Matt Gaetz, Trump’s pick to oversee Jan. 6 cases, backed rioters – NBC Chicago

The Calumet City Elementary District 155 Board censured member Lamarr Miller for inappropriate behavior with students in a previous role, as outlined in a censure resolution approved on Jan. 9. Miller, who serves on the board governing several schools, was disciplined for making inappropriate comments and physical contact with students, resulting in a five-day unpaid suspension and counseling in staff and student relationships. Despite the board's directive to cease such behavior, Miller denied the allegations...

Iranian officials have stated that the country did not receive a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump proposing negotiations, amidst escalating tensions between the two nations. Trump had claimed to have sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging for negotiations. The dispute over the letter comes as Trump seeks to pressure Iran into renegotiating the terms of its nuclear program, with Iranian officials maintaining their stance of not engaging in negotiations...

As the deadline for averting a partial government shutdown nears, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., has declared his opposition to a funding measure, citing concerns about wasteful spending and lack of action. President Donald Trump has urged Republicans to support the measure, emphasizing the need to keep the government open and advance his agenda. House Freedom Caucus chair Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., is backing the funding proposal, which includes provisions for defense investments, pay raises for...

Actor Simon Fisher-Becker, known for his roles in “Harry Potter” and “Doctor Who,” has passed away at age 63, confirmed by his manager and husband. Fisher-Becker was a talented actor, writer, and public speaker, with notable roles in films like “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and “Doctor Who.” His husband shared the sad news on social media, where fans mourned the loss of the beloved actor. Full Article

A federal judge awarded nearly $2 million in damages to the mother and son of Ulises Valladares, a Texas man killed by an FBI agent during a botched rescue attempt in 2018. The judge determined that the agent, Gavin Lappe, was negligent in shooting Valladares, who was bound and blindfolded, without confirming his target. Despite Lappe being protected by qualified immunity, the judge ruled that he was the sole cause of Valladares' death due to...

A security guard at Mansion Live nightclub in Stone Park fired a gunshot during a fight, resulting in the death of a 21-year-old woman named Zulma Daniela Calderon. The guard is in custody as authorities investigate potential charges with the assistance of the West Suburban Major Crimes Task Force. The nightclub expressed condolences, but witnesses mentioned previous fighting incidents and criticized the use of a firearm in such a crowded environment. Full Article