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Mary McCue Bell

Mary McCue Bell is a Breaking News Political Reporter for The Washington Times. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Journalism in writing and reporting and a Bachelor of Arts in political science. Previously, she was a congressional reporter and assistant city editor at the Columbia Missourian, and is a former Washington Correspondent for the Missouri News Network. Ms. Bell can be reached at mbell@washingtontimes.com.

Articles by Mary McCue Bell

Maryland Senate, House approve bills to end police partnerships with ICE

Both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly passed two bills to effectively end local law enforcement cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

February 3, 2026

Maryland House greenlights new congressional map, but faces uncertainty in Senate

The Maryland House on Monday advanced a new congressional map that would eliminate the state's last Republican-held seat in that chamber.

February 3, 2026

ICE rejects guidance to make menstrual products more available to prisoners, says GAO report

Menstrual products must be accessible to women detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Bureau of Prisons, but both agencies are failing to do so, according to a new report by the Government Accountability Office.

February 3, 2026

Arrest of Don Lemon sparks debate over free speech rights versus freedom of religion

Don Lemon's arrest has set off a very public clash between free-speech advocates and those who argue the case raises serious religious-freedom concerns.

February 1, 2026

House Democrats request access to unredacted Epstein files

House Judiciary Committee Democrats are requesting an "urgent" review of the unredacted Epstein files from the Justice Department to evaluate compliance with federal law -- a day after the department released a trove of documents and said it had fully satisfied its obligations under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

January 31, 2026

LAPD clashes with anti-ICE protesters

Los Angeles police arrested multiple protesters Friday after tensions escalated outside the Metropolitan Detention Center -- turning what were peaceful demonstrations earlier in the day into an aggressive display between law enforcement and civilians.

January 31, 2026

Senate GOP campaign arm raised $88 million in 2025

The National Republican Senatorial Committee raised $88 million in 2025, ahead of a midterm showdown that will determine whether Senate Republicans can hold onto their thin majority.

January 30, 2026

Justice Dept. opens civil rights investigation into Alex Pretti’s death

The Justice Department has opened a federal civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis last weekend, shifting the primary responsibility for the probe from the Department of Homeland Security.

January 30, 2026

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon arrested by federal agents over Minnesota church protest

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested after reporting on an anti-ICE protest at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota.

January 30, 2026

Man posing as FBI agent fails to break Luigi Mangione out of jail

A man posing as an FBI agent unsuccessfully tried a jailbreak Wednesday for Luigi Mangione, the man charged with gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

January 29, 2026

Man arrested for spraying Rep. Omar faces federal assault charge

The man who squirted apple cider vinegar on Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar during Tuesday's town hall in Minneapolis has been charged with assault by the Justice Department.

January 29, 2026

Senate Democrats call on Kristi Noem to testify ‘immediately’

Senate Democrats are demanding answers from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem with congressional testimony, following two fatal shootings by federal immigration officials in Minneapolis.

January 29, 2026

DOJ Antitrust Division issues first whistleblower reward for fraud scheme tip

The Justice Department's Antitrust Division is giving a whistleblower reward for the first time, gifting $1 million to a person who helped lead federal authorities to a criminal antitrust and fraud scheme of used car auctions.

January 29, 2026

Sen. Collins says DHS shutting down immigration enforcement surge in Maine

Homeland Security's immigration enforcement surge into Maine has ended just a week after it began, Sen. Susan Collins announced Thursday.

January 29, 2026

Here comes ‘Melania,’ plus her initiatives for foster children, AI training

Melania Trump teased more children-focused first lady initiatives as she promoted her upcoming documentary.

January 29, 2026

Local officials rip Los Angeles leaders for disastrous Palisades fire response

Emergency responders told Senate leaders Wednesday that local leaders are to blame for the Palisades fire, a day after President Trump signed an executive order to override state and local authorities and take over rebuilding efforts in the Los Angeles area.

January 28, 2026