Hegseth cites ‘fog of war’ in defending follow-on strike on alleged drug boat

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is citing the “fog of war” in defending a follow-up strike on an alleged drug-carrying boat in the Caribbean Sea in early September. During Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting at the White House, Hegseth said he did not see any survivors in the water, saying the boat “exploded in fire.” Hegseth also said he “didn’t stick around” for the remainder of the mission following the initial strike, and said the admiral in charge “made the right call” in ordering it, which he “had complete authority to do.” Lawmakers have opened investigations following a Washington Post report that Hegseth issued a verbal order to “kill everybody” on the boat.

Trump admin. says it will withhold SNAP from Democrat-led states if they don’t provide data

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration says it will withhold SNAP food aid from recipients in most Democratic-controlled states starting next week unless they provide data about those receiving the assistance. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Tuesday that the action is in the works because those states are refusing to provide requested information about the recipients, including their names and immigration status. She says it’s necessary that states comply to root out fraud in the program. Democratic states have sued to block the requirement. About 42 million lower-income Americans rely on SNAP to help buy groceries. The average monthly benefit is about $190 per person.

Despite US trade war, OECD expects global economy will grow 3.2% this year

WASHINGTON (AP) — The world economy has proven surprisingly durable in the face of President Donald Trump’s trade wars, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said Tuesday, upgrading its outlook for global and U.S. economic growth this year. The 38-country OECD now forecasts that the world economy will grow 3.2% this year, down a tick from 3.3% in 2024 but an improvement on the 2.9% it had predicted for 2025 back in June. The organization expects global growth to slow to 2.9% next year. The OECD also raised its forecast for U.S. growth this year – to 2%, up from the 1.6% it had forecast in June.

US Justice Dept. seeks to dismiss Maurene Comey lawsuit on procedural grounds

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department is seeking dismissal of a lawsuit that fired former federal prosecutor Maurene Comey brought against it, saying she didn’t properly follow administrative complaint procedures before suing. The argument was in court papers filed Monday prior to a Thursday hearing in Manhattan federal court. In September, Comey sued the department, the Executive Office of the President, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, the Office of Personnel Management and the United States. The lawsuit said her July firing was based on political reasons, including that her father is former FBI Director James Comey. President Donald Trump fired James Comey in 2017.