Capital News

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Kyiv, Ukraine —In a critical meeting focused on safeguarding Ukraine's national interests under martial law, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened with top law enforcement officials to discuss measures against internal threats and ensure the integrity of the nation's borders. The meeting was attended by key figures, including Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin, Head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Vasyl Maliuk, Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko, Head of the State Border Guard Service Serhii Deineko, Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) Semen Kryvonos, Deputy Prosecutor General and Head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office Oleksandr Klymenko, Director of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Oleksii Sukhachov, Head of the National Agency for Corruption Prevention Viktor Pavlushchyk, and Acting Director of the Economic Security Bureau Serhii Perkhun.     First and foremost, ...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Washington, DC - In a high-level phone call today, President Joe Biden spoke with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El Sisi to discuss pressing issues in the Middle East. The leaders focused on the urgency of finalizing a ceasefire and hostage release deal that has been under negotiation, emphasizing the importance of implementing a comprehensive bridging proposal currently on the table.     This proposal aims to achieve three critical objectives: the safe release of hostages, the provision of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and the de-escalation of escalating regional tensions. The leaders highlighted the need for swift action to address the ongoing crisis and bring stability to the region. The discussion also covered upcoming talks set to take place in Cairo, with both presidents emphasizing the importance of these discussions in removing any remaining obstacles to the proposed deal. President Biden expressed his grat...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Sumy, Ukraine — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a pivotal visit to the Sumy region's border area, where he convened with key military leaders to assess the current operational landscape and strategize on future actions. The meeting, which included Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, and the Head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration, Volodymyr Artyukh, focused on recent developments in the ongoing conflict and the defense measures being implemented.     General Syrskyi provided a comprehensive report on the operational situation, highlighting active engagements in the KA notable achievement was that Ukrainian forces secured control over another settlement in the Kursk region, contributing to the strategic exchange fund, which enhanced region and ongoing battles across key fronts, including the Kharkiv region, Donetsk region, and southern Ukraine. Specific emphasis was placed on the Tore...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Washington, D.C. – In a significant development underscoring the deepening ties between the United States and the Philippines, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan engaged in a crucial conversation today with his Philippine counterpart, National Security Advisor Eduardo M. Año. The discussions centered on the ongoing momentum in the U.S.-Philippines Alliance, highlighting a recent announcement of $500 million in U.S. Foreign Military Financing. This funding, derived from the FY 2024 Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, represents a critical step in modernizing the Philippine armed forces and Coast Guard.     Mr. Sullivan emphasized the importance of this additional security assistance, which is expected to strengthen U.S.-Philippines cooperation, particularly in upholding international maritime law in the increasingly contested waters of the South China Sea. The financial support from the United States, in collabora...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Washington, DC — President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has declared a major disaster in the State of New Hampshire, authorizing Federal assistance to aid in recovery efforts following a severe storm and subsequent flooding that impacted the region from July 10 to July 13, 2024.     The President's declaration allows Federal funding to be made available to state and eligible local governments, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations, on a cost-sharing basis. This support will be utilized for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities that were damaged by the severe storm and flooding in Coos and Grafton counties. In addition to immediate recovery efforts, Federal funding will also be provided on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures throughout the state. These measures aim to reduce the risk of future disasters and improve resilience in affected communities.    Mr. Robert V. Fogel of the Feder...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Doha, Qatar — In a pivotal development earlier today, the U.S. negotiating team on the ground in Doha has advanced a comprehensive bridging proposal aimed at securing a final agreement on a ceasefire and hostage release deal. This proposal, presented during the ongoing talks in Qatar, is seen as a crucial step toward stabilizing the region and bringing an end to the hostilities.     President Biden announced the update, emphasizing the importance of the progress made over the past two days. "I spoke separately with Amir Sheikh Tamim and President Sisi to review the significant progress made in Doha," the President said in a statement. "They expressed the strong support of Qatar and Egypt for the U.S. proposal as co-mediators in this process. The President's directive to his team underscores the urgency of the situation. "Our teams will remain on the ground to continue technical work over the coming days," he added. ...

By Charles Hawes, Capital News Rafah - In a series of precise, intelligence-based operations, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops have intensified their activities in the Rafah area. Early this morning, IDF troops identified a terrorist cell emerging from a tunnel shaft within Rafah's vicinity. In a coordinated effort, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) swiftly intervened, neutralizing the terrorists before they could pose a threat.     In a separate incident, IDF troops observed another terrorist cell infiltrating a military structure near IDF positions. Once again, in collaboration with the IAF, the terrorist cell was targeted and eliminated.     The IDF also conducted strikes in the area from which projectiles were recently launched towards Kibbutz Kissufim. Among the targets was a Hamas military structure, which was reportedly utilized by the group’s rocket unit. In addition to these operations, the IAF has carried out extensive strikes over the past 24 hours, hittin...

  Ukraine’s Air Defense Efforts Intensify Amid Ongoing Russian Strikes By Charles Hawes, Capital News KYIV, Ukraine – As the relentless war in Ukraine continues, the focus on fortifying the nation's air defenses remains a top priority. Ukrainian forces have worked tirelessly to bolster their air shield, combat aviation, and defensive capabilities. Yet, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized in his recent address, more needs to be done to protect Ukrainian skies from Russian aggression.     Every night and every day during this war, Ukrainians suffer from Russian strikes," President Zelenskyy stated. "Much, indeed much, has already been done to improve our defense capabilities, but not everything necessary is in place yet." To strengthen Ukraine's air defense, the government continues to engage with international partners, seeking advanced air defense systems, comprehensive training, and timely supplies for the country’s defenders. President Zelenskyy undersc...

 By Charles Hawes Capital News LOS ANGELES – The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Los Angeles region through Tuesday, August 6. In response, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has directed the City to take immediate action to protect Angelenos during this period of extreme heat and released resources to assist residents in staying cool.     The Mayor’s Office of Public Safety is coordinating efforts with the Emergency Management Department, Climate Emergency Mobilization Office (CEMO), LAFD, LAPD, Recreation and Parks, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), and other City Departments to ensure readiness for the heatwave. Cool Spots L.A. App     To help residents find relief from the heat, the City of L.A. Climate Emergency Mobilization Office has launched the Cool Spots L.A. app. This app identifies locations of cooling amenities such as public libraries, recreation centers, cooling centers, community pools, splash pads, hydr...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News     In a historic announcement on the Day of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that F-16 aircraft are now operational in Ukraine. This momentous event was marked by a ceremony where F-16, MiG-29, and Su-27 fighter jets flew in formation over the Ukrainian skies, demonstrating the nation's growing aviation capabilities. President Zelenskyy emphasized the significance of this development, stating, "We are now at a new phase in the development of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ukraine has done a lot to elevate the Ukrainian Air Force to a new standard of aviation – Western combat aviation."     The journey to this achievement has been arduous, involving countless meetings and negotiations aimed at bolstering Ukraine's aviation and air defense capabilities. "We have often heard the word 'impossible' in response, but we have made possible what was our ambition,...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Tel Aviv, Israel - In a significant show of military preparedness, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, the Chief of the General Staff, visited the brigade-level exercise of the Kfir Brigade on the northern border. Accompanying him were Major General Ori Gordin, Commanding Officer of the Northern Command; Major General Avi Bluth, Commanding Officer of the Central Command; Major General David Zini, Commanding Officer of the Training Command; Brigadier General Barak Hiram, Commanding Officer of the 99th Division; and Brigadier General Kobi Heller, Commander of the Ground Forces Training Center (“Mali”), among other high-ranking commanders.     The exercise, characterized by its collaboration with different units, saw the soldiers of the Kfir Brigade engaging in various extreme scenarios. These included combat in densely thicketed and mountainous terrain, the activation of fire, and urban warfare, all aimed at bolstering readiness for potenti...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Beirut, Lebanon - In a decisive and intelligence-driven operation, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced today that Israeli Air Force fighter jets successfully eliminated Fuad Shukr, also known as "Sayyid Muhsan," the most senior military commander of Hezbollah and head of its Strategic Unit. The operation took place in the vicinity of Beirut and marks a significant blow to the terrorist organization.     Fuad Shukr served as the right-hand man to Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah and was a key adviser in planning and directing the group's wartime operations. He had been instrumental in orchestrating Hezbollah's attacks on Israel since October 8th, including the recent tragic incident in Majdal Shams where 12 children were murdered on a Saturday evening. As the Head of Hezbollah's Strategic Unit, Shukr was responsible for managing the group's most sophisticated weaponry, such as precision-guided missiles, cru...

  By Charles Hawes Capital News Washington, DC - In a significant wave of federal appointments, the President has nominated several individuals to critical positions within the judiciary and federal agencies. These nominations come at a crucial time, reflecting a commitment to maintaining strong leadership across various governmental branches. Anthony J. Brindis i, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of New York, vice David N. Hurd, retiring. Thomas B. Chapman , of Maryland, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term expiring December 31, 2028.  (Reappointment) Tiffany Rene Johnson , of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia, vice Steve C. Jones, retiring. Angela M. Kerwin , of Pennsylvania, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of Amer...