President Donald Trump is hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House for a state dinner, focusing on technology and business ties amid global competition in areas like microchips and artificial intelligence. The event includes key technology and business leaders from both countries and follows a recent extension of the U.S.-China trade agreement.
Key Facts
President Trump welcomed President Xi Jinping with a formal ceremony at Joint Base Andrews.
A state dinner will be held at the White House with tech and business leaders attending.
Expected U.S. attendees include Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, Jensen Huang, Satya Nadella, Sam Altman, Jane Fraser, Michael Dell, and Mark Zuckerberg.
Chinese business representatives likely attending include executives from BYD, Xiaomi, CATL, Gotion, Hisense, Wanxiang, Bank of China, and COFCO Group.
The visit emphasizes U.S.-China relations at the leader-to-leader level and the importance of technology and trade cooperation.
The Trump administration extended the U.S.-China trade truce through January 10 to reduce tariffs tensions.
Discussions will likely cover artificial intelligence, advanced chips, computing infrastructure, and trade relations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped the U.N. General Assembly to prioritize this summit with President Trump.
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The press corps team called the Bad News Babes won the 18th annual Congressional Women’s Softball Game by beating Team Congress 22-16. The game took place at Audi Field and featured female lawmakers from both parties.
Key Facts
The event is the Congressional Women’s Softball Game, held every year.
This was the 18th time the game has been played.
The press corps team is called the Bad News Babes.
The Bad News Babes won with a score of 22 to 16.
The game was held at Audi Field.
Team Congress included members from both political parties.
Team Congress’s captains included Senator Shelley Moore Capito and Representatives Julia Fedorchak and Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
Runs, or points, were scored in bursts or groups during the game.
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President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to a record low of minus 22.4 in Nate Silver’s poll tracker. This is the lowest approval rating for any president at this point since polling started in 1945, signaling widespread disapproval as the U.S. approaches the November 3 midterm elections.
Key Facts
Trump's net approval rating is minus 22.4, meaning more people disapprove than approve of his job performance.
This rating is the lowest for any president at this stage in their term since 1945.
The rating is worse than Trump’s own first term and worse than President Joe Biden’s rating at the same point.
Nate Silver’s tracker and VoteHub polling averages both show similar low approval numbers for Trump.
Approval stands at around 37.6%, while disapproval is near 60%.
Strong negative opinions toward Trump are driving the low net approval.
A low presidential approval rating can make it harder for candidates from the president’s party to win elections.
The White House says the 2024 election is the "ultimate poll" and highlights progress on jobs, inflation, and housing.
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President Donald Trump was surprised by the loud noise of a fighter jet during a military ceremony while welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit near Washington. The sound caused a few startled facial expressions from President Trump.
Key Facts
President Trump was hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping on a state visit.
The meeting happened on the tarmac at an airport close to Washington, D.C.
A fighter jet flew by during the military ceremony.
The jet’s noise caught President Trump off guard.
The surprise was visible on President Trump’s face.
The event was covered by France24 news.
This happened in September 2026.
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The two largest convenience-store chains in the U.S., 7-Eleven and Circle K, often charge customers more than the prices shown on shelves and gas pumps. Inspections across several states found many cases where items rang up higher at checkout than advertised, causing extra costs for customers during a time of already high living expenses.
Key Facts
Customers have reported being charged higher prices at checkout than the shelf price at 7-Eleven and Circle K stores.
Circle K failed price-accuracy inspections 35%-82% of the time in states like Florida, North Carolina, and Ohio between 2023 and 2025.
7-Eleven failed inspections 47%-79% of the time in Colorado, Utah, and New York during the same period.
One inspection found that nearly half the tested items at a 7-Eleven in Arizona were overcharged.
Overcharges included small but noticeable increases, such as 10 to 40 cents more on certain snacks.
These extra charges add financial strain on families already facing rising costs for food and fuel due to inflation and global economic issues.
Both companies said they take pricing accuracy seriously but did not provide detailed explanations.
Legal experts say large retailers have the tools to avoid such pricing errors and should not overcharge customers.
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The U.S. Navy confirmed eight suicide attempts among personnel on the USS Abraham Lincoln during its long deployment to the Middle East. The crew faced tough conditions, including supply shortages and no land breaks, while supporting U.S. military operations and enforcing a naval blockade around Iran.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln is a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier with about 5,000 crew members.
The ship was deployed for 286 days, setting a record for the longest Navy carrier deployment.
The deployment was extended due to the U.S.-Israel war on Iran and rising tensions in the Middle East.
Eight suicide attempts occurred among the crew, including at least two cases where sailors tried to jump overboard.
No deaths by suicide were reported during the deployment.
Supply problems affected the ship, partly because attacks damaged a key naval base in Bahrain.
Maintenance on the ship was difficult because it stayed at sea without enough port stops for repairs.
USS George Washington was sent to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln due to morale and operational needs.
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Scottsdale, Arizona, stopped a plan to add purified recycled wastewater to its drinking water after political candidates claimed it was unsafe, calling it "poop water." The city now has a general $100 million fund for water projects but no clear plan to use purified wastewater by 2027.
Key Facts
Scottsdale planned to add purified wastewater directly to residents' tap water.
Political candidates called the water unsafe, using terms like "toilet to tap" and "poop water."
Less than 1% of the recycled water comes from toilets; the rest comes from other sources.
The city council replaced funding for the recycling program with a $100 million budget for new water projects without specifying wastewater reuse.
Scottsdale’s recycling system started in 1998 and is capable of serving 60,000 homes.
The city depends on the Colorado River for 70% of its water but is facing drought and reduced water supplies.
Water is treated with advanced methods like ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light to remove contaminants.
Some local leaders oppose the plan due to cost concerns and extra state rules on monitoring chemicals in recycled water.
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton used clips of drag queen Alyssa Edwards in a political ad to criticize his Democratic rival James Talarico, who had named Edwards as his favorite drag queen. Edwards responded with an open letter asking Paxton to focus on policy and leadership rather than attacking her character. Recent polls show Talarico leading Paxton in their Senate race.
Key Facts
Ken Paxton used a campaign ad featuring drag queen Alyssa Edwards to attack James Talarico.
James Talarico said Alyssa Edwards is his favorite drag queen in an interview.
Alyssa Edwards (Justin Johnson) is a well-known drag performer from Texas and former RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant.
Edwards wrote an open letter asking Paxton to focus on political issues instead of personal attacks.
Edwards highlighted her Christian faith and work as an educator and dance studio founder.
Paxton described Edwards as “sick and twisted” in his ad against Talarico.
Polls show Talarico leading Paxton in the Texas Senate race.
Paxton was impeached in 2023 but acquitted by the Texas Senate.
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Elizabeth Holmes, founder of Theranos, has been approved to move to a halfway house in Texas in August 2027 as part of her prison sentence. She was convicted of fraud and is scheduled to be released from prison in February 2030 after her sentence was reduced.
Key Facts
Elizabeth Holmes founded Theranos, a blood-testing company.
She was convicted of defrauding investors with false claims about her technology.
Holmes was sentenced to 11 years and 3 months in prison in 2022, later reduced to 10 years and 3 months.
She is scheduled to move to the Austin Transitional Center halfway house on August 23, 2027.
Holmes’ official release date from prison is February 22, 2030.
Her sentence reduction came from changes in federal sentencing guidelines and the First Step Act, a law that allows some prisoners to earn time off for good behavior.
U.S. District Judge Edward Davila emphasized that the reduction does not lessen the seriousness of her crimes.
Holmes’ prison sentence and a $452 million restitution order were upheld by a U.S. appeals court.
Holmes reported to prison in May 2023 and will be supervised by probation when released.
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A woman in the Blue Mountains near Sydney allegedly stabbed her three children in a vehicle. A five-year-old child died at the scene, a one-year-old died in the hospital days later, and the three-year-old remains critically ill.
Key Facts
The stabbing happened on Sunday afternoon inside a vehicle at Valley Heights in the Blue Mountains.
A five-year-old child died at the scene despite help from bystanders.
The one-year-old child died in hospital five days after the attack.
The three-year-old child is still in critical condition.
The mother, 42, was also found with stab wounds and taken to hospital.
She faces multiple charges: murder, an additional murder charge after the infant’s death, and two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder.
The woman was refused bail and will remain in custody until her court hearing on 20 November.
Police said the mother had no previous record and no one else is being sought in connection with the incident.
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A judge ruled that the White House violated the rights of CNN, MS NOW, and Politico by banning them without proper process. The White House must restore their press access for 14 days while a full court decision is pending.
Key Facts
A district court judge blocked the White House from banning CNN, MS NOW, and Politico temporarily.
The judge said the ban violated their Fifth Amendment rights, which protect due process before losing access.
The ruling prevents a longer press boycott that could limit visual coverage of the White House.
The decision came before a planned meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The plaintiffs argued the White House violated their First Amendment rights by blocking them due to negative reporting.
The judge referenced a similar 2018 case where he ruled against the White House for revoking Jim Acosta’s press badge without notice.
A 1977 appellate court decision supports that the White House cannot remove journalists based on their viewpoint once access is granted.
The judge will take more evidence over two weeks, with a possible appeal after that.
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The article describes a shift in some American right-wing circles toward openly accepting sexually explicit and provocative behavior. This change contrasts with the past when conservative politics more strongly emphasized sexual restraint and traditional morals.
Key Facts
Under FBI leader Kash Patel, hiring policies reportedly might allow people with controversial sexual histories.
Some conservative influencers promote the idea that wives should provide sex whenever their husbands want.
A sports gambling ad featuring a nude celebrity has been seen as a win for conservative culture.
The Tate brothers, known for encouraging aggressive sexual behavior and accused of serious crimes, have connections to people in President Trump’s circle.
Prominent conservatives have mixed associations with controversial figures linked to underage girls.
A conservative writer plans to publish a book about young women and their sexual behavior.
Women at President Trump’s club, Mar-A-Lago, often have noticeable cosmetic surgery.
This trend marks a change from past Republican support for sexual abstinence, opposition to abortion, and conservative Christian values about modesty.
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Democratic senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal are asking Attorney General Todd Blanche for more information about the Justice Department’s decision to drop a bribery and fraud case against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. The case ended after Adani promised to invest $10 billion in the US, raising questions about possible political influence during President Donald Trump’s administration.
Key Facts
Gautam Adani was indicted in 2024 for allegedly bribing Indian officials to win a contract.
The US Department of Justice dropped the case in 2025 after Adani promised a $10 billion investment in the US.
Two Democratic senators have questioned whether people close to President Trump influenced the decision to drop the case.
Adani was represented by one of President Trump’s personal lawyers during the case.
Senator Warren and Senator Blumenthal have requested detailed information about the investment offer and contacts between Trump associates and the Justice Department.
There are reports that Boris Epshteyn, a member of Trump’s legal team, may have helped Adani, which Epshteyn denies.
It is also reported that Donald Trump Jr. met with Adani before the case was dropped; his spokesperson said the meeting was unrelated to the case.
The senators want to know if there was any special treatment or political influence involved in ending the prosecution.
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Senator Susan Collins faces a challenge over President Donald Trump’s nominee for head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dr. Heidi Overton. The nomination raises questions about abortion rights, as Overton is set to testify before a Senate committee.
Key Facts
Dr. Heidi Overton is President Trump’s pick to lead the FDA.
Senator Susan Collins represents Maine and supports abortion rights.
Overton’s nomination is controversial because of potential views on abortion.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee will hold hearings.
Collins’ decision on Overton’s nomination is seen as a test of her abortion stance.
The FDA leader plays an important role in health policies and drug approvals.
The nomination process involves questioning by senators before confirmation.
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A new poll shows that Democrats lead Republicans by 11 points in a generic congressional ballot. The poll, done by Emerson College, found Democrats at 53% and Republicans at 42%, indicating stronger Democratic support as November elections approach.
Key Facts
Democrats lead Republicans by 11 points in the poll.
The poll was conducted by Emerson College.
Democrats have 53% support on the generic ballot.
Republicans have 42% support on the generic ballot.
The poll reflects voter preferences for Congress ahead of the November elections.
This poll is part of ongoing surveys showing Democratic momentum.
The survey results were released on a Thursday.
The generic congressional ballot asks voters which party they would support for Congress, without naming specific candidates.
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Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, both Democrats and potential candidates for the 2028 presidential race, appeared together at an event to promote Beshear's new book. Moore helped moderate the event, showing cooperation between the two leaders despite possible future competition.
Key Facts
Andy Beshear is the governor of Kentucky and a Democratic politician.
Wes Moore is the governor of Maryland and also a Democrat.
Both governors are seen as possible candidates for the 2028 presidential election.
They appeared together at a public event to promote Beshear’s new book.
Moore acted as a moderator during the event.
The event took place in Washington, D.C. (referred to as the Beltway area).
Their appearance together shows a friendly relationship ahead of the 2028 race.
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President Donald Trump’s disapproval rating has reached a new high during his second term, according to an Emerson College poll. The poll shows 58% of people disapprove of his job performance, mainly due to rising energy prices and economic problems, while 39% approve.
Key Facts
President Trump’s disapproval rating is at 58%, the highest in his current term.
Only 39% of those surveyed approve of how he is doing as president.
The poll was conducted by Emerson College.
Economic problems and rising energy costs are main reasons for the increased disapproval.
The poll reflects public opinion during President Trump’s second term in office.
The survey provides insight into how Americans feel about the current economic situation.
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A group of lawmakers from both political parties is introducing a bill to help American families by improving paid leave, offering family tax credits, and creating federal child savings accounts. Currently, only about 25% of American workers have paid family leave through their jobs.
Key Facts
Many American families find it hard to manage work and caregiving duties.
A bipartisan group in Congress is proposing new laws to support these families.
The legislation includes changes to paid leave policies.
It also aims to expand family tax credits to provide financial relief.
The bill would establish federal child savings accounts to help families save for their children.
Only about one-quarter of American workers currently get paid family leave from employers.
The goal is to make it easier for families to balance work and caregiving needs.
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Republican support for the war in Iran is decreasing. Some GOP Senate candidates are speaking out against the conflict, and voters are blaming the war for high gas prices.
Key Facts
Support for the war in Iran is dropping among Republican voters.
Several Republican Senate candidates are opposing the war.
Senators Jon Husted, Dan Sullivan, Roger Marshall, and Pete Ricketts face pressure due to their positions.
Voters increasingly blame the war for rising gas prices.
The conflict has lasted nearly seven months.
Public opposition to the war is growing even within Republican voters.
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President Donald Trump has stopped some news outlets from entering the White House. Meanwhile, a Republican congresswoman wants to limit reporters’ access in parts of the Capitol, but Republican senators say they are happy with how reporters can access them now.
Key Facts
President Trump has barred certain news outlets from White House access.
A Republican congresswoman is proposing to restrict press access inside parts of the Capitol building.
Republican senators generally support the current rules for reporters in the Senate.
Senators say reporters have very direct access to lawmakers in the Senate, more than in other Washington areas.
Senate Majority Leader John (last name not given) is involved in maintaining the current access levels for reporters.
The article contrasts the different approaches to press access between the White House, the House of Representatives, and the Senate.
Press freedoms in the Senate remain open despite restrictions elsewhere in Washington.
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