Public Policy
Regulation, trade, government and security, read for what they do to the businesses that have to live with them.
Public Policy is the vertical for the decisions made in capitals that land on companies. Regulation, trade and tariffs, elections and government, antitrust, and healthcare policy are the beats, and geopolitics and security appear when they change what a business can plan for. Three stories each weekday at 11, in our own words, linked to the publisher. We choose for the reader who has to model a policy risk rather than argue about it: the general counsel, the head of government affairs, the founder selling into a market whose rules are moving. Sources range from newspapers to think tanks and academic institutes, and we say which is which. The editor’s note beneath the day’s lead explains the choice and what to watch as the policy moves from proposal to enforcement.
Picture credit: By Touch Of Light - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=158822157
Every story we have kept in Public Policy, newest first. Headlines link to the publisher; the tags below narrow the list.
These award-winning feds want to advance science for the public good — and challenge stereotypes about government work
Seven federal employees, including Jan Tyler, will receive a prestigious award for their contributions to science and public service, while William Phillips is to be honoured for his lifetime achievements in physics and public benefit.
The Atlanticist Generation Leaves Congress
Several key lawmakers who supported Ukraine and transatlantic coalitions are leaving Congress, including Senators Shaheen and Tillis, and Representatives McCaul and Bacon, due to retirement or election loss. Their departure will impact the US's stance on European security. A new Congress will take office in January.
Europe's Plot To End Americans' Online Anonymity
European governments are introducing stricter online regulations, claiming they are necessary for child safety, but critics argue this could lead to a loss of online anonymity and free speech in the US.
Editor's noteThe UK's crusade against 'misinformation' is a Trojan horse for online regulation, and its influence is spreading to the US. Watch the number of arrests for online speech, not the number of press releases, to gauge the true cost of this 'war on misinformation'.
J.D. Vance Blames Iran for Republican Midterm Wipeout
Vice President J.D. Vance has attributed the Republican party's midterm election loss to alleged Iranian influence, sparking debate among media commentators and editors. The claim has been discussed in a recent segment of the Free Media podcast.
Editor's noteVice President J.D. Vance's claim that Iran is responsible for the Republican midterm wipeout is a red herring. The real issue is the party's failure to connect with voters on domestic issues. Watch whether Vance's Iran narrative is used to deflect from internal party problems or to justify a shift in foreign policy priorities.
GSA appoints former banking exec as new government contracting head
Jennifer Hill, a former banking executive, has been appointed as the new head of the Federal Acquisition Service, which manages a large volume of government contracts worth over $125 billion.
Indiana Republican Who Said Undocumented Immigrants Shouldn't Get Due Process Has Lost Reelection to Congress
Rep. Victoria Spartz (R–Ind.) lost her congressional seat after saying undocumented immigrants shouldn't get due process. She was defeated by J.D. Ford, who will take her place in Congress, with over 95% of votes counted.
Canada’s “Associate” EU Membership Should Be Digital
Canada and EU leaders have proposed an 'associate member' status, with a focus on digital cooperation. This includes existing digital partnerships with countries like Japan and Singapore, which have led to balanced trade and no security risks.
FedRAMP 20x picks up steam with first full ‘Class C’ certification to AI company
Perplexity, an AI company, has become the first to achieve a FedRAMP 'Class C' certification, aligning with the 'moderate' classification, under the accelerated '20x' process for government cloud service providers.
‘Exit survey’ of former feds finds fears of civil service politicization under Trump — and many willing to return to their agencies
A survey of over 2,000 former US civil servants found that nearly half cited politicization as a reason for leaving, with similar levels reported across various political ideologies. Those laid off reported feeling coerced into leaving, contradicting OPM's claim that most departures were voluntary.
Editor's notePoliticization of the civil service is not a partisan issue, but a symptom of a system that prioritizes downsizing over retention. Watch whether the OPM's voluntary departure numbers hold up to scrutiny, as the coerced layoffs of nearly 300,000 employees suggest a more complex story.
How China Might Target US Midterms
China's influence on US midterms is a concern, with potential to shape debate through WeChat and AI models. Key races feature Commission members critical of Beijing, while Texas is a sensitive state due to its large Chinese American population and WeChat usage.
My New Dispatch Article on the Legal Case Against Trump's Section 338 Tariffs Targeting Canadian Imports
A US court case has been filed against Trump's tariffs on Canadian imports, citing a 1930 trade law. The tariffs, worth 50% on various goods, are being challenged by a New Jersey-based food importer.
Supreme Court to Consider Successive Habeas Claim in Capital Case, Twenty Years After the Murder
The US Supreme Court will consider a capital case involving a prisoner's claim of intellectual disability, 20 years after the murder, and whether a new factual predicate can be used in a successive habeas application.
Editor's noteA successive habeas claim is not a new rule, but a new fact. Watch whether the Supreme Court's decision hinges on the distinction between a change in law and a change in evidence, and whether that distinction is enough to save Johnson's claim from AEDPA's prohibition on successive applications.
China Claims Strong Economic Growth, but Skeptics Question Official Figures
Economists are questioning China's official economic growth figures, citing discrepancies between reported data and independent estimates. Concerns over data collection methods and potential political influence are also being raised. Independent estimates suggest a different economic reality.
Articles On: AI, Semiconductors, Chinese Markets, U.S.-China Trade, EVs, and Foreign Investment
Reports have been published on the negative consequences of the Chinese Communist Party's economic policies on several industries, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and electric vehicles, as well as Chinese markets and foreign investment.
Articles On: AI and Foreign Surveillance Chips
The Chinese Communist Party is seeking to control information technology to shape and censor communications within China and beyond its borders. This control enables the Party to monitor and influence the opinions of its citizens and others. The Party's goals are multifaceted and far-reaching.
Editor's noteChina's push to embed surveillance chips in foreign tech is a demonstration of its willingness to compromise global supply chains for domestic control. The real cost is the loss of trust in international trade, watch the reaction of major tech companies to these revelations.
Treasury, IRS use of third-party ID verification under fire from top Senate Finance, Banking Dems
Two Senate Democrats, Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren, have written to the Treasury Secretary and IRS CEO, expressing concerns about the use of ID.me for accessing TreasuryDirect, citing potential security risks and lack of digital proficiency among older Americans.
Experts: What China wants from the COP31 climate talks
China's priorities for the COP31 climate talks in Turkey are unclear, but the country has previously pushed for dialogue on unilateral trade measures and south-south cooperation, and has championed climate action through multilateralism.
Analysis: China’s clean-tech exports in 2026 to avoid as much CO2 as Brazil emits in a year
China's clean-tech exports in 2026 are projected to reduce global CO2 emissions by 2%, with a total of 450m tonnes of CO2 avoided, equivalent to Brazil's annual emissions, according to new analysis.
Editor's noteChina's clean-tech exports are a small step towards global emissions reduction, but the real test is whether they displace domestic coal-fired power, not just export it. Watch whether the electricity generated by these exports is used to replace coal in China's own grid, or simply sold to countries that can afford it.
How Wolford v. Lopez Refines Second Amendment Doctrine
The Supreme Court's decision in Wolford v. Lopez clarified Second Amendment doctrine, holding that governments cannot restrict licensed handgun owners in most areas, and establishing a new standard for determining what falls within the amendment's plain text.
Editor's noteWolford v. Lopez's impact on Second Amendment doctrine is overstated. The decision's real significance lies in its rejection of analogies to past racist gun control laws. Watch whether lower courts apply this new standard consistently, particularly in cases involving Hawaii's 'Vampire Rule'.
A US-China-Russia Summit: What’s at Stake?
US, China, and Russia leaders may meet at the APEC summit, potentially influencing the Ukraine conflict and global perceptions of the meeting's significance and implications for international relations and diplomacy.
Serbia’s New Government Needs New Security Services
Serbia's new government faces a key test in reforming its security services, which have been criticized for politicized and violent behavior, including the 2003 assassination of Prime Minister Zoran Đinđić and surveillance of journalists and activists.
GSA expands OneGov agreement with Anthropic, touting steep discounts
GSA has secured a new agreement with Anthropic, offering federal agencies a significant discount on usage of Claude models, with no minimum purchase required and costs tied to actual consumption.
Editor's noteGSA's new agreement with Anthropic is a consumption-based pricing model, not a cost solution. Watch whether token consumption transparency improves, because without it, costs will be difficult to predict, as Gartner warns, and may even surpass developer salaries by 2028.
Serbia’s New Government Has a Mountain to Climb
Aleksandar Vučić's 12-year rule in Serbia has ended with a landslide election victory for the Student List, securing a 53-39% vote and a working parliamentary majority with a record turnout of 34 years.
Brickbat: Money for Nothing
Around 800 Scottish government employees are being paid despite not having a job, with one NHS worker receiving a full salary for 17 years. The estimated annual cost is £27 million, but the actual cost is likely higher due to undisclosed salary information.
IRS says it needs top performers, even if they don’t all get the performance ratings they deserve
The IRS is urging employees to be top performers despite a cap on top ratings, with some questioning the value of exceeding expectations if recognition is unlikely due to performance review restrictions.
Action Needed to Get Ukraine’s Grain to the World
Ukraine's grain corridor has been severely impacted by Russian attacks, with 60% of exports relying on sea transportation. Alternative routes are not viable due to costs and volumes. Storage capacity is also a concern.
America Is Spending Billions To Fight the War on Terror in Africa. The Terrorists Are Winning.
US spending $355 billion on African counterterrorism since 2001, but Al Qaeda and Islamist groups continue to expand, with a 101,300% increase in terrorism fatalities in the Sahel and Somalia from 2002 to 2022.
Editor's noteThe billions spent on African counterterrorism are a failed bet, with Islamist groups expanding despite US spending. Watch the impact of the Sahelian civil wars on regional stability, as the rival JNIM and Islamic State Sahel Province continue to clash.
"AI Deepfakes in Court"
Damien Charlotin's database tracks 26 cases worldwide where deepfakes were submitted as evidence, including failures to authenticate exhibits and findings on AI-generated content. The database focuses on cases where deepfakes were used to support claims, not cases about deepfakes as a subject.
Editor's noteA database of 26 court cases using deepfakes as evidence is a symptom of a broader problem: the lack of clear guidelines on AI-generated content. Watch whether courts start to develop standards for authenticating AI-generated exhibits, or if they continue to struggle with the issue.
Articles On: Tariffs, US-China Relations, EU-China Trade, Chinese Exports, AI Competition, Foreign Influence, Economic Policy, and Global Trade Wars
Commentators worldwide criticise Chinese Communist Party activities, highlighting potential harms and suggesting alternative economic policies to protect global interests and trade relationships. Experts propose solutions to mitigate these effects. Various leaders weigh in on the issue.
Articles On: AI, Semiconductors, Export Controls, U.S.-China Trade, Chinese Economy, Electric Vehicles, Battery Technology, Industrial Policy, and Demographics
Reports have been compiled on the adverse effects of China's economic policies on various sectors, including AI, semiconductors, and electric vehicles, highlighting areas of concern. China's commercial and economic policies have been linked to negative impacts on several industries. Data on these sectors has been collected and analyzed.
The Ancient and Honorable Art of AI Hallucination
A University of Chicago law professor's response to a 2015 article was fabricated by Google's AI Gemini, which provided a title, summary, and citation for a non-existent publication. The AI's response was based on a non-existent follow-up piece. The professor had not actually replied to the original article.
What’s new in Homeland Security’s updated AI policy
DHS has updated its AI policy, prohibiting internal use for mass surveillance or predicting individual behavior, but allowing the agency's AI lead to override these restrictions with minimal oversight. The policy took effect in September and is largely in line with the 2025 version. The agency's AI lead can waive requirements with minimal review.
France Is Learning the Hard Way What Happens When the Socialist Bill Comes Due
Protests in France have turned violent, with rioters setting fire to buildings, vandalizing property, and looting stores, particularly in cities with socialist governments, such as Marseille and Paris. The unrest is linked to student and retiree grievances over education and pension reform. Many cities are affected.
Editor's noteFrance's protests are not just about reform, but a reckoning with the consequences of a socialist bill that promised too much and delivered too little. The violence is a symptom of a deeper crisis of governance and a society struggling to balance competing demands. Watch the government's response to the unrest, particularly its handling of the 'Casseurs'.
Pen Pushers Help Engineers Keep Ukraine’s Lights On
Ukraine is transitioning to a decentralized energy system with smaller power sources and backup systems to reduce reliance on traditional infrastructure vulnerable to Russian attacks and strikes. This shift involves expanding distributed generation and storage. Funding has been allocated for regional resilience plans.
HHS to make sole-source award to Anthropic ahead of broader AI competition
HHS intends to award Anthropic a sole-source contract for Claude services, citing the tool's proprietary nature and its existing deployment within the agency, while a broader competition is planned for the future.
Liberty Justice Center Files First Lawsuit Challenging Trump's Section 338 Tariffs Against Canadian Imports
Liberty Justice Center has filed a lawsuit in a US trade court against President Trump's Section 338 tariffs on Canadian imports, citing concerns over the tariffs' legality and potential harm to trade relations.
Trump’s IG pick at the VA is ‘watering down’ oversight, some employees allege
Cheryl Mason, the VA's Inspector General, has been accused by some employees of reducing the office's oversight work, leading to a decline in services for veterans, following significant staff reductions and changes to working conditions.
Editor's noteStaff cuts and watered-down oversight at the VA's IG office are a recipe for disaster. The real issue isn't the number of employees, but the loss of institutional knowledge and experience. Watch the quality of audits and investigations, not just the headcount, to see if Mason's changes pay off.
This cybersecurity agency is supposed to protect U.S. elections. Officials fear it’s been compromised by Trump
US election security officials are concerned they were asked to compromise their work by Trump appointees, who requested a voting machine be secretly examined for flaws. The request was seen as a potential tool for election interference. CISA's resources have been significantly reduced under Trump's administration.
Editor's noteCISA's compromise is not a one-off. The agency's resources have been systematically drained by the Trump administration, shrinking its workforce by a third and reducing its budget. Watch the 2027 budget proposal's impact on CISA's ability to protect US elections.
Britain Wants To Punish Microsoft for Being Too Successful
The UK's competition regulator has proposed designating Microsoft as a strategic market player, giving it powers to regulate the company's business practices. The move is aimed at addressing concerns over Microsoft's dominance in the market, particularly in product bundling and interoperability.
Trump Slashing Deportation Protections Shows Why Temporary Status Shouldn't Depend on Who's President
The Trump administration has ended temporary protected status for 13 countries, affecting over 1 million people, who will now lose their protections and potentially become undocumented. This has left 1 million people without protection. The status shields migrants from deportation.
Articles On: PRC, Nvidia, TikTok, AI, and Technology Diffusion
The Chinese Communist Party is attempting to exert control over information technology to influence and censor communications within China and beyond its borders. This effort involves shaping public opinion and suppressing dissenting views. The party's goals are multifaceted and far-reaching.
Articles On: U.S.-China Relations, Europe-China Trade, AI and Robotics, Taiwan, Chinese Politics, and National Security
Commentary from around the world examines the consequences of Chinese Communist Party actions and proposes measures to protect national interests and security in areas such as trade, politics, and national security.
Changing Ukraine’s President Will Change Nothing
A public opinion survey in Ukraine found that incumbent President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Gen. Valery Zaluzhny are the top contenders to win a hypothetical election, with similar results shown in other polls.
Editor's noteA new president in Ukraine would be no less hawkish on Russia than the current one. The alternatives to Zelenskyy would likely pursue a similarly principled, pro-Ukrainian policy. Watch whether Zaluzhny's stance on negotiations with Russia changes if he becomes president, and whether he signs a peace deal on Ukraine's terms.
AI slop responses to RFPs, RFIs are overwhelming federal agencies
Federal agencies are struggling to manage a surge in automated responses to procurement requests, with some receiving up to 500 responses to a single inquiry, overwhelming their ability to review and assess the information.
AI offers Secret Service unique mission enhancements, official says
US Secret Service is leveraging AI to enhance its operations, including threat monitoring and investigation, with the technology poised to help the agency respond to future risks more effectively, according to its IT and AI lead.
How Should Flock Cameras Be Regulated Under the Fourth Amendment?
Flock cameras have raised concerns under the Fourth Amendment, prompting calls for regulation. A Stanford Law School lecture on the topic is available online, with a video and Q&A session.
Editor's noteFlock cameras are a Fourth Amendment issue, not a technology problem. The real question is whether they're a surveillance state Trojan horse, or a legitimate tool for public safety. Watch the number of cameras deployed in public spaces, not the number of lawsuits filed.
Republicans and Democrats Agree on AI Reform
Congress is considering AI reform bills, including the AI Kill Switch Act and the FRONTIER Act, which aim to regulate AI safety and innovation, with bipartisan support from Democrats and Republicans.
What it takes to build accountable AI in government
Federal agencies are testing AI, but the challenge lies in integrating it into existing systems to ensure accountability and prevent errors in real-time, rather than just using standalone tools. This requires connecting AI with data, workflows, and controls. Agencies aim to shift from reactive to preventive measures.
Dropping degree requirements from federal contracts opens the door to AI-enabled services
US Congress passes Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act, removing degree requirements from federal contracts, allowing agencies to assess skills instead of education. This change enables the consideration of AI-enabled services for government work. New contract terms may favor firms using AI and small teams.
The Shane Gillis SNL Backlash Is Really Stupid
Shane Gillis, a comedian and former SNL cast member, made a joke about women's clothing during a recent SNL appearance, sparking backlash from some, including actor Dan Levy and TV host Sara Haines.
Editor's noteThe backlash against Shane Gillis's joke is a case of moral panic, where a single comment is blown out of proportion to justify a broader agenda. Watch whether the outrage leads to meaningful change in comedy standards, or just a chilling effect on free speech.
Washington Could Defuse Europe’s “Kill Switch” Fears
The US Commerce department's directive to cut access to AI models for foreign nationals has sparked fears in Europe about Washington's power to shut off access to technology. However, these fears may be unfounded, as the US has other ways to exert influence without cutting off services.
Europe Can Rearm Even as Steel Industry Shrinks
EU defence spending reached €418bn in 2025, despite a 6.3% decline in German steel output and a 0.3% drop in EU production. Steel shortages are not a major bottleneck for rearmament, as military budgets fund a range of materials beyond metal.
Congratulations to the Hoover Institution's Robert E. Hall, on His Economics Nobel Prize
Robert E. Hall, a Stanford economist and Hoover Institution senior fellow, has been awarded the 2026 economics Nobel Prize for his work on microeconomic foundations of macroeconomic stabilization, shared with Michael Woodford.
TV Networks Protested Press Bans by Declining To Cover Trump. That Might Have Been Illegal, the DOJ Says.
Four major US TV networks suspended participation in the White House press pool after President Trump banned CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. The DOJ has now investigated this move, suggesting it may have breached antitrust laws.
Editor's noteTV networks' press pool boycott was a gesture, not a rule. The DOJ's antitrust investigation suggests it was a lever to pressure Trump, not a demonstration of solidarity. Watch whether the networks' participation in the pool is restored, and whether the DOJ's inquiry is used to silence them.
For America.gov, the front door is only as good as the back office
The White House's America.gov portal aims to simplify federal information and services, but its success relies on agencies' ability to handle increased workload and address accountability questions arising from AI-generated answers.
Trump Has Been Trampling Free Speech for More Than 40 Years—and It Keeps Getting Worse
Donald Trump sued a Chicago Tribune architecture critic in 1985 for defamation over criticism of a proposed skyscraper, alleging damage to his reputation worth $500 million, equivalent to $1.6 billion today.
China Curbs Diesel, Jet Fuel and Gasoline Exports
China is limiting exports of refined fuels, including diesel substitutes, aviation fuel, and petrol, due to low oil and fuel reserves. This move is causing global energy shortages to worsen. Diesel prices have risen in Singapore.
Anthropic Is Banning 'Cruel Behavior' Toward Claude. Claude Is Still Not a Person.
Anthropic is banning 'cruel behaviour' towards its chatbot Claude, but the company's motivations are unclear, with some suggesting it's about human habit-forming, while others see it as a concern for model welfare.
Editor's noteAnthropic's ban on 'cruel behaviour' towards Claude is a reflection of human habit-forming, not model welfare. Watch whether the company's enforcement mechanisms can distinguish between genuine user frustration and 'cruel' behaviour, and whether this distinction is based on human values or algorithmic definitions.
New York Is Fining Amish Schools Over Vaccines, So the Amish Are Asking the Supreme Court for Help
New York state is fining Amish schools for not complying with vaccination mandates, prompting the Amish to seek Supreme Court intervention. The fines total $118,000 for three rural schoolhouses. Vaccination is rare among the Amish due to hesitation towards medical practices.
Republicans Are Getting Grilled Over Trump's Tariffs
Republicans are facing criticism over Trump's tariffs ahead of the midterm elections, with some candidates struggling to defend the policies in states heavily reliant on trade with Canada, particularly in the northern border states.
A Survey of Crime Experts Deflates the 'Trump Effect' That Supposedly Reduced Homicides
The U.S. homicide rate decreased significantly between 2024 and 2025, reaching a historic low. A study by a criminal justice organisation suggests factors other than presidential policies drove this reduction. Experts attributed the decline to trends observed since 2009.
What happens when the State Department loses its institutional memory?
Ten new ambassadors were confirmed in September 2026, leaving a significant number of embassy positions vacant. The State Department has increased the use of politically appointed ambassadors, with 80% of nominations during Trump’s second term being political. This trend raises concerns about institutional memory and diplomatic expertise.
Editor's noteThe State Department's reliance on politically appointed ambassadors is a symptom of a deeper problem: the erosion of institutional memory. Watch the impact on US foreign policy when these appointees are tasked with navigating complex diplomatic situations without the benefit of career diplomats' expertise.
The revolving door for tech officials at Trump’s DHS
A DHS contract worth $983 million was awarded to a CACI subsidiary. Following the award, the deputy CIO, Chris Granger, joined the vendor firm. Experts highlight this movement as a potential conflict of interest, raising concerns about taxpayer funds.
Trump Keeps Contradicting the 'National Security' Rationale for Banishing Disfavored Journalists
Trump initially justified banning journalists by citing ‘fake news’ and negative coverage. Subsequently, the White House shifted to a national security rationale following legal challenges. Trump later reiterated his original justification in an interview, dismissing the claims about sensitive information.
FBI removes Accenture contractor after missed security patch led to breach
The FBI terminated a contractor’s contract following a breach. The incident stemmed from a missed security update, exposing employee details including addresses and medical records. Accenture managed the platform, while Oracle provided the unapplied patch, raising counterintelligence concerns.
Editor's noteA missed security patch is a symptom, not the problem. The real issue is Accenture's management of the platform, which exposed sensitive data. Watch the FBI's review of Accenture's contract, because the terms of the contract will reveal whether Accenture's liability is limited to the contractor's failure or extends to its overall management of the platform.
After More Than Three Years, Judge Newman's Case Is Transferred To The Eleventh Circuit
In 2023, a complaint against Judge Newman was transferred to the Eleventh Circuit by the Chief Judge. The case, originally filed with the Federal Circuit, had been pending for over three years, including a Supreme Court denial of certiorari. The transfer occurred on August 19, 2026.
Amicus Brief Asking Court to Consider Lawyers' Free Speech Rights, in Eastman v. State Bar
The amicus brief, penned by legal scholars and a professor, supports Eastman's petition for Supreme Court review. It argues that punishing lawyers for political speech raises First Amendment concerns. The brief highlights prior court decisions and potential future implications regarding professional speech.
Russia Attacks – Would NATO Freeze?
NATO's eastern flank includes battle groups and brigades with lead nations, stationed across several Baltic and Eastern European countries, with the capability to act in self-defense without external consent. Enhanced surveillance and intelligence efforts monitor potential threats, with military movements serving as indicators of hostile intent, prompting diplomatic engagement with Russia.
Editor's noteNATO's self-defence doctrine is a hedge, not a rule. The real question is whether Russia's preparations would trigger a response before troops cross the border. Watch the troop movements, not the press releases, to see if NATO's indicators and warnings system is working as intended.
US spy chief tapped as White House AI czar
Jay Clayton, former intelligence director, has been appointed by President Trump to oversee AI policy in the White House, aiming to address concerns related to the safety and security of AI technologies.
Why an EU “associate membership” is the wrong Canada story
Despite being dismissed as mere noise, the EU's proposal for 'associate membership' represents a significant economic security alliance, warranting close attention from Australia for potential implications on its own economic interests.
Articles On: U.S.-China Relations, Taiwan, Europe-China Relations, Tech Competition, Japan, Rare Earths, Geopolitics, and Global Strategy
Opinion pieces discuss the impact of Chinese Communist Party activities globally, exploring potential strategies for safeguarding interests in U.S.-China relations, Taiwan, Europe-China relations, tech competition, Japan, rare earths, and geopolitics.
Editor's noteChina's global influence is a fait accompli, but its costs are only now being tallied. Watch the EU's next move on rare earths, because Brussels' willingness to play hardball will be the litmus test for whether the West can match Beijing's reach without sacrificing its values.
Articles On: Espionage, Academic Security, CCP Influence, Propaganda, Foreign Interference, Taiwan, Japan, Brazil, United Front, and Global Chinese Influence
The article examines the Chinese Communist Party's extensive foreign interference efforts, highlighting their strategies and the consequential effects on international relations, particularly concerning Taiwan, Japan, and Brazil, as part of a broader United Front approach.
Which Parts of an Expert's ChatGPT History Related to Preparing Expert Report Must Be Disclosed?
A Nevada federal judge ruled that ChatGPT-generated case summaries an expert witness consulted count as facts or data requiring disclosure under federal Rule 26, while other portions of his chat log are privileged and shielded.
Editor's noteThe expert's reliance on ChatGPT-generated summaries counts as a fact, not a privileged communication. Watch whether the disclosed summaries match the expert's testimony, because discrepancies would undermine the witness's credibility and raise questions about the reliability of the summaries as evidence.
Google extends GSA OneGov deal for Gemini
Google extended its GSA OneGov agreement providing discounted Gemini access to federal agencies through November 15, pricing Gemini for Government at $0.47 per agency annually. The program has generated roughly $1.7 billion in federal technology savings, with Google also offering a 20% discount on Google Cloud services.
Trump launches AI-fueled America.gov in bid to tie government services together
The Trump administration launched America.gov, an AI chatbot meant as a single entry point to federal services, drawing on about 29,000 government websites and running on models from Google (Gemini) and Elon Musk (Grok), alongside an executive order directing GSA to establish it.
More from Jacob Mchangama on Frederick Douglass's Views on Free Speech
Historian Jacob Mchangama's essay series traces how Frederick Douglass championed counterspeech and press freedom, defending even a pro-slavery senator's right to speak when abolitionist crowds tried shouting him down.
Editor's noteDouglass's defence of a rival's right to speak, even while opposing him, is a sharper historical rebuttal to today's no-platforming arguments than most modern commentary offers. The essay is useful less as history than as a ready-made counterexample for anyone debating where counterspeech ends and suppression begins.
Solomon Islands: how 100 days of Wale reshaped its foreign policy
In his first 100 days, Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale pivoted toward Australia, the US and Japan, launched a review of the 2022 China security pact, and signed a US shiprider deal.
Today in Supreme Court History: September 20, 1968
On this date in 1968, New York City denied a preservation certificate to Penn Central, a dispute that later produced the Supreme Court's landmark takings-clause ruling.
Anthropic extends its GSA OneGov deal for Claude by one month
Anthropic's discounted one-dollar-per-user Claude for Government deal under the GSA OneGov programme was extended a month to 31 October, following OpenAI's new federal pricing agreement.
Editor's noteA one-month extension sounds procedural until you notice what it is holding open: a dollar-per-user price for federal agencies, set against a competitor's new federal agreement. Procurement at that price shapes which system government staff learn first, and that advantage outlasts any contract term.
China-Based Artificial Intelligence Companies Conducting Industrial-Scale Distillation Campaigns Against U.S. AI Companies
NSA, CISA and FBI warn that Chinese AI firms including DeepSeek and Moonshot AI have systematically extracted capabilities from Claude, GPT, Gemini and Grok since 2024 using proxy accounts and prompt injection.
OpenAI, GSA strike OneGov deal for ChatGPT through 2028
OpenAI and the US General Services Administration extended ChatGPT access to federal agencies through 2028, offering consumption-based pricing at a 50 percent discount with no platform fee.
A Threshold Crossed in Saxony-Anhalt
Alternative for Germany won Saxony-Anhalt's state election outright, the first postwar far-right victory in a German state, straining Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition and raising doubts about Germany's continued support for NATO and Ukraine.
The Lindsay Clancy Trial Was Never Going To Answer the Question Everyone Was Asking
Reason's Billy Binion argues the deadlocked Lindsay Clancy jury faced an unanswerable question, whether postpartum psychosis negated criminal responsibility, reflecting the case's genuine complexity rather than a failure of the Massachusetts justice system.
Eleventh Circuit Holds Qui Tam Relators Are Not "Officers of the United States." What Happens Next?
The Eleventh Circuit unanimously held False Claims Act qui tam relators are not "officers of the United States," rejecting an Appointments Clause challenge and remanding separation-of-powers questions in USA ex rel. Zafirov.
"Incredulity" That "Competent Law Firm Representing One of the Largest Financial Institution[s] in the World" Filed Brief with AI Hallucinations
The D.C. Court of Appeals struck Deutsche Bank's appellate brief and referred its attorney to disciplinary counsel after finding four cited cases were fabricated by an AI research tool and never verified before filing.
Editor's noteA filing this error-ridden did not come from a solo practitioner cutting corners. It came from counsel to one of the world's largest banks, which is the part worth sitting with before any argument about AI tools in legal work.
Trump Is Back To Seeking Regime Change in Iran
A Reason column says Trump has resumed pushing for regime change in Iran after the inconclusive war launched in February 2026, arguing the campaign has killed civilians without weakening the government.
Fighting AI with AI: The US’s New Cyber Rules of Engagement
A CEPA analysis says a new White House memorandum lets vetted US firms conduct cyber-surveillance on foreign criminal networks with government approval, arguing AI's speed and scale demand pre-authorized public-private intervention powers.
"[A]n Unopposed Grant" of Sealing "Carries Little Weight in a Contested Posture"
Magistrate Judge Rachel Schwartz refused to seal LLC ownership disclosures in Townsend v. Gardens at Aldersgate, ruling generic privacy concerns do not justify secrecy and that a prior unopposed sealing order carried little weight.
Editor's noteSealing decisions shape what the public can ever learn about a case, and they are usually unopposed and unexamined. This ruling says an unopposed grant carries little weight once someone contests it, which is a small doctrinal point with wide practical reach.
Lion King Composer vs. Comedian Dispute Leads to ~$40K Attorney Fee Award Against Composer
A federal judge in California ordered Lion King composer Lebohang Morake to pay comedian Learnmore Mwanyenyeka roughly $39,560 in attorney fees after Morake dropped defamation claims following an anti-SLAPP motion.
Virginia Mom Gets 6-Month Suspended Jail Sentence for Letting 5-Year-Old Walk to the Pond
A Williamsburg, Virginia judge convicted law student Karyann Parkinson of child neglect for letting her 5-year-old walk half a mile alone, issuing a suspended six-month sentence and seven-year registry listing.
Editor's noteA suspended sentence sounds lenient until you read the second half. Seven years on a registry for letting a child walk half a mile is the actual penalty, and it is imposed by a standard no statute states, which is what makes this a policy story.
Statement: UNEP Report Warns World is Soon to Exceed 1.5°C ‒ but Return is Possible
UN Environment Programme's new report projects global warming will exceed 1.5C within years; World Resources Institute's David Waskow says emissions cuts, carbon removal and adaptation investment could still reverse the overshoot.
'Let data reign'; Trump warns that those who don't let AI data centers proliferate will end up 'backwards and poor'
President Trump urged communities to support AI data center expansion, arguing it drives jobs and economic growth, while critics cite energy use, water consumption, noise, environmental concerns, and pressure on local infrastructure.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul thinks AI should be ‘less evil’
New York Governor Kathy Hochul discussed conditions for lifting her data-center moratorium, surveillance concerns over Flock cameras, and enforcement gaps in the state's 3D-printed gun ban that a gunmaker says remain unenforceable.
The Future of Ukraine’s Drone Democracy
Ukraine's shift to domestic drone production, now 95% assembled internally, has broadened civilian and military influence over strategy, straining President Zelensky's authority after his contested dismissal of digital minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Watch out with Dancing; It Might Lead to Sex
A federal judge ruled expert testimony on dance instruction's heightened sexual-misconduct risk is admissible in a Minnesota college's vicarious-liability case, addressing foreseeability standards after a student's assault allegations against a former instructor.
Editor's noteEvidentiary rulings rarely lead a section and this one should. Admitting expert testimony that a specific activity carries heightened risk changes what an institution can claim it could not have foreseen, and foreseeability is the whole of a vicarious liability claim.
Can Competition Fix American Healthcare?
Hoover Institution fellow Scott Atlas argues expanding market competition and consumer choice in U.S. healthcare could lower costs while preserving quality and innovation, contending current regulations insulate providers from price pressure.
China’s Fengwu AI Forecasted Typhoon Landfall Five Days Ahead
China is increasingly deploying AI weather forecasting systems such as Fengwu, Pangu, and Fuxi. Fengwu reportedly predicted a typhoon’s landfall five days ahead with high precision, highlighting AI’s growing role in extreme-weather forecasting.
