- Trump’s pick to be Secretary of the Navy Philip Bilden withdraws his name from consideration for the post. Earlier this month, Trump’s pick for Secretary of the Army also withdrew his name. [Link]
- The Trump Administration blocks the VISAs of the North Korean delegation that planned to come to the US for talks with former US officials. The news that the VISAs had been pulled came after the Malaysian government announced that Kim Jung Un’s brother had been killed with a nerve agent. It is believed that the North Korean government is behind his death. [Link]
- The father of the US special forces soldier killed in Yemen refused to meet with Trump. [Link]
- 9,000 Maine residents lose their food stamp benefits after the governor’s new work rules went into effect. Under the new rules, non-disabled adults who do not have dependents will only be able to receive food stamp benefits for three months unless they are volunteering, working 20 hours a week, or at a job training program. [Link]
- The Pentagon is giving the White House recommendations for Somalia including increased aid for the Somali army, US special forces to be fighting closer to the front line, and looser restrictions on airstrikes. [Link]
- The Iraqi army’s invasion of West Mosul has slowed as the troops move from fighting in the countryside to an urban setting. This is similar to what happened in East Mosul. [Link]
- Nearly 4,000 civilians from West Mosul have already fled their homes and are now living in refugee camps. The Iraqi army reports that there have been 50 civilians casualties from civilians trying to flee their homes and stepping on ISIS made landmines. [Link]
