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Government & Policy

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ICE Expands Access to Credit Card Records for Fraud, Security Probes

Investors are sounding the alarm over a new ICE contract with Thomson Reuters Special Services, which for the first time includes voter fraud investigations, and are demanding clarity on the agreement. The contract aims to provide ICE with easy access to credit card records to tackle voter fraud, immigration fraud, and national security threats.

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Three national leaders in formal attire stand together, united, in an ornate palace setting with high ceilings and natural…

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan forge joint defense pact amid regional tensions

In a powerful show of unity, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have signed a groundbreaking joint defense pact, promising to stand together against any act of aggression. This historic agreement cements the trio's commitment to collective defense and cooperation, driven by their deep-rooted ties and shared strategic interests.

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Modern office interior with a person near a table, overlooking city or Australian landscape through a large window.

Australia Urged to Overhaul Space Laws to Attract Investment

Australia's outdated space laws are in desperate need of an overhaul to attract much-needed investment and support the country's burgeoning commercial space sector. The current licensing and permitting regime is too narrow, leaving a gaping hole in the legal framework that's deterring businesses and stifling growth.

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Defense personnel gather around a table with a blank display screen in a formal setting.

Portfolio Acquisition Executives Target Cultural Shift in Defense Procurement

The military's bold move to replace program executives with Portfolio Acquisition Executives is shaking up the defense procurement process, empowering leaders to focus on delivering results rather than just checking boxes. With this shift, the stage is set for a cultural transformation that prioritizes outcomes over compliance.

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Defence industry facility in Pakistan with testing equipment and large hangar.

Pakistan's Defence Sector Exposes Testing Regulation Gaps

In Pakistan's defence sector, a glaring loophole leaves local vendors walking a tightrope: admitting their solutions have been tested could land them in legal trouble, while denying it means disqualification. The Defence Industrial Production and Regulatory Authority Ordinance, established in 2026, grants sweeping regulatory powers, but crucial procedures remain unclear.

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US Capitol hearing room with senators seated at a formal table and a single empty chair.

US Lawmakers Scrutinize Scam-Fighting Coordination

US lawmakers are pushing for better coordination in scam-fighting efforts, calling for a unified leader to tackle the issue with the urgency of a combat operation. Currently, there's no single entity in charge across agencies, leaving scam networks to easily relocate and evade enforcement.

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Chinese government building with subtle tech equipment in background.

China Probes Palo Alto Networks Product Security

China is investigating the security of Palo Alto Networks' products, sparking a mysterious probe that's left many questions unanswered. The inquiry, reported by The Register, puts the spotlight on Palo Alto Networks and its offerings.

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GAO investigator surrounded by paperwork at a desk in a formal office.

Agencies Stonewall Probes Into Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency

Despite a recent Government Accountability Office report revealing that over 200 people worked for Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, investigators are still in the dark on basic oversight questions due to a lack of cooperation from numerous agencies. Many records remain unprovided, leaving crucial details about employee ethics trainings and financial disclosures unknown.

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Senate Intel Chair Urges Treasury to Bolster OT Security with Tax Code Tweaks

The US is under attack, with recent breaches hitting community water systems in Minnesota and Iran-backed threats targeting critical infrastructure, prompting Sen. Tom Cotton to urge the Treasury Department to take action. He’s calling on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to use tax code tweaks to boost investment in operational technology security.

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Empty workbenches and partially disassembled military equipment in a European defense industry facility.

ITAR Restrictions Squeeze US Defense Sales Overseas

US defense sales abroad are getting squeezed by ITAR restrictions, prompting some European firms to rethink their approach to buying American-made weapons. They're increasingly opting for alternatives that don't rely on US-controlled parts.

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Defense executive speaks at conference with financial documents in background.

Defense Execs Downplay Pentagon Budget Uncertainty

RTX CEO Chris Calio says there's bipartisan support for boosting munitions and key capabilities, despite budget chatter, giving defense execs reason for optimism. The Pentagon's FY27 request, totaling $1.15 trillion in base budget spending, aims to further ramp up defense-related funding.

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Fighter jet on display stand with blurred component in foreground at airshow.

US Defense Firms Face Growing ITAR Hurdles in Europe

European countries are pushing for greater autonomy in defense procurement, seeking to buy, sell, and operate military systems without being bound by US export controls, specifically the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The ITAR "see-through rule" is a major pain point, allowing US regulators to track and control American-made components even when they're integrated into foreign-built systems.

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US Capitol building with people walking, hint of technology in the foreground.

Senate Targets Online Safety with Sweeping Bills on AI, Privacy

As social media giants face mounting criticism nationwide, a coalition of nearly 100 organizations is urging lawmakers to take bold action, arguing that current laws aren't doing enough to protect users' wellbeing. The Senate Commerce Committee is now taking a major step forward with a package of five bills aimed at overhauling online safety, privacy, and AI regulations.

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Senators and officials seated around a table, conveying concern and uncertainty.

Senators Warn of AI Security Risks from US Policy Unpredictability

US senators are warning that the unpredictable approach to AI security is undermining America's competitiveness and inadvertently driving businesses to adopt Chinese alternatives, which could create new security risks. This lack of clarity is prompting concerns that customers may be pushed towards less secure options.

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A sleek fighter jet engine model sits on a large wooden table in a high-security government meeting room.

India Advances Safran-GTRE Fighter Engine Venture to CCS Approval

India is poised to take a major leap in its defence capabilities as the proposed Safran-GTRE fighter engine venture advances to the final approval stage, with a likely clearance by the Cabinet Committee on Security before August 15, 2026. This high-stakes project has reached the prime minister-led CCS, which will make the final financial nod for the ambitious programme.

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Formal Senate committee room with empty chairs and podium, bathed in natural daylight.

Senate CR Rebuffs Pentagon Funding Requests

The White House had urged Congress to include a crucial funding exception, warning that without it, the Pentagon would be unable to start preparing for a vital ship construction project. But Senate appropriators surprisingly rejected the plea in their latest continuing resolution.

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Municipal water treatment plant interior with city skyline, staff working in background.

Trump Misattributes Water Sector Cyberattacks to Minnesota

President Trump sparked confusion by suggesting Minnesota was behind a series of cyberattacks on US water systems, calling the state grossly incompetent. But federal agencies and industry partners have actually attributed the attacks to other culprits - not Minnesota.

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Pentagon Moves to Ease Industry Burden on Critical Mineral Restrictions

The Pentagon is giving industries a break, offering a phased approach to ease restrictions on critical minerals sourced from China and other prohibited countries, with a deadline to adapt by early 2027. They're also pledging to collaborate with companies to ensure a smooth transition.

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Pentagon Tightens Rules on Critical Mineral Waivers

The Pentagon is tightening its rules on critical mineral waivers, following President Trump's executive order aimed at securing America's defense supply chains and prioritizing domestic acquisition of critical materials. This move closes a loophole that previously allowed the Pentagon to bypass restrictions on buying strategic materials from certain countries.

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Empty chairs face a podium with papers and electronic devices in a regulatory office.

FCC Blocks Foreign Robots, Inverters Citing Cyber Risks

The FCC has taken a major step to safeguard US cybersecurity by adding foreign-made mobile robots and power inverters to its Covered List, effectively blocking their import, marketing, and sale in the country due to potential cyber risks. This move won't impact existing devices or previously authorized models, but it does set a new standard for protecting American consumers and infrastructure.

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Government officials gather at a podium in a formal courthouse interior.

Russia Charges Telegram's Durov for Aiding Terrorist Activity

Russia's Federal Security Service has charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with aiding terrorist activity, alleging the platform enabled Ukrainian special services and extremist groups to plan sabotage, terrorism, and cyber-fraud within Russia. Durov has been placed on the international wanted list.

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Clayton Confirmed as National Intelligence Director

Jay Clayton has been confirmed as the National Intelligence Director, vowing to tackle the tough task of steadying an intelligence community in turmoil, with a clear-eyed focus on the critical link between national security and economic stability. As the new head of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Clayton will oversee the nation's 18 intelligence agencies and serve as President Trump's top intelligence adviser.

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Diverse group meets around table with laptops and papers, surrounded by flags and defense emblems.

Australia's Defence Industry Seeks Allies to Bolster Resilience

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy highlights a key hurdle in bolstering defence industry resilience: cutting through bureaucratic red tape to facilitate risk-taking and seamless IP transfer between nations.

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Government official examines defense-related display in formal briefing room.

US Commerce Speeds Defense Sales Advocacy Amid Global Competition

US Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade William Kimmitt reveals that US defense firms are facing fierce competition from European and Asian rivals as they vie for a slice of the growing global defense market. With Europe's rising defense budgets, Kimmitt is rallying industry input to pinpoint key opportunities and give top picks a boost.

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