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Texas tenants win damages and legal fees after landlord keeps $2,600 deposit

In a recent Texas court case, a landlord's attempt to retain a couple's security deposit, along with demands for extra payments post-move-out, was contested. The tenants triumphed, though the court adjusted some damage estimates. Texas statutes mandate landlords to avoid withholding deposits for usual wear and tear and to furnish detailed deductions. The ruling underlines the necessity for landlords to adhere to security deposit regulations strictly.

The Times of India 17 Oct 2026 5:10 pm

New York court rejects daughters claimed life estate in Queens property

A property transfer made by a Queens mother in 1987 led to a legal dispute nearly four decades later. Mary Mangiaracina had tried to secure lifetime rights to the Ridgewood property for herself and her daughter. However, after the property was sold to new owners, her daughter challenged the sale-related ownership claims in court. In April 2026, a New York appeals court ruled that the daughter had never legally received those lifetime rights.

The Times of India 17 Oct 2026 4:15 pm

Brad Paisley and wife help open free Nashville grocery store with $1m gift

Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley have expanded their philanthropic efforts by launching a second location of The Store, a nonprofit grocery aimed at combating food insecurity in Nashville. Following their first store's success in 2020, which garnered over 3,100 dedicated volunteers, the couple has invested $1 million into this new initiative to ensure families receive dignified access to food choices and additional resources.

The Times of India 17 Oct 2026 4:14 pm

North Dakota ranchers $300,000 legal-fee fight heads to US Supreme Court

A group of North Dakota ranchers who spent nearly $300,000 fighting a pipeline company over land compensation have taken their dispute over legal expenses to the US Supreme Court. Although they reached a settlement, an appeals court ruled that the company need not cover their legal costs. The Supreme Court will hear the case on November 9.

The Times of India 17 Oct 2026 3:27 pm

Stephen King and wifes $3m pledge helped save hometown library

Stephen and Tabitha King have committed $3 million to the Bangor Public Library renovation, provided that $6 million is raised through community efforts. Thanks to local support and a municipal bond, the library hit its $9 million target, kickstarting essential upgrades like roof repairs and improved community spaces, honoring both its historical significance and modern audience requirements.

The Times of India 17 Oct 2026 3:27 pm

How a driver, a dad and a teacher tried to stop the Oregon school shooter

A driver, a dad and a teacher are among at least three people who tried to stop a 16-year-old gunman who attacked an Oregon elementary school this week

ABC News 17 Oct 2026 12:08 pm

Iran war votes in Congress become a focal point for campaign ad attacks

Democrats and aligned advocacy groups are hitting the airwaves with a flood of campaign ads on the Iran war as they seek to win back in the House and Senate

ABC News 17 Oct 2026 12:08 pm

Community leaders say foiled Illinois mass shooting was result of surge in anti-Hindu hate online

Authorities have arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of attempting a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois

ABC News 17 Oct 2026 7:51 am

Youngest Oregon school shooting victim was a fearless climber who loved stuffed animals

The aunt of the youngest child killed in a shooting at an Oregon elementary school said he was a fast runner and a fearless climber who loved reading

ABC News 17 Oct 2026 7:51 am

DOJ reaches settlement with Mississippi police department it found routinely violated civil rights

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday it reached a settlement forcing reforms for a Mississippi city and its police department, which the DOJ found discriminated against Black people, used excessive force and retaliated against critics

ABC News 17 Oct 2026 7:50 am

Painting Eisenhower Building would diminish historic character of White House complex, report says

A draft environmental assessment finds that President Donald Trump's plan to paint a 19th-century landmark office building next to the White House could harm its historic character

ABC News 17 Oct 2026 7:50 am

Rep. Ilhan Omar's attorneys demand return of property seized in federal search of her home

Attorneys for Rep_ Ilhan Omar are asking the Justice Department to immediately return property that federal agents seized from her home this week, arguing that the search stemming from an investigation into her citizenship status was neither justified...

ABC News 17 Oct 2026 7:50 am

Trump puts new Russia sanctions passed by Congress on hold, saying waiver is in US national interest

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that puts on hold a sweeping new sanctions package targeting the Russian economy, telling Congress the pause was in the national interest

ABC News 17 Oct 2026 7:50 am

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Attacks GOP Opponent for Christian Faith

In his campaign to win a third term as Illinois governor, JB Pritzker is attacking Darren Bailey, his Republican opponent, for holding traditional Christian beliefs. ... The post Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Attacks GOP Opponent for Christian Faith appeared first on The New American .

thenewamerican 17 Oct 2026 4:26 am

Musk Settles Fraud Lawsuits Over $1 Million Election Giveaway

Elon Musk has agreed to settle two lawsuits accusing him of deceiving voters with a $1 million daily giveaway during the 2024 election. ... The post Musk Settles Fraud Lawsuits Over $1 Million Election Giveaway appeared first on The New American .

thenewamerican 17 Oct 2026 4:00 am

Catholic Bishop and Protestant Pastors Rally Voters to Confront

Moral clarity informs that all elections are a matter of good and evil, right and wrong. This should inspire election turnout among church-going Christians. ... The post Catholic Bishop and Protestant Pastors Rally Voters to Confront Evil at Ballot Box appeared first on The New American .

thenewamerican 17 Oct 2026 3:50 am

AI Authoritarianism: A Government Without Constitutional Brakes

Removing the human beings in government who can question, resist, object and refuse wont eliminate the bureaucracy it will eliminate the brakes of the Constitution. ... The post AI Authoritarianism: A Government Without Constitutional Brakes appeared first on The New American .

thenewamerican 17 Oct 2026 2:51 am

Dozens of American Flag Officers Linked to Defense Industry Shill for Pro-Israel Outfit, Endorse War Against Iran

More than six dozen retired U.S. military flag officers have signed multiple letters endorsing U.S. and Israeli aggression against Iran. ... The post Dozens of American Flag Officers Linked to Defense Industry Shill for Pro-Israel Outfit, Endorse War Against Iran appeared first on The New American .

thenewamerican 17 Oct 2026 2:12 am

Whalefall Star Stuns On Red Carpet In 40,000-Gallon Tank

The post Whalefall Star Stuns On Red Carpet In 40,000-Gallon Tank appeared first on The Onion .

theonion 16 Oct 2026 11:01 pm

Sydney Sweeney Tells Scooter Braun She Open To Converting To B-List For Him

LOS ANGELESStating that it was about time they got serious about their future as a couple, actress Sydney Sweeney reportedly told record executive Scooter Braun Friday that she was open to converting to the B-list for him. I really want this relationship to work, and if that means skipping the Met Gala for a party [] The post Sydney Sweeney Tells Scooter Braun She Open To Converting To B-List For Him appeared first on The Onion .

theonion 16 Oct 2026 10:59 pm

Trump Cancels Planned Livestream Of Jon Ossoff

WASHINGTONCalling off the event that some had labeled controversial, President Donald Trump announced Friday that he was canceling the planned livestream execution of Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA). I still believe it would have been a strong deterrent for the world to witness how America deals with Democrats, said Trump, who stated that the incumbent U.S. [] The post Trump Cancels Planned Livestream Of Jon Ossoffs Execution appeared first on The Onion .

theonion 16 Oct 2026 10:56 pm

New Evidence Suggests Amelia Earhart Was Accepted Into Crab Society

NIKUMARORO, KIRIBATIClaiming to have finally solved the longstanding mystery surrounding the missing aviators ultimate fate, a team of Purdue University researchers announced Friday they had found new evidence suggesting Amelia Earhart was accepted into crab society and lived the rest of her life among crustaceans. Our investigation of a remote atoll in the area where [] The post New Evidence Suggests Amelia Earhart Was Accepted Into Crab Society appeared first on The Onion .

theonion 16 Oct 2026 10:54 pm

Lena Dunham Announces

LONDONThanking HBO for the opportunity to provoke all over again, Girls creator Lena Dunham announced Friday that the series was coming back for five more controversies. So much has changed in the world since the show ended nine years ago, and Im excited to see what negative press we can drum up this decade, said [] The post Lena Dunham Announces Girls Coming Back For 5 More Controversies appeared first on The Onion .

theonion 16 Oct 2026 10:52 pm

Trump Cancels Livestream of Muslim Terrorist Hasan

President Trump has canceled livestreaming of the execution of Muslim mass murderer and terrorist Malik Nidal Hasan. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had said the execution would be livestreamed, which means Trump overruled him. Though Trump had said he had absolutely OKd it, he reversed course yesterday on Truth Social. Hasan, will however, still face a ... The post Trump Cancels Livestream of Muslim Terrorist Hasans Execution appeared first on The New American .

thenewamerican 16 Oct 2026 10:03 pm

Federal Regulators Block Data-center Power Restrictions as Grid Faces Blackout Emergency

Federal regulators have rejected a plan to make power-hungry data centers bear greater responsibility during electrical grid shortages. ... The post Federal Regulators Block Data-center Power Restrictions as Grid Faces Blackout Emergency appeared first on The New American .

thenewamerican 16 Oct 2026 9:46 pm

US reviving shuttered nuclear plants to meet growing demand, power data centers

The United States is making an unprecedented attempt to revive three shuttered nuclear plants to meet growing demand, especially from data centers

ABC News 16 Oct 2026 7:05 pm

Weird Family Settles Disputes Calmly, Respectfully

ST. LOUISDrawing skeptical gazes from onlookers for their peculiar approach to resolving conflicts, a weird family at a local bistro reportedly settled a series of disputes calmly and respectfully Friday. Its crazythey spoke one at a time, listened to what everyone else was saying, apologized for any harm done, and then decided to move forward [] The post Weird Family Settles Disputes Calmly, Respectfully appeared first on The Onion .

theonion 16 Oct 2026 6:30 pm

Sweaty Youth Soccer Team Stinking Up Entire Red Robin

COLUMBUS, OHAs they ran freely between tables and emitted a powerful odor of sweat, grass, and damp polyester, a youth soccer team was stinking up an entire Red Robin following a morning tournament, restaurant patrons confirmed Saturday.Theyre climbing over the backs of the seats, throwing fries at each other, being loudevery time one of them [] The post Sweaty Youth Soccer Team Stinking Up Entire Red Robin appeared first on The Onion .

theonion 16 Oct 2026 6:30 pm

Miley Cyrus foundation gives $1m toward 97 permanent homes for women in LA

Miley Cyrus' foundation has pledged $1 million towards Rosa's Place, a housing project in Los Angeles that will provide 97 permanent apartments for women and survivors of violence experiencing homelessness. The donation was announced at the Downtown Women's Center's annual gala, which raised $3.2 million. The development in Skid Row is expected to open in 2027.

The Times of India 16 Oct 2026 4:04 pm

Tennessee man turns backyard pool into 500,000-gallon water playground

In Covington, Tennessee, Micky Thornton transformed a childhood aspiration into reality by building a vast backyard pool. Initially a family retreat, this impressive space evolved into a gathering hub, hosting everything from birthday celebrations to weddings. Notably, it has become a venue for over 400 baptisms, deepening its community ties. Thornton's journey showcases that the pursuit of extraordinary dreams demands patience and dedication to refining ones vision.

The Times of India 16 Oct 2026 4:00 pm

Alex Murdaugh's defense and prosecutors expect to clash over evidence during hearing

Prosecutors and lawyers for Alex Murdaugh are expected to return to court to dispute evidence for his retrial on murder charges next year

ABC News 16 Oct 2026 11:53 am

Alaska's Sullivan and Peltola clash over Iran and high prices in testy Senate debate

Alaskas major U.S. Senate candidates clashed over Iran and consumer prices during a televised debate in the high-stakes contest that could play into control of the chamber

ABC News 16 Oct 2026 11:24 am

Talarico compares his campaign to the biblical David after GOP invests over $158M against him

James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas, is rallying supporters as he aims to become the first Democrat to win statewide in over 30 years

ABC News 16 Oct 2026 9:17 am

A rare family of barn owls moved into Manhattan's Upper West Side. New Yorkers are captivated

Manhattans Upper West Side has been reveling in the company of its latest celebrities: A family of barn owls nested in a water tower atop a building near Central Park

ABC News 16 Oct 2026 9:16 am

Is the Trump-Zelensky Rift Misleading?

Are Zelensky's claims that Ukraine is losing U.S. support in its war with Russia bolstered by reality? Evidence says no. ... The post Is the Trump-Zelensky Rift Misleading? appeared first on The New American .

thenewamerican 16 Oct 2026 3:09 am

New Orleans jail worker gets 2.5 years in prison for enabling brazen 10-inmate escape

A New Orleans jail worker received a 2.5-year prison sentence Thursday for enabling 10 inmates to escape through a hole behind a toilet after he turned off its water

ABC News 16 Oct 2026 2:48 am

Good grief, Charlie Brown! Giant inflatable pumpkin takes pre-Halloween flight

The Great Pumpkin made an early visit to Cary, North Carolina, this year

ABC News 16 Oct 2026 2:30 am

Taylor Greene Denounces MAGA as

In X posts, former GOP Representative and MAGA star Marjorie Taylor Greene labeled the MAGA movement a cult that has borne rotten fruit. ... The post Taylor Greene Denounces MAGA as Cult Because Men Beat Woman Heckler at Ohio Rally appeared first on The New American .

thenewamerican 16 Oct 2026 2:27 am

Ohio Candidate Sherrod Brown: No Trump Judges to Be Confirmed, but No Impeachment for Trump

Sherrod Brown, who is running in Ohio to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by JD Vance in 2025, says he and his colleagues will not confirm Trump judges to the federal bench. ... The post Ohio Candidate Sherrod Brown: No Trump Judges to Be Confirmed, but No Impeachment for Trump appeared first on The New American .

thenewamerican 16 Oct 2026 2:02 am

DHS Raids Rep. Ilhan Omar

Department of Homeland Security agents raided the home of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), prompting accusations of political retribution by the Trump administration ahead of the midterm elections. What do you think? The post DHS Raids Rep. Ilhan Omars Home appeared first on The Onion .

theonion 16 Oct 2026 1:35 am

'New Iran Plot?' Trump's Secret Service Reaches For Gun In New Video; Rally In Chaos

A tense security moment unfolded during Donald Trumps rally in Wasilla, Alaska, after a man rushed toward Secret Service agents apparently to warn them about a possible threat near the stage.Video from the rally shows one agent immediately moving his hand toward his waist while another agent rapidly emerges from behind a curtain to assess the situation. Trump continued speaking as his protection detail reacted.

The Times of India 16 Oct 2026 1:25 am

WATCH: Trump 'Humiliates' Pete Hegseth, Big U-Turn On Fort Hood Shooter Livestream

Donald Trump has reversed the Pentagons controversial plan to livestream the firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan, delivering an awkward public setback for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.Hegseth had backed making Hasans execution public, and the Pentagon later confirmed that the December 3 execution would be livestreamed. The plan quickly triggered bipartisan criticism, including concerns that the footage could be exploited for propaganda or radicalization.Vice President JD Vance also distanced himself from the idea, saying that if the execution were livestreamed, he would not watch it.

The Times of India 16 Oct 2026 12:46 am

Somersaulting RFK Jr. Excitedly Chases Own Penis Through Cabinet Meeting

WASHINGTONInterrupting a heated discussion about national cybersecurity vulnerabilities with a series of high-pitched squeals, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reportedly spent Thursdays Cabinet meeting somersaulting across the conference room in excited pursuit of his own penis. Oh, Im gonna get you! Yes, I am! Yes, I am! Come to Daddy, you [] The post Somersaulting RFK Jr. Excitedly Chases Own Penis Through Cabinet Meeting appeared first on The Onion .

theonion 16 Oct 2026 12:30 am

YOU ARE A TERRORIST!: Trump Blasts Abdul El-Sayeds Muslim Brotherhood Link; Michigan SHOCKED

US President Donald Trump has accused Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed of belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood, claiming that El-Sayed had acknowledged the association years earlier. Trump argued that someone with such alleged ties should not be allowed to serve in Congress. The comments mark a pointed political attack, although Trump's remarks alone do not establish the allegation.

The Times of India 16 Oct 2026 12:25 am

Trump ENDS Execution Livestream Plan After Backlash, But Families Can Still Watch

President Donald Trump has made his final decision on whether the scheduled execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan will be livestreamed. Trump has ruled out a public broadcast of Hasans December 3 firing squad execution, while allowing the victims immediate families to witness it in person if they choose. The announcement follows earlier uncertainty, a public execution proposal from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and bipartisan backlash over concerns the footage could fuel radicalisation.

The Times of India 16 Oct 2026 12:25 am

Can Trumps Mother Of All Bombs Destroy Irans Deepest Nuclear Bunkers Or Trigger Wider War?

The United States is preparing fresh strike options against Iran, including the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, better known as the MOAB or Mother of All Bombs. The 21,600-pound weapon is Americas most powerful non-nuclear bomb. But it is an air-blast weapon, not a specialised deep-penetration bomb. That creates Donald Trumps biggest dilemma. The MOAB could devastate the area around an Iranian nuclear site and deliver a spectacular psychological message. But Irans most important facilities may be buried beneath rock, concrete and granite. If the infrastructure survives, the strike could expose the limits of American power. It could also trigger Iranian retaliation, civilian casualties and a wider regional war. Trump wants to demonstrate strength without committing US troops to another open-ended conflict. But against Iran, a massive explosion may not be the same thing as victory.

The Times of India 16 Oct 2026 12:25 am

Authorities Investigate Collision Between Trains From Chicago Traveling 80 MPH, DC Traveling 75 MPH

The post Authorities Investigate Collision Between Trains From Chicago Traveling 80 MPH, DC Traveling 75 MPH appeared first on The Onion .

theonion 16 Oct 2026 12:03 am

After Severe Backlash, Trump Ditches Plan To Livestream Execution Of Shooter

The cancellation is a blow to Pete Hegseth, who is already under fire over the stalemated Iran war and its fallout, which are weighing on Trump's Republican Party ahead of November midterm elections.

NDTV 16 Oct 2026 12:00 am

BBC asks judge to force Trump to sit for deposition in his own lawsuit against the channel

Lawyers for the BBC have requested that President Donald Trump appear for a deposition in their defamation lawsuit. They claim that Trump has postponed an agreed-upon deposition date, citing national importance as the reason for his absence. The BBC has expressed concerns about the delays affecting their ability to gather evidence for their defense in the case.

The Economic Times 15 Oct 2026 11:53 pm

9 FBI employees who investigated Trump sue over firings and allege retaliation

Washington Nine former FBI employees sued the bureau on Thursday, saying they were unlawfully terminated merely for working on former special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into President Trump's retention of classified records after his first term in the White House. The former special agents, intelligence analysts and staff operation specialists worked on counterintelligence investigations and were fired over the course of two days in February 2026 just as the United States and Israel were set to begin military strikes against Iran. The nine plaintiffs represent the latest in a growing number of former FBI agents and other personnel who have filed lawsuits against the Justice Department and the bureau after they were abruptly terminated. Many of the fired employees worked on matters that displeased Mr. Trump and his allies. The plaintiffs were unlawfully terminated not for any cause or any legitimate reason, but only to satisfy the President's personal vendetta, the lawsuit alleged. The firings did not follow any internal investigation or disciplinary process within the FBI, and Plaintiffs were not given any notice, a hearing, or an opportunity to appeal. Instead, Patel claimed to rely solely upon 'Article II' to support the firings, the suit said, referring to FBI Director Kash Patel and Article II of the Constitution, which lays out the president's executive powers. The 70-page lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and names the FBI, Patel, Attorney General Todd Blanche and the Department of Justice as defendants. CBS News has reached out to the Justice Department and FBI for comment. FBI agents executed a search warrant at Mar-a-Lago in August 2022 and allegedly recovered more than 100 documents with classified markings. In 2023, Smith's office indicted Mr. Trump on more than three dozen charges related to his alleged retention of the records and efforts to obstruct the government's attempts to get them back. The charges were ultimately dismissed by the federal judge overseeing the case, who said Smith was unlawfully appointed special counsel. The Justice Department formally abandoned its appeal of the ruling after Mr. Trump won the 2024 election. Thursday's lawsuit cites public comments made by top Justice Department officials and the president directed towardthe plaintiffs as evidence the firings were motivated by political animus. For example, Blanche, who was deputy attorney general when the employees were let go, stated that the administration had cleaned house at the FBI by firing employees associated with investigations involving the president. The lawsuit contains some new details about the circumstances surrounding the firings. In the case of counterintelligence section chief Jennifer Bacon, she learned she was being let go shortly after an agent named Miles Starr had requested access to the classified investigative files about Plasmic Echo, the codename given to the documents investigation. Starr, the lawsuit said, was a member of Kash Patel's Director's Advisory Team, a group staffed by agents from around the country who support his policy goals. He also was the lead case agent who testified in the since-dismissed indictment charging former FBI Director James Comey with lying to Congress. That testimony later was criticized by a federal magistrate judge, who accused the FBI of numerous missteps, including a failure to filter out potentially privileged materials. On Feb. 23, Starr emailed Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky to tell him that he urgently needed access to the Plasmic Echo case files, the lawsuit said. Starr did not explain what he needed, but stated that he was on instructions from Patel to access the case file. Bacon granted him access to all Plasmic Echo files in the FBI's case management system, with the exception of one specific subfile. The files Starr had access to contained the names of all nine Plaintiffs, the lawsuit says. Less than 48 hours later, Bacon and the others were all fired. The lawsuit also suggested that the firings may have been an attempt to distract from negative press about Patel, who was spotted on Feb. 22 at the Olympic Games in Milan chugging a beer and, in a display of wild immaturity and lack of personal control, flinging alcohol around the U.S. men's hockey team's locker room. A special agent in charge who was assigned to inform former special agent Zach Feldman he was being terminated even surmised that the firing might be related to the news reports from earlier that day about Director Patel drinking alcohol at the Winter Olympics, the lawsuit said. The military strikes against Iran began on Feb. 28. This scandal proved politically perilous for Patel: he drew widespread criticism for his conduct, with numerous sources suggesting that his status with President Trump and position as Director of the FBI were in jeopardy as a result, the lawsuit said. On Feb. 25, Patel gave an interview to Reuters in which he disclosed that his phone records and those of White House chief of staff Susie Wiles were subpoenaed as part of Smith's investigations. Eight of the nine plaintiffs were fired the same day, and the ninth was fired the following day. With over a century of experience among them, these former FBI agents and analysts served our country with honor and distinction as they investigated leaks of national security and defense information, thwarted threats and attacks from our enemies, and responded to critical incidents like the Boston Marathon bombing, attorneys Margaret Donovan, Abbe Lowell and Rebecca Tinio said in a joint statement. In return for their service, they were fired because they did their jobs, as they always did, to follow the facts and the law without bias or favor. This article originally appeared on CBS News at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fbi-employees-trump-classified-documents-case-lawsuit/

Yahoo 15 Oct 2026 11:45 pm

Double standards: On the Trump diesel deal with Russia

The United States must stop moralising to the Global South for trading with Russia

The Hindu 15 Oct 2026 11:42 pm

UPDATE 1-Trump says he wants death penalty for anyone who kills a firefighter

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday

devdiscourse 15 Oct 2026 11:41 pm

Trump shuts down Hegseth plan to livestream military execution

US President

devdiscourse 15 Oct 2026 11:31 pm

Trump called his new press secretary an 'attorney.' She reportedly failed the bar.

New White House press secretary Katie Zacharia gave her first press briefing on Tuesday, one day after formally stepping into the role. But she has spent the last two days facing questions about her own legal credentials rather than President Trump's agenda. Trump announced last Friday that he had chosen Zacharia, a conservative commentator and former Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, to replace Karoline Leavitt, who left the administration in August. In his post on Truth Social announcing her appointment, Trump described Zacharia as an attorney as well as a devoted fan and member of MAGA! Zacharia holds both a law degree and a bachelor's degree from Pepperdine University, and her LinkedIn page says she served as general counsel at Fix California, a nonprofit founded by former acting Kennedy Center director Ric Grenell to promote conservative policies in the Golden State. In media appearances, she has described herself as a lawyer. But the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that while Zacharia sat for the California bar exam after graduating from law school, she didn't pass. A senior administration official confirmed to NBC News that Zacharia did not pass the California bar exam. Reuters also investigated her credentials and could not find records showing Zacharia was registered as an attorney or member of the bar in any U.S. state or the District of Columbia. Asked by reporters Tuesday on the South Lawn where she passed the bar, Zacharia twice replied, When I moved to China. White House press secretary Katie Zacharia looks on as President Trump speaks to reporters on the South Lawn on Oct. 13. AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson In a phone interview with the New York Times on Wednesday , Zacharia said she misheard the question. I assumed the question was, 'Where were you after law school?' she told the paper. That's all I could hear over the sound of Marine One. And, wanting to respect protocol, the distance behind the president, kept me from moving closer to hear the question. Zacharia pointed out that it was only her second day on the job. In a statement to the Washington Post , the White House said that Katie moved to China with her husband after graduating because of his job at an American private equity firm while she worked on international transaction law. According to USA Today , Zacharia worked for a Chinese law firms international-practice team on multimillion-dollar shareholder agreements involving investments through the World Bank. She did not attempt to take the bar exam a second time. Legal experts told the Times that it's debatable whether a law school graduate can describe herself as a lawyer before she passes the bar. But she cannot call herself an attorney someone who is licensed to practice law and give legal advice nor can she serve as a general counsel or as an associate at a Chinese law firm, they added. Zacharia told the Times that when she first started appearing on cable news, Pepperdine's president warned her not to use the words attorney or esquire, but said lawyer was OK. On Wednesday, a nonprofit watchdog group called Campaign for Accountability filed a complaint with the California bar asking it to investigate whether Zacharia had violated state law by repeatedly holding herself out as a lawyer. White House spokesperson Steven Cheung responded on social media by dismissing the Campaign for Accountability as a radical leftist-organization run by rabid numbskulls suffering from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome. What happened in Zacharia's first briefing? White House press secretary Katie Zacharia speaks with reporters in the Briefing Room on Oct. 13. AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson Zacharia's first briefing lasted 15 minutes, most of which was taken up by her opening statement. I am so honored to work for President Trump and the American people as the new White House press secretary, Zacharia told reporters in the Briefing Room. I want to thank President Trump for his trust that he has placed in me. I have wanted to work with him for a very long time. She took questions from three news outlets Breitbart, Fox News and the Daily Mail before ending the briefing. Asked what she planned to do as press secretary, Zacharia said, I get to do what I was doing on the outside already, which was getting to amplify, multiply and expand upon President Trump's incredible agenda for the American people. In his post on Truth Social announcing her appointment, Trump said Zacharia has an unblemished record of support, and has been a loyal and brilliant supporter, right from the beginning. Zacharia called the appointment the honor of a lifetime in a post on X . Who is Katie Zacharia? President Donald Trump and Katie Zacharia. Katie Zacharia/X The 42-year-old California native and mother of four left her role as senior communications adviser to Trump Media and Technology Group, which runs Truth Social, to join the White House. Before that, she served for about two months as a deputy assistant secretary and spokesperson for former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, according to her LinkedIn profile . She was best known for her frequent appearances defending the administration's policies on Fox News, CNN, Newsmax, One America News and other outlets. She told CNN in April around the time she left DHS that she's a huge fan of ICE and a big fan of the Border Patrol. Zacharia first came to Washington in 2006 to intern for the Republican National Committee while George W. Bush was president. She lives in California with her husband and their four young children. During Tuesday's briefing, she was asked about juggling the competing roles of being a mother and White House press secretary. The idea of not spending evenings with my kids is completely unacceptable, Zacharia said, before confusing her spouse with her boss. So my president excuse me, my husband is out here. Zacharia then praised Trump as the most family-friendly president we've ever had and said her family will be moving from California to Washington, D.C., soon. CNN reported on Friday that Zacharia's selection came about quickly and that she was not being considered for the role as of last week. CNN also reported that on multiple occasions, senior officials had narrowed down the list of possible press secretaries only to find that candidates had said something negative about the president, disqualifying them from the position. In a New York Post column in February , Zacharia recounted a clash with liberal patrons of her local cardio kickboxing gym that ended with the gym owner asking her not to wear her red Team Trump 2024 hat to exercise class. I responded that I would never take my Trump hat off to appease the left, Zacharia wrote. I refuse to stay silent. This article originally appeared on Yahoo News at https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/article/trump-called-katie-zacharia-an-attorney-but-reports-say-she-didnt-pass-the-bar-exam-who-is-the-new-white-house-press-secretary-172408662.html

Yahoo 15 Oct 2026 11:28 pm

Nvidia, Apple each gave $25 million for Trump's ballroom, Washington Post reports

Significant funding for the planned White House ballroom, estimated to cost $400 million, was reported. Nvidia and Apple made $25 million donations, alongside contributions from others with federal interests. Critics have raised concerns about transparency, donor influence, and ethics related to the project. Trump asserts the ballroom is essential for national security amid public backlash and legal challenges. The Supreme Court has permitted continued construction despite ongoing disputes regarding legality.

The Economic Times 15 Oct 2026 11:26 pm

ON CAM: Trump Threatens To 'Shoot' Iran Bombing Leakers; Then Unleashes On Media

Donald Trump has unleashed one of his most aggressive attacks yet on government leakers after claiming sensitive details about a U.S. B-2 bombing mission against Iran were exposed before the operation.Trump told supporters that information about the timing of the mission had been leaked to the press and said, In my opinion, leakers should be shot. He also described the source as a sleazebag and scum, arguing that leaks of military plans could put American operations and personnel at risk.Trump then widened the attack to the media, accusing reporters of leaking false information and saying that, in his view, that makes them a leaker. He specifically referenced CNN and The New York Times while recounting the Iran mission leak.

The Times of India 15 Oct 2026 11:25 pm

Katie Zacharias First Briefing BACKFIRES: Leaked Messages Reveal What Trump Insiders Really Think

Donald Trumps new press secretary, Katie Zacharia, is facing fresh scrutiny after her first White House briefing reportedly triggered sharp criticism from within the administration. According to the Daily Mail, leaked messages included a senior officials blunt remark about her performance, while another insider questioned whether she had been set up to fail. The Wall Street Journal has also reported questions surrounding Zacharias legal credentials, including her failed bar exam attempt in 2011. Zacharia later said she had misunderstood a question about where she passed the bar, while White House communications director Steven Cheung defended her as a wonderful addition to the team.

The Times of India 15 Oct 2026 11:25 pm

Zelenskyy defies Trump's energy ceasefire call, orders Russia strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ordered strikes on Russian oil refineries to resume amid tensions with Donald Trump over an energy ceasefire and restrictions on US intelligence support.

Business Standard 15 Oct 2026 11:24 pm

New York man shot by ICE officers appears in immigration court

A New York man shot and wounded by federal immigration officers while driving with his young son has appeared before an immigration judge in Manhattan

ABC News 15 Oct 2026 11:22 pm

Frustrated with Trump, voters overwhelmingly want change in Washington, an AP-NORC poll finds

A new AP-NORC poll finds that a strong majority of voters believe President Donald Trump is falling short at home and abroad, and they want major change in the upcoming midterm elections

The Hindu 15 Oct 2026 11:20 pm

Trump ballroom's biggest donors were overwelmingly tech and telecom companies

Not that anyone's terribly surprised.

Engadget 15 Oct 2026 11:18 pm

Trump says he wants death penalty for anyone who kills a firefighter

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he wants the death penalty for anyone who kills a firefighter.

devdiscourse 15 Oct 2026 11:05 pm