Hegseth’s Views May Clash With Reality at Defense Department

The new defense secretary’s goals run counter to the military’s apolitical tradition and efforts to build a force that mirrors America.

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As Hamas Releases More Israeli Hostages, It Puts on a Show of Force

The handover of four female Israeli soldiers by Hamas on Saturday came as Israel released 200 prisoners. But a dispute arose over the hostage release timetable.

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Pete Hegseth, New Defense Secretary, Outlines Pentagon’s Priorities

After being sworn-in by Vice President JD Vance, the Pentagon’s new leader addressed the Defense Department’s three million employees.

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As L.A. Welcomes Rain Amid Fires, It Tries to Reduce Risk of Mudslides

The chances of flash flooding are not high according to forecasts, but city crews are reinforcing roads and telling residents to take warnings seriously.

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State Dept. Halts Global Mine-Clearing Programs

Efforts to clear unexploded munitions in places like Iraq and Southeast Asia will stop for at least three months, according to a surprise announcement.

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Kristi Noem Is Confirmed as Homeland Security Secretary

The former South Dakota governor now leads the agency that runs the nation’s immigration system.

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Trump’s Moves to Upend Federal Bureaucracy Touch Off Fear and Confusion

Agencies are gripped with uncertainty about how to implement the blizzard of new policies as workers frantically try to assess the impact on their lives.

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U.S. Halt to Foreign Aid Does Not Apply to Arms to Israel and Egypt

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s orders could force many groups working on global aid to stop their programs. And the White House has approved sending more 2,000-pound bombs to Israel.

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They Were Waiting for Flights. Then Trump Closed a Door for Afghan Allies.

An executive order has halted refugee flights for Afghans who supported the American mission in Afghanistan and had been approved to resettle in the U.S.

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C.I.A. Now Favors Lab Leak Theory to Explain Covid’s Origins

A new analysis that began under the Biden administration is released by the C.I.A.’s new director, John Ratcliffe, who wants the agency to get “off the sidelines” in the debate.

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