US House blocks bid to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
The US House of Representatives blocked an effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, shelving articles filed by Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky. The vote was 211‑204, with 11 Democrats absent. The action spares Hegseth a damaging rebuke and potential removal, though Democrats may attempt to revive the effort next year when they regain control of Congress.
Massie, an outgoing Republican, introduced eight articles of impeachment accusing Hegseth of illegally waging war without congressional authorization, violating the 1973 War Powers Resolution, directing extrajudicial killings and ignoring laws meant to minimize civilian casualties. The charges also cited operations in Yemen and Venezuela. Hegseth condemned the push as a “farce” and “sabotage,” defending his record and saying, “I stand behind every one of these operations. I was proud to execute them, and I would do it again tomorrow.”
President Donald Trump welcomed the outcome, praising Hegseth as a “Great American Patriot.” The procedural vote effectively ended the impeachment effort for now, though the underlying allegations remain unresolved and Democrats have signaled they may try again next year.
Jim Jordan elected to lead House Republicans in the minority
House Republicans have elected Ohio Representative Jim Jordan as their minority leader for the next Congress, defeating Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana in a secret ballot by 106-73. Jordan, a co-founder of the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus and a close ally of President Trump, will succeed Mike Johnson, who did not seek the role after Republicans lost both chambers in last week’s midterm elections.
The leadership change comes as Democrats prepare to take control of Congress in January. Jordan, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, has promised unity and robust opposition. He is described by multiple outlets as a hard‑line ally of President Trump.
Thomas Markle’s release revoked after ankle monitor removed
A federal judge in Florida has revoked the release of Thomas Markle Sr., the 82-year-old estranged father of Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, after he allegedly cut off his ankle monitor. Markle was arrested shortly after removing the device at 1:45 a.m., according to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. He had been placed under house arrest last week after being charged with possession of child sexual abuse material found in storage units in California.
Prosecutors asked for bail to be revoked and for Markle to be detained pending trial. He remains in custody awaiting a hearing in federal court.
US, Russia and Ukraine hold trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi
Negotiators from the United States, Russia and Ukraine met in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday for their first substantive trilateral talks since February, focused on security guarantees and a long-term security architecture for Europe. The US delegation is led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. President Trump said the war can “end soon,” while US officials said they would seek a “final end” to the conflict. A cease-fire is not on the table, and key sticking points remain, including Ukraine’s demand for security guarantees, which Russia rejects.
Schools evacuated across Italy after hoax bomb threats
Schools across Italy were evacuated on Wednesday following a series of hoax bomb threats sent by email. At least 300 schools were affected, according to France 24. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said there was no “concrete danger,” but the threats prompted concerns about “hybrid warfare” in Europe. Similar messages were also sent to schools in Northern Ireland, Ireland and Bulgaria, and media outlets in Bulgaria were targeted.
Kennedy family sues to block Trump’s arch near Arlington
Nine members of the Kennedy family have sued the Trump administration to block a planned 250-foot gilded arch near Arlington National Cemetery, arguing it would cast a shadow over the graves of President John F. Kennedy and relatives and disrupt the sightline from the eternal flame. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, says the structure risks “permanently diminishing” the memorials.
California voters reject one-time billionaire wealth tax
California voters have rejected Proposition 40, a proposed one-time 5% tax on the net worth of residents exceeding $1 billion, which would have funded healthcare. The measure was the most expensive ballot campaign in state history, with tech leaders pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into its defeat. The outcome marks a setback for progressives seeking to tax the ultra-rich and could hinder the wealth tax movement nationwide.
David Walliams accused of sexual misconduct, denies allegations
British comedian and children’s author David Walliams has been accused by multiple women of using his celebrity status to prey on young women for sex, including an allegation of sexual assault of a 15-year-old. The claims were published by The Guardian and ITV News after Walliams lost a court bid to keep them private. Walliams denies all allegations, stating, “I am not a sexual predator.” The accusations dominate Wednesday’s front pages.
US soldier arrested in England on suspicion of spying for Russia
A 41-year-old US Army senior soldier has been arrested near Gloucester, England, on suspicion of offences under the UK’s National Security Act, including spying for Russia. The arrest was made by London’s Metropolitan Police counterterrorism command working closely with the FBI and US military intelligence. The soldier, who has not been named, is in custody pending possible charges. The FBI said the case is of “the utmost concern,” and army counterintelligence chiefs warned that insider threats are “real and persistent.”
Spain holds first general strike in 14 years over housing crisis
Spain is experiencing widespread disruption on Wednesday as workers hold the country’s first general strike in 14 years, demanding government action to address a housing crisis. Public transport and industries have been affected, and protests are expected in major cities less than three weeks before parliamentary elections on November 29. The strike comes as polls suggest the far right could make gains.