Trump admin axes ‘Quiet Skies’ traveler surveillance program — which ‘failed to stop a single terrorist attack’ / NY Post
Government officials have pulled the plug on the controversial “Quiet Skies” traveler surveillance program—a move decried for its ineffectiveness and potential politicization. Citing its failure to stop even a single terror attack, the administration’s decision marks a definitive end to a program once mired in Obama-era policies.
permalink / 3 stories from sources in 1 hour ago #security #defense #dhs #government
Official Says It Will Cost Under $400 Million to Turn Plane From Qatar Into Air Force One / The Epoch Times
Officials confirmed that a Qatari jet, received as a gift, is set to be transformed into Air Force One with an estimated retrofit cost of under $400 million. The planned conversion represents a strategic and economical update in presidential air transport without reaching billion‐dollar price levels.
permalink / 2 stories from sources in 6 hours ago #military #airlines #defense #budgetcuts
NATO nears 5% defense spending target amid rising security challenges
NATO appears poised to embrace a 5% defense spending target as geopolitical pressures mount. U.S. officials and alliance members stress that achieving this benchmark is vital for maintaining credibility and ensuring collective security. Discussions ahead of the summit underscore a broader commitment to strengthening military readiness amid escalating global threats.
permalink / 3 stories from sources in 13 hours ago #military #security #defense
Karen Read defense gets boost as plow driver testifies he saw no body in snow during Boston cop death case / NY Post
In a twist to the Boston cop death case, the defense for Karen Read received a surprising boost when a plow driver testified that he saw no body in the snow—a detail that sharply undercuts the prosecution's narrative. This unexpected testimony has left legal experts scratching their heads over the murkiness of the incident.
permalink / 2 stories from sources in 19 hours ago #crime #safety #legal #defense
Trump nominates seasoned military leaders to head vital global commands / Fox News
President Trump is reshaping U.S. military leadership by nominating seasoned officials to head crucial commands including U.S. Central Command and AFRICOM. These appointments underline his administration’s strategic shifts in global defense operations, promising significant impact in volatile regions.
permalink / 2 stories from sources in 27 hours ago #trump #national-security-council #military #defense
Navy ship named after Harvey Milk to be renamed under Hegseth order / OANN
A Pentagon directive mandates a naval ship, originally named in honor of gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk, be renamed. The decision, part of a broader rebranding effort, has drawn both incredulous raised eyebrows and wry commentary from those used to longstanding military traditions amidst shifting cultural standards.
permalink / 3 stories from sources in 36 hours ago #military #politics #california #defense
Defense requests end to shackles on murder suspect in high-profile case
In a courtroom twist that has raised eyebrows, defense attorney Luigi Mangione is urging the judge to remove what he deems excessive restraints on a murder suspect tied to a UnitedHealthcare CEO case. Labeling his client a “model prisoner,” the defense argues that the shackles and bulletproof vest constitute undue punishment, igniting a debate over courtroom decorum.
permalink / 2 stories from sources in 2 days ago #crime #legal #federal-courts #defense
UK Defense Overhaul Signals New Military Upswing
In a significant shake-up, British leaders announced an ambitious defense upgrade that includes building new nuclear-powered attack submarines and ramping up war-fighting readiness. The move is designed to counter contemporary threats and send a resolute message internationally, though some might argue it’s a belated response.
permalink / 5 stories from sources in 3 days ago #national-security-council #military #security #defense