ABC says the FCC’s early review of eight station licenses is retaliation that is already affecting its programming decisions. The government says the review is meant to obtain information for an employment-practices investigation.
News Mash
David Rush pleaded guilty to wire fraud after prosecutors said he used fake classified programs to divert $194 million in government funds. A plea document also says he disclosed information about a clandestine U.S. source to a foreign official.
Former Deputy U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates will review Cornell’s handling of a former student’s sexual assault allegation and its broader approach to sexual misconduct. Her review is separate from a state criminal investigation.
Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang were arrested on child abuse charges after an investigation involving 21 children, most of them born through surrogates. The Los Angeles County district attorney is seeking $100 million bail.
The Senate Leadership Fund plans to spend $5 million backing Republican Sen. Darline Graham against Democrat Annie Andrews in South Carolina. Graham became the GOP nominee after defeating Rep. Ralph Norman in an August primary runoff, NBC News reported.
Bulgaria is searching for the crew of a cargo ship sunk by drones in the Black Sea. Rescuers evacuated all 18 people from a second vessel hit in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone.
Britain is trying to prevent Israel from closing its East Jerusalem consulate on Thursday in retaliation for UK sanctions targeting Israeli settlements. Israeli media report that Britain could respond by expelling up to 27 Israeli diplomats.
Paramount Skydance has completed its $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, creating a company called Skydance. The merger combines major film, streaming and news businesses after antitrust lawsuits and a settlement with U.S. states.