NATIONAL BRIEFS

WASHINGTON: China's next leader here

The man expected to become China's next president arrives Monday for a visit crucial to his political ascension and to U.S. hopes for easing tensions between two of the world's most powerful nations. Xi Jinping is regarded as more self-confident and gregarious than President Hu Jintao, whom he is on track to succeed next year. He is quick to mention his fondness for the Midwest, having toured Iowa's small towns in 1985 as a lowly provincial official. But it remains unclear whether Xi's familiarity with U.S. culture will help lead to warmer relations. So far, he appears no less likely than previous Chinese leaders to resist demands for expanded human rights at home.

NATIONWIDE: Help sought on social media

The government is seeking software that can mine social media to predict everything from terrorist attacks to foreign uprisings, according to requests posted online by federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Intelligence analysts already sift overseas Twitter and Facebook posts to track events such as the Arab Spring. But in a formal "request for information" from potential contractors, the FBI recently outlined its desire for a digital tool to scan the universe of social media, more data than humans could ever crunch. "Social media has emerged to be the first instance of communication about a crisis, trumping traditional first responders that included police, EMT, and journalists," the FBI said.

MICHIGAN: Militia group going on trial

Trial begins Monday in Detroit for seven members of a Midwest militia accused of plotting to overthrow the government. Jurors will decide whether federal authorities prevented an attack by homegrown extremists or simply made too much of boasts by weekend warriors who had pledged to "take our nation back." Members of the Hutaree militia are charged with conspiring to sedition, or rebellion, as well as weapon crimes.