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☆ More than 360 new UFO cases have been reported to U.S. intelligence agencies since March 2021
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Amanda Macias | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

"The aerial phenomena observed in the videos remain characterized as 'unidentified,' the Pentagon said in a statement. WASHINGTON – The top U.S. spy agency said Thursday 366 new cases of unidentified aerial phenomena have been reported to U.S. intelligence agencies since March 2021. In 2020, the Pentagon formed a new task force to investigate UFO sightings that have been observed on several occasions by U.S. military aircraft. The creation of the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force, or UAPTF, continues an effort begun in recent years to investigate unexplained aerial incidents encountered by the U.S. military. The U.S. Navy has previously led efforts to look into unidentified aerial phenomena since the service branch has reported several encounters involving their aircraft.

☆ Former US Navy fighter pilot explains why TOPGUN fines aviators $5 each time they quote the iconic 1986 film 'Top Gun' starring Tom Cruise
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-02 | by ( Ryan Pickrell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The US Navy's premiere fighter pilot training school, commonly known as TOPGUN, fines people for various infractions. At the Navy's decades-old tactical air combat training center commonly known as TOPGUN, there are fines for various infractions. Any quote from the iconic 1986 film "Top Gun" starring Tom Cruise as the hotshot naval aviator Lt. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell will cost you $5, former fighter pilot and TOPGUN instructor Cmdr. Decades later, the school, since relocated to Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada, is still producing some of the world's top combat aviators. He is a TOPGUN graduate and former instructor, as well as a retired naval aviator who flew combat missions overseas.

☆ Congress Boosts Funding to Stockpile Key Metals, Battery Ingredients
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-31 | by ( Katy Stech Ferek | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

WASHINGTON—The U.S. defense stockpile for hard-to-get metals and lithium-ion battery ingredients is getting a $1 billion boost from Congress, as tensions escalate with China and Russia—with both nations the source of some key minerals. The money was included in the National Defense Authorization Act, signed Dec. 23 by President Biden. The funding is just one component of the NDAA, which sets military service members’ pay and directs the Department of Defense which ships, airplanes and weapons to buy, among other initiatives.

☆ Putin took cancer drugs that warped his decision-making on Ukraine, Danish intel says, reviving disputed theories about his health
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( Joshua Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A Danish intelligence official said Putin was taking thyroid-cancer drugs in February 2022. He told Danish media the drugs can cause "delusions of grandeur" and may have warped his thinking. The claim was reported by the Danish newspaper Berlingske based on an interview with the head of the Russia analysis team for its national defense intelligence agency, Forsvarets Efterretningstjeneste (FE). He told the newspaper that Putin was taking hormones to treat thyroid cancer in February 2022, and that it likely affected his mental capacity. The Danish official also spoke to Berlingske in guarded language, asserting that reports of Putin having had thyroid cancer were "definitely a good bet."

☆ Taiwan's remote islands are on the frontline with China — sometimes only a few hundred yards from Chinese troops
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-28 | by ( Benjamin Brimelow | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Taiwan is roughly 100 miles from mainland China, but some Taiwanese islands are much closer. Taiwan's outlying islands would stand little chance against China, but they wouldn't be easy to take. While celebrated, this year's anniversary was also a reminder of Taiwan's islands' growing vulnerability to Chinese attack. Taiwan's islands are much easier to reach. Tourists watch a Chinese military helicopter fly over Pingtan Island, one of mainland China's closest points to Taiwan, on August 4.

☆ Taiwan to Extend Mandatory Military Service in Face of Chinese Pressure
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-27 | by ( Joyu Wang | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said, ‘Peace depends on national defense, and national defense depends on the whole population.’TAIPEI—Taiwan will extend mandatory military service for male citizens, a one-time political taboo that morphed into an imperative in the face of growing Chinese aggression and intensifying competition between Washington and Beijing. Conscription will increase from the current four months to a full year starting in 2024, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said at a press conference in Taipei on Tuesday.

☆ The US military is planning for a 'transformative' year in Asia as tensions with China continue to rise
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-27 | by ( Christopher Woody | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Amid rising tensions with China, the US military has sought to bolster its presence in Asia. US forces there may see the "most transformative year" in a generation in 2023, a US official said. Major changes to the US military presence in Asia face logistical and political hurdles, however. Other countries have sought more training with the US military or, in the case of Palau, to host US forces. There are opportunities for the US "to expand its access and deepen relationships" in both Northeast and Southeast Asia, said Thompson, a former US Defense Department official, but US leaders will have to reckon with the limits of those partnerships, especially in Southeast Asia.

☆ Privacy and crypto will likely lead tech policy under split Congress as hope for passing ambitious antitrust reforms dwindles
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-27 | by ( Lauren Feiner | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

After what started as a hopeful year for tech policy, the 117th Congress is about to close out its term with many key efforts tabled. That's the case with privacy legislation, where a bill proposed this year gained bipartisan support, passing out of a House committee with a near-unanimous vote. The pair blamed the bills' failure to advance on intense lobbying efforts by the tech industry against them. One prominent bipartisan bill in the Senate would put the CFTC in charge. "But the importance of tech policy issues will still be strong."

☆ China sends 71 warplanes and 7 ships toward Taiwan in 24 hours
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-26 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

TAIPEI, Taiwan — China’s military sent 71 planes and seven ships toward Taiwan in a 24-hour display of force directed at the island, Taiwan’s defense ministry said Monday, after China expressed anger at Taiwan-related provisions in a U.S. annual defense spending bill passed on Saturday. Among the planes China sent toward Taiwan were 18 J-16 fighter jets, 11 J-1 fighters, 6 Su-30 fighters and drones. Shi was referring to the U.S. defense spending bill, which calls China a strategic challenge. China’s military has often used large military exercises as a demonstration of force in response to U.S. government actions in support of Taiwan. It conducted large live-fire military exercises in August in response to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.

☆ Trials, pardons, prison time: How Trump's legal woes could play out and what it means for 2024
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-26 | by ( Sonam Sheth | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +15 min

The warrant also indicated that the Justice Department was investigating whether Trump violated three federal laws, including the Espionage Act, related to the handling of national security information. Here are some possibilities:The investigations conclude with no charges filedIn the US's 250-year history, no ex-commander in chief has ever faced criminal charges. In all, the former president, if convicted, would be facing up to 33 years of incarceration, according to legal experts. That begs the question: If Trump is charged, convicted, and winds up in prison, can he still run for president in 2024? He made headlines during his presidency for wondering why he couldn't have "my guys" at the "Trump Justice Department" do his bidding.

☆ China expresses "resolute opposition" to U.S. defense act - statement
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

SHANGHAI, Dec 24 (Reuters) - China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday expressed "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" towards the U.S. National Defense Authozisation Act, which was signed into law by U.S. President Biden the day before. China considers Taiwan its territory and has never renounced using to force to bring the island under its control. The bill also contained an amendment restricting U.S. government purchases of products using computer chips made by a specific group of Chinese companies. "The case ignores the facts to exaggerate a 'China threat', wantonly interferes in China's internal affairs, and attacks and smears the Chinese Communist Party, which are serious political provocations to China," the ministry wrote. Reporting by Josh Horwitz; Editing by Edmund KlamannOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ U.S. House passes $1.7 trillion bill funding federal government through September, sending it to Biden
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-23 | by ( Christina Wilkie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) addresses reporters during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, July 29, 2022. The funding measure passed the U.S. Senate on Thursday by a vote of 68-29. It is also the final major achievement in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's speakership. By passing the federal spending package when she did, Pelosi ensured that government funding levels would be set in stone while Democrats still controlled the House. These guaranteed funding levels include $44.9 billion in military, humanitarian and economic aid for Ukraine.

☆ 2 Turkish military planes that got stuck in Ukraine when Russia attacked 10 months ago are finally home
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-22 | by ( Rebecca Cohen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Two Turkish military planes that have been stuck in Ukraine for 10 months finally returned home. The crews stuck with the planes also reunited with their families after months away in Ukraine. According to Turkey's Ministry of National Defense, the planes were first sent to Ukraine to provide humanitarian aid and evacuate any Turkish citizens in the country. Photos and videos posted to Twitter by Turkey's Ministry of National Defense show the jets touching down in their home country. According to the Ministry of National Defense, the planes arrived at the Kayseri Erkilet International Airport on Tuesday.

☆ Why North Korea’s missile tests are going higher and further
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +14 min

North Korea missiles Stronger, faster, higher North Korea has made steady progress in expanding its missile programme, developing weapons that can strike across the globe - or hit critical targets closer to home. North Korea has forged ahead in developing ballistic missiles, testing new capabilities, honing existing weapons and putting them into service. Like most North Korean long-range ballistic missile tests, both ICBMs were fired on lofted trajectories. Trajectories of some of North Korea’s long-range missile testsNuclear warheads South Korea and the United States have warned since early 2022 that North Korea may resume nuclear testing for the first time since 2017. Same missiles, different locationsAmong North Korea's ballistic missiles, SRBMs appear to be the most likely to be deployed, Panda said.

☆ Dem. Senator Joe Manchin dodges question on whether he plans to change parties: 'I'll let you know later what I decide to do'
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Kenneth Niemeyer | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Sen. Joe Manchin dodged questions about whether he will remain in the Democratic party. "I'll let you know later what I decide to do," Manchin told Margaret Brennan on CBS "Face the Nation." Brennan then asked Manchin if he saw any value in becoming an Independent and not being affiliated with a political party. "Now, I'll let you know later what I decide to do. Manchin's comments follow Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema's announcement earlier this month that she will leave the Democratic Party and register as an independent.

☆ Senate sends Biden military bill that would lift Covid vaccine mandate for troops and authorize more Ukraine funding
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Zoë Richards | Zoë Richards Is The Evening Politics Reporter For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

The Senate passed a massive military policy bill Thursday that would direct the Defense Department to lift a Covid vaccination mandate for service members and authorize $858 billion in defense spending. The National Defense Authorization Act, the annual bill that authorizes Pentagon spending and policies, cleared the Senate in an 83-11 vote. The bipartisan bill would authorize funding for Taiwan and Ukraine and a 4.6% pay increase for troops. It also would do away with the military vaccination mandate, a Republican priority. A GOP-backed amendment that pushed for scrapping the vaccination mandate immediately instead of waiting several weeks failed to meet the 60-vote threshold needed for adoption in the Senate.

The Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act, named for the son of a federal judge who was fatally shot in 2020, was attached to the annual must-pass defense policy bill that the Senate endorsed 83-11. The defense bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week and now heads to President Joe Biden for his signature. The judicial security measure, which the federal judiciary backed, had long languished in Congress before its supporters were able to tack it on to the National Defense Authorization Act. The measure remained in the 4,000-plus page defense bill despite criticism from public interest groups who say it could chill free speech and undermine efforts to scrutinize judges' conflicts of interest. Sponsors of the bill, including Senator Bob Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, say it is narrowly tailored to protect judges.

☆ U.S. Senate passes record $858 billion defense act, sending bill to Biden
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Patricia Zengerle | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Joshua Roberts/File PhotoWASHINGTON, Dec 15 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate passed legislation on Thursday authorizing a record $858 billion in annual defense spending, $45 billion more than proposed by President Joe Biden, and rescinding the military's COVID vaccine mandate. Senators supported the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, an annual must-pass bill setting policy for the Pentagon, by an overwhelming 83-11 bipartisan majority. AID FOR TAIWAN, UKRAINE AND JUDGESBecause it is one of the few major bills that always passes, lawmakers use the NDAA as a vehicle for a range of initiatives. A bid to amend the bill to award back pay and reinstate troops who refused the vaccine failed. A bill to fund the government through Sept. 30, 2023, - the end of the fiscal year - is expected to pass Congress next week.

☆ NDAA: What’s in the $858 Billion Defense Policy Bill
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Katy Stech Ferek | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The bill would provide a 4.6% pay raise for soldiers and raise the housing allowance by 2%. Senate lawmakers are expected to pass a $858 billion defense policy bill that authorizes U.S. military leaders to purchase new weapons and increase pay for troops. The 4,408-page National Defense Authorization Act contains hundreds of smaller policy proposals as lawmakers steer top Defense Department officials toward key priorities. What does the NDAA do on pay raises for troops? The bill would approve a 4.6% pay raise for military service members and Defense Department civilians, and increase the housing allowance for service members by 2%.

☆ Senate to Vote on $858 Billion Defense-Policy Bill
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Katy Stech Ferek | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Sen. Chuck Schumer said lawmakers could vote later Thursday on the National Defense Authorization Act. WASHINGTON—Senate lawmakers are preparing to vote on a $858 billion defense policy bill as early as Thursday and could consider measures that would speed up environmental reviews of major energy projects and reinstate military members who were fired for refusing the Covid-19 vaccine. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) said that lawmakers could vote later in the day on the National Defense Authorization Act, which would increase America’s total national security budget by roughly 10% from last year’s $778 billion authorization bill.

☆ Senate Passes $858 Billion Defense-Policy Bill and Stopgap Spending Fix
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Katy Stech Ferek | Natalie Andrews | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

WASHINGTON—The Senate passed a bipartisan $858 billion defense-policy bill on Thursday that authorizes U.S. military leaders to purchase new weapons, increases pay for service members and ends the Pentagon’s Covid-19 vaccine mandate, checking a major item off Congress’s year-end to-do list. Lawmakers voted 83-11 to pass the annual National Defense Authorization Act, which would increase America’s total national security budget by roughly 10% from last year’s $778 billion authorization bill. The proposal, which typically draws strong bipartisan support, needed at least 60 votes to pass the Senate.

☆ Senate Passes $858 Billion Defense-Policy Bill
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Katy Stech Ferek | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

WASHINGTON—The Senate passed an $858 billion defense-policy bill on Thursday that authorizes U.S. military leaders to purchase new weapons and would increase pay for service members, checking a major item off Congress’s year-end to-do list. Lawmakers voted 83-11 to pass the annual National Defense Authorization Act, which would increase America’s total national security budget by roughly 10% from last year’s $778 billion authorization bill. The proposal, which typically draws strong bipartisan support, needed at least 60 votes to pass the Senate.

☆ Senate Closes in on $858 Billion Defense-Policy Bill Vote
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Katy Stech Ferek | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

WASHINGTON—Senate lawmakers worked to finalize plans for a vote on a $858 billion defense policy bill Thursday, and the chamber could consider measures that would speed up environmental reviews of major energy projects and reinstate military members who were fired for refusing the Covid-19 vaccine. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) said that lawmakers could vote later in the day on the National Defense Authorization Act, which would increase America’s total national security budget roughly 10% from last year’s $778 billion authorization bill. But there was late wrangling on changes sought by some lawmakers over provisions that had been left out of the 4,408-page legislation, including a cap on fees for lawyers representing military members who drank tainted water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

Former President Donald Trump speaks on May 28, 2022 in Casper, Wyoming. Donald Trump on Thursday announced a series of aggressive and ambitious proposals to undo what he characterized as the suppression of free speech in the United States if he is elected president in 2024. Among other things, Trump vowed to "ban federal money from being used to label domestic speech as 'mis-' or 'dis-information,'" including federal subsidies and student loan support for universities. "When I'm president, this whole rotten system of censorship and information control will be ripped out of the system at large. Trump and other right-wing figures have for years claimed they are the victims of efforts to limit their speech by purported "deep-state" actors, mainstream media outlets and social media companies.

☆ Japan may build 2 huge warships to counter the growing missile threat from North Korea
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Benjamin Brimelow | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

That has led Japan to examine its missile defense, which relies on specially designed warships. The launches have forced Japan to examine its unique ballistic-missile defense system, which relies heavily on specially equipped warships to intercept incoming missiles. US Missile Defense Agency/Heather CavaliereJapan began developing its current BMD system in 2004. US Navy/MCS3 Quinton A. LeeThe Aegis-equipped BMD ships are the most important part of Japan's BMD system. US Navy/MCS Seaman Aleksandr FreutelThere are advantages to relying on maritime-based platforms for missile defense.

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