Global Scans · USA · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Donald Trump's surprise win in the Presidential election mean the world and America can expect prolonged uncertainty as new domestic policies are put in place, different international relationships formed and attitudes change towards current friends and rivals.

• [New] U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announces new regulation that will lead to faster decisions and quicker payments for certain types of survivors' claims. The American Legion
• [New] As companies race to rapidly refine their models and investments in AI continue to climb, what comes next could have a major impact on the U.S. economy, national security, and innovation. Department of Computer Science
• [New] The US president has ordered a massive buildup of naval forces in the Middle East, including repositioning aircraft carriers and other warships, leading to fears of an imminent war. The Guardian
• [New] Joblessness among recent graduates could hit 25% in the next two to three years, as AI reshapes entry-level work. / USA Fortune
• [New] Diplomatic talks with Iran appear strained, as sweeping U.S. demands, including zero nuclear enrichment and snap inspections, are unlikely to gain traction, fueling speculation that military action could be imminent. Waggoner Financial
• [New] Bitcoin developer Matt Carallo dismissed quantum computing fears as a scapegoat for BTC's 46% slide from its October peak, arguing that AI is now substantially competing for capital. / USA MEXC
• [New] The U.S. government is now warning travelers to reconsider plans to travel to the Mexican state of Jalisco, where Puerto Vallarta is located. Fox 5 Las Vegas
• [New] Developers plan to add 43.4 GW of new utility-scale solar capacity in 2026, a 60% increase in capacity additions from last year if realized. / USA EIA - Energy Information Administration
• [New] US markets are gripped by the AI scare trade, with investors selling software companies and wealth managers on concern that rapid advances in artificial intelligence will erode established business models. ST
• [New] California leads the United States in aggressive plastic-reduction mandates, most notably through SB 54, which requires a 25% reduction in single-use plastics by 2032. Los Angeles Times
• Geopolitical risks between the US and Iran eased today and weighed on crude prices after Iran said it had reached a general agreement with the US on a nuclear deal that would lift sanctions on Iran and reduce the risk of war in the Middle East. Barchart.com
• The U.S. Space Force is pursuing Project Hecate, a long-term initiative to ensure GPS survivability beyond 2040. KeepTrack
• The U.S. Navy plans to deploy a medium unmanned surface vessel with the Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group. KeepTrack
• US submarine forces will be in high demand, so allies will need to contribute similar capacities in the Arctic rather than rely on the United States. Hudson Institute
• The US is in a strategic position to coordinate joint operational planning and acquisition plans to ensure that deterrence is effective across the Arctic and that its allies could defend themselves in full-scale warfare. Hudson Institute
• The US and its allies have few polar-capable capabilities and need to develop them as military-strategic threats grow in complexity. Hudson Institute
• Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are gradually adopting claims processing software as insurers modernize operations, indicating long-term growth potential across developing regions. MEXC
• Virtus plans to deploy approximately $750 million in debt and equity to expand production, aiming to secure a reliable supply of cobalt for U.S.-aligned industries. Grand Pinnacle Tribune
• Total U.S. travel spending is forecast to reach $1.2 trillion in 2026. Kavout
• The US economy added +130,000 jobs in January, far exceeding the median forecast of +68,000 anticipated in a Bloomberg survey of economists. Staffing Industry Analysts
• In an innovative move, the U.S. Navy plans to pair a medium unmanned surface vessel with the Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group in its upcoming deployment. KeepTrack

Last updated: 25 February 2026