American access to the Panama Canal, one of several new directives outlined in what amounts to a major overhaul of US strategic priorities, according to a new memo that was sent to senior leaders and reviewed by CNN.

The U.S. acquired the rights to build and operate the canal in the early 20th century. In a treaty signed in 1979, during the administration of Democratic President Jimmy Carter, the U.S. agreed to turn over control of the canal to Panama at the close of 1999.

Potential plans range from partnering more closely with Panamanian security forces to a less likely option of U.S. troops' seizing the canal by force, U.S. officials told NBC News.

Pentagon secrets leaker Jack Teixeira has pleaded guilty to military charges of obstructing justice after leaking highly classified documents about the war in Ukraine in an online chat room.

Jack Teixeira, a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard who is serving a 15-year prison sentence for leaking classified U.S. national security documents online, was sentenced by a military judge to a dishonorable discharge on Thursday after pleading guilty to obstructing justice.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered senior Pentagon leadership to review how and why grooming standards, including beards, have changed since 2015.

Pete Hegseth has ordered a Pentagon-wide review of US military standards including the physical fitness, body composition, and grooming of army personnel.