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Israeli Defense Officials Reach Compromise on Military Probes Amid Air Force Leadership Uncertainty

Israeli Defense Officials Reach Compromise on Military Probes Amid Air Force Leadership Uncertainty

Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir have agreed to merge overlapping investigations into the Israeli military's failures during the October 7 Hamas attack. The agreement includes the defense establishment comptroller serving as an observer, addressing concerns over the military's intelligence and operational shortcomings. The investigations focus on the Air Force's readiness and the potential promotion of Brig. Gen. Omer Tischler to Air Force commander. Despite the Air Force meeting its readiness targets, the surprise attack exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in defending against low-altitude threats. The decision to include the comptroller is seen as symbolic, allowing Katz to step back from the dispute over military inquiries.

X's New Tool Uncovers Hidden Foreign Influence Campaigns on Social Media

X's New Tool Uncovers Hidden Foreign Influence Campaigns on Social Media

X, a social media platform, has introduced a new location tool that reveals the origins of accounts involved in foreign influence campaigns. The tool has exposed numerous fake accounts that were previously believed to be based in Gaza but were actually operating from other countries. These accounts have been used to spread disinformation and propaganda, often embedding pro-Israel hashtags in pro-Hamas content to manipulate trending conversations. The tool's findings suggest a larger, organized network of disinformation campaigns targeting global audiences.

Bereaved Parents Demand State Inquiry into October 7 Hamas Attack at Netanyahu's Trial

Bereaved Parents Demand State Inquiry into October 7 Hamas Attack at Netanyahu's Trial

During a session at the Tel Aviv District Court, bereaved parents who lost their children in the October 7 Hamas attack confronted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding a state commission of inquiry. The parents, attending Netanyahu's corruption trial, brought protest banners and photos, which were confiscated by court security. Eyal Eshel, whose daughter was killed at the Nahal Oz military outpost, expressed his duty to seek answers. Anat Ben Ami, another bereaved parent, demanded accountability from Netanyahu, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding the attack. The parents' actions led to a temporary recess in the court proceedings.

Reddit begins testing verified profiles to boost transparency

Reddit begins testing verified profiles to boost transparency

Dec 10 (Reuters) - Reddit said on Wednesday it had started testing verified profiles, a new feature aimed at increasing transparency on the social media platform.

US Civic Freedom Rating Downgraded Amid Concerns Over Civil Liberties

US Civic Freedom Rating Downgraded Amid Concerns Over Civil Liberties

Civicus, a global nonprofit organization, has downgraded the United States' civic freedom rating from 'narrowed' to 'obstructed.' This change reflects a reported decline in fundamental freedoms due to executive actions and restrictive legislation. The report highlights increased state interference in civil society, including surveillance and bureaucratic harassment. It also notes militarized responses to protests and migration-related demonstrations, with law enforcement using excessive force. The downgrade places the U.S. alongside countries like Hungary and Brazil, where civic freedoms are similarly restricted.

Glastonbury Red Brick Factory Project Faces Financial Scrutiny Amid Funding Issues

Glastonbury Red Brick Factory Project Faces Financial Scrutiny Amid Funding Issues

The Glastonbury Red Brick factory renovation project, initially funded by a £2.89 million government grant, has come under scrutiny after it continued to receive payments despite being officially paused by Somerset Council. The project, intended to transform a derelict factory into a community events space, has faced management issues, leading to a chaotic delivery and slow progress. An independent audit revealed significant weaknesses in the council's governance and financial management of the project. The council is now taking steps to recover funds and terminate the grant, while cooperating with police investigations into the matter.

Pennsylvania Governor Subpoenaed Over Home Security Upgrades

Pennsylvania Governor Subpoenaed Over Home Security Upgrades

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is facing subpoenas from a GOP-led state legislative committee regarding security upgrades to his private home. These upgrades, costing approximately $1 million, were implemented following a firebombing incident at his official residence. The committee is seeking records related to these expenditures, as well as information on charter flights arranged for the Governor's Office. The subpoenas have been issued to the Pennsylvania State Police and other relevant parties, with a compliance deadline set for January 16, 2026.

MI5's Involvement in IRA Spy Stakeknife's Operations Revealed

MI5's Involvement in IRA Spy Stakeknife's Operations Revealed

A report from Operation Kenova has revealed that MI5 was more involved in the handling of the IRA spy known as Stakeknife than previously acknowledged. The report indicates that MI5 was regularly briefed and had access to all intelligence related to Stakeknife, contradicting earlier claims of a peripheral role. Stakeknife, identified as Freddie Scappaticci, was linked to multiple murders and abductions while operating within the IRA. The report criticizes MI5 for a serious organizational failure in disclosing relevant documents to the investigation.

Elon Musk's X Blocks European Commission Ads Following €120m Fine

Elon Musk's X Blocks European Commission Ads Following €120m Fine

Elon Musk's social media platform, X, has prohibited the European Commission from advertising on its site. This decision follows a €120 million fine imposed by the EU over X's blue tick verification system, which the EU deemed deceptive. The European Commission accused X of not meaningfully verifying users, exposing them to scams and impersonation frauds. The platform has been given 60 days to address these concerns or face additional penalties. In response to the fine, Musk criticized the EU, suggesting it should be abolished, and retweeted a post comparing the EU's actions to fascism. The U.S. Secretary of State and the Federal Communications Commission have also criticized the EU, accusing it of censoring American companies.

Somerset Council Faces Scrutiny Over Chaotic Red Brick Factory Project Funding

Somerset Council Faces Scrutiny Over Chaotic Red Brick Factory Project Funding

The Somerset Council is under scrutiny for its handling of the Life Factory project in Glastonbury, which was intended to transform a derelict factory into a community events space and offices. Despite the project being paused in January 2024 due to management concerns, the council continued to make payments totaling £420,000 between May and December 2024. The project, managed by the Red Brick Building Centre and its subsidiary Beckery Construction Company Ltd, has faced financial difficulties, with Beckery entering voluntary liquidation. An independent audit criticized the council's governance and financial management, urging a review of other projects to prevent similar issues. The council is cooperating with police investigations and considering terminating the grant to recover funds.

GSA Initiates Rulemaking for FAR Overhaul to Streamline Federal Procurement

GSA Initiates Rulemaking for FAR Overhaul to Streamline Federal Procurement

The General Services Administration (GSA) is advancing its efforts to overhaul the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), following a delay due to a government shutdown. The initiative, which began after President Trump signed an executive order, aims to simplify and modernize federal procurement processes. Jeff Koses, GSA’s senior procurement executive, announced the completion of phase one, which involved removing 486 pages of the FAR and eliminating 2,724 mandatory statements. The next phase will involve formal rulemaking to codify these changes, with proposed rules expected over the next four months. The overhaul seeks to reduce regulation, costs, and administrative burdens while promoting commercial solutions and fixed-price contracts.

Pentagon to Provide Explanations for Future JAG Firings Under New NDAA Provision

Pentagon to Provide Explanations for Future JAG Firings Under New NDAA Provision

The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes a provision requiring the Pentagon to notify Congress and provide reasons for the removal of top Judge Advocates General (JAGs). This measure follows Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's controversial firing of the top JAGs from the Army, Navy, and Air Force earlier this year. The provision aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the dismissal of military legal advisors, addressing concerns about the potential misuse of power and the impact on military legal guidance.