US News

• FBI special agent James Hendricks was labeled by his colleagues as a “skilled predator” and the DoJ IG found he sexually harassed at least eight women. After being exposed as a predator, he was allowed to retire with benefits. [Link]
• Marvin Scott was arrested in Texas with less than two ounces of cannabis. He had a schizophrenia diagnosis. Prison staff restrained, pepper-sprayed, and put a spit hood on Scott, killing him. His family has been protesting for justice for four weeks. [Link]
• The Minneapolis police officer – Kim Potter – who murdered Daunte Wright resigns. [Link]
• The US has only accepted 2,000 refugees in 2021. [Link]
• Wendy Sherman was confirmed as the Deputy Secretary of State. [Link] 

Great Power

• Biden spoke with Putin about increasing tensions in Ukraine and offered to meet with the Russian leader. [Link]
• Russia reports troop movements within its borders are to counter the 40,000 NATO troops positioned near Russia’s border. [Link]
• US Intelligence Agencies say China is the number one threat in their annual report. [Link]
• Biden sent an unofficial delegation – made up of former government officials – to Taiwan. [Link]
• Congress has introduced a bipartisan bill to allow Uyghurs priority refugee application status. [Link]

Afghanistan 

• The Biden Administration says it will have all troops out of Afghanistan by September 11th. [Link]
• Reports from Biden admin officials say the withdrawal before 9/11 is not conditions-based. [Link]
• Britain will withdraw almost all its troops from Afghanistan. [Link]
• NATO and other allied forces will withdraw from Afghanistan with the US. [Link]
• The Taliban say they will not attend peace talks until American forces leave Afghanistan. [Link]

Iran/Israel

• Iran announced it will begin enriching uranium to 60%. Iran made the decision because one of its nuclear facilities was hit with a cyberattack. Iran believes Israel is behind the attack. [Link]
• An Israeli commercial ship was stuck with a missile near the UAE. No casualties were reported from the attack and the ship has been able to continue. [Link]
• National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan reaffirmed the US unwavering commitment to Israel. [Link]