Top political, economic and sports developments.
President Donald Trump is preparing to host Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. The visit follows years of harsh rhetoric toward China and suggests a possible reset in the relationship, with a focus on trade issues and coordination on security.
Gasoline prices in the United States have risen sharply, adding to voter frustration over household costs. The Trump administration is characterizing the higher prices as an “inexpensive” cost of the ongoing war with Iran, but polling indicates broad anger over the economic strain.
The Federal Reserve has raised its benchmark interest rate once more, moving in line with other major central banks amid persistent inflation and solid U.S. economic growth. President Trump has responded with renewed public criticism of the Fed and its rate increases.
President Trump is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as Russian and Ukrainian attacks intensify. The talks come after Trump signed new U.S. sanctions on Russia and approved the largest U.S.–Ukraine arms package of his presidency.
After renewed accusations of “fake news,” President Trump has announced a ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House. The move marks an escalation in long‑running tensions between the administration and major news organizations.
In Michigan’s high‑profile Senate race, Republican Mike Rogers is appealing both to Democrats and to voters aligned with Trump. The contest is seen as pivotal to Republican efforts to maintain control of the Senate.
Ole Miss has risen to No. 4 in the latest AP Top 25 poll after defeating LSU, which falls to No. 10. The SEC now has 10 ranked teams, underscoring the conference’s early‑season dominance.