⚡ Army wants lasers, not luck

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Army is seeking industry input on a new high-energy laser weapon, the Enduring High Energy Laser (E-HEL), designed to counter small unmanned aerial systems using both vehicle-mounted and palletized configurations. The initiative aims to transition directed-energy technology from testing to scalable deployment, enhancing battlefield defense against fast-evolving drone threats.

Lt. Gen. Rudd, deputy commander of INDOPACOM, described the “ubiquitous competition of networks” as the defining mega trend shaping military operations across the Pacific. He emphasized that future success will depend on the U.S. and its allies’ ability to rapidly connect sensors, data, and decision-making systems faster than adversaries.

An audit of the USMC revealed major security lapses in weapon and ammunition storage, including missed inspections and inadequate oversight of explosives facilities. The findings highlight systemic “physical-security deficiencies” and have prompted an order for immediate improvement and stricter compliance across weapon storage operations.

The U.S. Secret Service has discovered that outdated, magnetic-stripe SNAP benefit cards are being heavily targeted by international crime rings, with an estimated $349 million stolen in the first half of 2025 alone. Low-income beneficiaries have been forced to skip meals and incur debt due to the fraud, while many states struggle with the costly transition to chip-enabled cards—leaving the vulnerable caught in the gap.

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EPA is intensifying its collaboration with water and wastewater utilities to root out internet‑exposed operational‑technology devices, having found that many utilities don’t even realize they’re exposed. As part of this effort, EPA recently published a new cybersecurity procurement checklist and launched outreach backed by federal grants to help small, under‑resourced systems ask the right questions of vendors.

The US Transportation Secretary warned that as the government shutdown enters its fifth week, airport delays are already impacting major hubs—and he expects things to “get worse.” He added that while air‑traffic controllers are going unpaid during the shutdown, the agency will step in and “stop traffic” only if safety is threatened.

Rep. Walkinshaw cautions that the federal shutdown is halting key modernization efforts, delaying contracts, and prompting layoffs across the public and private sectors. With cybersecurity initiatives paused and CISA staff reassigned, he emphasizes the urgent need for action to mitigate long-term national security risks.

An undisclosed buyer has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Varec, a wholly owned subsidiary of Leidos, for an undisclosed sum. Leidos said the transaction is expected to be finalized in the Q4 of 2025. The move supports Leidos’ ongoing portfolio optimization efforts under its NorthStar 2030 strategy.

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