2020 January

Oman names a new leader after the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said

Qaboos was 79, and ruled Oman for five decades before his death Friday. He overthrew his father in a bloodless coup in 1970, becoming the longest serving Arab leader. The Omani government declared three days of national mourning. ### Haitham bin Tariq al-Said has been named as the new ruler, according to state-run Oman News […]

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Green groups raise alarms about alleged Pentagon incineration of 'forever chemicals'

A group of environmental organizations is raising alarms about the Defense Department’s alleged incineration of PFAS chemicals, also called “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and human body. The green groups, which include the Sierra Club and legal group Earthjustice, argued in a letter to Defense Secretary Mark EsperMark EsperOvernight Energy: House passes […]

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Hillicon Valley: Facebook to still allow misinformation in ads under new rules | New child privacy bill in House | Election vendors support more federal oversight

Welcome to Hillicon Valley, The Hill’s newsletter detailing all you need to know about the tech and cyber news from Capitol Hill to Silicon Valley. If you don’t already, be sure to sign up for our newsletter with this LINK. Welcome! Follow the cyber team, Maggie Miller (@magmill95), and the tech team, Emily Birnbaum (@birnbaum_e) […]

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Administration mulls expanding travel ban: reports

The Trump administration plans to expand its travel ban to include several more countries, according to multiple media reports published Friday.  The ban, which was approved in its second form by the Supreme Court after being challenged in court, includes Iran, Syria, Libya, Venezuela, North Korea, Yemen and Somalia, but the White House is allegedly […]

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House lawmakers introduce bill to protect children's privacy online

A pair of bipartisan lawmakers on Thursday introduced a bill to protect children’s privacy online, responding to growing concern that minors are being manipulated and exploited on the internet without any recourse in existing law. The Preventing Real Online Threats Endangering Children Today (PROTECT) Kids Act, introduced by Reps. Tim WalbergTimothy (Tim) Lee WalbergPro-trade group launches media buy as Trump […]

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Overnight Defense: Washington returns to Iran crisis | Defense chief denies US troops leaving Iraq | House sets vote on Iran war powers | Bolton willing to testify in impeachment trial

Happy Monday and welcome to Overnight Defense. I’m Rebecca Kheel, and here’s your nightly guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond. CLICK HERE to subscribe to the newsletter.   THE TOPLINE: The holiday break is over, and lawmakers and officials are returning to town with a new Iran crisis unfolding. To recap: In December, the United States blamed […]

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Tens of thousands march in Australian climate protests

Tens of thousands of protesters on Friday flooded the streets of Sydney, Melbourne and other major Australian cities to condemn Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his approach to climate policy as bushfires rage throughout the country.  Videos on social media show crowds of people filling the corridors surrounding the Sydney City Hall and Parliament House.  Massive […]

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Overnight Defense: Pompeo defends intel on Soleimani strike | Iraqi PM tells US to start working on plan for withdrawal | Paul, Graham feud deepens over Trump war powers

Happy Friday and welcome to Overnight Defense. I’m Ellen Mitchell, and here’s your nightly guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond. CLICK HERE to subscribe to the newsletter.   THE TOPLINE: Secretary of State Mike PompeoMichael (Mike) Richard PompeoOvernight Defense: Pompeo defends intel on Soleimani strike | Iraqi PM tells US to start working on plan for withdrawal | Paul, […]

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Vermont bill would ban cellphones for anyone under 21

A state senator in Vermont introduced legislation this week that would make it illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to use or possess a cellphone. The bill, sponsored by state Sen. John Rodgers (D), says cellphones have been linked to loss of life among teenagers, from distracted driving to cyber bullying that results in […]

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Bomb claimed by Taliban kills two US troops in Afghanistan

Two U.S. troops were killed in Afghanistan on Saturday in a roadside bombing attack that was claimed by the Taliban in the southern part of the country. The U.S.-led coalition in Kabul said in a statement the service members were killed and two others were injured when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in Kandahar […]

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