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.
With a federal shutdown looming on Friday, congressional leaders are in a race against time to pass a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government running. Key sticking points include farm aid and disaster assistance, with bipartisan negotiations at a standstill.
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’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.
President-elect Donald Trump is looking to privatize the U.S. Postal Service, according to a report from The Washington Post. Sources familiar with the development told the publication that Trump discussed the matter with Commerce Secretary pick Howard Lutnick.
Beginning January 1, 2025, California public libraries will be prohibited from banning books addressing topics such as race, gender identity, or sexual orientation under the Freedom to Read Act (AB 1825).
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.
