Short-Term Funding Measure Would Avert Govt. Shutdown
The White House has asked Congress to pass a short-term funding measure to keep the government operating after the current budget year ends September 30. Seven of 10 voters polled in a Peter G. Peterson Foundation’s survey said they were concerned there will be a shutdown because Congress will be unable to reach an agreement on a new budget. Voters are increasingly concerned about the economic damage created by political brinksmanship and the interruption of government services.
2 Very Different Films on Ukraine
“The Witness,” a Russian-sponsored film about a visiting Belgian musician caught in the February 2022 start of war tells of atrocities committed by Ukrainians. It premiered at home earlier this month. Sean Penn, in 2021, intended to tell how a superstar comedian became the president of Ukraine, but got caught February 2022 by the invasion. It changed the film “Superpower,” which is due to begin streaming in September.
US Set to Train Ukrainian F-16 Pilots
The Pentagon said that the US will begin training Ukrainian F-16 pilots within the next few months. Following English language training for pilots, F-16 flying training is expected to begin in October at Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, AZ, facilitated by the Air National Guard’s 162nd Wing.
Americans Urged to Leave Belarus Now
The Biden administration has urged US citizens in Belarus to depart the country immediately and warned against travel there in a statement published Monday. The US Embassy in Minsk advises leaving by plane or one of the remaining open border crossings with Latvia or Lithuania, the latter closed to such crossings earlier this month.
Navy, Army, Corps All Without Chiefs
With the retirement of ADM Mike Gilday, chief of naval operations, the US Navy becomes the third services branch — along with the Marine Corps and Army — to be operating without a Senate-confirmed chief.
Tuberville Holding Up Your Raise?
Military Times wants to hear from troops whose promotions are held up by Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s (R-AL) protest of the Pentagon granting medical leave for abortions unavailable in states where troops are posted. More than 300 military promotions are currently stalled. Military Times offers anonymity for responses.
Teams of Hackers Take On a US Satellite
International teams of hackers were competing over the weekend to remotely seize control of SpaceX satellite Moonlighter. The Hack-a-Sat contest was part of a cybersecurity convention taking place in Las Vegas, NV.
US Promises Money for K-12 Cyber Defense
A surge in ransomware and other malicious cyber threats to K-12 schools and libraries prompts the Biden Administration to focus hundreds of millions of dollars from government and industry on the problem. Amazon Web Services committed $20 million in grants to support cyber resilience, as rival technology firms and school administrators gather for the White House roll out of its efforts.
Exercises Prep for Possible Conflict in the Pacific
Several recent US exercises have put the spotlight on a new era of military operations in the Pacific.
Confidence in US Military Lowest in 25 Yrs.
American confidence in the United States military — 60% — is at its lowest point in 25 years, according to a new Gallup poll. The all-time low came in 1981, on the heels of the Iran hostage crisis.
