CNN's recent story featuring correspondent Clarissa Ward purportedly rescuing a Syrian prisoner has come under intense scrutiny after a Syrian fact-checking organization suggested the man may not be who he claimed to be. The prisoner, initially identified by CNN as Adel Ghurbal, a supposed rebel fighter, is now suspected of being Salama Mohammed “Abu Hamza” Salama, a known torturer and corrupt official within the Assad regime’s Air Force Intelligence.
In a surprising move, the judge overseeing the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan instructed the jury on Monday to disregard all testimony from Illinois state Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island. Judge John Robert Blakey gave no explanation for the decision, despite Rita’s brief testimony on October 24.
President-elect Donald Trump announced Monday during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago that he would consider pardoning New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was indicted on federal corruption charges in September. The charges allege Adams exchanged favors for Turkey in return for campaign contributions, which were then used to obtain matching city campaign funds. The indictment also claims Adams received benefits, such as hotel upgrades, in connection to the arrangement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s testimony in his corruption trial was postponed on Monday under special circumstances, sparking speculation about critical developments regarding either a hostage deal with Hamas or a potential military strike on Iran.
Left-wing filmmaker Michael Moore sparked controversy by defending the anger directed at the health care industry following the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
FBI Director Christopher Wray is weighing whether he should resign before President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated, according to a report from The Washington Times.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has sparked controversy by appearing open to switching political parties during recent interviews, fueling speculation about his political future.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has formally announced her bid to become the top Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability for the 119th Congress.
Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson was arrested Friday morning on federal corruption charges, accused of orchestrating a kickback scheme to defraud taxpayers. Fernandes Anderson, representing Boston's Seventh District, faces one count of theft regarding programs receiving federal funds and five counts of wire fraud, as detailed in a Department of Justice indictment unsealed the same day.
