Extra, Extra
The King’s Speech: “But I have a big decision to make. Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before? Maybe one of the greatest in the Middle East or even the world? Or, do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly? Never giving them a chance to kill and destroy countries again? … Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival and no hope of future greatness or generations? … But I believe we’ll make a deal, right after the election.” Trump gave another totally sane speech rooted in reality at the UN.
+ Maine Character Energy: “To skirt campaign finance laws and conceal the source of the funds, Navatek planned to funnel the donation through a shell company. The CEO wanted assurance that Collins would know where the money came from. Reed confirmed that she would, the executive said — and that Navatek would get its government contracts.” This would’ve been really bad back when we had laws. ProPublica: The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the Way.
+ Flying Cartel: “Of chief concern, these people said, is the continued exploitation of individuals with recent battlefield experience in the Russia-Ukraine war, a conflict that has featured near-continuous evolution in drone tactics and technology. The government assessment, which has not been previously reported, warns, too, that counternarcotics authorities in the U.S. and Mexico are dangerously unprepared for the challenges this shift will pose.” I keep worrying and warning about technology’s leveling of the military playing field. It extends to drug cartels. WaPo (Gift Article): Drug cartels are making alarming drone advances, U.S. assessment warns.
+ Deport into a Storm: “Despite mounting costs and complexities, they said, the contracts require minimal oversight over how the money is spent and how the migrants are treated, even though some of the third countries are ruled by authoritarian regimes.” How Trump turned a refugee bureau into a $410 million deportation operation.
+ Drop Shipping: “The sound came out of nowhere. It began as an unnerving high-pitched hum, like a mosquito flying around a dark room at bedtime, and it grew louder as it drew closer. A family lounging in a backyard pool in Richardson, Texas, just north of Dallas, couldn’t help but notice it. ‘There’s another one coming this way!” shouted Eric Anderson from his pool float, pointing to an area above a tall line of trees. His 9-year-old daughter, Isla, removed her swim goggles for a clearer look at what could be a scene from science fiction.” It’s a bird, it’s a plane … nope, it’s a delivery. It’s Raining Boxes: Amazon Drones Overwhelm a Texas Suburb.
