Thursday Scoop: Syria Troops

The big story…

U.S. to Remove Troops From Syria

The White House announced that it has begun withdrawing the 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria, believing that the Islamic State (IS) has been defeated. Many were surprised by the administration’s sudden action and confused by the word “defeated” as groups of militants remain throughout the country.

In religion…

Illinois Releases Report on Catholic Clergy Abuse

Yesterday, the Illinois attorney general released a scathing report revealing that the Catholic Church in the state had withheld from the public the names of 500 priests accused of sexual abuse of minors and neglected to investigate said claims. This follows and outnumbers the horrific revelations in a grand jury report in Pennsylvania released earlier this year.

In transportation…

Gatwick Airport Shut Down Over Suspicious Drone Activity

Gatwick Airport in London was shut down yesterday when two drones were spotted flying over the airport facilities. 10,000 passengers were affected by the shutdown yesterday, and 760 flights, 100,000 people, were scheduled to fly in today. The airport briefly reopened this morning only to spot more drone activity. Officials are hoping that the issue is resolved soon as almost 3 million people are due to travel through the airport over the holidays.

In #MeToo…

Harvey Weinstein to Appear in Court Today

Today, a New York judge will decide whether to schedule a trial or dismiss charges of sexual assault against Harvey Weinstein.

In immigration…

Yemeni Mother Lands in U.S. to Say Goodbye to Dying Son

A Yemeni mother arrived in the US Wednesday after being barred from entering the country due to the White House travel ban. She landed in California and is spending time with her dying 2-year-old son. CNN reports, “The US State Department granted Shaima Swileh a visa this week after she spent more than two months apart from her young son, Abdullah. She last saw him on October 1 when her husband, Ali Hassan, 22, flew him to the United States for treatment for a genetic brain condition. Abdullah is the couple’s only child.” Hassan made a public plea this week to President Trump and consular officials to expedite Swileh’s visa application so she could see their son before he passes.

In space…

Saturn Is Losing Its Rings

Scientists say Saturn’s defining feature, its rings, won’t last forever.

In politics…

Nevada Has First-Ever Female Majority Legislature

Nevada has a majority female state legislature, making national history.

Trending today…

Fraidy Cat

Last but not least…

Movie Review: Alfonso Cuarón’s ‘Roma’

Mexican film director Alfonso Cuarón, the man behind films such as the blockbuster fantasy Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the bleak dystopian Children of Men, and the sci-fi thriller Gravity, has done it again with his latest masterpiece Roma. With 8 Critics’ Choice Awards nominations, 3 Golden Globes nominations, and an official submission to the 2019 Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film, this beautifully camera shot, edited, and written motion picture captures the heart, mind, and soul of the contemporary human condition from a modern past. Read more in Duane Paul Murphy’s report for CMN.

Today’s Morning Scoop was made possible by Duane Paul Murphy, Natalia Kolenko, and the CMN Staff. “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” is officially getting a sequel and fans are ready.