Hegseth under scrutiny after US kills boat strike survivors

The publisher of the Franklin the Turtle children's book series has condemned a recent online post by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that depicted the character in a violent context. This condemnation highlights concerns over the appropriateness of using children's characters in controversial political discourse.

The White House has distanced itself from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding allegations that he ordered military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of all individuals on board. A spokesperson clarified that while Hegseth gave the order for strikes, he did not instruct to 'kill everybody.'

The Trump administration has paused all asylum decisions and halted visa issuance for Afghan nationals following a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., which critically injured two members of the National Guard. This decision has left many asylum seekers, including those from Afghanistan, in a state of uncertainty regarding their immigration status and future in the U.S.

An industrial boom in Monterrey, Mexico, which has strong ties to the US, is leading to severe air pollution as factories emit toxic heavy metals, posing significant health risks to local residents. Research by The Guardian and Quinto Elemento Lab highlights the alarming situation in this manufacturing hub that primarily exports goods to the US.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth instructed soldiers in Iraq to disregard legal advice regarding rules of engagement, particularly concerning the use of lethal force against enemy combatants. This directive is detailed in Hegseth's recent book, where he criticizes the constraints imposed by international laws of war and the Geneva Conventions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Russian forces have captured the strategic city of Pokrovsk in Ukraine, a statement disputed by Ukrainian officials who assert they still control parts of the city. This announcement coincides with the arrival of U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow for talks aimed at negotiating a peace deal to end the ongoing conflict.

Thousands of Starbucks baristas are currently on strike across the United States, marking what is anticipated to be the longest and largest industrial action in the company's history. This strike follows a significant unionization movement that began four years ago in New York, which saw numerous outlets unionize despite strong opposition from the coffee chain.

Trinidad and Tobago's approval of a US military radar installation has raised concerns about the Caribbean's potential involvement in the escalating US-Venezuela crisis. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has attempted to downplay fears, asserting that a US C-17 aircraft was merely transporting marines for a road project, claiming no marines remain in the country.