Pete Hegseth, Trump's defence secretary nominee, admitted to paying $50,000 to settle a 2017 sexual assault claim, while maintaining his innocence. His nomination faces opposition due to additional concerns including alleged excessive alcohol consumption and spousal abuse, which he disputes. Final confirmation is expected Friday.
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Iran has announced it will send a senior delegation to the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, the slain leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The announcement follows Lebanon’s cancellation of flights from Tehran over security concerns, which Hezbollah’s current leader, Naim Qassem, blamed on Israeli influence. Hezbollah, founded in the 1980s with Iranian support, has long been a key adversary of Israel. Nasrallah led the group for 32 years, expanding its military and regional influence.
A 23-year-old Florida man, Joseph Voigt, is accused of fatally shooting his father and critically wounding his mother during a dispute about his unemployment and gaming habits. After fleeing to Orlando, Voigt was apprehended and confessed to the crime. He now faces murder and attempted murder charges, having been released from jail days prior on a battery charge.
A lot has been discussed about Harry and Meghan's marriage problems with insiders claiming that they are on the verge of a divorce. Vanity Fair did a cover story about the ex-royals in which they claimed that Meghan Markle was approached to write a "post-divorce" book though there was no such scenario on the horizon
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has instructed the military to prepare for a prolonged presence in some of the West Bank's urban refugee camps, which have been emptied of 40,000 Palestinians. The military is extending its offensive in the West Bank, while violence continues to surge amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict.
According to documents, Ivanka Trump used over $11,000 from the department in 2019 to buy video recording and reproducing equipment for a White House event. The documents show $11,539 was to be used by Ivanka in November 2019 to purchase software, CDs, tapes and records. The purchase was approved by Jenifer Healy, who was serving as USAID deputy chief of staff at the time, and the Administrator's Office.
Los Angeles faces widespread devastation as a rare fire tornado hits amidst the Palisades blaze, which has claimed at least 11 lives and destroyed over 12,000 structures. Intense winds and extreme heat exacerbate conditions, prompting health advisories and evacuations, including from upscale neighborhoods like Hidden Hills and Calabasas.
US President Donald Trump is receiving rare accolades from animal advocacy groups like PETA for federal agencies' plans to phase out animal testing. The FDA and EPA are shifting towards humane alternatives, with the FDA using lab-grown organoids and AI. The EPA is reinstating a Trump-era directive to eliminate animal testing by 2035.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential candidate, is reportedly planning to run for Ohio governor. Currently collaborating with Elon Musk on government efficiency, he aims to streamline the upcoming Trump administration. Ramaswamy will announce his gubernatorial candidacy after Ohio Governor Mike DeWine names JD Vance's Senate replacement. Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted has been appointed for the Senate role.
As the U.S. transitions to a new administration, Biden's final Christmas message emphasized unity and reflection, urging Americans to care for one another. Conversely, Trump shared a festive greeting coupled with politically charged posts. The stark contrast reflects the ongoing political divide as Biden leaves office and Trump prepares to return, pledging significant changes.
Tension escalates in South Korea as investigators warn supporters of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol against obstructing his arrest. The court issued an arrest warrant for Yeol on charges of insurrection and abuse of power after he attempted to declare martial law. The constitutional court still needs to finalize his impeachment.