Good Morning. 

North Korea expands a missile factory producing weapons for Russia's Ukraine war, one police officer is killed and dozens are injured as Imran Khan supporters clash with security forces near Islamabad, a UK minister warns that Russia is ready to launch cyber attacks that could disable power grids and target British businesses, top U.S. telecom executives meet with national security officials about a Chinese cyber-espionage campaign targeting political figures' communications, and the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua recruits migrant children from New York shelters to build an army of "Little Devils" for criminal activities.

Let’s dive in.

— 🐈‍⬛ Acoustic Kitty

Lebanese Sources: Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Deal Nears Final Stage

• U.S. President Biden and French President Macron are reportedly poised to announce an imminent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israel's cabinet set to meet Tuesday to approve the deal text, though White House officials caution that "nothing is done until everything is done."

• The proposed agreement includes a 60-day timeline for Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon and deployment of Lebanese army troops in the border region, with compliance to be monitored by a five-country committee chaired by the U.S. and including France.

• Despite diplomatic progress, violence has intensified with Israel conducting major airstrikes in Beirut's southern suburbs that killed dozens, while Hezbollah launched its largest rocket barrage yet of 250 missiles into Israel, highlighting the urgency of the potential agreement.

Counterterrorism

• North Korea expands missile factory producing weapons for Russia's Ukraine war, including new assembly buildings. ➚

• Bipartisan U.S. Congress bill proposes tougher penalties for individuals conducting criminal activities on behalf of Iranian government. ➚

• UAE arrests three Uzbek nationals for killing Jewish Rabbi Zvi Kogan, raising security concerns for Jews. ➚

Military & Defense

• One police officer killed, dozens injured as Imran Khan supporters clash with security forces near Islamabad. ➚

• Europe could use frozen Russian assets worth $300 billion to support Ukraine and influence Trump's peace negotiations. ➚

• NATO chief warns businesses to prepare for wartime scenarios and reduce dependencies on Russia and China. ➚

• Israeli airstrikes in Syria have significantly weakened Iran-backed militants, with over 150 strikes documented in 2024 targeting Hezbollah. ➚

• Russian drones and missiles strike multiple Ukrainian cities, injuring dozens and damaging residential areas. ➚

Cybersecurity

• UK minister warns Russia ready to launch cyber attacks that could disable power grids and target British businesses. ➚

• Russian cyberspies hacked building's Wi-Fi across street from target organization to bypass security measures in novel attack. ➚

• Gambling company IGT takes systems offline after weekend cyberattack disrupts internal IT networks and applications. ➚

• Starbucks faces employee payment and scheduling disruptions after ransomware attack hits software supplier Blue Yonder. ➚

Counterintelligence & Espionage

• Top U.S. telecom executives met with national security officials about Chinese cyber-espionage campaign targeting political figures' communications. ➚

Transnational Organized Crime

• Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua recruits migrant children from New York shelters, building army of "Little Devils" for criminal activities. ➚

• U.N. workers and aid organizations evacuate Haiti as gang violence intensifies, leaving many humanitarian operations suspended. ➚

• Appeals court rejects Ghislaine Maxwell's request to review her sex trafficking conviction involving Jeffrey Epstein. ➚

• France announces reforms to help sexual assault victims, including state-funded drug test kits amid mass rape trial. ➚

The America Builds podcast sits at the nexus of national security, technology, and venture capital. Hosts Will Allen and Hayley Menser interview the brilliant operators and investors pushing the boundaries of frontier technology.