Good Morning. 

The teen charged with killing 4 at a Georgia high school had prior threat reports, the U.S. raised security concerns over Nippon Steel's U.S. Steel takeover bid, a DOD official stressed partnerships in cyber defense, a Chinese fugitive mayor was arrested in Indonesia amid spy claims, and New Mexico reported major human trafficking operation with rescues and arrests.

Let’s dive in.

— 🐈‍⬛ Acoustic Kitty

U.S. Sanctions Hit Russian Arctic LNG Project, Impacting Global Gas Market

• The U.S. has imposed new sanctions on ships transporting Russian gas from the Arctic LNG 2 terminal, specifically targeting 2 LNG tankers for engaging in deceptive practices.

• Russia is struggling to find buyers for its Arctic LNG 2 gas due to tightening Western sanctions, forcing it to store unsold gas in a huge floating vessel near Murmansk.

• These sanctions are severely hindering Russia's ambitious goal to become the world's largest LNG producer by 2030, while the U.S. has emerged as the leading global LNG supplier, especially to Europe.

Counterterrorism

• Teen charged with killing 4 at Georgia high school had prior threat reports. ➚

• Sanctions complicate Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project. ➚

• South Korea detects new suspected trash-carrying balloons launched by North Korea. ➚

Military & Defense

• U.S. raises national security concerns over Nippon Steel's proposed takeover of U.S. Steel. ➚

• Russian naval ship's docking in South Africa sparks controversy. ➚

• Netanyahu unmoved by protests. ➚

• DOD unveils new supercomputer CASSIE to combat chemical and biological threats. ➚

• China offers $51B in funding to Africa, promising infrastructure and jobs. ➚

• U.S. and Chinese military commanders to discuss conflict prevention in coming weeks. ➚

• U.S. secures release of 135 Nicaraguan political prisoners. ➚

Cybersecurity

• DOD official emphasizes importance of partnerships in U.S. cyber defense strategy. ➚

• U.S. charges Russian hackers for cyberattacks on Ukraine and warns "we are onto you." ➚

• Planned Parenthood of Montana hit by ransomware attack. ➚

Counterintelligence & Espionage

• Chinese fugitive mayor Alice Guo arrested in Indonesia amid spy allegations. ➚

• Colombia to probe police purchase of Pegasus spyware. ➚

• Suspected Russian 'spy whale' found dead off Norway, possibly shot. ➚

Transnational Organized Crime

• New Mexico authorities announce major human trafficking operation resulting in rescues and arrests. ➚

• Cambodia's leader defends arrests of protesters against regional development agreement, accusing them of trying to overthrow the government. ➚

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.