsletter.   To unsubscribe from The Independent's US Morning Headlines newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy notice and cookie policy