Morning Brief: FBI Searches Washington Post Reporter’s Home, Ukraine Defense Chief Warns Desertions and Draft Evasion, Iran Temporarily Closes Airspace

The search follows the Trump administration’s rollback of prior limits on using subpoenas and warrants against journalists in leak investigations.   Pentagon Rebrand to ‘Department of War’ Could Cost Up to Hundreds of Millions, CBO Says Renaming the Department of Defense as the “Department of War” could cost between $10 million and $125 million, and potentially hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on how broadly the change is implemented, according to a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report released Wednesday. The estimate follows a September executive order by US President Donald Trump directing the Pentagon to begin using the new name in official communications and pursue permanent adoption, which would require congressional approval. The CBO said costs remain uncertain because the Defense Department has not detailed its implementation plans, with expenses ranging from limited updates to letterhead and signage to department-wide changes affecting badges, websites, uniforms, and promotional materials. Some signage, websites, and a new Pentagon entrance plaque already reflect the name change. ‘Department of War’ could cost up to $125M 🔵 US Congressional Budget Office said that Trump administration’s effort to formally rename Department of Defense as ‘Department of War’ could carry price tag of up to $125 million https://t.co/8Rgk2rPjPh pic.twitter.com/hygMCxtQHE — Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) January 15, 2026 Senate Democrats requested the cost review, arguing the president lacks authority to rename the department without legislation and questioning the value of the move amid broader defense priorities.   Ex-Navy SEAL Convicted of Plot to Use Explosives Against Police at San Diego Protest A federal jury convicted former Navy SEAL Gregory Vandenberg on Monday of transporting explosives across state lines with the intent to harm police during the June 14 “No Kings” protest in San Diego. Prosecutors said Vandenberg, 49, traveled from Texas toward California carrying fireworks and firecrackers he planned to use as weapons against law enforcement. The five-day trial in Albuquerque detailed how store employees in New Mexico alerted authorities after Vandenberg openly discussed his plans and purchased explosive devices. Investigators testified that Vandenberg held neo-Nazi beliefs, carried extremist symbols, and expressed antisemitic views in phone messages and clothing. Former U.S. Navy SEAL Convicted of Transporting Explosives to Throw at Law Enforcement at California Protests After a five-day jury trial and approximately three hours of deliberation, a federal jury convicted Gregory Vandenberg, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, of intending to use… pic.twitter.com/YdL1uBKVBj — FBI Albuquerque (@FBIAlbuquerque) January 12, 2026 FBI agents arrested him June 13 in Arizona before he reached California. The court ordered Vandenberg held in custody pending sentencing, where he faces up to 10 years in prison. Federal prosecutors said the case underscores that political beliefs do not justify violence or threats against public safety.   Federal Officer Shoots Man During Arrest as Immigration Crackdown Fuels Unrest in Minneapolis A federal law enforcement officer shot a man in the leg Wednesday in Minneapolis while attempting an arrest after the officer was attacked with a shovel and a broom handle, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The shooting occurred about 4.5 miles north of where immigration agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot Renee Good on January 7, an incident that has sparked ongoing protests and clashes between federal officers and demonstrators. DHS said officers were attempting to arrest a Venezuelan man in the US illegally when he fled, crashed his vehicle, and was later joined by two others who attacked the officer, prompting the defensive gunfire. City officials said the wounded man suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and two suspects are in custody. A federal officer shot a man in the leg in Minneapolis after being attacked with a shovel and broom handle while trying to make an arrest, officials said. Officers fired tear gas as they squared off with protesters who threw rocks and shot fireworks near the site of the shooting. pic.twitter.com/WNM8jeh8rD — The Associated Press (@AP) January 15, 2026 The incident unfolded as Minnesota officials pressed a federal judge to pause the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement surge, which has led to more than 2,000 arrests since December and drawn criticism over alleged civil rights violations.   Iran Temporarily Closes Airspace as US Tensions Rise Over Protest Crackdown Iran abruptly closed its airspace to commercial flights for more than four hours early Thursday, disrupting global air travel as tensions remained high with the United States over Tehran’s violent suppression of nationwide protests. The unexplained closure forced international airlines to reroute around Iran, a key East–West aviation corridor, before restrictions lifted and domestic flights resumed after 7 a.m. local time. ✈️ Iran temporarily closes its airspace to all flights except approved international civil arrivals and departures, according to an aviation notice 📅 The restriction remains in place until Jan. 15, with all other air traffic suspended ▶️ Move comes amid rising regional and… pic.twitter.com/FoA5HaZtBU — Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) January 14, 2026 The move came as the US advised some personnel to evacuate a military base in Qatar and restricted embassy travel in Kuwait, signaling heightened regional caution. US President Donald Trump issued vague warnings about possible US action while claiming Iranian plans for executions had paused, following earlier threats tied to the protest crackdown that has killed at least 2,615 people, according to activists. Iranian officials urged restraint, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi calling for diplomacy over conflict, even as Iran’s judiciary signaled swift punishment for detained protesters.   Ukraine Defense Chief Warns Desertions and Draft Evasion Strain War Effort Ukraine’s new Defense Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, told parliament on Wednesday that mass desertions, widespread draft evasion, and structural problems are undermining the country’s military as Russia continues its invasion nearly four years into the war. Fedorov said about 200,000 troops have deserted and roughly 2 million people have avoided the draft, while bureaucracy, outdated management practices, and supply disruptions hamper operations along the roughly 600-mile front line. Some stats from the newly appointed Ukrainian defence minister Mikhailo Fedorov: – Two million (!) Ukrainian men are on the wanted list for draft dodging – 200K men have deserted – Defence budget deficit is 300bn hryvna (approximately 6bn euro) Via Strana pic.twitter.com/nq1Zw9DeJ0 — Leonid Ragozin (@leonidragozin) January 14, 2026 Appointed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this year, Fedorov outlined the challenges as part of a broader government reshuffle aimed at strengthening security and pursuing diplomacy amid renewed international peace efforts. He said the Defense Ministry faces a $6.9 billion funding shortfall, even as Ukraine’s defense industry has rapidly expanded since Russia’s 2022 invasion, particularly in drones, electronic warfare, and missile production.   F-22 Raptor Set for First-Ever Flight Display in New Zealand at Wanaka Air Show The US Air Force will bring its F-22 Raptor stealth fighter to New Zealand for the first time at the Warbirds Over Wanaka air show from April 3 to 5 at Wānaka Airport on the South Island. Pacific Air Forces confirmed the supersonic F-22, one of only 183 built, will perform across all three days as part of the demonstration team’s 2026 schedule. Captain Nick “Laz” Le Tourneau will reportedly pilot the aircraft from Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. The supersonic F-22 Raptor, the Air Force’s most powerful stealth fighter, will soar over New Zealand for the first time during the annual Warbirds Over Wanaka air show in April. (from @sethrobson1) https://t.co/6Lxoyzd6cG — Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) January 15, 2026 Two Raptors will operate from Christchurch International Airport ahead of the show. Organizers say the Raptor’s appearance highlights the event’s global reputation and will join other modern military aircraft and historic warbirds on display. Warbirds Over Wanaka attracts aviation fans from around the world and features a mix of classic planes and contemporary air force assets.   Crane Collapse Near Bangkok Kills Two, Deepens Scrutiny After Deadly Train Disaster A construction crane collapsed onto an elevated roadway near Bangkok on Thursday, killing two people, just one day after another crane accident crushed a passenger train in northeastern Thailand and killed 32. The latest collapse occurred in Samut Sakhon province at a notorious construction site on the Rama 2 Road expressway extension, trapping vehicles and forcing rescuers to halt operations due to safety risks. Authorities said unstable steel debris made the area too dangerous to enter, leaving uncertainty about whether additional victims were involved. A crane collapsed over a highway outside Bangkok, Thailand, crushing vehicles and killing two people on Thursday, just a day after another construction crane plunged onto a rail track in the country’s northeast, killing 32 passengers. – SCMP Contributed by @AZ_Intel_. pic.twitter.com/rETTn4BwWt — Open Source Intel (@Osint613) January 15, 2026 The back-to-back disasters have intensified scrutiny of major infrastructure projects, many linked to Thailand’s high-speed rail expansion under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Italian-Thai Development, also known as Italthai, serves as a lead contractor on both the highway and rail projects and has pledged compensation to victims’ families. Officials are investigating both incidents as public anger grows over repeated deadly construction failures involving the same contractors.   Japan and Philippines Sign Defense Pact to Support Joint Drills and Deter China Japan and the Philippines signed a defense logistics pact Thursday in Manila that will allow their forces to share ammunition, fuel, food, and other supplies tax-free during joint training and operations. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro signed the agreement as both countries seek to strengthen military cooperation and deter China’s growing assertiveness in the East and South China seas. FM MOTEGI had a productive meeting with SFA @SecLazaro & signed agreements including the ACSA. ✍️ Commemorating the 70th Anniv. 🇵🇭🇯🇵 Friendship this year, both agreed to further strengthen our two countries’ bond & reaffirmed close coordination for regional peace & stability.🌏 pic.twitter.com/GTs4EtWTGG — Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) January 15, 2026 The pact, known as an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, also aims to improve coordination during natural disasters and peacekeeping missions. It follows earlier deals that expanded joint military access and exercises between the two US allies. Officials said the agreement reinforces a shared commitment to freedom of navigation and opposition to unilateral changes to the regional status quo by force.   Sources: News Agencies