Before you brew your first cup of coffee and jump out of your cubicle thinking it's Friday but it's actually Thursday, here are 10 things to keep you in the know so you can be more informed than all your friends.
1. Trump Begins Summit with Xi
President Donald Trump received a grand ceremony welcoming him to Beijing as he officially kicks off the high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both presidents brought forward talking points that are crucial for the two countries and global interest. Trump focused on trade talks with eliminating the flow of fentanyl through Chinese packages while Xi expressed interest in American goods. Both presidents agreed that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open after China has given economic and military support towards the Iranian regime. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also explained his role at the summit, expressing his hopes to convince China to play a major role in keeping the Strait open.
2. Senate Confirms Kevin Warsh as New Fed Chair
The Senate has confirmed Kevin Wrash as the next chairman of the Federal Reserve, formally waiting in line behind current chairman Jerome Powell. This change of the guard comes as the rise of inflation and growing concerns over the interest rate concerns many Americans, lawmakers and even the president himself.
3. Vance Launches Medicare Fraud Crackdown
Vice President JD Vance has aggressively launched efforts to crack down on waste and abuse inside the Medicare system, as the Trump administration announced a nationwide pause on new house health and hospice providers enrolling into the program. Vance's anti-fraud task force says the months-long freeze will stop fraudulent hackers from entering the system while officials identify those who are stealing from the system.
4. Capitol Hill Divided Over Trump Gas Tax Relief Plan
Lawmakers inside Congress are divided over the president's proposal to suspend the federal gas tax as Americans continue to face rising fuel prices amid global energy uncertainty. The administration has advocated that the tax holiday will provide relief for working families, which many GOP lawmakers claim is common sense. While opposing Democrats argue this will only provide pennies in savings.
5. Second U.S. Soldier Recovered in Morocco
The remains of the second United States soldier who went missing during a military exercise in Morocco has been recovered, bringing the heartbreaking story to a close. The Army identified the soldier as 19-year-old Specialist Mariyah Symone Collington, who disappeared alongside 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., both fell from a cliff during an off-duty hike near the Cap Draa training area.
6. Democrat Claims Nebraska "Blue Dot" Win
Democrat Denise Powell has secured a victory in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District primary, setting up a showdown in one of the nation's most competitive House seats. The Omaha-area has become a major battleground district with both parties fighting for the seat.
7. Senate Advances Hold to Prevent Government Shutdown, With a Twist
The Senate took a major step towards preventing future government shutdown by advancing plans that would suspend congressional pay during funding standoffs. This measure creates direct consequences for lawmakers that fail to keep the government running and was passed with overwhelming support that agrees that congressional accountability is much needed by both Republicans and Democrats.
8. Lutnick's Epstein Testimony Faces Scrutiny
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is being confronted by scrutiny over newly released testimony before the House Oversight Committee when he was questioned over his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. According to the transcripts from the probe, Lutnick claimed he had limited knowledge and contact with Epstein and noted he was unaware for many years that his former neighbor was a registered sex offender.
9. Children's Book Author Sentenced to Life After Husband's Poisoning Murder
Utah children's author Kouri Richins was sentenced to life in prison without parole when she was convicted of murdering her husband, Eric, with a fentanyl-laced drink. The judge called Richins "too dangerous to ever be free," when she used her husband's death to promote her children's book about grief.
10. Alex Murdaugh Murder Conviction Overturned
The South Carolina Supreme Court has overturned the murder convictions of former attorney Alex Murdaugh, ruling serious jury interference during his original trial violated his right to a fair trial. The court found that former Colleton County Clerk Becky Hill influenced jurors and made comments in the purpose to create prejudice, leading to a new trial.
