From the Heritage Foundation, I'm Tim Dessher, and this is Heritage Explains.

I went on vacation last week.

I've shared in the past.

Sometimes I just need to escape from reality for a bit.

We all do. especially after this year.

But like always, with a few days of vacation remaining,

I inevitably start thinking about the next episode of Heritage explains.

What should I do it on? The election? The confirmation hearing of Judge Amy Coney-Barrant,

voter fraud, all good options. Then I saw this.

Thousands of maskless North Koreans celebrated the 75th anniversary of the country's ruling workers' party.

Under the cover of darkness, a midnight display of massive military muscle,

and leading the Pyongyang parade a huge new weapon. This parade showcased what are thought to be new missiles and transporters

with the star of the show what's claimed to be a newly developed intercontinental ballistic missile.

It's a reminder that in spite of denuclearization talks with the US,

North Korea has continued to expand its arsenal in recent years.

Not the best information to consume while wrapping up a vacation.

But wait. it gets worse.

I read Reuters broke a story that a senior U.S. official says North Korea and Iran have resumed

cooperation on a long-range missile project, including the transfer of critical parts.

Again, learning about international bad actors potentially teaming up to grow their respective arsenal

is not the best information to consume while on vacation.

But much more concerning than my vacation, well, much, much more concerning, is what this means for our national security.

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