Before you brew your first cup of coffee and celebrate that you made it through the work week to Friday, here are 10 things to keep you in the know to make you more informed than all your friends.
1. What Happened at the Trump-Xi Summit?
President Donald Trump is traveling back to the United States after a crucial three-day trip to China that involved high-stake conversations with Chinese President Xi Jinping over multiple key issues. The debate over Taiwan and its self-governance remains the biggest dispute between US-China relations, as Trump remained steadfast over policy towards Taiwan's independence. Crossing over to Iran, President Xi expressed interest in finding common ground between Iran and the United States. 45%-50% of China's oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, which creates Chinese interest for a resolution to the conflict. Trump invited many American businessmen and moguls to tease "massive investments" for China into United States industries. Though no specifics were announced, China will be investing billions of dollars into those who were in the room. Tensions between the U.S. and China seemed cordial with Trump calling his presidential counterpart a "friend" while President Xi taunted a different twist to the American president by saying "achieving the Great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand. Both acknowledged how the relationship between the two can go south depending on leadership decisions.
2. CIA Director Travels to Cuba
CIA Director John Ratcliff made a surprise trip to Havana, Cuba this week to announce that the United States is considering economic and security cooperation if the Communist country makes major reforms. Part of this deal is $100 million of American aid to the island's national energy grid after major failures have occurred throughout the week. Cuban officials have insisted they would accept the aid if it comes "in full conformity with the universally recognized practices for humanitarian assistance."
3. FBI Offers $200K for Alleged Iranian Spy
The FBI is offering $200K for information in hopes to arrest and prosecute former U.S. Air Force intelligence specialist Monica Witt, who is being accused of being an Iranian spy and exposing security info. Witt was charged with espionage after giving classified information, U.S. personnel and defense operations to the regime after she defected to Iran in 2013.
4. FDA Cancer Drug Decisions Sparks Backlash
Controversy is surrounding the FDA after the agency blocked approval of a melanoma treatment under Dr. Marty Makary, who recently resigned this week. This rejection of the cancer drug has initiated questions about patient safety and access to life-saying treatment with the FDA citing the RP1 trial's limited date as the reason.
5. Netanyahu Targets the New York Times
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to sue the New York Times over an opinion article in which the author accused Israeli forces of sexual abuse against Palestinians. Netanyahu has strongly denied the claims and called the reporting deformity on Israel and its military.
6. Border Patrol Chief Steps Down
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks has suddenly resigned with the agency's ever-changing dynamics within the Department of Homeland Security. Banks, a former Texas border czar, said it was "time" to step away after nearly four decades of service and feeling comfortable with the restoring of the "chaos" at the border.
7. U.S. Nuclear Program Surges in Midst of China's Military Expansion
The United States is increasing nuclear production to levels not seen since the height of the Cold War as military leaders have warned against China's unprecedented expansion of its nuclear arsenal and strategic capabilities. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has signals that America is now making new nuclear weapons at a faster peace than decades prior in part of a broader "nuclear renaissance."
8. RFJ Jr. Rules Out Presidential Run
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said he plans not to run for president in 2028, ending any momentum towards his campaign. Kennedy has reaffirmed his focus on President Trump's administration and the Make America Healthy Again movement, advancing public health reforms instead of seeking his uncle's former chair.
9. Oklahoma Newest State to Take Aim at Roblox
Oklahoma has become the latest state to sue Roblox, accusing the children's popular gaming platform for failing to protect children from sexual predators and dangerous online interactions. The lawsuit points towards alleged grooming and exploitation of minors and accused the company of failing to provide sufficient safeguards.
10. 24-Year-Old New Jersey Councilman Scores Upset
24-Year-Old New Jersey Councilman Frank Velez is heading to the Belleville mayor's office against upsetting Michael Melham following the town's response towards a devastating warehouse fire. Velez built his campaign around quality of life concerns that sparked from the disaster and restoring trust within local government.
