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Government & Policy

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FCC Proposes Sweeping Phone Data Collection to Curb Burner Phones

The FCC is taking aim at burner phones with a new proposal that would require telecom carriers to collect and store personal info on virtually all customers, effectively ending anonymity for prepaid phone users. If implemented, this rule would revolutionize how phone plans are obtained and used across the country.

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Workers move in the background of a Chinese facility as a large shipping container sits in the foreground.

China Tightens Grip on Supply-Chain Data

China's new regulations, effective April, are tightening controls on supply-chain data, with a focus on the intent behind data collection, not just what is collected. Authorities can now scrutinize the purpose of investigations and information gathering to ensure they align with Chinese laws and regulations.

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Modern tech company HQ with city view, employees, and blurred devices.

US Gov Directive Disrupts Access to Anthropic's AI Models

The US government has issued a directive that restricts access to Anthropic's most advanced AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, citing national security concerns, forcing the company to suspend these models worldwide. This move affects not only foreign users but also Anthropic's own foreign-national employees, and has significant implications for the future of AI development and access.

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Pentagon Agrees to Overhaul SOCOM Acquisition Oversight

The Pentagon has agreed to revamp its oversight of Special Operations Command (SOCOM) acquisitions after a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report revealed friction and inefficiencies in the current system. The GAO found that unclear policies and limited access to program data hindered the Assistant Secretary of Defense's ability to effectively oversee SOCOM's acquisition programs.

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Two officials in formal business attire examine a large-scale naval vessel model on a dockyard with a submarine or warship…

AUKUS Tests Partners' Resolve Amid Industrial, Fiscal Pressures

The recent AUKMIN meeting in London made one thing clear: AUKUS is no longer just a partnership deal - it's a commitment to action, with the UK and Australia leading the charge in turning strategic alignment into real-world capability. The big question is: can the partners overcome industrial and fiscal pressures to deliver on their ambitious plans?

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Senator or aide stands determined in a government hallway.

Cyber Force push falters in Senate, but proponents persist

Despite a narrow setback in the Senate Armed Services Committee, supporters of a new Cyber Force remain undeterred, with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's team vowing to continue the push for its creation. The proposed Cyber Force, which would be housed under the Army, fell just 1 vote short in a 14-13 defeat.

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Formal meeting in government building with people seated around large table.

UK Digital ID Project Assembles Advisory Board to Inform Policy

The UK government's digital ID project just got a watchdog boost with the formation of an advisory board tasked with keeping policymakers on their toes. This new board will challenge emerging ideas and policy decisions to ensure the digital ID system serves everyone.

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Empty wood-paneled House of Representatives chamber with rows of congressional seats facing a central podium in Washington…

Section 702 Teeters on Brink of Lapse Amid Spy Chief Dispute

The US intelligence community is on the brink of losing a crucial surveillance authority as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act teeters on the verge of lapsing, following a 218-198 House vote against its extension. This development comes amid a dispute over the nomination of a new spy chief.

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China's Influence Silences Dissent in Zambia

In Zambia, a stark reality has emerged: China's growing influence is stifling dissenting voices, with critics like Michael Sata labeling the Chinese presence as parasitic rather than beneficial. The recent postponement of RightsCon, a human rights summit, has starkly illustrated this chilling effect.

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Military equipment storage facility with rows of shipping containers and hardware in ambient daylight.

US Arms Sales to Europe Hit by Delivery Delays

European countries are facing a frustrating dilemma: they're being urged to boost defense spending, but when they try to purchase US arms, they're met with lengthy and uncertain delivery timelines, sometimes as far off as 2029-2030. This has led some, like Poland, to look elsewhere, such as to the Korean defense industry, for quicker solutions.

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Students in a classroom with maps and globes, teacher at the front near a whiteboard, with natural daylight pouring in…

Canberra Wrestles with Engaging Young Australians on National Security

Canberra's challenge lies in sparking a sense of urgency among young Australians about national security - a crucial step in building a public mandate to defend the country. A proposed national curriculum for year 8 to 10 students aims to tackle this by educating them on Australia's global role and the real-world implications of defence and sovereignty.

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Rows of munitions production lines and equipment in a US defense industrial setting.

House Appropriators Unveil $1 Trillion Defense Bill for FY27

The House Appropriations Committee has just unveiled a groundbreaking $1 trillion defense bill for FY27, prioritizing the production of critical munitions, cutting-edge technology, and modern warfare capabilities to equip troops for the challenges ahead. With $10.6 billion allocated for legacy munitions and $836 million for low-cost options, this bill is set to revolutionize the nation's defense strategy.

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Lawmakers and union representatives discuss collective bargaining rights in a government meeting.

Lawmakers Urged to Override Trump's Anti-Union Order at Pentagon

The American Federation of Government Employees is urging House lawmakers to override President Trump's executive order that strips collective bargaining rights from most federal employees, a move that would undermine the rights of workers to negotiate for better working conditions.

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Senator Susan Collins and Senator Mitch McConnell at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing with Air and Space Force…

Senate Appropriators Warn Against Defense Reconciliation Bill Reliance

Relying on a third reconciliation bill to fund defense programs is a risky move that could create instability, according to Senate Appropriators, who are instead pushing for base funding through the defense appropriations bill.

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US Pressures Oman, Risks Eroding Key Gulf Mediator Role

President Donald Trump's reported threat to blow up Oman has raised concerns that the US may be jeopardizing a crucial diplomatic channel with Iran, one that has helped prevent escalation for decades. By pressuring Oman to cut ties with Tehran, the US risks eroding its role as a trusted mediator in the Gulf.

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Senators McConnell and Collins sit at a hearing table with other Senate appropriators and Air Force leaders on Capitol Hill.

Defense Funding in Jeopardy as Reconciliation Bill Fades

Defense funding is in limbo after Senate leaders, including Appropriations Chairman Susan Collins and Senator Mitch McConnell, effectively ruled out a third reconciliation bill, dashing Pentagon hopes for a boost in next year's budget. This development puts crucial defense funding in jeopardy.

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Officials from Australia and Britain engage in discussion at a formal conference meeting.

AUKUS Revitalizes Australia-Britain Ties Beyond Submarines

As Australia and Britain strengthen their historic ties through AUKUS, it's time to shift the conversation beyond submarines and explore the deeper connections that unite these nations. By embracing shared values and collective resolve, the partnership can unlock a brighter future for both countries.

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Trump Order Strips 8,000 Federal Workers of Civil Service Protections

In just one week, 8,000 federal workers face a major shake-up that could strip them of their civil service protections, a change that's sparked fierce opposition from unions, employees, and watchdogs. The Trump order requires agencies to reclassify these workers into a new category that leaves them vulnerable to removal without the usual safeguards.

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Intelligence Chiefs Face Growing Pressure

President Trump's pick for acting director of national intelligence, Bill Pulte, is facing fierce backlash from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, who question his qualifications for the critical role. Senator John Cornyn's scathing assessment - &No qualifications& - echoes concerns that Pulte's background is woefully underprepared for the job.

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Military personnel surround a Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk helicopter in a hangar or on a flight deck.

US Approves $1.67 Billion in Military Sales to New Zealand, South Korea

The US has greenlit a whopping $1.67 billion in military sales to boost the defense capabilities of New Zealand and South Korea, with cutting-edge helicopters, torpedoes, and precision-guided weapons on the agenda. New Zealand is set to receive five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and advanced systems in a $1.5 billion deal, while South Korea will get a $106 million package to enhance its military arsenal.

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Government official stands at podium with subtle tech hint in background.

Trump Memo Targets AI Contractors With New Security Rules

The US is set to supercharge its AI capabilities in intelligence and warfighting domains, with a new presidential memo directing the federal government to accelerate AI adoption while prioritizing speed, security, and responsible innovation. The move aims to harness AI's potential in line with American values, with rigorous oversight to ensure safe and effective deployment.

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Researchers in lab coats work in a modern laboratory with a mix of old and new architecture.

US Research Security Landscape Evolves Amid Foreign Exploitation Fears

Join a live webinar on June 24, 2026, to explore how the Pentagon's new emphasis on research security is transforming the way universities, government agencies, and institutions protect against foreign exploitation. Earn 1 CPE credit while learning how to bolster defenses for basic and applied research in a rapidly evolving security landscape.

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US Defense Chief Misses Chance to Bolster Taiwan Support

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's recent speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore left many wondering why he didn't seize the opportunity to reaffirm US support for Taiwan, a crucial moment to make a strong statement in the region. By choosing not to directly address Taiwan, Hegseth missed a chance to show strength and clarity in the face of growing uncertainty.

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Congressional panel seated at a table faces an Army representative testifying at a podium in a government building hearing.

Lawmakers Press Army for Detailed Transformation Plans

Congress is pushing the Army for a clearer roadmap to achieve its transformation goals, with Rep. Mike Rogers bluntly stating that the Army hasn't done its homework. The House Armed Services Committee has now mandated an annual report and briefing from the Army to keep lawmakers in the loop.

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