President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Pete Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and veteran, as his secretary of defense. Hegseth, known for opposing “woke” Pentagon policies and women in combat, could fulfill Trump’s promise to remove generals supporting progressive diversity policies. His appointment may lead to conflicts with General C.Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Despite limited management experience, Hegseth will oversee 1.3 million active-duty service members and nearly 1 million civilian military employees. His selection has sparked criticism from Trump’s opponents. Ava Sinclair 13/11/2024 8:30 pm
Five Maccabi fans were hospitalized after being attacked by men on scooters following a match with Ajax, in what Dutch PM Dick Schoof called “unadulterated anti-Semitism.” The attackers were reportedly mobilized via social media to target Jews. Far-right MP Geert Wilders blamed Muslims, mainly Moroccans, and called for terrorism charges, sparking criticism from opposition parties advocating dialogue with the Muslim community. Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema described the attacks as a mix of anti-Semitism and hooliganism, amid rising tensions in Europe linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Penelope Kingsley 13/11/2024 8:30 pm
An investigation by The Wall Street Journal reveals that the assault on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam was driven by antisemitic motives, not just reactions to provocative behavior or anger over the Gaza conflict. The term “Jew Hunt” was used in messaging apps, highlighting a disturbing trend of antisemitic hate crimes globally, including incidents in Chicago and Brooklyn. This reflects a broader pattern of violence and discrimination against Jewish communities. Ava Sinclair 13/11/2024 5:00 pm
The Zhuhai Airshow in China showcased the J-35A fifth-generation fighter, marking China’s status as the second nation, after the U.S., to operate two stealth fighters. The J-35A, now part of the PLA Air Force, joins the J-20. Although three J-35As have been seen, they are not yet fully operational. The J-35A is derived from the J-35, intended for the PLA Navy. Chengdu’s J-20 production exceeds 300 units, with a twin-seat J-20S mockup also displayed. Penelope Kingsley 13/11/2024 5:00 pm
Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region aimed to divert Russian forces from eastern Ukraine. Despite initial success, Russia maintained its eastern advance and is now amassing troops in Kursk to reclaim the territory. Ukraine, supported by North Korean troops, braces for a counteroffensive. The situation presents a potential Russian advantage, as they could repel Ukraine without hindering their main invasion. The attack exposed Russian military intelligence failures and embarrassed President Putin, marking the first occupation of Russian territory since WWII. Noah Prescott 13/11/2024 5:00 pm
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Fox News host Pete Hegseth, a military veteran and conservative media figure, to lead the Department of Defense. Hegseth, 44, has a strong rapport with Trump and has advocated for releasing service members accused of war crimes. He gained notoriety for accidentally injuring a U.S. Army sergeant with an ax on “Fox & Friends” in 2015, a lawsuit that was resolved in 2019. Hegseth has also controversially argued against women serving in combat roles, claiming it complicates military effectiveness. Noah Prescott 13/11/2024 5:00 pm
A bomb under a car killed senior Russian naval officer Valery Trankovsky in Sevastopol, Crimea. Ukraine’s Security Service claimed responsibility, citing his involvement in missile attacks on Ukrainian civilians. Russia’s Investigative Committee labeled it terrorism. Trankovsky, identified by Russian sources, was chief of staff of the 41st brigade of missile ships. The attack occurred on Taras Shevchenko street. Russia denies targeting civilians, despite numerous civilian casualties from its Black Sea Fleet’s missile strikes. Several pro-war Russian figures have been assassinated since the war began. Noah Prescott 13/11/2024 5:00 pm
Abuse survivors are demanding more resignations from the Church of England following Archbishop Justin Welby’s decision to step down. Welby resigned after a report revealed he failed to report John Smyth’s abuse to police in 2013. The Church faces pressure to address its role in covering up Smyth’s crimes. Survivors argue Welby’s resignation isn’t enough, and some church leaders agree more accountability is needed. The report criticized the Church’s inaction, calling it a “missed opportunity” to stop Smyth, who abused boys in the UK, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Noah Prescott 13/11/2024 5:00 pm
President-elect Donald Trump nominated Fox News host Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, surprising many due to Hegseth’s limited global experience. Hegseth, an Army National Guard captain and conservative figure, opposes “woke” military programs and questions women’s roles in combat. His nomination could lead to significant military changes, aligning with Trump’s “America First” policies. While some Republicans praised his combat experience, others criticized his lack of experience. Hegseth argues that mixed-gender combat units complicate operations, despite women successfully serving in elite military roles since 2016. Noah Prescott 13/11/2024 1:30 pm
In Beirut’s Ashrafieh neighborhood, guards patrol nightly, wary of new residents amid fears of Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah operatives. Since September, Israel’s strikes have displaced over 1.2 million people, raising concerns of sectarian violence reminiscent of Lebanon’s past civil war. Originally formed during an economic crisis to prevent crime, the neighborhood watch now also monitors for potential threats linked to the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, reflecting heightened anxieties among residents. Noah Prescott 13/11/2024 1:30 pm
