January 1, Nato Leaders Declare China A ‘Security Risk’

Greetings Middle Americans,

During their annual summit in Brussels, Nato leaders declared that China presents a security risk. Leaders of the alliance signed off on an announcement that said China’s “stated ambitions and assertive behavior present systemic challenges to the rules-based international order.”

Back in the US, we may not be out of the woods with the coronavirus just yet. The Delta variant is quickly becoming the dominant strain in the US, and there is concern that the new strain could heavily impact unvaccinated individuals in the fall. According to CDC data, 52.4% of Americans have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, but only 43.4% are fully vaccinated.

Inflation may be here to say, according to the experts. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon says that his company has been “effectively stockpiling” $500 billion in cash. “We have a lot of cash and capability and we’re going to be very patient, because I think you have a very good chance inflation will be more than transitory,” said Dimon.

In an update to the revelation that the Trump-era DOJ seized communications records of Congress members and their families, John Demers is resigning from his post in the National Security Division. Demers, who served as assistant attorney general for National Security, was in charge since February 2018. There is still an ongoing probe into these leak investigations.

In Minneapolis, one woman is dead after a man sped into a crowd of protestors on Sunday night. People were gathered to protest the death of Winston Boogie Smith Jr., who was fatally shot by police on June 3. Two others were injured in the crash. A suspect is in police custody at this time, though his identity has not been made public.

Lastly, NSA whistleblower Reality Winner was released from prison to home confinement. Winner, 29, pleaded guilty to a single count of transmitting national security information in 2018 and received a sentence of five years and three months. Her release was celebrated by advocates who’ve spent years fighting for her release or pardon.

Be well,

Fraser Dixon

Sources

• Nato summit: leaders declare China presents security risk
• A new coronavirus variant is on the rise. Here’s why experts are concerned
• Jamie Dimon says JPMorgan is hoarding cash because ‘very good chance’ inflation is here to stay
• Top DOJ national security official stepping down amid communication record controversy
• 1 Woman Is Dead, Others Injured In Minneapolis After A Driver Plows Into Protesters
• Reality Winner, NSA contractor in leak case, out of prison