Category: News

Pentagon Drops Planned Warships, Raising Questions on U.S. Naval Readiness

The Pentagon has canceled several planned warships, setting off a new round of debate over the state of U.S. naval readiness. Officials confirmed the decision late Thursday, saying the cuts focus on vessels that were scheduled for future construction rather than ships already in the fleet. The announcement followed internal reviews that took place throughout the week at the Department of Defense headquarters. The cancellations sparked immediate concern in Congress and among defense analysts. Supporters of a bigger fleet argued that removing ships from the pipeline could strain the Navy’s ability to meet rising demands, especially as regional tensions continue in the South China Sea and the Red Sea. Others said the shift could steer money toward more modern systems, including unmanned vessels and missile defenses. The change centers on long-term cost, shifting priorities, and a push toward a different mix of ships. The Pentagon said it will brief Congress next week and provide updated timelines for remaining shipyards.

False-Bottom Luggage With Pistols Leads to Indictment of Three at Ben-Gurion

In a major security bust at Ben‑Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv overnight on November 28, customs officials intercepted three travelers carrying pistols concealed in suitcases with false bottoms. The luggage was flagged during routine screening, and authorities discovered the firearms packed beneath normal luggage items. The three individuals — now formally indicted — were arrested on the spot. Officials confirmed there was no need for evacuations or shelter orders. Airport operations continued with only brief delays.

Mamdani Opens Cautious Talks With Wall Street Over New York Agenda

Zohran Mamdani — not yet sworn in — has quietly begun conversations with major Wall Street firms about his sweeping socialist agenda. In recent meetings in Manhattan, executives and financial-industry insiders met with Mamdani and his team to understand what his plans might mean for business. Although his platform calls for policies like rent freezes, higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations, and expansion of public services, Wall Street leaders say they want clarity. The broader business community seems to be holding its breath, watching who Mamdani appoints to his administration — and what early actions he takes. For now, the tone is cautious cooperation, rather than confrontation — a fragile start to what could be a tense relationship.

Passenger Opens Emergency Door on KLM Flight in Atlanta, Deploys Slide

A passenger on KLM Flight 622 opened an emergency exit door and deployed the inflatable slide while the plane was taxiing at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The incident occurred Tuesday night, as the Amsterdam-bound flight prepared for takeoff. The man, identified by police as Johannes Van Heertum, reportedly called 911 from his seat claiming he saw another passenger with a weapon. Believing there was a threat, he panicked, opened the exit door, and triggered the slide. No weapon was found onboard. Authorities say Van Heertum appeared to be experiencing a mental-health episode. He was evaluated by EMTs, then taken into custody and charged with reckless conduct, criminal damage to property, and interfering with security measures. As a result of the incident, the flight was cancelled and all passengers were rebooked. There were no injuries.

Pentagon Moves to Add Alibaba, Baidu and BYD to Chinese Military-Linked Blacklist

The United States Department of Defense concluded that Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., Baidu Inc. and BYD Co. should be added to its “Section 1260H” roster — a list of firms the U.S. believes aid China’s military. This action was announced in a letter sent to the U.S. Congress, dated October 7, 2025. The move casts a shadow over some of China’s largest tech firms — firms with global reach, substantial U.S. business ties, and millions of investors. Pentagon officials now believe these firms have provided support to the Chinese military. It remains unclear whether they have been formally added to the list as of now. Shares of Alibaba, Baidu and BYD slid after the report hit markets.

Stowaway Found in Wheel Well After Delta Flight from JFK

A Delta flight that departed JFK Airport in New York late last night discovered a stowaway only after landing at Charlotte Douglas International Airport early this morning. Ground crews found the man inside the jet’s wheel well while the aircraft was parked at a service stand near Concourse A. The discovery happened around 4:30 AM, shortly after the overnight flight arrived from JFK. Ramp workers halted activity around the aircraft and notified airport police. The man was alive but weak and severely cold. Medics treated him immediately on the tarmac before moving him to a secure medical facility for further evaluation. No passengers or crew were injured, and there were no safety issues reported during the flight. Officials say the man likely climbed into the landing gear housing at JFK before takeoff. Investigators are reviewing security footage from both airports to determine how he reached the restricted area and whether any access points were compromised.

New Jersey Troopers Launch ‘Goal Zero’ Blitz to Cut Holiday Road Deaths

State police began a “Goal Zero” traffic enforcement blitz across New Jersey, focusing on major highways including the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Route 80. The effort rolled out just before the heavy Thanksgiving travel rush. Troopers are increasing patrols at interchanges, toll plazas, and rest areas. They are targeting speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving after recent data showed a rise in holiday-period crashes. The campaign runs through Sunday night. The operation is large in scale. Extra units from multiple stations joined the detail, and aviation and traffic safety teams were placed on standby. Officials said the goal is simple: reduce the number of fatal crashes during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.

Mamdani Supports Bill Restricting Demonstrations Near Synagogues

Mamdani is now backing a proposal to restrict protests outside synagogues after a chaotic demonstration at the Park East Synagogue on East 67th Street in Manhattan. The bill would create a set distance—similar to existing rules around clinics and schools—where organized demonstrations cannot take place while services or events are underway. Supporters say the goal is to prevent disruptions like the one seen yesterday, when hundreds crowded the block and police had to form barriers to keep entrances clear. The impact is focused on houses of worship across the city. If passed, synagogues would receive defined buffer zones during prayer times, funerals, and community gatherings. The proposal does not ban protests outright but moves them farther from the building entrances.

New York Pediatric ICUs Strain Under Sharp Rise in RSV

New York hospitals are dealing with a sharp rise in RSV cases, leaving pediatric ICUs close to capacity. Facilities in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens reported crowded emergency rooms and longer intake times. Hospitals say the current load is heavier than expected for this point in the season. Many ICUs are running at or above 90% capacity, and several hospitals added overflow beds in nearby wings. The cause is the fast spread of RSV among children under five. Doctors say the virus is moving earlier and faster than usual this year. Extra respiratory staff were called in, and some hospitals limited non-urgent pediatric procedures to free space. Ambulances were temporarily diverted from two locations late last night to ease pressure. Officials stressed that parents should watch for breathing trouble, fast breathing, or dehydration. They urged families to use urgent care for mild symptoms to keep ERs open for severe cases.

New Estimate Suggests North Korea Holds 150 Nuclear Warheads

A new analysis released today finds that North Korea may now possess about 150 nuclear warheads, marking one of the highest public estimates to date. The assessment centers on activity around known weapons sites near Yongbyon and Punggye-ri, along with satellite images showing expanded storage areas and transport routes. This would place North Korea’s stockpile closer to mid-tier nuclear powers.