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Fox News
3 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
Alex Marquardt's exit from CNN 'obviously' tied to network's costly defamation trial, insiders say
CNN parted ways with its chief national security correspondent, Alex Marquardt, Monday and many of his now-former colleagues say it's "obviously" tied to the network's costly defamation trial earlier this year. "Obviously, the court case is a core reason why, that is obvious," one CNN insider told Fox News Digital. Marquardt was at the center of a defamation case brought against him and CNN in January by U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young. A Florida jury found that CNN defamed Young and ruled that he could seek punitive damages as a result of a November 2021 report by Marquardt. The report branded Young as a shady profiteer who exploited "desperate Afghans" trying to flee Afghanistan during the Biden administration's chaotic military withdrawal from the Taliban-run country, implying Young was operating on a "black market." The jury had initially awarded Young $5 million in financial and emotional damages before Young and CNN reached an undisclosed settlement, suggesting the network gave Young significantly more money. The jury foreman later told Fox News Digital they were prepared to make CNN pay "somewhere in the neighborhood of $50 million to $100 million" in punitive damages. "He has not done anything else that is wrong. So if he was terminated, that has to be a core reason why. It's just the logical thing," the CNN staffer said. Despite the certainty among CNN staff that Marquardt's departure was directly linked to Young's settlement, they remained puzzled by the timing since it came nearly five months after the trial. The first staffer said, "I'm not sure how much strategizing is going into things these days." It seemed like Marquardt was in good standing with CNN even after the trial as he continued making regular on-air appearances, most recently last Tuesday. He even served as a fill-in anchor on Memorial Day. "Alex is on our air because he is an experienced, veteran reporter with valuable insights on the news," a CNN spokesperson told Fox News Digital in late January after the trial. But according to the Status newsletter, Marquardt's dismissal was the result of a "post-settlement ethics compliance review" launched by CNN earlier this year in which he and others involved in the defamatory report were interviewed. Marquardt was informed about the network's decision on Friday, citing "unspecified editorial differences." The bar for proving defamation in court is historically high as many lawsuits are either dismissed or result in a settlement before going to trial. Young's lawsuit against CNN was a rare instance where a jury did find the network liable for defamation, yet a settlement was later reached. Perhaps it was because of the damning evidence Young's legal team gathered during discovery, much of it involving Marquardt himself. "[W]e gonna nail this Zachary Young mf---er," Marquardt told a colleague in a 2021 message exchange before finishing the report. That comment was repeatedly referenced by Young's attorneys throughout the trial. "I always thought he was a professional. But those internal messages left CNN with no other choice," a second CNN staffer told Fox News Digital. The second CNN staffer insisted, "It's hard in my mind not to make a connection" between Marquardt's abrupt exit and the defamation trial. "He was a chief correspondent. A chief. There was no send off. Nothing like that at all. It all went into the quiet goodnight," the second CNN insider said. "He was a great reporter in the field, really good in war zones. That's what makes it a shame." Marquardt was vague about his sudden exit from CNN, posting on X, "Some personal news: I'm leaving CNN after 8 terrific years. Tough to say goodbye but it's been an honor to work among the very best in the business. Profound thank you to my comrades on the National Security team & the phenomenal teammates I've worked with in the US and abroad." CNN declined to comment, citing a policy not to discuss "personnel matters." The network did not respond to additional requests for comment. Marquardt did not respond to requests for comment. In a post-trial interview, Young said he hadn't forgiven Marquardt, calling him out for remaining defiant on the witness stand at the trial. "We've given Mr. Marquardt plenty of opportunities during deposition and then again at trial to apologize. And, you know, the answer was no," Young told Fox News Digital. "He still stands behind his work. He's very proud of what he did. His hit piece on me to destroy my life." "He's not my biggest fan," Young added. On the witness stand, Marquardt insisted his report was not a "hit piece" on Young and that he was proud of his work. "I wasn't looking to take anyone down. I didn't take anyone down," Marquardt testified. CNN issued an on-air apology in March 2022 after Young threatened to take legal action. But throughout the trial, Marquardt and several CNN staffers testified they didn't feel the apology was necessary. CNN senior vice president Adam Levine admitted to the jurors that the apology was merely a legal decision. "Alex Marquardt had put in an email, 'I'm going to nail this Zachary Young.' At that point it seemed as though he had put a target on Mr. Young's back, and he was not going to let up until he reached his goal… It was obvious to the entire jury that he was out to get him," jury foreman Katy Svitenko told Fox News Digital in February. That was the moment Svitenko decided it was defamation with malice. "The jury pretty much agreed… those emails among the CNN employees were pretty bad. And not just one, it was several, at various levels throughout the corporation," she said.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Remember their names' was message at Fort Worth's annual Memorial Day service
Families and friends gathered on a dreary Memorial Day morning at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth to remember those who died while serving the U.S. Armed Forces. United States flags were placed in every view, lining the path down cemetery roads. Attendees were robed in red, white and blue, as well as Army, Navy and Air Force attire. Weather tolerated the outdoor service as rain sprinkled minutes before 10 a.m., the start time, and stopped as all sang 'The Star Spangled Banner.' The crowd gathered around the 'Doughboy statue,' which originally unveiled before the first ever Fort Worth Memorial Day Service in 1930. The statue represents a traditional World War I American infantry soldier and a modern American infantryman. Mayor Mattie Parker, Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare and Capt. Beau Hufstetler, commander at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth, all gave remarks, reminding the audience that they live in the 'best country, state and city in the world' because of the soldiers who put their lives at stake. Jack Stowe, a 99-year-old U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, was honored for his bravery of enlisting in the military at only 15-years-old. After the Pearl Harbor Attack of 1941, Stowe felt a strong conviction to change his Texas birth certificate and fight for the country. He served at Halavo Seaplane Base in the Solomon Islands, eventually contributing to the allied victory of World War II. He was then honorably discharged at just 18-years-old. The keynote speaker was Senior Master Sgt. Mary Staffeld from the United States Air Force Reserve. Staffeld shared stories of four soldiers who died so U.S. citizens can spend time with their friends and families today. She asked the audience to take away two things. 'First, remember their names and speak of them. Second, while spending time at barbecues, picnics, whatever it is that you have planned for the rest of the day, be reminded of what Memorial Day is really all about: honoring those who have given their last full measure.' United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone was awarded a medal of honor for his extraordinary heroism in combat at Guadalcanal Solomon Islands in October 1942. After receiving that honor, he asked to return to combat in 1945, the last leg of World War II. 'Basilone destroyed an enemy block house and led a Marine tank under fire before taking his last breath,' said Staffeld. 'Remember John Basilone.' These heroic actions took place in the 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima. His bravery was recognized by a Navy Cross posthumously. Combat medic, Gary Johnson, was a part of a Dustoff helicopter crew during the 20-year-long Vietnam War. A Dustoff crew consisted of four members — two pilots, a medic and a crew chief — whose primary mission was to do rapid medical examinations and transport the wounded. Dustoff is an acronym for 'Dedicated Unhesitating Service to Our Fighting Forces.' These crews saved hundreds of lives during the Vietnam War, according to Texas Tech Vietnam Center. Johnson died while saving other's lives with Dustoff crew 13, during his last mission before he was scheduled to return home. Staff Sgt. Brian Burgess served in the Army's 'Screaming Eagles,' the 101st Airborne Division. He joined the Army after 9/11 to avenge the lives of those who were killed, though he did not personally know any of them. Burgess served in Afghanistan in the Operation Strong Eagle Three in Kunar Province, a part of the 'No Slack' task force. The Operation Strong mission was expected to last only three days and ended up being nine. Burgess was killed during this mission on March 29, 2000. The heroic efforts of the task force were captured by ABC News in the film, 'The Hornet's Nest.' Paul J. Stock had dreams of becoming a Navy pilot after watching Top Gun when he was 13-years-old. After high school, he enlisted into the Navy and decided after a few years he wanted to pursue pilot school. He was only 21-years-old, serving in active duty when he was involved in a vehicle accident that took his life. He had been chosen to pursue his dream of becoming a Navy pilot, though he never received the news that he was accepted into the school. Stories like these four are only a glimpse of the hundreds of thousands who died while fighting for their nation's freedom. All give some but only some give all.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Former longtime West Homestead mayor dies at 97
A former longtime mayor in the Mon Valley has died at the age of 97. John Dindak retired in 2023 after serving as West Homestead's mayor for 50 years. At the time, he was the oldest and longest-serving mayor in the country. Dindak immigrated to the U.S. from Czechoslovakia at a young age and served in the Navy in World War II and the Korean War. His family released this statement: 'John J. Dindak was not only the patriarch of his family but the entire borough of West Homestead. He dedicated his life to public service and was mayor for more than 50 years. He was a Navy veteran who served in World War II and Korea. His favorite saying was 'get involved,' and he certainly lived up to that. John went by many names, but his personal favorite was 'sweet lips' because his passion was making us laugh, and he had a unique way of doing it. His family would joke that he spent so much time at the casino, he should have won more. But in reality, anyone who knew John, they were the winners and lucky to have had him so long, along with the memories they will cherish forever.' The Borough of West Homestead posted this statement to social media: 'It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of former Mayor John J. Dindak at the age of 97. Mayor Dindak dedicated over 53 years of his life in service to our community, both as a council member and as mayor. His unwavering commitment and leadership paved the way for a stronger, more connected community. His legacy is one of integrity, dedication, and tireless public service. Mayor Dindak will be deeply missed by all who knew him — both within our community and beyond. His impact will be felt for generations to come, and his memory will forever remain in our hearts. Rest in peace, Mayor Dindak. You will never be forgotten." By order of the borough's current mayor, all flags at the borough building were lowered to half-staff in Dindak's honor, the West Homestead Police Department says. Dindak's obituary can be found here. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
CNN
09-05-2025
- Business
- CNN
Biden reacts to Pope Leo XIV's election
Biden reacts to Pope Leo XIV's election Former President Joe Biden tells CNN's Dana Bash that he's pleased to see Pope Leo XIV making history as the first American pope. 00:32 - Source: CNN First cargo ships facing 145% tariffs arrive in LA Ships now pulling into LA's harbor from China are the first to be subject to massive tariffs. Shipments have dropped by 50%. CNN's Nick Watt is on the ground at the port of Los Angeles. 01:00 - Source: CNN Transgender Navy veteran reacts to military ban A transgender US Navy veteran responds to the Supreme Court's decision that President Trump's ban on transgender troops serving in the military is effective immediately. Abby Phillip and the CNN NewsNight panel react. 01:56 - Source: CNN Trump urges India-Pakistan attacks to 'stop' President Donald Trump emphasized to reporters that the US 'gets along with both countries very well,' when asked about the deadly eruption of fighting between India and Pakistan. 00:27 - Source: CNN Trump and Carney debate tariffs President Donald Trump is hosting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House amid historic tensions between both countries. Trump was asked if there is anything Carney can say to change the tariffs placed on Canada. 01:14 - Source: CNN Carney says he asked Trump to stop '51st State' threats Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters following his meeting with President Trump at the White House he asked Trump to stop threatening to annex Canada. During the meeting, Carney told Trump in the Oval Office that Canada 'won't be for sale ever.' 01:04 - Source: CNN Trump supporters on third term Comedians Davram Stiefler and Jason Selvig regularly attend Trump rallies, speaking with the President's supporters for their podcast, 'The Good Liars Tell the Truth.' They tell CNN's Laura Coates there was 'constant forgiveness for anything' that President Trump does, including a possible third term. 01:31 - Source: CNN How businesses are waiting out tariffs With Trump's new tariffs in place on products from countries like China, many businesses are looking at bonded warehouses as a way to legally avoid paying the extra dues, for now. CNN's Julia Vargas Jones explains how they work. 01:01 - Source: CNN Van Jones speaks with Black Trump supporters CNN senior political commentator Van Jones speaks with a group of African Americans in South Carolina who explain why they voted for and continue to back President Donald Trump. 02:44 - Source: CNN Vanessa Yurkevich explains Trump's big move that could raise prices President Trump ended the de minimis exemption, a major shipping loophole that allowed shipments of goods worth $800 or less to come into the United States duty-free, often more or less skipping time-consuming inspections and paperwork. CNN's Vanessa Yurkevich explains what this move will mean for US consumers and prices. 01:01 - Source: CNN How much the Trump family stands to earn from $2B crypto deal CNN's Erin Burnett and chief data analyst Harry Enten look at how much money the Trump family stands to make from a major crypto deal. 01:52 - Source: CNN Fareed's take on Trump's executive order record Fareed Zakaria breaks down President Donald Trump's first 100 days executive order record and compares it to that of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt. 00:58 - Source: CNN Fighting Trump's transgender military ban Lt. Nic Talbott is a member of the US Army Reserve and the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's ban of transgender people serving in the military. CNN's MJ Lee spoke to Talbott about his military career being in limbo. 02:01 - Source: CNN HHS releases controversial report on transgender children The US Department of Health and Human Services has released a 400-page review of treatment for gender dysphoria in children but did not disclose who authored or reviewed the report. CNN's Ben Hunte explains. 00:57 - Source: CNN Would you date someone with a different political POV? Can you separate the political context from your romantic life? CNN's Audie Cornish speaks with her show crew and with Orna Guralnik, a psychoanalyst and star of Showtime's Couples Therapy. 01:17 - Source: CNN Manu Raju breaks down Senate vote on Trump tariffs CNN's Manu Raju reports on the Senate rejecting a resolution that would have effectively blocked the president's global tariffs by revoking the emergency order Trump is using to enact them. 01:19 - Source: CNN Anderson on the exodus from DOJ's civil rights division CNN's Anderson Cooper examines the fallout of a massive number of workers leaving the Department of Justice civil rights division in the wake of the Trump administration outlining its agenda for the department's priorities. 03:56 - Source: CNN Trump says he won't bring back Abrego Garcia President Donald Trump acknowledged that he could secure the return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was wrongly deported to El Salvador, but refuses to do so. The comments appear to contradict previous remarks made by him and his top aides who say the US does not have the ability to return Abrego Garcia because he is in the custody of a foreign government, despite the Supreme Court's ruling that the Trump administration must 'facilitate' his return. 00:56 - Source: CNN Republicans share views as Trump's poll numbers sink CNN's Manu Raju asks Republican lawmakers about their thoughts on President Donald Trump's policies amid his sinking poll numbers. 02:05 - Source: CNN Trump details call with Jeff Bezos over tariff charges US President Donald Trump told reporters about his call with Amazon co-founder Jeff Bezos saying he was 'a good guy,' following a spat earlier in the day between the White House and e-commerce giant. Two senior White House officials told CNN that Trump called Bezos to complain about reports that the company was considering displaying the cost of US tariffs on its website, a move that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called a 'hostile political act.' Amazon spokesperson Tim Doyle said in a statement, 'The team that runs our ultra-low cost Amazon Haul store considered the idea of listing import charges on certain products. This was never approved and is not going to happen.' 00:13 - Source: CNN
CNN
07-05-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Transgender Navy veteran reacts to military ban
Transgender Navy veteran reacts to military ban A transgender US Navy veteran responds to the Supreme Court's decision that President Trump's ban on transgender troops serving in the military is effective immediately. Abby Phillip and the CNN NewsNight panel react. 01:56 - Source: CNN Vertical Politics of the Day 17 videos Transgender Navy veteran reacts to military ban A transgender US Navy veteran responds to the Supreme Court's decision that President Trump's ban on transgender troops serving in the military is effective immediately. Abby Phillip and the CNN NewsNight panel react. 01:56 - Source: CNN Trump and Carney debate tariffs President Donald Trump is hosting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House amid historic tensions between both countries. Trump was asked if there is anything Carney can say to change the tariffs placed on Canada. 01:14 - Source: CNN Carney says he asked Trump to stop '51st State' threats Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters following his meeting with President Trump at the White House he asked Trump to stop threatening to annex Canada. During the meeting, Carney told Trump in the Oval Office that Canada 'won't be for sale ever.' 01:04 - Source: CNN Trump supporters on third term Comedians Davram Stiefler and Jason Selvig regularly attend Trump rallies, speaking with the President's supporters for their podcast, 'The Good Liars Tell the Truth.' They tell CNN's Laura Coates there was 'constant forgiveness for anything' that President Trump does, including a possible third term. 01:31 - Source: CNN How businesses are waiting out tariffs With Trump's new tariffs in place on products from countries like China, many businesses are looking at bonded warehouses as a way to legally avoid paying the extra dues, for now. CNN's Julia Vargas Jones explains how they work. 01:01 - Source: CNN Van Jones speaks with Black Trump supporters CNN senior political commentator Van Jones speaks with a group of African Americans in South Carolina who explain why they voted for and continue to back President Donald Trump. 02:44 - Source: CNN Vanessa Yurkevich explains Trump's big move that could raise prices President Trump ended the de minimis exemption, a major shipping loophole that allowed shipments of goods worth $800 or less to come into the United States duty-free, often more or less skipping time-consuming inspections and paperwork. CNN's Vanessa Yurkevich explains what this move will mean for US consumers and prices. 01:01 - Source: CNN How much the Trump family stands to earn from $2B crypto deal CNN's Erin Burnett and chief data analyst Harry Enten look at how much money the Trump family stands to make from a major crypto deal. 01:52 - Source: CNN Fareed's take on Trump's executive order record Fareed Zakaria breaks down President Donald Trump's first 100 days executive order record and compares it to that of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt. 00:58 - Source: CNN Fighting Trump's transgender military ban Lt. Nic Talbott is a member of the US Army Reserve and the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's ban of transgender people serving in the military. CNN's MJ Lee spoke to Talbott about his military career being in limbo. 02:01 - Source: CNN HHS releases controversial report on transgender children The US Department of Health and Human Services has released a 400-page review of treatment for gender dysphoria in children but did not disclose who authored or reviewed the report. CNN's Ben Hunte explains. 00:57 - Source: CNN Would you date someone with a different political POV? Can you separate the political context from your romantic life? CNN's Audie Cornish speaks with her show crew and with Orna Guralnik, a psychoanalyst and star of Showtime's Couples Therapy. 01:17 - Source: CNN Manu Raju breaks down Senate vote on Trump tariffs CNN's Manu Raju reports on the Senate rejecting a resolution that would have effectively blocked the president's global tariffs by revoking the emergency order Trump is using to enact them. 01:19 - Source: CNN Anderson on the exodus from DOJ's civil rights division CNN's Anderson Cooper examines the fallout of a massive number of workers leaving the Department of Justice civil rights division in the wake of the Trump administration outlining its agenda for the department's priorities. 03:56 - Source: CNN Trump says he won't bring back Abrego Garcia President Donald Trump acknowledged that he could secure the return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was wrongly deported to El Salvador, but refuses to do so. The comments appear to contradict previous remarks made by him and his top aides who say the US does not have the ability to return Abrego Garcia because he is in the custody of a foreign government, despite the Supreme Court's ruling that the Trump administration must 'facilitate' his return. 00:56 - Source: CNN Republicans share views as Trump's poll numbers sink CNN's Manu Raju asks Republican lawmakers about their thoughts on President Donald Trump's policies amid his sinking poll numbers. 02:05 - Source: CNN Trump details call with Jeff Bezos over tariff charges US President Donald Trump told reporters about his call with Amazon co-founder Jeff Bezos saying he was 'a good guy,' following a spat earlier in the day between the White House and e-commerce giant. Two senior White House officials told CNN that Trump called Bezos to complain about reports that the company was considering displaying the cost of US tariffs on its website, a move that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called a 'hostile political act.' Amazon spokesperson Tim Doyle said in a statement, 'The team that runs our ultra-low cost Amazon Haul store considered the idea of listing import charges on certain products. This was never approved and is not going to happen.' 00:13 - Source: CNN
