Jan 4, 2017

Tillerson’s $180 million payday

The feds blessed a $180 million retirement package for former Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson, just ahead of his confirmation battle to become Trump's Secretary of State.

Why it matters: If he hadn't cashed out his Exxon stake, he would've been tied to the company for hundreds of millions of dollars, similar to the way Cheney was tied to Halliburton. This deflated that concern. He still faces a tense debate about his cozy relationship with Putin.

Between the lines

Forfeits $11 million in Exxon stocks and bonuses
Prohibited from working in industry for 10 years

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Rashaan Ayesh

1 hour ago - Politics & Policy

Ilhan Omar wins Minnesota primary

Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) won the Democratic primary against lawyer Antone Melton-Meaux on Tuesday evening, AP reports.

Why it matters: The race is one that's played out across the U.S. as progressives continue to sweep party nominations. Omar's win officially means all four progressive members of "The Squad" have won their primary elections.

Marisa Fernandez

Updated 2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

25 face felony charges after downtown Chicago hit by looters

Police officers inspect a damaged Best Buy in Chicago that was looted and vandalized. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Local police officers are seeking felony charges in 25 cases following the arrest of 100 people in the wake of widespread looting and property damage in Chicago on Monday, per the Washington Post.

Driving the news: Law enforcement said the event involving hundreds of people was a coordinated response after an officer shot a suspect Sunday evening, according to CBS Chicago.

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Jacob Knutson

2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Marjorie Taylor Greene wins Georgia's 14th district runoff

Photo: Elijah Nouvelage / Getty Images

Gun-rights activist Marjorie Taylor Greene defeated physician John Cowan in a runoff election for the Republican nomination in Georgia's deep-red 14th Congressional District on Tuesday, AP reports.

Why it matters: Greene, a vocal QAnon conspiracy theorist who has been condemned by GOP leaders for making multiple offensive remarks about Black people, Jews and Muslims in Facebook videos, is likely to win a seat in the House come November.