Early Bird Brief

Former Army pilot sentenced as Chinese spy

Today, a former Army helicopter pilot has been sentenced due to spying efforts for China. 

Wisconsin military ballots in question over fraud

On this election day, a lawsuit has been filed in order to sequester military absentee ballots in the swing state of Wisconsin, after an election official was found to have fraudulently requested three ballots using fake identities. 

The midterm consequences on defense policy

In today’s episode, Capitol Hill Bureau Chief Leo Shane III discusses the policy changes, oversight investigations and public figures closest to watch as the U.S. gears up for the 2022 midterms on Tuesday.

Bonus episode: Army leaders talk modernization

In a bonus episode of the Early Bird Brief, editorial fellow and podcast producer Zamone Perez sits down with Defense News land warfare reporter Jen Judson to talk about all the big interviews she conducted with Army leaders on the service's modernization efforts. 

Veteran homelessness drops in new report

Today, veteran homelessness is down 11% since 2020, the last time the Department of Veterans' Affairs measured the number of homeless veterans since the COVID-19 pandemic began. 

North Korea sends artillery to Russia

Today, the White House announced that it has intelligence that North Korea is attempting to send artillery to Russia as Moscow's arsenals become sapped from the months-long invasion of Ukraine. 

Sec. Austin welcomes soldiers back from Europe

Today, Defense Sec. Austin welcomed home soldiers at Fort Bragg, N.C. after a 9-month deployment to NATO's eastern flank. 

China angered over U.S. bombers in Australia

Today, China expressed anger at the U.S. for preparing facilities in Australia to host long-rang B-52 bombers.

Happy Halloween!

Today, explore some of the coolest ghost and ghoul stories in the military with resident spookologist, Military Times editor Sarah Sicard. 

How the US hopes to handle Russia and China

Today, the Biden administration released its National Defense Strategy, declaring China its nearest strategic competitor, while also warning of Russia's cyber and missile capabilities.