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Government & Policy

Rows of stacked military equipment and supplies in a shipping yard under bright daylight.

US Arms Deliveries to Allies Hit by Bottleneck

The US has given Taiwan a confusing runaround, offering four conflicting explanations in May for the delay of a $14 billion package of Patriot PAC-3 interceptors and NASAMS systems. The mixed messages have left Taiwan wondering what's really behind the hold-up.

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Formal congressional hearing room with podium, empty and bathed in natural daylight.

Congress Averts Defense Funding Disruption

This resolution is a big win for defense, ensuring that current weapons programs stay on track and that troops and civilians get the pay they deserve. By extending funding to December 11, Congress has bought itself some time to iron out budget details and avoid a costly disruption.

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Workers stand near a crate of shrimp at a Honduran port, looking concerned under a daytime sky.

Latin America Rebalances China Ties

Honduras's diplomatic shift towards China in 2023 came with a hefty price tag: its shrimp exporters lost access to Taiwan, resulting in plummeting sales, shuttered businesses, and thousands of job losses. The economic fallout has sparked domestic backlash, with the Honduran congress launching probes into Chinese business activities.

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A man in a formal suit stands confidently at a podium in a well-lit room with tall windows and a subtle emblem in the…

Trump Taps Cao to Lead Navy Amidst Leadership Void

President Trump has announced his intention to nominate Hung Cao, a seasoned warrior and current acting Navy secretary, as the next Secretary of the Navy, calling him the perfect candidate to lead the department. Trump urged the Senate to confirm Cao ASAP, saying he's the best person to keep the Navy and Marine Corps at the top of their game.

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Partially constructed data centre facility in regional Australia's rolling hills, with construction equipment on a large…

Australia's Data Centre Siting Conundrum Precedes Power Puzzle

Australia's national cabinet recently discussed the country's data centre power puzzle, but surprisingly overlooked a crucial issue - where these facilities should be built. The meeting's focus on energy, water, and land-use standards missed the harder question of ideal locations for these critical infrastructure projects.

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Leaders of Pacific Island nations meet at a formal forum in Palau.

China Retreats from Pacific Threats After Unified Resistance

China's tough talk was noticeably absent at the Pacific Islands Forum, where its envoy Qian Bo had initially warned of consequences, but instead delivered a muted message of unity. The scaled-back statement came after a show of unified resistance from Pacific leaders.

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US Capitol building in daytime with lawmakers in background, gavel and bills on desk foreground.

Congress Passes Stopgap Bill to Avert Government Shutdown

Congress has breathed a sigh of relief, avoiding a government shutdown just in time, by passing a stopgap bill that keeps federal funding at current levels through December 11. This continuing resolution buys time until after the November elections, putting the threat of a shutdown on hold.

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US Capitol interior with lawmakers in background and documents in foreground.

Congress Averts Shutdown, Funds Defense Programs Through December

Congress has breathed a sigh of relief, avoiding a shutdown by passing a defense funding bill that will keep federal funding in place through December 11. The bill, which sailed through the House with a 370-48 vote, ensures that current defense programs, including vital weapons initiatives, will continue to receive funding at fiscal 2026 levels.

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Government office setting with papers on a table and a blurred seal in the background, a person sits or stands in a neutral…

Tina Peters Withdraws from Shasta County Election Role Amid Backlash

Tina Peters has withdrawn from any potential role in Shasta County's election efforts, clarifying that she never officially accepted a position despite earlier hints of involvement. Her statement, released through her attorney, emphasized her broader concerns about election integrity across the US.

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Naval officer interacts with modern computer workstation on ship's bridge.

Navy Bolsters Mission Resilience with Measured Modernization

At the Department of the Navy, modernization isn't just about adopting new tech - it's about bolstering mission readiness and ensuring seamless performance. By upgrading with care, the Navy can deliver new capabilities without disrupting critical operations.

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Diverse group of people gathered around a table with laptops and tablets in a bright community center.

Democratic Tech Models Proliferate Globally

Explore real-world examples of democratic technologies in action, from Japan's Team Mirai to Scotland's civic AI initiatives, in a fascinating series of essays on The Renovator. Get inspired by four case studies that showcase the power of tech in promoting democracy and civic engagement worldwide.

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Formal office desk and chair with government building view.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll Resigns Amid Strained Pentagon Ties

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is stepping down from his role after serving for less than two years, sparking a new chapter for the Department of the Army. His departure comes amid reports of strained ties with the Pentagon and a conversation with President Trump about the Army's future.

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Formal government building with flags and seal in background, vacant podium in foreground.

Hegseth's Purge Prompts Army Secretary Driscoll's Resignation

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has resigned amid a heated clash with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Army's transformation and readiness, marking a significant shake-up in the military's top leadership. Driscoll's departure follows a public feud over who should lead the effort to reshape the Army.

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Japanese defense industry facility with production lines and stockpiles of equipment.

Japan's Defense Budget Request Signals Shift to High-Tech Warfare

Japan's Ministry of Defense is shaking things up with a bold new budget request of 8.9 trillion yen, focusing on building a robust defense infrastructure that's as much about factories and stockpiles as it is about cutting-edge jets and missiles. The proposal includes around 160 unfunded items, hinting at an even bigger price tag to come.

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Australian and New Zealand officials meet on a dock with a naval ship in the background.

Australia Revitalizes ANZUS Alliance with New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand are revitalizing their historic ANZUS alliance, bringing a crucial security partnership back to the forefront of their bilateral relationship after decades of dormancy. This renewed focus marks a significant shift, as the two nations strengthen their trans-Tasman ties.

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Military personnel work together in a high-tech command center with a large screen displaying a map of the Asia-Pacific…

Japan Pursues Extended-Range Missiles in Record $55B Defense Budget

Japan's defense ministry is pushing the boundaries of its military capabilities with a record-breaking $55.6 billion budget proposal, aimed at bolstering its defense systems with cutting-edge tech. The 8.89 trillion yen request, covering the next fiscal year, sets a new high bar for Japan's defense spending.

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Pacific Island leaders gather around a large table in a formal conference setting with tropical plants and ocean views.

China Asserts Influence at Pacific Islands Forum

Leaders from across the Pacific have gathered in Koror, Palau, for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Meeting, united by a bold vision to build stronger economies and transform lives. With nearly 30% of the world's exclusive economic zones lying beneath the Pacific's waves, the stakes are high for creating jobs, infrastructure, and opportunities that can overcome the region's unique challenges.

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Flags of various nations stand arranged in a semicircle in a formal diplomatic setting with daylight shining through a…

Shanghai Cooperation Organization Grapples with Internal Tensions

As the Shanghai Cooperation Organization celebrates 25 years, its impressive trade growth - intra-SCO trade hit $725 billion in 2024, up from $463 billion in 2021 - belies internal tensions and security challenges that threaten its future. Can the SCO overcome its rivalries and deliver on its promise, or will its achievements remain largely symbolic?

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US Capitol building interior with lawmakers, blending old and modern architecture in natural daylight.

Congress Faces Crucial Defense Spending Decisions

As Congress heads back to Washington, a pressing agenda awaits - specifically, crucial defense spending decisions that will shape the nation's security and priorities. The House and Senate will face big defense spending priorities when they reconvene in September.

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Formal congressional hearing room with lawmakers seated at a long table, surrounded by empty chairs, under natural daylight.

Congress Wrestles with $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget

The Pentagon is seeking a historic $1.5 trillion defense budget, but faces an uphill battle on Capitol Hill as Congress juggles multiple complex bills. A solid budget resolution is crucial, with Sen. Jack Reed saying it would put lawmakers in a much better position to move forward.

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Australian and Indonesian officials shake hands in a formal meeting room.

Australia and Indonesia Fortify Ties with Deepened Security Cooperation

Australia and Indonesia are taking their partnership to the next level with a strengthened security cooperation that's set to benefit future generations of both nations. Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the significance of this deepened relationship, which is being turned into actionable plans through a crucial Implementation Arrangement.

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Formal government briefing room with podium and subtle emblem on neutral background.

Pentagon Pushes for LaNeve Confirmation Amid Senate Hesitation

The Pentagon is ramping up efforts to confirm General Christopher LaNeve as the Army's Chief of Staff, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praising LaNeve as exactly the leader the US Army needs. The department is working closely with Senate partners to find the perfect moment to submit LaNeve's nomination.

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Middle-aged man sits at desk in government office, surrounded by papers and documents.

California Election Official Taps Convicted Felon as Consultant

Shasta County registrar Clint Curtis revealed that he's offered a consulting role to Tina Peters, a convicted felon, to help oversee California's 2026 midterm elections, but she's yet to agree due to concerns about potential roadblocks and ensuring everything is above board.

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Officials in professional attire gather around a table in a formal meeting setting.

Interpol Disrupts West African Cybercrime Networks, Arrests 58

In a major crackdown on cybercrime, Interpol's Operation Jackal IV has dismantled West African cybercrime networks, snagging 58 arrests and identifying 263 suspects across 22 countries. This eight-month sting operation dealt a significant blow to money laundering and cyber-enabled fraud.

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