Vanity Fair reports that Pete Hegseth, nominated for Secretary of Defense, engaged in infidelity multiple times during his first marriage, leading to divorce. Subsequent marriages also ended amid allegations of infidelity, including a child born outside of his second marriage and a 2017 sexual assault allegation that he denies. These revelations, some previously unreported, are now jeopardizing his confirmation process as they raise concerns about his suitability for the position. The Trump administration reportedly was surprised by the surfacing of these past incidents.
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Sixty-four-year-old Elizabeth Pollard vanished while searching for her cat near a restaurant in Marguerite, Pennsylvania, leaving her five-year-old granddaughter unharmed in her car. Authorities suspect Pollard fell into a newly formed sinkhole, possibly caused by old coal mining activity, as a shoe was spotted approximately 30 feet down inside the expanding sinkhole. Rescue crews utilized various equipment to search the sinkhole, but initial attempts to locate Pollard yielded no results. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will investigate the sinkhole’s origin after the search concludes.
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Senator Mike Lee’s X posts, characterizing Social Security as a deceptive “tax plan,” were amplified by Elon Musk, raising concerns about potential cuts to the program. Lee’s assertions, which misrepresent Social Security’s history and functionality, are supported by right-wing talking points and contradict President Trump’s campaign promises. Advocacy groups strongly condemn these attacks, emphasizing Social Security’s consistent reliability and the negative impact of privatization efforts on beneficiaries. This coordinated effort threatens the financial security of millions of Americans reliant on the program.
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Representative Sean Casten’s resolution compels a House floor vote to mandate the release of the House Ethics Committee’s report on former Representative Matt Gaetz. This bipartisan committee previously deadlocked on releasing the report detailing allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use against Gaetz, who resigned from Congress before a decision was reached. The resolution cites precedent for releasing such reports on former members, countering the committee chairman’s assertion that Gaetz’s resignation should end the matter. Casten argues that releasing the report is crucial for accountability and maintaining the integrity of House proceedings.
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The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals largely upheld Idaho’s “abortion trafficking” law, reversing a lower court’s decision that had blocked its enforcement. While the court found the law’s prohibition on “recruiting” minors for abortions unconstitutionally broad, it upheld provisions against “harboring” and “transporting” them for abortions. The plaintiffs’ attorney expressed satisfaction with the partial block, emphasizing the protection of speech related to abortion care, while Idaho’s Attorney General celebrated the ruling as a victory for protecting the unborn. The case may proceed to the district court.
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A Frankfurt court overturned a lower court’s decision to dismiss charges against 100-year-old Gregor Formanek, a former Sachsenhausen concentration camp guard, for alleged complicity in the murder of 3,322 individuals. The lower court deemed Formanek unfit for trial due to his health, a finding the higher court rejected for lacking sufficient evidentiary basis. This decision follows a 2011 precedent establishing guilt for those who served within the Nazi killing machine, regardless of direct participation in killings. The case highlights Germany’s ongoing effort to prosecute remaining Nazi war criminals, despite increasing challenges posed by the advanced age and declining health of the accused.
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Trump’s apparent fascination with the sheer power wielded by figures like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un is a subject that demands attention. This fascination, as observed by some, transcended mere political curiosity and seemed to represent a deeper admiration for authoritarian strength. It wasn’t simply a strategic acknowledgment of their positions; it felt more like an envious longing for their unchallenged authority.
The comments about strongmen like Viktor Orbán, where Trump praised Orbán’s strength and decisiveness, further underscore this point. This pattern of praise for authoritarian leaders suggests a preference for a governing style characterized by absolute control and a disregard for democratic processes.… Continue reading
Early results from Romania’s parliamentary elections show the Social Democratic Party (PSD) in the lead, followed by the far-right AUR. However, experts caution that these initial results, which do not include diaspora votes, may be misleading. The outcome will significantly impact Romania’s pro-Western policies and support for Ukraine, with a potential coalition between the PSD and center-right parties seen as crucial to counter the rising far-right influence. Final results, including the significant diaspora vote, are expected on December 2nd or later.
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Early Tuesday morning, a Secret Service agent protecting Treasury Secretary Yellen’s residence discharged their firearm after a confrontation with occupants of a sedan attempting to open car doors on the street. The incident, currently under investigation by the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, resulted in the suspects fleeing the scene. No injuries were reported. The Secret Service is conducting an internal review.
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India is significantly reducing its reliance on Russian defense equipment, shifting towards Western suppliers like the US and France. This policy change, driven partly by the war in Ukraine, sees India prioritizing joint ventures and purchases of advanced technology, such as long-range drones and jet engines. While some joint projects with Russia remain, particularly in maintaining existing equipment, India’s defense modernization increasingly involves Western partners. This shift reflects Prime Minister Modi’s broader strategy of balancing relationships with both Russia and the West.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood