Multibillion-Dollar Defense Contracts: Is Palantir Quietly Turning Into a Core "Infrastructure" Stock for U.S. Intelligence?
Palantir, co-founded by Peter Thiel, is playing an increasingly important role in military intelligence and is becoming a core part of the U.S. intelligence and defense apparatus. The company has secured numerous large contracts with government departments, including a $10 billion contract with the Army for software and data needs. Palantir's platform gathers data from various sources and uses AI to uncover hidden patterns, providing actionable insights.
Canada's anti-money laundering agency relies on AI to fight financial crimes - Dunya News
Under Sarah Paquet's leadership, FINTRAC is using AI to analyze more data and detect suspicious activity, with staffing levels increasing to support these efforts. FINTRAC is also partnering with financial institutions to lower risks and has increased the frequency of meetings with larger banks. The agency's increased scrutiny comes amid probes and potential fines related to AML practices, indicating an increase in enforcement activities.
Palantir: Financed by Epstein, Fueled by Thiel, Killing in Gaza and Spying on You
Palantir, co-founded by Peter Thiel, has secured a $30 million contract with ICE to monitor undocumented immigrants, raising concerns about warrantless surveillance and racial profiling. Palantir's AI-driven platform, initially funded by the CIA, is now partnering with Israel, powering algorithmic warfare in Gaza and helping draw up kill lists. The Pentagon has also expanded its contract with Palantir for the Maven Smart System, increasing the ceiling to nearly $1.3 billion through 2029, underscoring AI's central role in U.S. military strategy.
Tracking Uses of AI in the Trump Administration - Revolving Door Project
The Trump administration is using AI to surveil immigrants' real-time movements, and companies including Palantir are supporting these activities with their AI-powered products. The administration has given Palantir the right to surveil Americans, creating detailed portraits based on government data, including bank account numbers, student debt, medical claims, and disability status.
Biden's Cyber Command and NSA nominee seen as a pick for continuity
Timothy Haugh, nominated to head U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, is expected to continue the work of Paul Nakasone, including supporting the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Section 702 allows the NSA to collect vast amounts of intelligence from U.S. technology providers about foreign espionage and overseas national security threats, but has raised concerns about the incidental collection and searching of data belonging to Americans.
Former Palantir workers condemn company's work with Trump administration | WFAE 90.7 - Charlotte's NPR News Source
Thirteen former employees of Palantir, co-founded by Peter Thiel, are condemning the company's work with the Trump administration, particularly its provision of "near real-time visibility" into the movement of migrants in the U.S. to ICE. Palantir's data-analyzing software uses AI to pull information from a multitude of sources and compiles it into charts, tables and heat maps, making it popular with law enforcement and the military.
FBI Intel Strategy Includes Using AI to Process Terabytes of Data
FBI Director Christopher Wray announced a new intelligence program strategy that will use AI and other emerging technologies to process information with greater speed and accuracy. The FBI can use AI and machine learning to sift through large amounts of data more efficiently, but officials stated that the use of AI will continue to rely on human oversight.
Federal government unveils new measures to combat extortion – February 19, 2026
FINTRAC will mobilize resources to combat extortion activities and improve information sharing with financial institutions and law enforcement. They are deploying financial intelligence officers to engage directly with local police and working with businesses to identify financial transaction trends related to extortion.
White House Reporter: Put the Temple Mount on the Table as Leverage Against Hamas
White House reporter Jake Turx proposes using the Temple Mount as leverage to disarm Hamas, suggesting that if Hamas refuses to disarm, control of the Temple Mount should be transferred solely to the Jews - potentially paving the way for Third Temple construction. Turx argues this is the one thing Hamas will not sacrifice, making it the ultimate negotiating tool for Trump.
Biblical Prophecy? Video of Red Heifer Ceremony in Israel; A Texan shares his story
For the first time in 2000 years, a Red Heifer was slaughtered and burned in Israel on July 1, 2025, with its ashes gathered, potentially fulfilling prophecy related to rebuilding the Third Temple.
2025 Global Scripture Access
As of August 1, 2025, just 544 of the world's 7,396 living languages remain on the waiting list for Bible translation to begin, with the focus on people in all language communities engaging with God's Word.
Israel signals readiness to escalate in Lebanon as Iran tensions rise
Amid rising tensions with Iran, Israel is signaling its readiness to escalate in Lebanon. The head of the Israeli army's Manpower Directorate stated that Israel is currently facing seven fronts and that Iran, along with its proxies, plans to eliminate the Jewish state.
America Needs a National Digital Identity Strategy
A national digital identity strategy is needed in the US to standardize and govern online trust, enhance privacy, mitigate fraud, and make services easier and fairer, without centralizing identity.
Going Cashless: Central Banks and Digital Currencies
Central banks are grappling with the implications of digital currencies and cashless societies, including the need for regulation and the potential impact on financial access and the role of central banks.
Security Council Reform
Intergovernmental negotiations are ongoing in the General Assembly regarding equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council.
Abraham Accords and their impact on Chinese national security - Modern Diplomacy
The Abraham Accords, starting in 2020, are expanding Israeli influence in Asia, impacting China's strategic interests and national security, especially with Kazakhstan joining in November 2025.
Ray Dalio Warns CBDCs Could Erase Financial Privacy
Investor Ray Dalio warns that CBDCs could eliminate financial privacy, enabling governments to monitor transactions in real-time, apply instant taxes, enforce capital controls, and restrict access for politically disfavored individuals. He raised concerns about the potential for systemic government control over personal finances and the exclusion of certain individuals from the CBDC system.
Kenyan authorities used Israeli tech to crack activist's phone, report claims
Report claims Kenyan authorities utilized Israeli technology to compromise an activist's phone, highlighting the increasing use of sophisticated surveillance tools against dissent.
Blackwater Founder Erik Prince Joins Ukrainian Startup to Unleash AI Drone Swarms
Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, has joined Swarmer, a Ukrainian startup specializing in AI-driven autonomous drone swarms, as non-executive chairman. Swarmer's platform has executed over 100,000 real-world combat missions since April 2024, using machine learning to coordinate drone swarms. Prince aims to leverage his connections to sell Swarmer's technology to the US Department of Defense and NATO allies.
Gujarat Launches India's First CBDC-Based Public Distribution System
The government of Gujarat has launched India's first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS). This system uses digital currency tokens authorized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to improve transparency, reduce corruption, ensure traceability of transactions, and strengthen accountability in subsidy delivery. The CBDC platform was developed by Punjab National Bank under the RBI framework.
Meta Reportedly Set to Launch Divisive 'Facial Recognition' Feature
Meta is reportedly planning to introduce a new facial recognition feature within its smart glasses, enabling wearers to identify people using AI and access their information, raising privacy concerns. The feature, called 'Name Tag,' could potentially identify anyone connected to a Meta platform, making their information readily available.
'Orwellian': Sainsbury's staff using facial recognition tech eject innocent shopper
A shopper was wrongly identified and ejected from a Sainsbury's store due to facial recognition technology, raising concerns about the potential for misidentification and the erosion of privacy.
Data sovereignty: Why East Africa must build its own AI future
Sovereign AI, the ability to build AI using a nation's own infrastructure and governed data is becoming a necessity. It ensures legal compliance with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner while reducing latency. For East Africa's vision of the Silicon Savannah to be realised, their digital intelligence must be built on local foundations.
China's Digital Yuan to Pay Interest in 2026, Defying Global CBDC Norms
China's digital yuan will begin paying interest in 2026, a move that diverges from the global consensus that retail CBDCs should function purely as digital cash. Wallet balances will accrue interest at demand deposit rates and will be covered by China's deposit insurance scheme, similar to bank deposits. This decision aims to encourage wider adoption while limiting risks to commercial banks.
To Lam's Consolidation of Power: Implications for Vietnam's Political and Economic Prospects
To Lam has become Vietnam's supreme dominant leader after being unanimously elected as state president, marking a significant shift from the country's tradition of collective leadership. By holding both top positions, To Lam has effectively become Vietnam's strongman, raising questions about the implications of this unprecedented authority.
IRS to Issue Guidance on Politics in Church After Court Ruling
The IRS and Treasury Department will release guidance on political endorsements by churches and other religious groups after a federal court dismissed an agreement between the government and churches allowing more political speech. The guidance will provide standards for houses of worship regarding how the law applies to communications made within religious services.
US says optimistic about reaching peace deal with Iran
The U.S. is discussing a second round of peace talks with Iran in Pakistan and is optimistic about reaching a deal, while Iran has threatened to shut down Red Sea trade if the U.S. doesn't lift its naval blockade. A Pakistani delegation has arrived in Tehran with a new message from Washington, and further talks are likely to be held in Pakistan.
Dangote, Pope Leo XIV, Trump, Xi Jinping, Others Named In TIME 100 Most Influential People For 2026 - LEADERSHIP Newspapers
Donald Trump, along with other global figures like Pope Leo XIV and Xi Jinping, has been named among TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2026. The annual TIME100 list recognizes global figures whose leadership, ideas, and actions are shaping the future across business, politics, culture, and society.
Faith Leaders Condemn Trump's “Jesus” Image as Blasphemous and Deeply Offensive
Christian communities are expressing anger after Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image portraying himself in a Christ-like role, with faith leaders denouncing the post as blasphemous and spiritually dangerous. The image, which depicted Trump in flowing robes and radiating light, was seen by many as crossing a line, prompting rebukes from evangelical and Catholic voices, some of whom have previously supported Trump.
Pope, God and Donald Trump: holy or unholy alliance?
TVP World explores the growing tension between Donald Trump, the Vatican, and the idea of moral authority in global politics. The discussion covers AI-generated “sacred” imagery and political clashes with the Pope, questioning whether religion is becoming a tool of power.
US judge rejects pact allowing churches to endorse political candidates
A federal judge rejected a settlement crafted by the Trump administration that would have allowed churches to endorse political candidates without losing their tax-exempt status. The lawsuit was brought by Texas churches and the National Religious Broadcasters challenging the Johnson Amendment.
Italy suspends defense agreement with Israel
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has suspended Italy's defense treaty with Israel, citing disagreement with recent Israeli actions, including the bombing of Lebanon and alleged firing at Italian UN peacekeepers. This decision strains relations between Italy and the U.S., as it follows criticism from President Trump regarding Italy's lack of support in the military campaign against Iran.