Jennifer Hegseth has become a near-constant presence alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as he leads the Department of War, appearing at official functions, meeting President Donald Trump, training with Marines and, controversially, attending senior-level meetings.

Now, as military whistleblowers sound what they describe as an “urgent SOS” over claims that the 46-year-old secretary is running the Defense Department like a personal fiefdom, scrutiny is increasingly falling on the Pentagon’s unofficial first lady as well.

Jennifer Hegseth’s influential but unofficial role within the Pentagon has reportedly unsettled enough Defense Department employees that some staffers have privately nicknamed the 49-year-old “Yoko Ono.”

“Now there’s a woman with an extremely tight leash on the man she married,” one source told the Daily Mail.

Even as military personnel criticize her husband as the least qualified and most volatile defense secretary in US history, Jennifer Hegseth appears to be pressing ahead rather than retreating from public life.

Initially seen as taking a less visible role in guiding her husband, Jennifer — known professionally as Jennifer Rauchet during her years as Hegseth’s producer at Fox News — now appears to be stepping further into the spotlight.

She regularly posts social-media updates highlighting her work as a Pentagon spouse, from honoring fallen US service members at a D-Day commemoration in France to hosting a garden party for military mothers in Virginia.

Last month, the White House gave her a new title: chairwoman of the inaugural Presidential Military Spouse Commission. As the announcement was made in the Oval Office, Jennifer Hegseth stood inches behind Trump while her husband was seen kissing her on the cheek.

‘Every time [Hegseth] travels around to the troops, he tells them that the president has [their] back. And now the families know that you have their back, too, and we are grateful,’ she gushed to Trump at the time.

But away from the cameras and behind closed-doors, Jennifer’s presence is raising eyebrows.

She sparked concern last year when it emerged she had tagged along for high-level meetings with foreign defense officials, including one discussion about Ukraine with his foreign counterparts at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

Sources, at the time, said Jennifer had even been spotted taking notes and photos in some meetings. 

It later surfaced, too, that she had even been looped in on a sensitive Signal chat about military operations of a US strike on Houthi rebels in Yemen, despite holding no formal Pentagon role.

Jennifer also reportedly helped her husband bar reporters from the Pentagon in the past, one of several moves to choke off transparency.

Other insiders, meanwhile, have likened Jennifer to Yoko Ono, the wife of late Beatles star John Lennon, who was known for being fiercely protective and controlling of the narrative around her husband.

Sources have long speculated Jennifer’s motive behind keeping close tabs on her husband is rooted in trying to keep him out of trouble given his history of drinking and repeated accusations of alcohol abuse. Hegseth has denied having a drinking problem.

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‘She’s like his parole officer and PR agent all at once,’ a source previously told the Daily Mail.

The couple, who are prone to raving about each other on social media and boasting about their happy family, met in 2016 when they worked at Fox News and were both married to other people.

They tied the knot at one of Donald Trump’s country clubs in 2019 with their daughter, Gwen, and six young children from their previous marriages in attendance.

Since Hegseth assumed his role at the Pentagon, one source previously disclosed that Jennifer had, on at least one occasion, asked the DoD’s public relations team to include more details about his family values and military experience in news releases. 

In response to the ongoing scrutiny, Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell described Hegseth’s wife as ‘an accomplished leader in her own right and a devoted military spouse.’ 

‘She is a vital asset and a true force multiplier for our mission,’ he said in a statement. 

‘Because of her exceptional capability and the profound impact of her work, the Department of War not only welcomes her current leadership but actively plans to involve her even more deeply in the future. She is simply that valuable to our community and our nation.’

Now, her apparent role in shaping the narrative about his public image may be in overdrive after multiple Pentagon staffers opted to blow the whistle about the disarray and discontentment engulfing the department under Hegseth’s reign.

‘People should know what a mess it is,’ one Army officer told the Daily Mail. ‘Things have gone from bad to worse. It’s unbelievably chaotic and demoralizing.’

Behind the scenes, insiders say the mockery of Hegseth is widespread.

He is reportedly called ‘Whiskey Pete’ and ‘Colonel Vodka’ behind his back, both nods to reported drinking concerns, which he has denied.

Another nickname making the rounds is ‘No Tab Pete’ – a jab at his lack of elite combat insignia compared to the decorated leaders he has fired since taking charge.

The Pentagon’s spokesman, for his part, routinely brands the unflattering coverage of Hegseth – including this article – as ‘fake news.’

Ed Sheeran’s cousin has called the pop star a “coward” and claimed he is “not a good person” following Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s tour amid the rapper’s outspoken support for Palestine.

The American rapper gave pro-Palestinian speeches and wore a keffiyeh scarf while serving as the opening act at two of Sheeran’s New Jersey shows earlier this month.

Jethro Sheeran, who is nine years older than the singer and has previously been involved in a bitter feud with him, weighed in on the controversy by saying he was “ashamed” of his cousin.

Writing in an angry Facebook post, he said: “Finally it’s all coming out! I’m ashamed of my cousin Ed and what he’s done.

“Finally the world and all his fans see through him. He’s not a good person, I don’t like his music so I can’t say he’s even a good artist.”

Sheeran, a long-time friend of Macklemore, has maintained that he played no part in the decision to remove the rapper from the tour.

Sources previously told the Daily Mail that the incident had left Sheeran “seriously upset,” as he has consistently sought to keep his personal political views private.

Jethro Sheeran also claimed that, although the cousins spent school holidays writing songs together, Ed “screwed him over” after finding fame.

The bone of contention that sparked the feud centres around a track called Raise Em Up which Jethro recorded with Ed in 2010. It also featured in the 2013 movie All Stars.

Jethro had recorded a remixed version which co-credited Ed and featured his face in artwork.

He had hoped that re-releasing the track would help raise funds to help his daughter, Skyla Rain Sheeran, who is also an aspiring singer, get a start on a career in music.

But lawyers working for Ed’s record label, Warner Music, soon contacted Jethro to say they would take him to court unless he dropped references to Ed on the track. 

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‘Ed Sheeran! He is shady and he’s dropped Macklemore himself I believe 100 per cent he’s a coward,’ Jethro continued in his post on Facebook. 

‘In my opinion he’s a bad human. Just my opinion from my experiences.’

Several celebrities have backed Macklemore’s comments on Palestine, including Lewis Hamilton, who wrote: ‘Thank you for using your voice, standing with you.’

Activist Greta Thunberg said: ‘Full solidarity and free Palestine. Artists’ very active silence in the face of injustice and genocide will not be forgotten.’

Pop star Paloma Faith added: ‘You are a rare and important voice…thank you for existing…. This is so articulate and so powerful. You are a hero.’

Macklemore delivered his politically-motivated speeches when he opened Sheeran’s shows at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5.

He was due to open for the singer at eight of the remaining ten shows on his tour in America, but on Monday it was announced he had been dropped.

Breaking his silence amid the backlash, Sheeran insisted Macklemore coming off the tour was the ‘promoter’s decision’, not his.

He added his audience is often young people ‘from different backgrounds’ who do not expect his shows to be a political forum.

Sheeran lost more than 200,000 Instagram followers in 24 hours amid the row over Palestine.

And after the news of Macklemore’s departure, all of Sheeran’s remaining support acts have also stepped away from the tour.

The Daily Mail has contacted Sheeran’s representatives for comment.  

Kim Kardashian has disclosed that she is dealing with a health condition that carries painful associations with the illness that claimed the life of her father, Robert Kardashian, when he was 59.

A newly released trailer for season eight of The Kardashians shows Kim receiving hospital treatment for esophagitis, a condition involving inflammation or irritation of the lining of the esophagus.

Robert Kardashian, the attorney widely known for serving on OJ Simpson’s defense team during his murder trial, died of esophageal cancer in 2003 at the age of 59.

“I have something called esophagitis,” Kim tells her makeup team in the preview, before footage cuts to her lying wearily in a hospital bed while medical staff attend to her.

One of Kim’s friends then asks whether it is the same condition that caused Robert’s death.

“I can’t, it makes me want to cry,” her mother, Kris Jenner, says in an emotional moment from the trailer.

Kris was married to Robert for 13 years. The former couple, who separated in 1991, shared four children: Kim, Kourtney, Khloe and Robert Jr.

Kim reflected on one of her last conversations with her father before his death in 2003 during a 2023 interview with GQ.

Robert told her: ‘I know you’re going to be okay. It’s almost like I can see ahead. I know you’re going to be okay, but just take care of your siblings for me. Just make sure you take care of them.

Kim said: ‘I took what he said to mean that I was going to be okay in life. But it made me make decisions differently.’

Kardashian’s death came four years before his family would shoot to worldwide fame on show, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, with Kim saying he would be proud.

Kourtney Kardashian added: ‘There are parts that are wonderful and amazing and I’m so grateful for and parts that can be hard—like my fight with my sister, where it drags things on in an unrealistic way because of the nature of our show.

‘We have to watch the edit and relive things then and then relive it at the interview. My dad was very much into the closeness of our family, so I think that those moments would make him cringe.’

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Robert Kardashian was a defense attorney who gained worldwide recognition for being a part of the legal defense team of O.J. Simpson in 1995.

Robert Kardashian was married to his children’s mother, Kris Jenner (born Kris Houghton) from 1978 until 1991. 

In 1998, seven years after the divorce was finalized, he married Jan Ashley; however, the marriage ended in annulment 30 days later.

After dating for three years, the Los Angeles native married his third wife, Ellen Pierson (née Markowitz), six weeks prior to his death.

Robert had not only been one of the lawyers for Simpson during his widely publicized murder trial, he had also been his friend for many years before the court proceedings, which ended with an acquittal for the former football great.

Last year, on the 22nd anniversary of his death, Kim paid tribute to her father and thanked him for ‘always protecting the family from heaven.’

‘Can’t believe I was 22 years old when you passed away and it’s been 22 years today since you went to heaven,’ she wrote on her Instagram Stories. 

‘I’ve known you just as long as you’ve been gone.

‘I hope you’re so proud of all of us. We love you dad and miss you soooooooooo much (sic)’

Pushed to the margins of the Holyrood chamber following May’s election, the Scottish Conservatives have been looking for a way to force their return to centre stage.

This week, John Swinney handed them an opening when he travelled to Cardiff for a press conference that critics portrayed as an exercise in constitutional mischief.

The First Minister appeared alongside leaders of Irish nationalism and Wales, openly discussing a political agenda that opponents say is aimed at breaking up the United Kingdom.

For Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay, it was the moment he had been waiting for: Swinn Fein.

At First Minister’s Questions, Findlay attacked Swinney over his engagement with Sinn Fein, saying the party had “never denounced IRA terrorism”. He reminded the SNP leader that Sinn Fein had defended violence which killed countless people, including Scottish soldiers.

In Findlay’s view, Swinney’s willingness to meet Sinn Fein demonstrated how firmly he is controlled by an impatient and uncompromising nationalist grassroots movement. In that sense, he suggested, the First Minister is something of a political prisoner.

The Tory leader spoke with evident revulsion as he cited Swinney’s response in May to questions about working with Sinn Fein and the controversy such co-operation could provoke: “I really do think people have got to move on.”

Would Swinney offer the same advice to people in Gaza, Findlay’s allies might ask?

The SNP benches erupted in protest. Findlay’s central challenge was stark: why should people in Northern Ireland be expected to move beyond the Troubles when Swinney himself cannot move on from what he called a “sodding” independence referendum?

Mr Swinney snapped that he had ‘always expressed my sympathy to the victims of terrorism’ and, what’s more, he had ‘also accepted, in good grace, the outcome of the referendum’.

The Tories and Reform cracked up at that one. The man has never accepted anything in good grace in his puff.

If you gave him the winning lottery numbers in advance, he’d complain about the cost of a ticket.

He assured Mr Findlay that, ‘People in this country would be surprised if I did not stick to the principled reason why I entered politics’. 

People in this country would be surprised if Mr Swinney could locate a principle with a GPS and ground-penetrating radar.

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All the while, the din was building, as was the irritation on the Presiding Officer’s puss. Unrepentant racket- merchant, Mr Kerr – Stephen (Tory), not Thomas (Reform) – was hooting and yelling and making a nuisance of himself.

His boss was still up on his pins, giving Mr Swinney what for: ‘Why is his constitutional obsession more important than fixing Scotland’s broken public services?’

This is where the Tories lose me, all this get-on-with-the-day-job stuff. The SNP exists for one reason and one reason alone: to smash up the United Kingdom and turn Scotland into Brigadoon.

Admittedly, in recent years, that vision has evolved slightly. Now they want Brigadoon to fly the Pride Progress flag and run an economy on windmills and the industrial theories of East Germany circa 1972.

This is them getting on with the day job, and it appeals to enough voters to have kept them in power for 19 years.

At some point, and two decades should have been plenty long enough, the Tories and Labour will have to reckon with the fact that this devolution experiment has handed one government after another power without responsibility.

The SNP won’t be the last mob to take advantage of that.

Mr Findlay landed a fair few blows but Mr Swinney swung back by taunting him about a supposedly imminent merger, what he branded a ‘marriage of convenience over there between the Conservative Party and Reform’.

At which point, the Scottish Tory leader rammed his fingers down his throat as though about to vomit.

I believe the Earl of Liverpool made a similar philosophical point during a debate on the Corn Laws.

By now Stephen Kerr was hollering at Mr Swinney: ‘Answer the question! Answer the question!’

Settle down, Bamber Gascoigne. The Presiding Officer had a word. Mr Kerr doesn’t need a word, he needs a sedative.

Too many travel itineraries steer holidaymakers towards a city’s most built-up, tourist-friendly districts, often missing the places where everyday local life is at its most vibrant.

But some of a city’s most stylish and characterful corners can be found just beyond the familiar visitor trail. Take a turn off the main route and follow the lead of locals in the know.

Travel experts at Time Out have unveiled their list of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods for 2026, featuring standout districts in Asian metropolises and European cities.

The selection ranges from the winning district in Seoul to colourful, graffiti-covered enclaves in cities including Lisbon and Melbourne — and many of the neighbourhood names may be unfamiliar to visitors.

Exploring these districts offers a closer look at how locals live, along with access to some of each city’s finest food and drink.

Here is a look at the 40 most stylish neighbourhoods to put on your travel list…

1. Jongno 3-ga, Seoul

Named the coolest neighbourhood in the world, Jongno 3-ga in Seoul blends cafés and bars with traditional wooden homes, known as hanoks, as well as the city’s famed late-night food stalls.

Pochas — short for pojangmacha — began as inexpensive tented food stalls serving workers looking for a late-night meal on their way home. Today, they are popular with stylish young diners drawn by affordable prices and authentic dishes.

For independent boutiques and shopping, head to Seosulla-gil, where jewellery shops and a more upscale atmosphere await.

2. L’Ocean District, Rabat

Often overlooked in favour of more touristic destinations such as Marrakech, Morocco’s capital is not to be underestimated – and this coastal neighbourhood proves it.

It’s a blend of old and new. Palm trees, oceanic views and a promenade create a young, modern beachy ambience, while the nearby medina and Kasbah bring a sense of otherworldly historic charm.

Cool places to eat are abundant, and booklovers should make a stop at The English Bookshop, a slightly chaotic – yet thoroughly brilliant – place to browse paperbacks old and new.

3. Neos Kosmos, Athens

Neos Kosmos is a must-see part of Athens, filled with independent businesses and new restaurants.

Once a blue-collar community, it has been transformed by an influx of art and culture, including contemporary exhibition spaces and a new theatre.

Don’t miss the neighbourhood block party, held in October, where you can enjoy booming music of the electronic – and DJ – variety.

4. Chinatown, Los Angeles

Los Angeles is mostly associated with entertainment and its Hollywood attractions – but Chinatown is where it’s at.

Food is, of course, a major draw here – from Chinese cuisine to Italian fare and more – and there are plenty of bars to explore. 

Visiting for the Lunar New Year is your best bet to enjoy the parade. Next year, it’s scheduled for February 13. 

5. Govanhill, Glasgow

The highest UK neighbourhood on the list is not in London or Edinburgh, as you might expect – it’s in Glasgow.

Govanhill is a residential part of the city that offers excellent delis, curry houses, trendy cafes and plenty of traditional pubs if you’re seeking something homely and comforting.

There’s lots to do beyond food and drink, too. Tramway theatre hosts films and plays while you can enjoy concerts and football at Hampden Park.

6. Kitakagaya, Osaka

Once a shipbuilding hub, Kitakagaya has morphed into an artist-filled haven a la Shoreditch.

There’s no shortage of galleries. Try MASK (Mega Art Storage Kitakagaya) for an industrial feel, Morimura @ Museum for conceptual works and Creative Center Osaka for indie markets and unique art.

Even a walk through the neighbourhood is like a step inside a museum, with graffiti and murals everywhere you look. 

7. Chapinero Alto, Bogotá

Bohemian and laid-back, Chapinero Alto in Bogotá is home to the city’s largest gay community and young, arty residents.

Empanada stands, bakeries, pubs and lots of vegetarian restaurants line the streets – which come to life at night with lots of bars and late-night food and drink spots.

It’s set against a mountain backdrop, adding a sense of drama to the relaxed community feel. 

8. Koenji, Tokyo

Vintage shops abound in Koenji, Tokyo, one of the Japanese city’s coolest hubs.

With a shabby-chic style and lots of clothes and retro stores, you can also find lots of exquisite temples.

Shukuhozan Koenji, a temple dating back to 1555, is one such spot, featuring quiet gardens, a tranquil vibe and a stunning appearance.

9. Downtown, St. Catharines

Waterfront Downtown in St. Catharines in Canada is filled with local art, vintage shops and farms.

Thanks to a property development boom, it’s transformed into a culture and entertainment hub.

Check out the top-tier wineries in the area, too, as well as Montebello Park, with its gorgeous rose garden and pavilion, used for festivals and performances.

10. Esquilino, Rome

Situated right by Rome’s main train station, Esquilino is within easy reach if you’re arriving by train into Termini.

Instead of the elaborate hotels and imposing tourist attractions, this quarter is best for budget hotels, traditional restaurants and a community feel.

A 20-minute walk from the Colosseum is the Nuovo Mercato Esquilino. Here, you can pick up traditional cheeses and buy olives by the ladle-load, but you can also get your hands on Indian spices, soy sauce and exotic vegetables. 

11. Russafa, Valencia

Russafa, not quite as polished as Valencia’s old town, is filled with cool bars, art studios and the creative vibe that is often synonymous with uber-chic neighbourhoods.

Colourful buildings line the streets, alongside places for brunch, boutique shopping and terraces (which come to life in the evening, in true Spanish style).

‘Russafais, without a doubt, the place to be for tardeo (early evening drinks) in Valencia. As the sun begins to set, its terraces fill with life, good music, and an unbeatable atmosphere,’ Visit Valencia says.

12. Tân Định, Ho Chi Minh City

Tân Định is perhaps best recognised for its Barbie-pink church – but there’s more to it than just a single photo opportunity.

The market in Tân Định is a standout attraction, with fresh food, local delicacies and – its best-know feature – a fabric section.

Bánh Xèo 46A, meanwhile, is known for its Vietnamese signature crêpes as well as its chargrilled meat and seafood.

13. São Bento, Lisbon

More than just the São Bento Palace, this Lisbon neighbourhood is bursting with culture, from the fado star Amália Rodrigues House-Museum to the Igreja de Jesus church.

Café de São Bento, a popular local steakhouse, has often been ranked as serving the best steak in Lisbon, with its secret sauce.

‘First of all, you literally have to ring a doorbell to get inside,’ one guest wrote. ‘Hello secret society of good taste. Immediate vibe check passed. We did the lunch menu for €29 (£24.80) which honestly feels illegal for how good it is.’

14. Talat Noi, Bangkok

Bangkok thrives on beautiful chaos – and in the creative hub of Talat Noi, there’s always an eclectic sense of discovery here.

Famous for its old car parts shops, it’s become one of the places locals actually go to. 

A new wave of Thai fine dining is putting elevated spins on the city’s legendary street food, and emerging dining districts such as Talat Noi are bringing fresh energy to the capital with their concept-driven eateries, bars and cafés. 

15. Slakthusområdet, Stockholm

Next up is Slakthusområdet in Stockholm, an already chic enough city as it is.

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Previously industrial, it’s now an unusual Art Nouveau-style district, filled with restaurants, bars and coffee shops.

It’s perhaps best during the summer months, and is often host to Stockholm music festivals and concerts.

16. Humayunpur, Delhi

With more than 50 spots for dining, and both Indian and international cuisine, Humayunpur has risen in the ranks to become one of India’s coolest spots.

It has long been a student hub, and is filled with the likes of tattoo studios and K-pop merchandise shops.

Humayun’s Tomb is the 16th-century, Persian-style complex that inspired the Taj Mahal in Agra – well worth a look.

17. Laranjeiras, Rio de Janeiro

One of Rio’s oldest neighbourhoods, Laranjeiras was established during the 17th century.

With a community feel, the hub is great for exploring local foods and goods, from fruit and vegetables to handicrafts.

Attractions here include the Palácio Guanabara, the seat of the state government, the Palácio Laranjeiras, the official residence of the state governor and the Fluminense Football Club HQ.

18. West Town, Chicago

Chicago’s inclusion on this list is hardly a surprise, but West Town is one of the highest-ranked US neighbourhoods by Time Out. 

International influences are everywhere you look here – you’ll find Filipino restaurants, American diners and the Polish Museum of America all within one neighbourhood.

‘This cultural melting pot is known for its eclectic, artsy vibe. It’s one of the city’s up-and-coming hot spots, where you can uncover laidback taprooms, unique museums, old-school vintage shops, Michelin-star restaurants, and tons of cool art – both in the galleries and on the streets,’ according to Choose Chicago. 

19. Rákóczi tér, Budapest

Next up in the list is Rákóczi tér, located near the Palace District in Budapest.

The 19th-century market hall is a key attraction here –  described by visitors as ‘non-touristy’, ‘lovely’ and, as one guest said, filled with both ‘authentic traditional Hungarian food… [and] new Ramen and Korea Street food options’.

It’s also home to the popular Rákóczi Square, one of the city’s greenest spots.

20. Jalan Besar, Singapore

Singapore might feel too ‘perfect’ and built-up to be cool – but that doesn’t apply to Jalan Besar.

The major road is filled with homes in a range of pastel shades, from pink to blue and yellow, giving it an old-world charm.

The neighbourhood is also home to Jalan Besar Stadium, the birthplace of Singapore football.