US News
- The state of Michigan’s multi-million fund to pay out settlements for wrongful convictions is facing a $7 billion deficit. [Link]
- The FDA is considering a ban on menthol cigarettes this week. [Link]
- Sam Power was confirmed to head USAID. [Link]
Great Power
- Russia says its relations with the US are worse than during the Cold War. [Link]
- China says US naval activity is up 20% in Chinese waters and air activity is up 40% in Chinese skies since Biden took office. [Link]
- US warships followed a Chinese aircraft carrier strike group in The Philippines Sea. [Link]
- Biden said the US will compete with China to win the century. [Link]
Asia
- Myanmar’s military carried out airstrikes against two ethnic militias. [Link]
- Fighting broke out on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, killing one. [Link]
- The Taliban proposed direct talks with the Afghan government. The head of the Afghan government negotiations team said it was an effort to sow discord. [Link]
Middle East
- NSA Jake Sullivan said the US and Israel have a policy of “no surprises.” [Link]
- The US is deploying a team of diplomats, led by Brett McGurk, to the Middle East. [Link]
