The U.S. military faces a brain drain as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismisses experienced officers, threatening readiness during the Iran conflict and weapons shortages. Meanwhile, Trump's energy secretary signs Venezuelan oil deals with an unelected regime while Trump doubts democracy is ready there. In Massachusetts, jurors deadlock in the Lindsay Clancy infanticide trial after five days, raising mistrial concerns. Defense Secretary Hegseth has dismissed over 10 generals and removed officers from promotion lists without public explanation, hollowing out senior military ranks during active conflict with Iran.