Republicans and Democrats call for investigation into U.S. boat strikes
Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate say there will be investigations into whether Defense Secretary Hegseth committed a war crime by ordering the murders of civilians in connection with the U.S. military attack on a boat in the Caribbean. The Washington Post reported that Hegseth ordered survivors of a U.S. attack to be killed. The Post reported that a second military strike killed the two people who were in the water holding onto their boat’s wreckage. Hegseth denies issuing such an order. Separately, Venezuela has accused the U.S. of murder and said for the first time that some of its citizens were among the more than 80 people killed by U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean.
Winter storm sweeps to the Northeast
Parts of the U.S. are dealing with severe winter weather today. A new storm is now moving out of the Plains toward the Northeast, threatening widespread disruptions after a post-Thanksgiving blast dropped record November snow in Chicago, shut down highways across multiple states and triggered thousands of flight cancellations. The storm will bring another round of snow and ice to many of the same regions today, spreading into the interior Northeast by Tuesday. Heavy coastal rain is expected across the Ohio Valley, while flash flooding is possible across the South. As of early today, 30 states are under weather advisories, watches or warnings.
Ukraine peace talks
Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff goes to Moscow today for more talks with the Russians on ending the war they started when they invaded Ukraine. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Sunday that there is “more work to be done,” casting the peace talks as “delicate” and “complicated.” Rubio added that officials are not only working on terms to end the fighting but also on terms that will “set up Ukraine for long-term prosperity.” Trump has proposed a peace plan that would give Russia a large part of Ukraine’s territory and would block Ukraine from joining NATO.
Hong Kong fire death toll climbs
The death toll in the massive high-rise fire in Hong Kong last week has risen to 151 with dozens of people still listed as missing. The fire rapidly spread in several high-rise towers in the city’s Tai Po neighborhood. The exact cause of the blaze is not yet known, but a criminal investigation has been launched. The complex was under renovation and wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and safety netting when the fire spread. Officials are also investigating whether flammable materials, including polystyrene boards blocking several apartment windows, contributed to the disaster.
Pope Leo is in Beirut
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sunday as part of his historic first trip abroad as pontiff. Leo’s visit comes just a week after an Israeli airstrike in the Lebanese capital killed five people and injured dozens. Speaking to reporters aboard the airplane carrying him to Lebanon, Pope Leo said he wants to deliver a message of peace amid heightened tensions across the Middle East. This week, the pontiff is scheduled to meet political leaders and young people, take part in an interfaith gathering and celebrate mass, along with a series of other engagements.
Netanyahu seeks presidential pardon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked Israeli President Isaac Herzog for a presidential pardon in order to end the corruption case against him. Netanyahu put his request in a letter to Herzog. Netanyahu’s letter follows a letter from Donald Trump in which Trump asked Herzog to pardon Netanyahu. Without saying directly whether he would grant the pardon, Herzog said he would do what he believes will be best for Israel. Netanyahu’s critics point out that only someone who is guilty asks for a presidential pardon.
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