- In its annual survey of United States national security threats, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) reported Tuesday that China and Russia currently pose the greatest danger to America, the Washington Times reports.
- Japan announced Tuesday that it plans to dump 1 million tons of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea, Business Insider reports. Set to be implemented in 2023, the plan is part of an ongoing effort to deal with the 2011 tsunami-triggered disaster at the plant.
- US President Joe Biden has offered to have a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid rising tensions over Russia’s buildup of troops close to Ukraine’s eastern border and Crimea, the Washington Times reports. Moscow has acknowledged the offer of a summit.
- The 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals has permitted to take effect an Ohio law that prohibits abortions requested because the fetus has Down syndrome, the Washington Times reports.
- Denmark is the first country to fully ban the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine over concerns about its link to blood clots in recipients.
- Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told Congress on Wednesday the COVID-19 pandemic began either from an accident at a Chinese laboratory or through an infected animal who passed it along to humans.
- Britain, France and Germany criticized Iran on Wednesday for increasing enrichment of uranium to levels banned by the 2015 nuclear deal.
- Minnesota police on Tuesday night arrested over 60 people for rioting and other offenses during protests over the fatal police shooting of Duante Wright earlier this week.
- New federal data show that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have reached an all-time high in the U.S. for the sixth consecutive year.
- An archbishop in war-torn Syria has thanked Hungary for enabling hundreds of Christians to return to their homes, Hungary’s government said.