News Wrap: Pentagon investigating Kelly over video urging troops to refuse illegal orders

Key Concepts

• Pentagon Investigation of Senator Mark Kelly: Investigation into Senator Mark Kelly for comments urging U.S. troops to refuse "illegal orders," potentially impacting military discipline.
• Designation of Cartel de los Soles: U.S. designation of Venezuela's "Cartel de los Soles" as a foreign terrorist organization as part of a pressure campaign against the Maduro government.
• Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Operations: The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation ending its operations in Gaza, with claims of being the sole provider of free meals, amidst reports of violence and Israeli troop actions.
• Israeli Strikes in Gaza and Lebanon: Israeli strikes in Gaza resulting in casualties, with authorities claiming they were responding to gunfire. In Lebanon, thousands attended the funeral of a Hezbollah commander killed in an Israeli strike.
• EPA and PFAS Pesticides: The EPA allowing the use of pesticides containing PFAS ("forever chemicals") on food crops, despite concerns about their long-term health impacts.
• Stock Market Performance: Positive performance on Wall Street at the start of the Thanksgiving holiday week.
• Passing of Dharmendra: The death of veteran Indian actor Dharmendra, known for his roles in films like "Sholay."
• Passing of Viola Fletcher: The death of Viola Fletcher, one of the last survivors of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, who became a vocal witness to history.

Pentagon Investigates Senator Mark Kelly

The Pentagon is investigating Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, concerning a video where he and other lawmakers encouraged U.S. troops to refuse "illegal orders." Defense officials stated that Kelly's remarks might have compromised the loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces. For any disciplinary action to be taken, Kelly would need to be recalled to active duty by the Defense Secretary. In response, Senator Kelly issued a statement asserting his commitment to the country and his refusal to be silenced by those prioritizing power over constitutional protection.

U.S. Designates Venezuela's "Cartel de los Soles" a Terrorist Organization

The Trump administration has formally designated Venezuela's "Cartel de los Soles" as a foreign terrorist organization. This action is part of an intensified pressure campaign against President Nicolas Maduro's government, with President Trump reportedly considering military intervention in Venezuela. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused the group of involvement in terrorist violence. However, the Maduro government denies the cartel's existence, and regional experts characterize it not as a singular organization but as an umbrella term for high-ranking Venezuelan military and political figures allegedly profiting from the international narcotics trade.

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Ceases Operations

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has announced the permanent cessation of its operations in the Gaza Strip. The U.S. and Israeli-backed organization claimed to be the sole aid operation that consistently and safely provided free meals in Gaza. However, its operations were reportedly conducted in secrecy, and its sites were associated with violence. Reports indicate that hundreds of Palestinians were killed by Israeli troops while seeking aid, though Israel maintains it only fired warning shots to manage crowds. This development occurs as hospital officials in Gaza report at least 24 deaths from Israeli strikes over the weekend. Israel stated these strikes were a response to gunfire directed at its troops. Gaza authorities informed news producers that the airstrike targeted displaced Palestinians, with some victims being in tents and their bodies severely burned. This incident is noted to have occurred during a period that should have been a ceasefire, with the strike being described as a clear violation.

Escalation of Conflict in Lebanon and Gaza

In Lebanon, thousands attended the funeral of Hezbollah's top military commander, who was killed in an Israeli strike in Beirut over the weekend. Israel has reportedly increased its attacks on Lebanon recently, aiming to expedite the disarmament of the militant group. Meanwhile, in Gaza, hospital officials reported that at least 24 people were killed in Israeli strikes this past weekend. Israel claims it was responding to gunfire on its troops. Authorities in Gaza stated that the airstrike targeted displaced Palestinians, some of whom were in tents and suffered severe burns. This is occurring during a period that was supposed to be a ceasefire, and the strike is considered a clear violation.

EPA Approves PFAS Pesticides for Food Crops

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun permitting the use of pesticides containing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) on food. This move is part of an effort to reduce regulations on these "forever chemicals," which are persistent in the environment. Last week, the EPA approved two new pesticides classified as PFAS, allowing farmers to apply them to crops such as romaine lettuce, broccoli, and potatoes. The Washington Post reports that the agency intends to approve four additional pesticides. While the long-term health effects are not fully understood, PFAS have been linked to certain cancers, birth defects, and other health issues. The EPA stated in a press release that it will provide transparent, science-based information regarding its evaluation of these chemicals.

Wall Street Performance

Stocks experienced significant gains at the beginning of the Thanksgiving holiday week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by over 200 points, the NASDAQ saw a jump of nearly 600 points, and the S&P 500 recorded one of its best days since the summer.

Passing of Actor Dharmendra

Dharmendra, a celebrated star of Indian cinema, has passed away. He gained prominence in the 1970s with hit films like "Sholay," which was Bollywood's highest-grossing movie at the time. Known for his roles as both an action hero and a romantic lead, Dharmendra appeared in over 300 films throughout his career spanning more than six decades. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian actors of all time. Dharmendra had been hospitalized intermittently in recent weeks and was 89 years old.

Passing of Viola Fletcher

Viola Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, has died at the age of 111. Fletcher was seven years old when a white mob destroyed the Greenwood district of Tulsa, known as "Black Wall Street," resulting in hundreds of deaths, the destruction of businesses, schools, and churches, and leaving up to 10,000 people homeless. Fletcher carried the memories of the massacre for over a century and later became a national witness to history, sharing her experiences with students, journalists, and testifying before Congress. She stated, "I will never forget the violence of the white mob when we left our home. I still see black men being shot. I hear the screams. I have lived through the massacre every day. Our country may forget this history, but I cannot." Fletcher was one of two survivors who sued the state of Oklahoma for damages, but their case was rejected by the state Supreme Court last year, a significant setback for the long-standing fight for reparations. Her grandson confirmed her passing, noting she had a beautiful smile and loved life and people.

Upcoming on the News Hour

The News Hour will feature a remembrance of reggae singer Jimmy Cliff, who brought the genre to global audiences. Tamara Keith and Amy Walter will discuss the latest political headlines. The program will also explore how life is changing for transgender Americans under the Trump administration and a documentary on the $3 billion industry created to protect against school shootings.