China is stepping up efforts to recruit skilled personnel to its military ranks as the US faces challenges when it comes to military recruitment. "The US military must continue to reevaluate and explore options to reform current approaches to recruiting and retaining diverse talent to prioritize critical skill-sets and proficiencies," writes Elsa Kania of the Center for a New American Security.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has announced potential weapons sales totaling more than $1 billion to Canada, South Korea and Japan. Raytheon is the lead contractor on all three possible deals.

The Sikorsky HH-60W helicopter has completed its first flight. The Air Force plans to order 113 HH-60Ws to replace its fleet of HH-60G Pave Hawks.

Air New Zealand has reportedly selected the Boeing 787 to replace its fleet of Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, though no official announcement has been made. Currently, Air New Zealand operates 13 787-9 passenger jets.

The House Appropriations Committee has asked the Defense Department to revisit its Space Force plan and "examine and refine alternative organizational options that will streamline the management and decision-making process and minimize overhead cost and bureaucracy."

Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Sierra Nevada, SpaceX, Blue Origin and Aerojet Rocketdyne are listed among 11 companies tapped by NASA to develop prototypes for a crewed moon lander. The contracts were awarded through the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships.

Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, wants to make it easier for venture-backed companies to participate in the Pentagon's Small Business Innovation Research program, citing a failed bid by Capella Space.

Leading taxpayer advocate and president of the National Taxpayers Union, Pete Sepp, said Congress should look for other ways to fund road and bridge repairs, instead of diverting airline taxes for other uses. "The total government burden on an airline ticket is now exceeding an average of 20%," he said. "That's a higher tax rate than most middle-class travelers will pay on their 1040 tax return."

On June 3, JetBlue will switch from Coca-Cola to Pepsi products for its in-flight beverage services. "JetBlue is always looking for ways to refresh our onboard experience," an airline spokesperson said.

Pittsburgh International Airport was approved for an additional $2.9 million in spending, in conjunction with its $1.1 billion modernization plans. The funds will be used toward the construction of a building for ticketing, security and baggage claim.