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The Pentagon plans to deploy up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges, a move criticized by Democratic senators over potential legal and military impacts. The initiative follows recent broader military involvement in immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
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On October 5, 2025, President Donald Trump authorized 300 National Guard troops to Chicago to protect federal officers amid escalating tensions and federal immigration enforcement operations. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker opposed the move, calling it un-American. The deployment follows a recent shooting incident involving federal agents and an armed woman in suburban Broadview, Illinois.
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John Noh, Biden administration's nominee for Indo-Pacific security, confirmed a review of AUKUS, focusing on its alignment with Trump-era policies and submarine industrial capacity. He emphasized the need for allies to increase defense spending, especially Taiwan, amid ongoing concerns about China and regional stability. The review could lead to modifications in the alliance.
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As of November 10, 2025, the US government shutdown, the longest in history at over 40 days, is close to ending after bipartisan talks yielded a short-term funding deal. The impasse, rooted in disputes over healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, has caused widespread disruptions including unpaid federal workers, flight cancellations, and halted food aid for millions.
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As of October 22, 2025, the US government shutdown has entered its third week, with President Trump authorizing the Pentagon to use $6.5 billion from military research funds to pay active-duty troops, bypassing congressional approval. This unilateral move aims to prevent military pay delays but has drawn criticism from lawmakers. The shutdown continues amid stalled negotiations over healthcare subsidies and federal funding.
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Oura, the Finnish health tech company known for its smart rings, announced a new funding round valuing it at approximately $11 billion. The company plans to expand AI features and global reach, driven by strong sales and a core demographic of health-conscious professionals, despite increasing competition.
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On October 15, 2025, US Secretary of Defense Hegseth's Boeing C-32A made an emergency landing at RAF Mildenhall, UK, due to a cracked windshield about 80 miles off Ireland. The plane descended to 10,000 feet and diverted following standard procedures. All onboard were safe. This marks the third such incident involving senior US officials' flights this year.
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The US has deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford and five destroyers to Latin America amid escalating tensions with Venezuela. The move follows recent military strikes targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking, raising fears of a broader conflict and accusations from Caracas of US efforts to overthrow Maduro.
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The U.S. will stop rotating a brigade in Romania, with about 1,000 troops remaining, reflecting a strategic shift towards the Indo-Pacific. This move follows increased Russian hybrid warfare activities and NATO's heightened eastern defenses. The decision aims to balance U.S. priorities while maintaining NATO commitments.
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President Trump announced via Truth Social that the U.S. will resume nuclear weapons testing, citing global testing programs by China and Russia. The last U.S. test was in 1992. The move signals a potential escalation in nuclear arms development amid rising tensions.
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On November 2, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened military intervention in Nigeria if the government fails to stop attacks on Christians. He ordered the Pentagon to prepare for possible action and announced the suspension of U.S. aid. Nigeria's government denies religious intolerance, emphasizing constitutional protections for all faiths. The U.S. re-designated Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" for religious freedom violations.
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Ukraine is engaged in ongoing negotiations with the U.S. over the potential sale of long-range Tomahawk missiles, which could significantly enhance Kyiv's ability to strike deep inside Russia. The Pentagon has assessed that stockpiles are sufficient, but President Trump remains cautious, citing escalation risks amid ongoing conflict and political debates.
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Recent statements from US and Russian officials indicate a potential return to nuclear testing. The US plans system tests without explosions, while Russia considers preparations for nuclear tests if the US proceeds. Both nations have not conducted nuclear tests since the early 1990s, but tensions are rising amid geopolitical rivalry.
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The USS Gerald R. Ford and other warships arrived in Latin America as part of a US military build-up, claiming to target drug trafficking but seen by many as a pressure tactic against Venezuela's Maduro. Since September, US strikes have killed at least 80 people in suspected drug operations.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a major reform of the U.S. military's weapons procurement system, aiming to accelerate delivery and reduce bureaucracy. The initiative responds to recent military challenges and aims to shift the focus toward rapid results, moving away from traditional, slow processes.
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Taiwan plans to increase its defense budget with a special fund for asymmetric weapons, aiming to deter China. The proposal, announced by President Lai, includes faster development of missile defense systems and is awaiting legislative approval amid regional tensions.
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The Pentagon is investigating Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona after a video he appeared in urged troops to refuse illegal orders. The move follows inflammatory comments from President Trump, who called lawmakers traitors and threatened legal action. Kelly, a retired Navy captain and astronaut, defends his actions amid rising political tensions.
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A Pentagon investigation concluded that Hegseth, a former Fox News host, did not improperly declassify information but violated policy by using personal devices for official communication. The report also highlighted concerns over sharing sensitive military details via unsecured apps, prompting calls for improved security training.
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On December 4-5, 2025, a Pentagon Inspector General report cleared Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of wrongdoing after he used the Signal app on his personal device to share sensitive information about planned strikes on Yemen's Houthi militants. While Hegseth had authority to declassify the material, the report found his actions violated Pentagon policy and risked operational security. The case is considered closed amid bipartisan scrutiny.
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The US has endorsed the AUKUS security pact after a Pentagon review, confirming its long-term viability. Australia will acquire US nuclear submarines in the early 2030s, with efforts to improve supply chains and build submarine capacity. Meanwhile, Australia’s domestic violence response receives a $674 million boost.
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On December 13, 2025, a lone ISIS gunman ambushed US and Syrian forces near Palmyra, Syria. Three Americans, including two service members and one civilian interpreter, were killed. The attacker was killed, and the incident marks the first US military fatalities in Syria since the fall of Bashar Assad last year.