US Military #Intelligence will be provided to #Ukraine on targets inside #Russia
This marks a significant shift in U.S. policy under the Trump administration, which had previously imposed limitations on Ukraine’s access to advanced weaponry and intelligence for deep strikes inside Russian territory. As of early October 2025, the U.S. has authorized American intelligence agencies to provide Ukraine with targeting information for long-range missile strikes on Russia’s energy infrastructure
Key details of the policy shift:
Targeting Russian energy infrastructure: U.S. intelligence will help Ukraine target oil refineries, pipelines, power plants, and other energy assets to disrupt Russian revenue streams that fund the war.
Encouraging NATO allies: Washington is asking NATO allies to provide similar intelligence support to Ukraine.
Change in Trump administration stance: The move follows a period of inconsistent signals from the Trump administration, which had previously cut intelligence-sharing with Ukraine in March 2025 as part of peace talks. President Trump has recently expressed frustration with Russia’s lack of progress toward a ceasefire.
Considering additional weapons: The U.S. is also weighing a Ukrainian request for more powerful, long-range weapons capable of hitting deeper into Russia, including Tomahawk and Barracuda cruise missiles.
Kremlin reaction: Russia has responded by stating that the U.S. and NATO have been supplying intelligence to Ukraine for some time and that it will not change the situation on the battlefield.
share.google/aimode/IYfcX89z…— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Oct 2, 2025
Day: October 2, 2025
#Zelenskyy meets European leaders: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in #Denmark for a summit with European leaders to discuss the response to #Russia‘s invasion.
The gathering follows recent airspace incursions by drones across Europe, and the response to Russia’s aggression is a major focus. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is attending the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, on October 2, 2025, to rally support for Ukraine against Russia’s ongoing invasion
Summit details and key issues
European solidarity: Approximately 50 European leaders are participating in the summit. The host, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, has called the airspace incursions part of a “hybrid war” waged by Russia. She stated that supporting Ukraine is an “investment in the defense of Europe”.
Security measures: The summit is under tight security, with a radar system installed at Copenhagen’s airport and Danish warships patrolling offshore. Some leaders are also arguing for caution in responding to Russian provocations.
Increased drone activity: Recent drone incidents have caused disruptions at airports and military bases in Denmark, while Russian drones have also violated the airspace of other European countries, including Poland and Estonia. In response, Zelenskyy has proposed a “Drone Wall”—a joint, integrated air defense system—and stated that Ukrainian specialists and technology are available for the effort.
Shift in U.S. support: Zelenskyy’s visit also seeks to secure additional European funding, as the United States shifts its focus and reduces financial aid to Ukraine. A meeting between Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump was recently described as “productive,” with discussions about providing long-range weapons systems to Ukraine.
Addressing Hungary: During his address, Zelenskyy directly called out Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán over Hungary’s energy policy with Russia. Zelenskyy urged European leaders to support stronger sanctions against Russia and to stop purchasing Russian oil, highlighting Hungary’s short-sightedness in going against the U.S. position.
Frozen Russian assets: EU leaders have recently discussed using frozen Russian assets to fund a new €140 billion ($164bn) loan for Kyiv, a topic relevant to the discussions in Copenhagen.
share.google/aimode/uFIUZz84…— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Oct 2, 2025
New #COVID-19 strain spreads: A new, highly transmissible COVID-19 strain is causing a wave of #infections across the US.
It has become the dominant strain in the US, surpassing previous variants like NB.1.8.1, or “Nimbus”.As of October 2025, the highly transmissible COVID-19 variant XFG, nicknamed ” #Stratus,” is driving a wave of infections across the United States
About the Stratus variant
Origin: First detected in Southeast Asia in January 2025, Stratus is a hybrid, or recombinant, of two existing Omicron subvariants.
Contagiousness: Its genetic makeup gives it a modest advantage in spread by helping it bind more tightly to human cells. It is also partially immune-evasive, meaning it can sometimes get around antibodies from previous infections and vaccinations.
Severity: The World Health Organization has classified Stratus as a “variant under monitoring” but has assessed the global public health risk as low. For most vaccinated people, infections remain mild.
Symptoms
Symptoms of the Stratus variant can be similar to earlier Omicron strains and other respiratory illnesses, and can include:
Cough and congestion
Fever and chills
Fatigue and muscle aches
Headache
Gastrointestinal issues
Some reports also indicate that a hoarse or raspy voice is a potential early symptom of the Stratus variant.
Spread in the US
Dominance: Wastewater data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that Stratus became the predominant variant in the US by September 2025.
Regional hotspots: While COVID-19 viral activity is “moderate” nationally, some states, including Nevada, Utah, Connecticut, and Delaware, have reported “high” or “very high” levels of the virus in their wastewater. New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Dakotas have also seen increased cases.
Summer wave: This recent surge in cases aligns with the typical summer wave pattern that has occurred each year since the start of the pandemic, driven by new variants, waning immunity, and increased travel.
What you can do
Health experts advise taking precautions to prevent illness and its spread:
Vaccination: The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends updated 2025–2026 COVID vaccines for everyone aged 6 months and older, after consulting with a doctor or pharmacist.
Hygiene: Continue to practice good hand washing and other basic hygiene to limit transmission.
Masks: Wear a mask in crowded indoor settings to improve protection.
Ventilation: Ensure good indoor air ventilation and filtration, especially in public spaces.
share.google/aimode/gIFZKNY6…— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Oct 2, 2025
#FBI #News #Today
Top FBI news includes the indictment of former Director James #Comey, the firing of hundreds of FBI employees, and the termination of a partnership with the Anti-Defamation League
Indictment of James Comey
On September 25, 2025, former FBI Director James Comey was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of making a false statement and obstructing a congressional investigation.
The indictment alleges that Comey lied to Congress in 2020 by denying he had authorized leaks of sensitive information to the media.
This action followed public calls for Comey’s prosecution from former President Donald Trump, leading to an indictment from a grand jury secured by Trump’s former personal lawyer, Lindsey Halligan.
Comey has denied the charges and stated he will fight them in court.
Departure of FBI personnel
On September 30, 2025, sources revealed that hundreds of FBI employees, including agents, were leaving the bureau as part of a government worker buyout program.
The same day, CBS News reported that nearly two dozen agents had also been fired in recent weeks.
These firings included agents who had been disciplined for taking a knee in 2020 during protests in Washington, D.C., following the murder of George Floyd.
End of partnership with Anti-Defamation League
On October 1, 2025, FBI Director Kash Patel announced that the FBI was cutting ties with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
This decision followed conservative criticism of the ADL for including murdered right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in a “Glossary of Extremism and Hate”.
The ADL later removed the glossary entirely.
Other FBI headlines
Charlie Kirk shooting: On September 11, the FBI released video footage of the shooter in the Utah Valley University shooting, in which conservative youth leader Charlie Kirk was killed.
Massive fraud scheme: On September 25, multiple individuals were indicted for a multimillion-dollar nationwide scheme to defraud staffing companies.
Michigan church shooting: On September 30, the FBI provided an update on the investigation into a shooting and fire at a church in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
share.google/aimode/OzNEwA6g…— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Oct 2, 2025
While no mass exodus has occurred, hundreds of #FBI agents and staff have either been #fired or resigned since early 2025. These departures are part of broader workforce cuts and a government-wide buyout program initiated by the #Trump administration. The total number of federal employees leaving their jobs in 2025, including resignations and buyouts, is reportedly over 150,000. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Key details about the FBI’s staffing changes:Buyouts: A “deferred resignation” program, known as the “Fork in the Road” buyout offer, was extended to all 2.3 million federal employees in January 2025. The offer allowed employees to resign in exchange for eight months of salary and benefits, with their departure date set for September 30, 2025. At least 150,000 federal workers, including an unknown number from the FBI, accepted the offer.
Firings: Beyond the buyout program, a number of FBI agents have been fired, which some see as politically motivated.Kneeling incident: In September 2025, over a dozen agents were fired for kneeling during a 2020 racial justice protest. The agents said they knelt to de-escalate tensions, and they were previously cleared of misconduct under the prior administration.
Senior leadership purge: In August 2025, several senior FBI officials were removed from their positions without clear explanations. The FBI Agents Association condemned the dismissals, citing a lack of due process.Declining morale: Some law enforcement sources have indicated that morale within the FBI is at an all-time low. The firings and reassignments have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, with some considering leaving the bureau.
Loss of expertise: Former officials warn that the departures and firings are causing a loss of expertise and institutional knowledge, which they say could undermine the bureau’s effectiveness. [1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13]AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] facebook.com/yahoonews/posts…
[2] cbsnews.com/video/what-the-f…
[3] aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/25…
[4] npr.org/2025/08/18/nx-s1-550…
[5] govexec.com/workforce/2025/0…
[6] govexec.com/workforce/2025/0…
[7] abcnews.go.com/US/senior-fbi…
[8] kcra.com/article/fbi-fires-a…
[9] govexec.com/workforce/2025/0…
[10] cnn.com/2025/08/14/politics/…
[11] wtop.com/dc/2025/09/you-took…
[12] npr.org/2025/09/27/nx-s1-555…
[13] foxnews.com/us/fbi-agents-fi…–
Mass exodus: Hundreds of FBI agents and staff were fired or left their positions as part of a government worker buyout program – Google Search google.com/search?q=Mass+exo…— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Oct 2, 2025
What is the reaction of the US #Military to #Trump‘s speech to them?
Trump and War Secretary Pete #Hegseth addressed hundreds of senior officers, with Trump floating the controversial idea of using U.S. cities as “training grounds” to combat an “enemy within”.Military leadership reacted to former President Trump’s September 30, 2025, speech at Marine Corps Base Quantico with silence and a subdued demeanor, in line with the military’s tradition of remaining apolitical
Key reactions and points from the event:
Silence from the audience: Despite Trump’s remarks—which were met with boisterous applause at his rallies—the generals and admirals in attendance largely remained silent. Some news outlets reported that senior leaders had been cautioned beforehand not to cheer or react to partisan comments. Trump himself noted the unusually quiet atmosphere, joking that he’d never walked into such a silent room.
Jokes about punishment: After observing the lack of reaction, Trump encouraged the officers to “feel nice and loose”. He added that they could leave if they disliked his speech, but warned it would cost them their rank and future.
Controversial proposals: Trump’s speech focused on using the military, including the National Guard, to quell crime and civil unrest in Democratic-led cities, referring to the situation as a “war from within”. This sparked concern among critics regarding the long-standing civil-military norms and the possibility of legal challenges under the Posse Comitatus Act.
Criticism from outside the room: Retired military officials expressed concerns about Hegseth and Trump’s comments.One retired brigadier general called the meeting an “insult” and a “tremendous waste of time and resources”.
Another retired Army lieutenant general called Trump’s mention of using troops against an “enemy within” a violation of military principles, stating, “Soldiers are training to protect American citizens from foreign adversaries,” not from citizens themselves.Political messaging: The event was widely viewed as highly political, with Trump and Hegseth using the platform to advance culture war grievances. Hegseth introduced new directives targeting diversity initiatives and tightening standards, including a new “gender-neutral” or “male-level” physical standard for combat roles. Hegseth also criticized “fat generals,” a comment retired officials found insulting.
Cost and necessity of the meeting: Critics questioned the necessity and cost of flying hundreds of top military leaders from around the world for a meeting that coincided with a government shutdown. Some called it a “loyalty test”.
While the military’s top brass maintained their composure in line with professional norms, the event created a significant rift between the administration’s political agenda and traditional civil-military relations.
share.google/aimode/qLwoQipy…— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Oct 2, 2025
What is the reaction of the US Military to Trump’s speech to them? – Google Search google.com/search?q=What+is+…
reuters.com/world/us/trump-p…— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Oct 2, 2025
#Trust in #media at new low: A new #Gallup poll finds that only 28% of U.S. adults have a “great deal” or “fair amount” of trust in the mass media, the lowest level recorded.
Main News Now – Google Search google.com/search?q=Main+New…— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Oct 2, 2025
How do people get their #news?
As of 2025, a majority of people in the United States and other countries get their news from #digital devices, especially #socialmedia, video platforms, and news websites. Traditional sources like television and print are still used, but their influence has declined, especially among younger audiences who prefer social media and online influencers.
Digital news
Digital devices are the most common way Americans get their news, with 86% using a smartphone, computer, or tablet at least sometimes.
Social media
Social media surpasses TV: In the U.S., social media and video networks overtook TV news and news websites as the main source of news for the first time in 2025. This trend is also rising in many other countries.
Top platforms: Facebook and YouTube are the leading social media platforms for news, with about a third of U.S. adults regularly getting news from each.
Fastest-growing: TikTok has seen a significant increase in news consumption. In 2025, about one in five Americans regularly get news from TikTok, and more than half of its users do so regularly.
Dominant for young adults: A significant portion of younger adults, particularly those aged 18 to 29, get news primarily from social media.
This is how people in 2025 are getting their news
Jul 14, 2025 — Social media use for news is rising across many countries, although this is more pronounced in the United States, L…
Favicon
The World Economic ForumMedia Consumption Insights 2025: Key Trends for …
Apr 15, 2025 — Understanding the New Media Reality: Key Trends for Communicators in 2025. Featured Insights, GSG Reports April 15,
Favicon
Global Strategy GroupNews websites and search
News websites or apps: In the U.S., about a fifth of adults (21%) say they prefer to get their news from news websites or apps.
Search engines: Around 10% of U.S. adults prefer to get their news through search engines.
News influencers
About 20% of U.S. adults regularly get news from social media influencers.
Younger adults (ages 18 to 29) are especially likely to turn to influencers for news, with 37% relying on them.
Traditional news
Television: A majority of U.S. adults (64%) get news from television at least sometimes, with 32% doing so often. However, this is more common among those aged 50 and older.
Radio and print: Far fewer Americans turn to radio or print publications for news. In 2025, only 11% reported getting news often from radio and 7% from print.
Other sources
Podcasts: About 6% of U.S. adults prefer to get their news from podcasts.
Email newsletters: Around 3% of U.S. adults prefer to get news from email newsletters.
Friends and family: Many people also get local news from their social circle, though the sharing is increasingly happening on social media rather than just by word-of-mouth.
share.google/aimode/skpXUznF…— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Oct 2, 2025
Trust in #Media at New Low of 28% in U.S. news.gallup.com/poll/695762/….
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Oct 2, 2025