'Might Not Be Fair at All': CNN Reporters, Editors Privately Questioned Story at Center of 10-Figure Defamation Trial, Emails Show

Senior CNN editor Tom Lumley sounded the alarm: Chief national security correspondent Alex Marquardt’s story accusing Navy veteran Zachary Young of charging "exorbitant amounts" to evacuate Afghans fleeing their home was "full of holes like Swiss cheese" and suggested killing it entirely.

Lumley sent numerous CNN staffers messages complaining about Marquardt’s article, warning that it wasn’t ready. Then national security reporter Nicole Gaouette chimed in.

"It is probably seriously...