Jeffery Mead

☕ Morning Briefing — June 23, 2026

Here's a reminder to take movement breaks. Sitting for hours without standing up can negatively affect circulation and blood sugar.

Jeffery Mead

Jun 23, 2026

⚛️ Technology — America Is Betting On Quantum

President Trump signed two executive orders aimed at ensuring the United States leads the world in quantum computing and quantum security.

One order launches a national push to develop commercially useful quantum computers, sensors, and networks, with major milestones targeted by 2028.

The second order directs federal agencies to begin transitioning to post-quantum encryption standards over the next several years to protect America’s digital infrastructure from future threats.

The effort is largely aimed at maintaining an edge over rivals like China and preparing for technologies that could eventually revolutionize everything from AI and medicine to cybersecurity and materials science.

🇨🇦 Montreal — Tragedy In The Jewish Community

A gunman armed with an SKS-style rifle opened fire Sunday in Montreal’s Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood, home to Canada’s largest Jewish community.

One police officer was killed in the line of duty, another officer was critically wounded, and local Jewish community member Michael Moshe Mizrahi was killed.

Authorities later neutralized the suspect.

Reports indicate investigators are examining writings linked to incel ideology, though the full motive remains under investigation.

The attack shocked the city and triggered a temporary shelter-in-place order while police secured the area.

🚨 Illinois — A Teacher And Tren de Aragua

Federal authorities have arrested Giovanna Mercedes Moreno Occhipinti, a former Illinois teacher and Venezuelan national accused of helping Tren de Aragua gang members carry out a mass shooting in Chicago that left three people dead.

According to DHS, Occhipinti drove the alleged gunmen to the scene and later helped them flee.

Chicago police arrested her shortly after the shooting, but due to sanctuary policies, federal authorities say she was released without ICE being notified.

She remained free until being taken into custody by ICE earlier this year.

The case has become another flashpoint in the debate over sanctuary policies and cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

🏛️ Washington D.C. — More Arrests In Reflecting Pool Vandalism

President Trump says five individuals have now been arrested in connection with damage to the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said vandals used what appeared to be a knife or box cutter to create a slit stretching roughly 300 feet through portions of the pool’s new lining and “American flag blue” coating. He described the damage as deliberate and said sections of the material had been violently peeled back.

Trump also suggested that some of the algae problems may have been intentionally caused, noting that investigators are examining whether chemicals or other substances were introduced into the water.

Repairs will likely require draining portions of the pool again, and officials say additional arrests remain possible as the investigation continues.

🇨🇴 Colombia — Another Swing To The Right

Colombian voters elected conservative outsider Abelardo de la Espriella as the country’s next president, defeating leftist candidate Iván Cepeda in a closely contested runoff.

The victory represents a major rejection of outgoing President Gustavo Petro’s administration, which critics blamed for rising crime, economic struggles, and expanding cartel activity.

De la Espriella campaigned on restoring security, strengthening ties with the United States, and cracking down on criminal organizations.

His victory follows similar rightward shifts seen in countries like Argentina and El Salvador, where voters have increasingly prioritized public safety and economic stability.

🔒 For Paid Subscribers:

Today’s paid section dives into why I think the future battle with China may be technological more than military, why sanctuary policies continue creating consequences that people in power pretend not to see, and why Latin America appears to be undergoing one of the biggest political realignments we’ve seen in decades.

🔒 Paid Section: The Deeper Brief

1️⃣ Quantum — The Next Cold War Might Look Very Different

When people think about competition with China, they tend to think about ships and missiles.

But honestly, I think the biggest battles of the next fifty years will probably be fought in technology.

AI.