News

Home News Page 5

Report: Iraq Releases American Hostage After More Than 900 Days

1
Gage Skidmore Flickr

A Princeton University doctoral student who was kidnapped by a militia group in Iraq in 2023 and was held for more than 900 days has been released. 

President Trump announced on Tuesday Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli and Russian citizen whose sister is an American citizen, is now safe at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq after she had been held captive by the Iran-backed, U.S.-designated terrorist group Kata’ib Hezbollah, Trump said in a Truth Social post. 

“I will always fight for JUSTICE, and never give up. HAMAS, RELEASE THE HOSTAGES, NOW!” the president wrote, referring to the terrorist organization Hamas that’s holding 48 hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive, who were taken during Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. 

“My entire family is incredibly happy. We cannot wait to see Elizabeth and give her all the love we have been waiting to share for 903 days,” Tsurkov’s sister Emma said Tuesday in a statement, The Associated Press reported.

In a statement to CBS News on Tuesday, Princeton President Christopher L. Eisgruber said, “The release of Princeton graduate student Elizabeth Tsurkov brings relief and joy to the University community, and we celebrate that she will be reunited with her family.” 

“We thank President Trump for securing Elizabeth’s release. We are also grateful to those who worked tirelessly to bring an end to her terrible ordeal, including her family, friends and advocates,” Eisgruber said.

In addition to her studies at the Ivy League school, Tsurkov was a fellow at the Washington-based think tank New Lines Institute and wrote for New Lines Magazine before her kidnapping.

Notable American Hostage Releases Under Trump

1. Keith Siegel

  • An American-Israeli citizen held by Hamas in Gaza for nearly 500 days was released under a cease-fire deal that carried over into Trump’s administration.
  • His family and others credited President Trump for exerting pressure in securing his freedom

2. Edan Alexander

  • A 21-year-old dual U.S.–Israeli soldier, the last known living American hostage held by Hamas in Gaza, was released after 584 days in captivity.
  • His release was a goodwill gesture timed ahead of Trump’s Middle East visit, facilitated by mediators including Qatar and Egypt.
  • He was received warmly back in the U.S., including a White House meeting with President Trump and a celebratory return to his hometown in New Jersey.

3. George Glezmann

  • A U.S. citizen detained by the Taliban since December 2022 was eventually released following extensive negotiations led by Trump administration envoy Adam Boehler, with support from Qatar.
  • He was en route back to the United States at the time of reporting.

4. Marc Fogel

  • As highlighted in a White House press release, the American teacher wrongfully detained in a Russian prison was returned home in February 2025, fulfilling Trump’s promise to his elderly mother

Lachlan Murdoch Assumes Control Of Fox News

0
David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Murdoch media empire — long a pillar of conservative news and opinion — is set for a new era of stability and clarity of vision. The New York Times reported that Rupert Murdoch’s three eldest children, Prue, Liz, and James, will each receive $1.1 billion in exchange for their stakes. With that, the family trust created in 1999 will be dissolved, allowing Lachlan Murdoch to consolidate leadership.

For Republicans and conservatives across the country, this is more than just a business deal. It’s a decisive move that ensures the future of Fox News, the Wall Street Journal, and the rest of the Murdoch portfolio remains firmly aligned with the values that have made these outlets the backbone of conservative media for decades.

A Conservative Legacy in Safe Hands

At 94, Rupert Murdoch has built something few could ever match: a media network that challenges the progressive narratives dominating most mainstream outlets. This agreement means that Rupert’s vision won’t be diluted by competing factions within his own family. Instead, his chosen successor — Lachlan — will steer the ship with a steady, unapologetically conservative hand.

The press release from News Corp underscored that point directly:

“Voting control with respect to the News Corp and Fox Corporation shares owned by LGC Holdco will rest solely with Lachlan Murdoch through his appointed managing director. Rupert Murdoch will continue in his role as Chairman Emeritus of the Company.”

In short, Lachlan Murdoch is not only inheriting the empire — he is inheriting the mission.

No More Family Divisions

This move also closes a chapter of internal dispute. For years, some family members — particularly James Murdoch — have signaled discomfort with the conservative direction of the empire. Their exits, now formalized through this $1.1 billion deal, remove any lingering doubts about the editorial future of Fox and News Corp.

Last year, Rupert and Lachlan attempted to restructure the family trust to consolidate power, but a Nevada judge blocked that effort in December. This new arrangement effectively achieves the same outcome, only cleaner and more decisive.

Why It Matters for Conservatives

For conservative audiences, this agreement should be seen as reassurance. In an era when progressive tech companies and liberal-leaning media conglomerates dominate the public square, the Murdoch media empire has stood as one of the few powerful counterweights. By securing Lachlan Murdoch’s sole authority, Rupert Murdoch has guaranteed that these outlets will continue to amplify conservative voices, defend free markets, and challenge political correctness.

The left may scoff, but for millions of Americans, Fox News and the broader Murdoch network have provided the only alternative to the coastal liberal consensus. The deal ensures that won’t change.

Looking Ahead

Rupert Murdoch remains involved as Chairman Emeritus, offering continuity and wisdom, but the future clearly belongs to Lachlan. His leadership will reassure Republicans who rely on Fox, the Journal, and other Murdoch outlets as trusted platforms for conservative news and commentary.

Happening Today: Jury Selection Begins In Trump Assassination Attempt Case

0

Fort Pierce, Fla. — Jury selection begins Monday in the federal trial of Ryan Routh, who prosecutors say plotted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf club in September 2024. The process is expected to conclude by Wednesday.

Prospective jurors are being questioned under oath in Fort Pierce to determine whether they can serve impartially. Routh, who is representing himself, will directly question jurors alongside federal prosecutors — an unusual dynamic in the courtroom.

The case is being heard by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who denied a motion from Routh’s defense team seeking her recusal. A Trump appointee, Cannon was randomly assigned to the case.

Federal prosecutors allege Routh camped near Trump’s golf course for 12 hours with a rifle and aimed at a Secret Service agent before being forced to drop the weapon. Investigators later discovered a letter in which Routh expressed regret that he failed to kill Trump, as well as evidence he sought anti-aircraft weapons and surveillance of Trump’s flights weeks before his arrest.

Routh faces charges of attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple gun violations — crimes carrying potential life sentences. He has pleaded not guilty to both federal and related state charges.

A 12-member jury, plus alternates, will ultimately decide the case. Federal law requires a unanimous verdict for conviction.

Report: Newsmax Sues Fox News

1

Right-wing cable channel Newsmax is suing Fox News, alleging the network has illegally cornered the market on viewership among conservatives.

In a lawsuit filed in Florida on Wednesday, Newsmax attorneys argue Fox has “long engaged in an exclusionary scheme to increase and maintain its dominance in the market for U.S. right-leaning pay TV news, resulting in suppression of competition in that market that harms consumers, competition, and Newsmax.”

“Fox leverages this market power to coerce distributors into not carrying or into marginalizing other right-leaning news channels, including Newsmax,” the lawsuit reads.

In a statement to The Hill, a Fox News spokesperson pushed back on the suit, saying Newsmax “cannot sue their way out of their own competitive failures in the marketplace to chase headlines simply because they can’t attract viewers.”

Fox has long ranked as the top-watched cable news channel, featuring a long list of hosts and pundits who espouse staunchly conservative and pro-Trump viewpoints.

As part of its suit, Newsmax is alleging Fox in the process has “deliberately blocked Newsmax’s growth in critical distribution platforms such as Hulu, Sling, Fubo, and other major platforms.”

“Fox may have profited from exclusionary contracts and intimidation tactics for years, but those days are over,” Christopher Ruddy, Newsmax CEO, said.

Fox Corp. recently inked a long-term agreement with YouTube TV to carry the company’s various channels, including Fox News, Fox Sports, the Big 10 Network and other offerings, a deal seen widely as a significant move into a postcable future for the Rupert Murdoch-owned broadcaster.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

Federal Judge Rules Trump Violated Law By Activating National Guard In California

3
Competitors in the 2024 Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition run a 1-kilometer route as part of the competition’s biathlon event at Ethan Allen Firing Range, Vermont, Aug. 6, 2024. The Best Warrior Competition is a physically and mentally challenging five-day event that tests Soldiers on a variety of tactical and technical skills. Winners are named the Army Guard Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and move on to compete in the Department of the Army Best Squad Competition, with other Soldiers from the Best Warrior Competition filling out the ranks of their squad. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy)

A federal judge has ruled that President Donald Trump and his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth violated federal law when they deployed thousands of federalized California National Guard members to bolster immigration enforcement in Los Angeles earlier this summer

Judge Charles Breyer, a Clinton appointee and brother to retired liberal Justice Stephen Breyer, said Trump violated the Posse Comitatus Act, a 150-year-old law that says the military cannot typically engage in domestic law enforcement.

“This was intentional—Defendants instigated a months-long deployment of the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles for the purpose of establishing a military presence there and enforcing federal law. Such conduct is a serious violation of the Posse Comitatus Act,” Breyer wrote. 

Trump federalized about 4,000 National Guard members in June to support federal authorities in California as they carried out immigration raids, despite Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom‘s vehement objections.

Breyer’s decision comes as most of the National Guard members have since been demobilized. Attorneys for California said during the trial, though, that 300 of them remained, which they argued was a “significant” number. (RELATED: Judge Tells Trump To Hand Control Of California National Guard Back To Newsom)

“That’s certainly a large enough number of soldiers to constitute a Posse Comitatus Act violation,” a state attorney said.

While the judge’s decision may have minimal impact on the ground in California, the case could still have nationwide implications as Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth deploy National Guard members in Washington, D.C., and threaten to do so in other blue cities to address street crime. The Trump administration is likely to appeal Breyer’s decision, which could result in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and even the Supreme Court weighing in on the administration’s unconventional use of the National Guard.

Breyer paused his order until Friday, providing the administration with an avenue to appeal before it goes into effect. 

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

READ NEXT: Trump Signals Openness To Bringing Back Insane Asylums

Rudy Giuliani Seriously Injured In Car Crash

0
Photo via Pixabay images

Over the weekend, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani was rushed to the hospital for injuries sustained in a car crash.

Giuliani, who previously served as President Trump’s personal attorney, was transported to a nearby trauma center, according to the statement, “where he was diagnosed with a fractured thoracic vertebrae, multiple lacerations and contusions, as well as injuries to his left arm and lower leg.”

Ragusa said Giuliani’s business partner Maria Ryan, a nurse practitioner, was contacted and arrived at the hospital shortly after the crash.

In a statement provided to The Hill, the New Hampshire State Police confirmed they were “investigating a crash that left three people injured, including a passenger identified as former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.”

“Just before 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, Troopers assigned to the Troop B barracks were investigating a reported domestic violence incident on Interstate 93 southbound in Manchester when a two-vehicle crash occurred across from them on the northbound side of the interstate. As a result of the collision, both vehicles went into the median and were heavily damaged,” the state police said.

“Troopers and fire personnel, who were at the scene of the first incident, witnessed the collision and quickly crossed the interstate to render aid,” they added, saying Giuliani was a passenger in the struck vehicle.

Shortly before the car crash, according to Ragusa’s statement, Giuliani was “flagged down by a woman who was the victim of a domestic violence incident.”

“Mayor Giuliani immediately rendered assistance and contacted 911. He remained on scene until responding officers arrived to ensure her safety,” the statement said. 

Ragusa told the New York Post that the car crash “occurred after he re-entered his vehicle, which was then hit from behind at high speed.”

“The mayor is in great spirits. He’s a beast. He survived 9/11,” he said.

“He’s getting further tests and stabilization of his injuries,” Ryan told the Post.

Shortly after releasing the official statement, Ragusa followed up on social media to attempt to nix conspiracy theories.

He said Giuliani was in a rental car, adding, “No one knew it was him.” 

“This was not a targeted attack. We ask everyone to respect Mayor Giuliani’s privacy and recovery, and refrain from spreading unfounded conspiracy theories,” Ragusa said in a subsequent post. 

Once celebrated as “America’s Mayor” for his leadership after 9/11, Rudy Giuliani later became a prominent figure in President Trump’s challenges to the 2020 election. He pushed to investigate irregularities and raised concerns about election integrity—efforts that resonated with many conservatives who believed serious questions remained unanswered, even as courts and officials dismissed those claims.

Since then, Giuliani has faced major legal and professional setbacks. A jury in Georgia handed down a massive $148 million judgment in favor of two election workers who accused him of defamation, a decision many on the right view as excessive and politically motivated. He was also permanently barred from practicing law in Washington, D.C., a move that critics argue reflects the increasingly partisan use of professional licensing against high-profile conservatives.

Trump Floats Holding Republican National Convention Before Midterm Elections

1
Former President of the United States Donald Trump speaking with attendees at the 2022 Student Action Summit at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida. [Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons]

This could be big…

On Thursday, President Trump floated the possibility of holding a Republican National Convention ahead of the midterm elections.

While Trump did not offer any details about where the convention would take place or what would happen there, he touted various statistics that have been beneficial for the Republican Party this year.

The GOP is fighting to maintain control of both the House and Senate in 2026.

“The Republican Party is doing really well. Millions of people have joined us in our quest to MAKE AMERICA, GREAT AGAIN. We won every aspect of the Presidential Election and, based on the great success we are having, are poised to WIN BIG IN THE MIDTERMS,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“We have raised far more money than the Democrats, and are having a great time fixing all of the Country Destroying mistakes made by the Biden Administration, and watching the USA heal and prosper. The results are incredible, a record pace!!! In that light, I am thinking of recommending a National Convention to the Republican Party, just prior to the Midterms. It has never been done before. STAY TUNED!” he added.

Historically, midterms have been tough elections for the party controlling the White House, typically losing roughly 25 seats in the House. Trump and the Republicans lost 41 House seats in the 2018 midterms.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

Report: John Bolton Probe Focused On Classified Emails Obtained By Foreign Spies

The White House from Washington, DC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Biden administration’s Justice Department has launched an aggressive investigation into former Trump national security adviser John Bolton, accusing him of mishandling classified information. According to an explosive New York Times report, the probe escalated dramatically last week when FBI agents raided Bolton’s Bethesda, Maryland residence and his Washington, D.C. office.

Sources told the Times that investigators claim Bolton sent emails containing “sensitive information” over an unclassified system while drafting his 2020 book, The Room Where It Happened. The emails, allegedly shared with friends and associates assisting him with the manuscript, reportedly contained material that appeared to be drawn from classified documents Bolton had seen during his time in the White House.

Even more startling, U.S. officials say a foreign intelligence service later obtained those emails. At this point, it remains unclear which country’s spies were in possession of the material.

A Raided Home, No Arrest

Bolton, who has been a vocal critic of both Donald Trump and Joe Biden, was at home during the FBI raid. Despite the dramatic nature of the search, he was not arrested. That fact alone has fueled speculation that the raid was more about spectacle than substance—an attempt to send a political message rather than to secure an immediate prosecution.

A Familiar Pattern of Double Standards

Republicans have already begun to highlight what they see as yet another glaring double standard. While the Biden DOJ aggressively pursues Bolton, questions linger about how the administration handled President Biden’s own mishandling of classified documents, discovered in multiple unsecured locations, including his Delaware garage. Unlike Bolton—or former President Trump, who continues to face relentless investigations—Biden has faced little in the way of raids or public spectacle.

This latest move against Bolton follows a broader pattern where the DOJ appears far more eager to go after figures associated with the Trump years while showing restraint when it comes to Democrats.

What’s Next

At this point, Bolton has not been charged with any crime. Legal experts note that the government would face serious hurdles in proving that Bolton knowingly mishandled classified material or intended to expose it to foreign governments.

Trump Threatens to Prosecute George Soros and His Son Over RICO Charges

8
By Niccolò Caranti - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21891838

President Donald Trump took direct aim at billionaire financier George Soros and his son Alex in a fiery Truth Social post on Wednesday, accusing the pair of fueling radical left-wing unrest across the country and hinting at potential RICO charges.

“George Soros, and his wonderful Radical Left son, should be charged with RICO because of their support of Violent Protests, and much more, all throughout the United States of America,” Trump wrote. “We’re not going to allow these lunatics to rip apart America any more, never giving it so much as a chance to ‘BREATHE,’ and be FREE. Soros, and his group of psychopaths, have caused great damage to our Country! That includes his Crazy, West Coast friends.”

Trump concluded with a warning: “Be careful, we’re watching you!”

Who Are the Soroses?

George Soros, a Hungarian-born billionaire, is one of the Democratic Party’s largest donors and has been financing progressive causes for decades. His global influence has been tied to left-wing prosecutors, liberal DA races, and activist organizations that critics say undermine law and order in American cities.

In 2023, Soros handed control of his vast empire—including the Open Society Foundation—to his son, Alex Soros, who has pledged to continue funding progressive causes, often with an even more openly partisan edge. Alex has boasted of his close ties to the Biden White House and prominent Democrats.

The Soros network has poured hundreds of millions of dollars into elections and activist groups, often tipping the balance in favor of left-leaning candidates. Many on the Right argue this influence has led to skyrocketing crime rates, attacks on free speech, and deepening divisions in American society.

Trump’s threat comes less than a week after his FBI raided his foreign policy adviser-turned-critic John Bolton’s home and office as part of what he slammed as a politically motivated investigation.

Bolton, who was national security adviser from 2018 to 2019, has often clashed with Trump since leaving the administration. The raid on his home marked a significant escalation in tensions between the former president and his one-time adviser.

When asked about the raid, Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday that he was not informed ahead of time but expected a briefing later.

Trump Threatens To Investigate Chris Christie

1
Maryland GovPics, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

President Trump openly confirmed he is considering launching an investigation into former ally and New Jersey governor Chris Christie.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform late Sunday that Christie had lied about 2013 lane closures on the George Washington Bridge “in order to stay out of prison, at the same time sacrificing people who worked for him.” The president was referring to a decision by Christie’s associates to close access lanes to the bridge, which links New Jersey and Manhattan, in order to punish the Democratic mayor of a New Jersey town.

“Chris refused to take responsibility for these criminal acts,” Trump wrote. “For the sake of JUSTICE, perhaps we should start looking at that very serious situation again? NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW!”

The 2013 “Bridgegate” closures created days of traffic jams, and the scandal tarnished Christie’s reputation and helped to destroy his 2016 presidential candidacy. Christie has long denied any knowledge of the plan. He could not immediately be reached for comment.

It was not immediately clear what aspect of Christie’s Sunday appearance on ABC’s “This Week” had led President Trump to threaten him on social media.

Christie mentioned the president by name after he was asked by the journalist Jonathan Karl whether Vice President JD Vance, who has defended the criminal investigation into Mr. Bolton, is playing a role in it.

Christie responded by mentioning what he called the administration’s disregard for the idea of separation between the president and criminal investigations. He noted that Mr. Trump had recently described himself as the nation’s “chief law enforcement officer.”

“Donald Trump sees himself as the person who gets to decide everything, and he doesn’t care about any separation,” Christie told Karl. “In fact, he absolutely rejects the idea that there should be separation between criminal investigations and the politically elected leader of the United States. This is much different than it’s ever been run before.”

Watch:

Then on Monday, he doubled down after being asked if he plans “to investigate Chris Christie.”

“Look, Chris is a slob, everybody knows it. I know Chris better than anybody in the room. I always felt he was guilty. But what he did is he took the George Washington Bridge, which is very serious, he closed down the George Washington Bridge,” answered Trump. “And you had medical people, You had ambulances caught up. You know, this thing was closed down. And obviously he knew about it. But he blamed the young lady that worked for him, and another person, and they got into a lot of trouble. She ultimately was, I don’t know, exonerated, but she got out of it a little bit. But she went through hell. She was a young mother, nice person, I knew her a little bit. And another man went to jail. And Chris got off.”

“And so when I listen to Chris speak his hate, I say, ‘Oh, what about the George Washington Bridge?’ You know? ‘Tell me about the George Washington Bridge.’ He blamed other people, but he knew all about it. So, no, I don’t know. If they want to look at it — not for me. — if they want look at it, they can. You could ask Pam [Bondi]. I think we have other things to do, but I always thought he got away with murder,” he concluded.

Several members of Christie’s administration were ultimately convicted for their role in helping shut down multiple lanes of the George Washington Bridge back in 2013, though those convictions were later thrown out by the Supreme Court.