US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to reduce dependence on China for defense-related critical minerals, directing military contractors to shift supply chains away from Beijing-linked sources by January 2027, citing national security in an era of great power competition.
Japanese logistics firm AZ-COM Maruwa Holdings plans to use JPYC, a yen-denominated stablecoin, for payments to 2,300 business partners, marking a significant corporate adoption in Japan for faster, fee-free transactions.
Lockheed Martin announced plans to develop and manufacture a new air defense weapon with US and European partners, with initial production expected within 36 months, capitalizing on Europe's rearmament boom fueled by the war in Ukraine.
The 2026 World Cup final featured a controversial extended half-time show and various pre-match musical acts, including Post Malone, IShowSpeed, Jennifer Hudson, and Robbie Williams. The main half-time performance by Madonna, BTS, Shakira, Burna Boy, and Coldplay was deemed a comparative triumph despite a low bar.
The article argues against calls to "move on" from Trump-era policies without accountability, specifically for ICE, citing recent killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero. It advocates for abolishing ICE, prosecuting its personnel, and resisting attempts to forget the victims.
Swift chicks are feared to have been destroyed during house renovations in Jarrow, South Tyneside, despite legal protections for nesting birds. A local wildlife rescue centre is caring for a single surviving swiftlet, while the council investigates the incident.
The US government is letting a data center regulation expire, CISA urges agencies to fix security bugs rapidly due to AI threats, Meta contractors posed as teens to test rival chatbots, and DOJ lawyers argue xAI is vital for national security. Buying used iPhones and home batteries are also discussed.
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has urged the Indian government to increase import duties on commercial tractors and prime movers to 40%. SIAM claims current low duties allow cheaper imports from China, threatening domestic manufacturers' investments in new technologies and EV tractors.
Nato member states launched new defence initiatives at the Ankara summit to enhance weapons development and supply chains, addressing security challenges from Russia and China. A multinational project involving 12 nations will focus on acquiring, storing, and managing defence-critical raw materials.
A devastating landslide near a tunnel construction site in Wayanad, India, has claimed at least three lives, with rescue operations ongoing for the missing. Political leaders expressed grief and pledged support, while the state government alleged ignored safety warnings, sparking a row over potential negligence.
Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally, stated that police raided contractors who had worked for him. This comes as Bardella is expected to be named the party's candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Meta hired contractors to impersonate teenagers, testing how rival chatbots (e.g., Gemini, ChatGPT) respond to discussions on suicide, sex, and drugs, as revealed by WIRED.
Meta contractors, managed by Covalen, posed as minors online to test competitor chatbots (ChatGPT, Gemini, Character.AI) with high-risk prompts involving suicide, sex, and eating disorders, raising ethical and legal concerns.
British American Tobacco (BAT) announces 5,500 job cuts and 3,500 outsourced positions worldwide, aiming to save £600 million annually by 2028, as it transitions towards smokeless products amidst declining traditional smoking sales.
Almost 9% of UK government spending on contractors (c. £24.4bn) went to private equity-controlled companies in 2025, raising concerns over profit-driven management of public services like healthcare, transport, and waste management
A draft resolution by the UN-sanctioned Board of Peace, led by Donald Trump, proposes broad legal immunity for its members and affiliates in Gaza, including immunity from arrest, detention, or legal proceedings. The draft also allows the Board to obtain public property in Gaza "free of charge", raising concerns over accountability, potential abuses, and legal authority.
US-Israel strikes on Iran, causing energy price hikes and trade disruption, have led to significant profits for energy firms, defense contractors, freight/insurance companies, and Wall Street banks, despite ongoing ceasefire talks in Switzerland aimed at easing global economic pain.
CEOs of Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Honeywell met President Trump at the White House to discuss ramping up weapons production. This push follows U.S. military operations in Iran and aims to replenish stockpiles, reassure allies, and address supply chain constraints.
Queensland's Treasurer David Janetzki aims to prevent a credit rating downgrade despite a budget deficit and projected borrowings exceeding $200bn in three years. The budget forecasts a surplus in 2029-30, after years of deficits, boosted by higher coal royalties.
President Trump is convening top Pentagon officials and defense industry leaders to accelerate missile and munitions production, aiming to replenish US arsenals depleted by the Iran conflict. A tentative agreement exists for Patriot and Tomahawk missiles, pending Congressional funding approval.
Babcock International's annual profits dropped nearly 20% due to a £140m charge on its Royal Navy Type 31 frigate contract. The company cited Brexit, Covid, rising material costs, and labor shortages as reasons for increased costs and a loss-making contract.
China has imposed export controls on 10 US defense and rare earths companies and banned government procurement of products from 46 other US firms, escalating economic tensions. This move is a direct response to the US expanding its blacklist of Chinese companies.
China has imposed export controls on 10 US defense and rare earths companies and banned government procurement of products from 46 US firms, escalating economic tensions. This move is a direct response to the US expanding its blacklist of Chinese companies.
Donald Trump announced the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool will likely be drained for repairs due to algae blooms and peeling paint following a recent $14.2m renovation. He blamed vandalism for the issues, claiming several arrests were made, including Olympian David Hearn.
