Good Morning. 

The U.S. is imposing sanctions on Iran for arming Russia with ballistic missiles, top U.S. and UK officials are convening to address the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts, the Highway Administration is embracing CISA's cybersecurity measures, Norway is alerting of heightened Russian sabotage threats, and U.S. authorities crack down on Mexico's Jalisco cartel for fentanyl distribution.

Let’s dive in.

— 🐈‍⬛ Acoustic Kitty

Belfast: Navigating Identity in Northern Ireland

In our latest episode, we journey through Belfast's streets, uncovering the complex tapestry of Irish identity that colors everyday life in Northern Ireland.

Walking along the peace walls, we explore how echoes of "the troubles" still resonate, revealing the persistent divide between Protestant unionists and Catholic nationalists that continues to shape the region.

From pubs to gyms to community centers, we sit down with locals from all walks of life, hearing their candid thoughts on cultural divisions and their hopes for a shared future.

Counterterrorism

• U.S. sanctions Iran for supplying missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine. ➚

• Kim Jong Un vows combat-ready nuclear forces against U.S. ➚

• Israeli hostages held in poor tunnel conditions before death. ➚

• Iranian opposition group reports firebombing in Stockholm. ➚

Military & Defense

• Top U.S., U.K. diplomats meet on Ukraine and Gaza. ➚

• Russia hit by massive drone attack near Moscow. ➚

• Israeli strike kills 19 in Gaza humanitarian area. ➚

• Russia begins huge naval drills with China across multiple seas. ➚

• South Africa to file genocide case against Israel at UN court next month. ➚

Cybersecurity

• Highway Administration adopts CISA cybersecurity tool. ➚

• 4 Delaware men charged in $2M international sextortion scheme. ➚

Counterintelligence & Espionage

• Norway warns of increased Russian sabotage risk. ➚

• Ex-Samsung exec re-detained on espionage charges for alleged chip IP theft. ➚

Transnational Organized Crime

• U.S. to sanction Mexican cartel Jalisco over fentanyl trafficking. ➚

• Coast Guard seizes 1.2K lbs of cocaine from Caribbean "narco sub." ➚

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.