Israel Receives Body of Deceased Hostage as Rafah Crossing Reopening Hinges on Final Returns 
Peru Moves to Declare State of Emergency at Chile Border as Migrant Tensions Rise 
U.S. Expected to Expand Travel Ban to More Than 30 Countries 
Pentagon Probe Finds Hegseth’s Use of Signal Risked Exposing Sensitive Yemen Strike Details 
Germany Moves to Approve €2.9 Billion Defense Procurement Package 
Minneapolis Leaders Push Back as Trump Escalates Rhetoric Against Somali Community 
Australia Moves Forward With Teen Social Media Ban as Platforms Begin Lockouts 
Taiwan Opposition Criticizes Plan to Block Chinese App Rednote Over Security Concerns 
Flights Briefly Grounded at Philadelphia International Airport After Bomb Threat Resolved 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Apple Alerts EU Regulators That Apple Ads and Maps Meet DMA Gatekeeper Thresholds 
U.S. Repatriation Flight Carrying 266 Venezuelan Migrants Lands in Caracas 
Maduro Confirms “Respectful” Call With Trump, Signals Openness to Diplomatic Dialogue 
Trump and Lula Discuss Trade, Sanctions, and Security in “Productive” Phone Call 
New Orleans Immigration Crackdown Sparks Fear as Federal Arrests Intensify 
Afghan Suspect in Deadly Shooting of National Guard Members Faces First-Degree Murder Charge 
Hong Kong Faces Low Turnout in “Patriots-Only” Election Amid Public Grief After Deadly Fire 
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed several members of Department of Defense advisory committees following a comprehensive 45-day internal review, according to a statement released Thursday by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell.
The move reflects a significant realignment within the Defense Department, aimed at aligning its advisory groups with evolving strategic goals and national defense priorities. Parnell stated that while the department is grateful for the service and insights provided by the outgoing committee members, the leadership determined that a restructuring was necessary to enhance operational efficiency and better utilize departmental resources.
“Secretary Hegseth appreciates the members’ efforts on behalf of the department and the United States of America, but changes are needed to support the new strategic direction and policy priorities,” the statement read.
The Defense Department advisory committees play a key role in shaping military policy and long-term planning, offering independent advice on a range of national security issues. Their restructuring signals the Pentagon’s intent to streamline its operations and integrate fresh perspectives in line with current defense strategies.
This decision comes amid broader efforts by the Biden administration’s Pentagon leadership to modernize the military and prioritize emerging threats such as cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, and geopolitical shifts involving Russia and China.
The Department of Defense did not release the names of those removed or specify which advisory panels were affected. However, the change is expected to pave the way for new appointments that reflect the administration’s defense outlook and evolving military landscape.
With this overhaul, the Pentagon aims to ensure its advisory bodies remain agile, relevant, and aligned with the United States’ global security objectives. The shakeup underscores a commitment to innovation and adaptability in an increasingly complex international security environment.
