DEFENSE SECRETARY Pete Hegseth greeting Israeli Prime MInister Benjamin Netanyahu (Air Force photo).
The House of Representatives on Tuesday turned away a resolution to impeach Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, an act which may be only the first act in a longer-running drama.
According to the Associated Press, the vote was almost completely along party lines. The vote of211-2024 to send an impeachment resolution to a committee, which means that the issue is dead until a new Congress – with Democratic majorities in both houses – is seated in January.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) introduced a resolution that included eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth. He is alleged to have waged war without the consent of Congress, suppressed free speech and authorized “extrajudicial” killings.
Hegseth held a press conference on Tuesday, calling the accusations in the resolution “slander” and “sabotage,” The New York Times reported.
An Israel without Netanyahu?
The prospect of an Israel not led by current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is coming closer to reality.
On Tuesday Yashar Party leader Gadi Eisenkot was given six weeks to form a new government now that the recent elections have given the parties opposed to Netanyahu a big majority in the Knesset, the Israeli parliament.
As is typical. no party holds a majority, and the prime minister is selected by a coalition of parties. Such a coalition will likely include Knessett members representing Arab citizens of Israel.
Netanyahu has been controversial for his handling of the war in Gaza, his efforts to limit the power of the judiciary and allegations of corruption.
He has served as prime minister for over 18 years across three non-consecutive periods 1996-1999, 2009-2021 and since December 2022.
Poll: Fewer than 50 percent back death penalty
A Gallup Poll on the death penalty released on Tuesday showed that fewer than half of Americans surveyed supported the death penalty..
United Press International is reporting that 49 percent backed capital punishment for murder, while 45 percent opposed it. The most recent previous survey in 2025 showed 52 percent were in favor.
The highest level of support was in 1994 when it was at 80 percent; the lowest was in 1966 when it was at 42 percent.
Opinions divided on party lines. Just 28 percent of Democrats were in favor, while 73 percent of Republicans supported it.
Weather: Cooler and some showers
A cooling trend that may bring some autumn showers os expected for our West Orange County cities. Wednesday should be sunny with a daytime high of 84 and an overnight low of 58. Thursday will see temps drop to 77 (59) with mostly sunny skies. On Friday there’s a 57 percent chance of showers with a high of 72 and a low of 60. Saturday with be partly cloudy with a 22 percent change of rain and a high of 72 with a low of 55.
Great Thoughts (exploring)
“Not all who wander are lost.”
– J.R.R Tolkin
“The gladdest moment in human life is a departing into unknown lands.”
– Richard Burton
“I’m not lost. I’m exploring.”
– Jana Stanfield
