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.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman is wasting no time in reshaping the office after his landslide victory over progressive incumbent George Gascón. One of Hochman’s first moves will be to terminate special prosecutor Lawrence Middleton, who was appointed by Gascón to revisit several controversial police shooting cases.
President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming national security advisor said the United States needs an Iron Dome. The statement comes as unidentified drones have been spotted around the country.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s revised 2025 Chicago budget proposal, the fourth draft, has eliminated plans for a property tax increase and unpaid furlough days for city employees, following resistance from the Chicago City Council.
President Joe Biden assured Vice President Kamala Harris of her continued importance to the Democratic Party during remarks at the Democratic National Committee’s holiday party on Sunday. Turning to Harris, Biden declared, “You’re not going anywhere,” while praising her integrity and purpose throughout her career.
Israel’s decision to close its embassy in Ireland should serve as a warning to European nations with increasingly anti-Israel policies, according to KT McFarland, former deputy national security advisor in the Trump administration. Speaking on Newsmax’s Sunday Agenda, McFarland emphasized the shift in Israel's diplomatic approach following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and criticized Europe’s response.
The incoming Trump administration is reportedly considering rescinding a long-standing policy that limits Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from making arrests at "sensitive locations" like churches, schools, and hospitals without supervisor approval.
Several European nations are exploring financial incentives to encourage Syrian refugees to voluntarily return to their home country, as the prolonged cost of hosting them on welfare programs weighs heavily on national budgets.
The FBI reportedly monitored the communications of Kash Patel, a key Trump ally and nominee for FBI Director, according to a Justice Department Inspector General report.
