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WEATHER ALERT

A special weather statement in effect for 14 regions in the area

WILLIAM BURNS


CIA Director William Burns met Chinese leaders in Beijing as Washington tries to thaw tensions

A U.S. official says CIA Director William Burns went to Beijing in May to meet with Chinese counterparts.

Biden aide, Saudi prince see 'progress' toward Yemen war end

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan spoke by phone with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday amid signs that the Saudis and Iran-allied Houthis in Yemen are making โ€œremarkable progressโ€ toward finding a permanent end to their nine-year conflict.

CIA chief: China has some doubt on ability to invade Taiwan

The CIA director says U.S. intelligence shows that Chinaโ€™s President Xi Jinping has instructed his countryโ€™s military to โ€œbe ready by 2027โ€ to invade Taiwan.

CIA director: Putin too confident he can grind down Ukraine

CIA Director William Burns says Russian President Vladimir Putin is being โ€œtoo confidentโ€ in his militaryโ€™s ability to grind Ukraine into submission.

Belarus leader and Putin ally Lukashenko to visit China

China says Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus and a close ally of the Russian leader, will visit Beijing this week.

US seeks to expel Russian mercenaries from Sudan, Libya

North African and Sudanese officials say the United States is ratcheting up pressure on Middle East allies and power brokers in chaos-stricken Libya and Sudan to expel a Russian private military contractor.

CIA director visits Kyiv, meets with Ukraine's Zelenskyy

CIA Director William Burns visited Kyiv last week to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Congress moves to ban TikTok from US government devices

TikTok would be banned from most U.S. government devices under a government spending bill Congress unveiled early Tuesday.

Poland: Russian-made missile fell on our country, killing 2

Poland says a Russian-made missile fell in the countryโ€™s east, killing two people.

Poland, NATO say missile strike wasn't a Russian attack

NATO's chief and the president of Poland say there are no indications that a missile that fell on Polish farmland and killed two people was a deliberate attack.

CIA director warns Russian spy chief against deploying nukes

CIA Director Bill Burns has met with his Russian intelligence counterpart to warn of consequences if Russia were to deploy a nuclear weapon in Ukraine.

What's Putin thinking? Tough to know for nuclear analysts

Trying to figure out what Russian President Vladimir Putin is thinking is tough for Kremlin watchers who want to know whether he is bluffing with his nuclear threats.

CIA unveils model of al-Qaida leader al-Zawahri's hideout

The CIA has revealed the scale model of the safe house where it found and killed al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahri in Afghanistan.

Watching al-Qaida chief's 'pattern of life' key to his death

The seeds of the U.S. counterterrorism operation that killed al-Qaida's leader were planted over many months.

White House announces $270M military package for Ukraine

The U.S. is sending an additional $270 million in security assistance to Ukraine, a new package that will include additional medium range rocket systems and tactical drones.

Spy agencies' focus on China could snare Chinese Americans

China is the foremost challenge for U.S. national security agencies, a so-called โ€œhard targetโ€ that is Americaโ€™s chief rival for global dominance.

Biden, Bolsonaro to hold first meeting amid election worries

U.S. President Joe Biden and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro lead the two largest democracies in the Western Hemisphere, but they haven't met since Biden took office last year.

As gas prices soar, Biden leans toward visiting Saudi Arabia

President Joe Biden is leaning towards making a visit to Saudi Arabia โ€” a trip that would likely bring him face-to-face with the Saudi crown prince he once shunned as a killer.

Spy agencies urged to fix open secret: A lack of diversity

The national reckoning over racial inequality sparked by George Floydโ€™s murder two years ago has gone on behind closed doors inside Americaโ€™s intelligence agencies.

US vice president, top officials visit UAE to pay respects

Vice President Kamala Harris has led a high-powered American delegation to the United Arab Emirates to pay respects to the federationโ€™s late ruler and meet with the newly ascended president.

Many say Biden not tough enough on Russia: AP-NORC poll

Many people in the U.S. continue to question whether President Joe Biden is showing enough strength in response to Russiaโ€™s war against Ukraine, even as most approve of steps the U.S. is already taking and few want U.S. troops to get involved in the conflict.

Live Updates | Celebrity chef's kitchen bombed in Kharkiv

Russiaโ€™s bombardment of Ukrainian cities destroyed a community kitchen in Kharkiv.

Secret intelligence has unusually public role in Ukraine war

Secret intelligence is playing an unusually public role in the war in Ukraine.

CIA director tests positive for COVID-19, has mild symptoms

CIA Director William Burns has tested positive for COVID-19.

'She became our voice': Albright hailed by world leaders

As she pressed the Clinton administration into action against Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic over war crimes in the Balkans, Madeleine Albright would harken back to her own childhood as a refugee from Czechoslovakia who fled the Nazis in war-torn Europe.

US view of Putin: Angry, frustrated, likely to escalate war

Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to U.S. intelligence as angry and frustrated more than two weeks into a war he thought he would dominate in two days.

US official: Russia seeking military aid from China

A U.S. official says Russia has asked China for military equipment to use in its invasion of Ukraine.

China amplifies unsupported Russian claim of Ukraine biolabs

As Russia intensifies its assault on Ukraine, it is getting a helping hand from China in spreading inflammatory and unsubstantiated claims that the U.S. is financing biological weapons labs in Ukraine.

As West tries to force Russia from Ukraine, endgame elusive

As Western leaders congratulate themselves for their speedy and severe responses to Russiaโ€™s invasion of Ukraine, theyโ€™re also scratching their heads with uncertainty about what their actions will accomplish.

Ukraine war at 2-week mark: Russians slowed but not stopped

Two weeks into its war in Ukraine, Russia has achieved less and struggled more than anticipated at the outset of the biggest land conflict in Europe since World War II.

Russia underestimated Ukraine's resistance, US officials say

Top U.S. intelligence officials believe Russia underestimated the strength of Ukraineโ€™s resistance before launching an invasion that has likely caused thousands of Russian casualties.

Experts: Energy attacks could be behind some 'Havana' cases

A panel of intelligence experts hasnโ€™t identified a single culprit for apparent brain injuries reported by U.S. personnel that have been linked to so-called โ€œHavana syndrome.

CIA: Most 'Havana syndrome' cases not linked to US adversary

U_S_ officials say the CIA believes it's unlikely that Russia or another foreign adversary is using microwaves or other forms of directed energy to attack hundreds of American diplomats and intelligence officers who attribute their brain injuries and other symptoms to what's come to be known as โ€œHavana syndrome.โ€.

Biden says Putin will pay 'dear price' if he invades Ukraine

President Joe Biden says he thinks Russia will invade Ukraine and is warning President Vladimir Putin that his country would pay a โ€œdear priceโ€ in lives lost and a possible cutoff from the global banking system if it does.

US seeks balance as fears grow Russia may invade Ukraine

The buildup of Russian troops near Ukraine has left U.S. officials perplexed.

US presses Russia over troop buildup along Ukraine border

The Biden administration is stepping up pressure on Russia over a buildup of troops along its frontier with Ukraine.

State Dept. names new coordinator on 'Havana Syndrome' cases

The State Department has named a new coordinator for its investigation into cases of so-called Havana Syndrome.

Vaccine refusals in intelligence agencies raise GOP concerns

Thousands of intelligence officers could soon face dismissal for failing to comply with the U.S. governmentโ€™s vaccine mandate, leading to concerns from Republican lawmakers about potentially hurting agencies considered critical to national security.

US-China tensions evident as Biden heads to twin summits

US-China tensions evident as Biden heads to twin summits

For nine months under President Joe Biden, the U.S. has pursued a diplomatic strategy that could be characterized as about China, without China.

CIA creates working group on China as threats keep rising

CIA creates working group on China as threats keep rising

The CIA says it will create a top-level working group on China as part of a broad U.S. government effort focused on countering Beijingโ€™s influence.

US, Pakistan face each other again on Afghanistan threats

US, Pakistan face each other again on Afghanistan threats

The Talibanโ€™s takeover of Kabul has deepened the mutual distrust between the U.S. and Pakistan, two putative allies who have tangled over Afghanistan.

Officer accompanying CIA chief develops 'Havana' symptoms

Officer accompanying CIA chief develops 'Havana' symptoms

A U.S. intelligence officer suffered symptoms linked to a series of directed-energy attacks known as โ€œHavana syndromeโ€ while traveling with Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns in India earlier this month.

G-7 leaders can't sway Biden to delay Afghanistan withdrawal

G-7 leaders can't sway Biden to delay Afghanistan withdrawal

Sharply divided leaders of the Group of Seven industrialized democracies have clashed over U.S. President Joe Bidenโ€™s insistence on withdrawing from Afghanistan by August 31 in the face of the Taliban takeover.

Biden decides to stick with Aug. 31 final pullout from Kabul

Biden decides to stick with Aug. 31 final pullout from Kabul

An administration official says President Joe Biden has decided to stick with his Aug. 31 deadline for completing a U.S.-led evacuation of Americans and at-risk Afghans from the Kabul airport and for withdrawing the remaining U.S. forces.

Afghan pullout has US spies reorienting in terrorism fight

Afghan pullout has US spies reorienting in terrorism fight

The two-decade war in Afghanistan has given U.S. spies a perch for keeping tabs on terrorist groups that might once again use the beleaguered nation to plan attacks against the U.S. homeland.

Growing mystery of suspected energy attacks draws US concern

Growing mystery of suspected energy attacks draws US concern

The Biden administration faces increasing pressure to respond to a sharply growing number of reported injuries suffered by diplomats, intelligence officers and military personnel that some suspect are caused by devices that emit waves of energy that disrupt brain function.

US report: Taliban will likely curtail Afghan women's rights

US report: Taliban will likely curtail Afghan women's rights

A new U.S. intelligence assessment says any gains in womenโ€™s rights in Afghanistan made in the last two decades will be at risk after the U.S. withdraws later this year.

CIA head said to have made unannounced trip to Afghanistan

CIA head said to have made unannounced trip to Afghanistan

A senior Afghan politician and a well-placed public figure say CIA Director William Burns made a recent unannounced visit to the Afghan capital of Kabul.

On foreign policy decisions, Biden faces drag of pragmatism

On foreign policy decisions, Biden faces drag of pragmatism

President Joe Biden this past week found himself in search of a foreign policy sweet spot: somewhere between pulling a screeching U-turn on four years of Trumpism and cautiously approaching the world as it is.

Analysis: Biden takes a risk pulling troops from Afghanistan

Analysis: Biden takes a risk pulling troops from Afghanistan

At its start, Americaโ€™s war in Afghanistan was about retribution for 9/11.

Biden's gamble: Will pulling troops revive extremist threat?

Biden's gamble: Will pulling troops revive extremist threat?

At its start, Americaโ€™s war in Afghanistan was about retribution for 9/11.

US intel report: Virus impact to cause global 'aftershocks'

US intel report: Virus impact to cause global 'aftershocks'

A U_S_ intelligence community report says the effects of the coronavirus pandemic are expected to contribute over the next year to โ€œhumanitarian and economic crises, political unrest, and geopolitical competition."

Biden Cabinet near complete but hundreds of jobs still open

Biden Cabinet near complete but hundreds of jobs still open

(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)WASHINGTON โ€“ President Joe Bidenโ€™s Cabinet is nearly complete with the confirmation of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh. A panel will also vote on advancing the nomination of Polly Ellen Trottenberg to be deputy secretary of transportation. And even as the Biden administration moves through picking nominees, there's no guarantee they'll all receive a smooth confirmation. And some of the deputies have become political footballs for Republicans looking to score concessions from the Biden administration. Cruz continues to hold up Bidenโ€™s nominee for deputy secretary of state, Wendy Sherman, until sanctions are imposed.

Biden Cabinet near complete but hundreds of jobs still open

Biden Cabinet near complete but hundreds of jobs still open

(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)WASHINGTON โ€“ President Joe Bidenโ€™s Cabinet is nearly complete with the confirmation of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh on Monday. A panel will also vote on advancing the nomination of Polly Ellen Trottenberg to be deputy secretary of Transportation. And even as the Biden administration moves through picking nominees, there's no guarantee they'll all receive a smooth confirmation. And some of the deputies have become political footballs for Republicans looking to score concessions from the Biden administration. Cruz continues to hold up Bidenโ€™s nominee for deputy secretary of State, Wendy Sherman, until sanctions are imposed.

Burns confirmed as CIA director as US faces diverse threats

Burns confirmed as CIA director as US faces diverse threats

William Burns, nominee for Central Intelligence Agency director, testifies during his Senate Select Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Tom Williams/Pool via AP)Without opposition, the Senate confirmed veteran diplomat William Burns as CIA director on Thursday, giving him control of the nation's premier spy agency as the U.S. government confronts threats from China, Russia, Iran and elsewhere. The approval, by voice vote, came soon after Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, lifted a hold he had placed on the nomination. He pledged at his confirmation hearing last month that he would deliver โ€œunvarnishedโ€ intelligence to the White House. Burns was warmly received by Republicans at his Senate hearing, but his confirmation was held up this month by Cruz.

Biden's Russia credentials questioned over European pipeline

Biden's Russia credentials questioned over European pipeline

(Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/Pool via AP)WASHINGTON โ€“ After years of Democratic accusations that former President Donald Trump was too soft on Russia, the Biden administration is facing Republican criticism of its approach to Moscow. The Biden administration rejects the criticism, saying it has been clear about penalties for companies involved in the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and that its goal is to bolster European energy security. Like the Trump administration before it, the Biden administration believes the pipeline will harm European energy security, particularly for countries in Eastern and Central Europe like Ukraine and Poland, which the pipeline bypasses. U.S. officials have long said they fear Russia will use the pipeline as a political tool against its neighbors. The Biden administration suggests more sanctions may be coming.

Collins to back Haaland for Interior, sealing her approval

Collins to back Haaland for Interior, sealing her approval

The announcement makes Haaland's confirmation by the Senate nearly certain and follows Haaland's endorsement last week by Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Manchin, a moderate from West Virginia, had been publicly undecided through two days of hearings on Haalandโ€™s nomination by President Joe Biden. Collins said she also appreciated Haalandโ€™s support on issues important to Maine, such as Acadia National Park, โ€œas well as her deep knowledge of tribal issues, which has earned her the support of tribes across the country, including those in Maine.'' Interior oversees the nation's public lands and waters and leads relations with nearly 600 federally recognized tribes. AdThe Senate energy panel is set to vote on Haaland's nomination Thursday.

Biden brings no relief to tensions between US and China

Biden brings no relief to tensions between US and China

Biden took office promising to move quickly to restore and repair Americas relations with the rest of the world. From Iran to Russia, Europe to Latin America, Biden has sought to cool tensions that rose during President Donald Trumpโ€™s four years in office. China and the United States are the worldโ€™s two largest economies and the two largest emitters of greenhouse gases. The backdrop is clear: The United States is convinced that it and China are engaged in a duel for global dominance. Adโ€œThere has been huge deviation between what they believe China is and what China really is,โ€ Yu said.

CIA nominee pledges to provide 'unvarnished' intelligence

CIA nominee pledges to provide 'unvarnished' intelligence

William Burns testifies before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on his nomination to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Tom Williams/Pool via AP)WASHINGTON โ€“ President Joe Biden's nominee to run the CIA told lawmakers Wednesday that he would keep politics out of the job and deliver โ€œunvarnishedโ€ intelligence to politicians and policymakers even if they don't want to hear it. William Burns told members of the Senate Intelligence Committee at his confirmation hearing that โ€œpolitics must stop where intelligence work begins.โ€โ€œThat is exactly what President Biden expects of CIA. It was the first thing he told me when he asked me to take on this role," Burns said. AdWhile Russia is in many ways a declining world power, the country remains a disruptive and potent threat, Burns said.

Trouble at home may change Biden's hand in Iran nuke talks

Trouble at home may change Biden's hand in Iran nuke talks

She was speaking of U.S. foreign objectives overall, including the Iran deal. Biden's first priority for renewed talks is getting both Iran and the United States back in compliance with the nuclear deal, which offered Iran relief from sanctions in exchange for Iran accepting limits on its nuclear material and gear. โ€œIt would be a first step.โ€But Biden also faces pressure both from Democrats and Republican opponents of the Iran deal. The United States' European allies will be eager to help Biden wrack up a win on the new Iran talks if possible, Nasr said. Besides tapping Sherman for his administration, Biden has called back William Burns, who led secret early talks with Iran in Oman, as his CIA director.

Biden chooses veteran diplomat Burns as CIA director

Biden chooses veteran diplomat Burns as CIA director

President-elect Joe Biden has chosen veteran diplomat William Burns to be his CIA director. If confirmed, he would succeed Gina Haspel, the first female CIA director, who guided the agency under President Donald Trump. โ€œI developed enormous respect for my colleagues in the CIA,โ€ Burns said in an online video statement Monday with Biden. The director of national intelligence, not the CIA director, was in the Cabinet. Trump elevated the CIA director post back up to a Cabinet-level position, and both Haspel and National Intelligence Director John Ratcliffe sit in his Cabinet.

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