This week’s “Around the Commercial Drone Industry” news round-up looks at a push for President Trump to issue an executive order regarding drone threats to the World Cup, a new drone grant program in Virginia, and a successful search and rescue mission using a UAV with thermal imaging equipment in Washington State.

US Representative Calls for Executive Order Addressing Rogue Drones at the World Cup

US Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Il.) has called on President Trump to issue an executive order that will address the threat of rogue drones at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to the New York Times, LaHood, who co-chairs the Congressional Soccer Caucus and serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, “believes an executive order may be necessary to ensure those securing World Cup games and fan festivals have the requisite training and powers ahead of the World Cup.” The congressman is asking for an executive order that “would establish a protocol to protect World Cup stadiums, with collaboration between the U.S. Military, the federal national security agencies and state and local law enforcement.”

Virginia Launches Drone Grant Program for Police and First Responders

From Dronelife comes news that Virginia has launched “a dedicated grant program aimed at helping local law enforcement and first responders’ transition away from drones manufactured by companies in countries designated as foreign adversaries.” According to the report, the grant program “aligns with provisions in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and includes a $1 million appropriation for the Virginia State Police and a separate $1 million grant program administered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.” For the program, “Grants will be capped at $25,000 per drone and will be limited to models that meet U.S. security standards set by the American Security Drone Act of 2023.”

Thermal Imaging UAV Rescue Mission Saves Man from Hypothermia

According to DroneXL, a “missing man was rescued from the brink of hypothermia in West Richland, Washington, thanks to a drone equipped with thermal imaging." The report explains that authorities discovered the missing man’s truck at a trailhead, “prompting an immediate SAR operation.” Police flew two drones, with “one fitted with a thermal camera that detected the man’s heat signature.” With this equipment, authorities were able find the man “asleep in rugged terrain” and bring him to safety.