Science & Tech

Air Force debuts pilotless cargo flights in the Pacific

The service incorporated remotely-operated flights into its massive REFORPAC exercise as it aims to make cargo flights cheaper.

Threats

The big threat left out of Xi’s parade: China’s weaponized AI startups

After militarizing civilian ships, China’s doing the same with dual-use AI companies.

Ideas

The National Defense Strategy still matters. Let’s get it right

There is no substitute for comprehensive written guidance that outlines an administration’s vision for national defense.

Policy

Report: Federal agencies have deployed nearly 33,000 employees to assist ICE

Only around 15% of employees working on immigration enforcement are full-time immigration enforcement staff.

Policy

DC sues Trump over 'military occupation' by National Guardsmen

The suit was filed one day after a federal judge declared illegal Trump’s use of military personnel for law enforcement in LA.

Business

The jets were late. Lockheed got on-time bonuses anyway

After nearly 20 years of F-35 production, the program continues to “overpromise and underdeliver,” GAO said.

Science & Tech

Oak Ridge is using diamonds to marry quantum, classical computers

Can the world's hardest mineral help move quantum/classical networks from conceptual pilots to a real capability?

Policy

Shortly after laying off hundreds, State hires new class of foreign service staff

The firing-hiring combo is "the definition of wasteful government spending,” according to one staffer.

Policy

Judge rules against Trump's Guard deployments, warns of 'national police force'

The ruling from a senior U.S. District Court judge is an obstacle to sending more National Guard troops into U.S. cities.

Policy

Space Command HQ will move to Alabama, Trump says

Colorado’s use of mail-in voting influenced his decision, he said.

Business

Space Force goes commercial for space domain awareness

Nearly 150 companies are vying for a spot in the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program, a top official says.

Exclusive Policy

Military support to law enforcement is supposed to be temporary. DOD is making it a core mission

“Sealing the border,” helping ICE, and counter-drug ops top the list, according to Pentagon documents.