Good morning — a quick briefing on the top stories.
Trump in Beijing
President Trump arrived in Beijing and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, focusing much of their discussion on expanding U.S. trade and commercial ties with China. The U.S. delegation includes more than a dozen corporate leaders traveling with the president as he presses to stabilize the economic relationship a year after a tit-for-tat trade confrontation.
Xi reiterated a warning about Taiwan, saying mishandling the issue could drive the two nations into conflict. Taipei’s leaders said they fear Taiwan may not be a priority amid talks centered on trade and Iran. The U.S. government says its Taiwan policy has not changed. Japan, watching closely amid rising tensions with China and recent comments about possible defense of Taiwan, is also monitoring the state visit and hopes for reassurance from the U.S.
Observers note that, for now, the personal dynamic between Trump and Xi matters a great deal to the future direction of U.S.-China competition and cooperation.
Court fight over orders targeting law firms
An appeals court will hear arguments about executive orders President Trump signed that targeted major law firms that had represented people he viewed as political opponents. Last year the administration removed security clearances for some attorneys and restricted access to federal buildings for others, including lawyers tied to the Russia investigation and those who represented the Democratic National Committee.
Four firms challenged the orders and won in lower court. The administration argues courts should not second-guess presidential decisions about national security clearances or building access. The firms say the orders violate the First Amendment and threaten the right to counsel, invoking the adversarial system and the Sixth Amendment right to choose one’s attorney. The Justice Department had briefly sought to withdraw the appeal but later reversed course, underscoring the White House’s desire to press the case.
Kevin Warsh confirmed to lead the Fed
The Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve in a 54-45 vote, largely along party lines. Warsh, President Trump’s pick to replace Jerome Powell, signaled before confirmation that he sees scope to lower interest rates and pledged that he would exercise his own judgment on monetary policy rather than take orders from the White House.
The White House hopes Warsh’s leadership will support a faster path to lower borrowing costs. Markets and policymakers will watch closely for how his priorities shape rate decisions and the Fed’s response to inflation and economic growth.
Nebraska’s 2nd District primary
In Nebraska’s closely watched second congressional district, political organizer Denise Powell won the Democratic primary, narrowly defeating state Sen. John Cavanaugh. Powell will face Republican Brinker Harding, who is backed by the president. Because control of the U.S. House is narrowly divided, this race is viewed as potentially decisive in the balance of power.
Arts and culture: Tiny Desk winner
NPR Music announced Cure For Paranoia, a Dallas alternative hip-hop collective led by rapper and teacher Cameron McCloud, as the winner of the 12th annual Tiny Desk Contest. Their song “No Brainer” was praised for witty lyrics and creative vision. The group will record a Tiny Desk concert in Washington, D.C., and embark on a nationwide tour.
Picture show: high school birders
NPR followed a team of three high schoolers — Otys Train, Zade Pacetti and Jack Trojan — as they competed in New Jersey’s World Series of Birding. The trio, who call themselves the Pete Dunnelins, have won the event twice and spent months preparing to identify as many species as possible in a single day, aiming for 200 species this year. The event draws teams across ages and experience levels and celebrates citizen science and bird conservation.
Three things to know
1) The South Carolina Supreme Court granted Alex Murdaugh a new trial in the killings of his wife and son, after his defense alleged jury tampering by a court clerk. 2) Scientists reported finding a Neanderthal molar in Siberia with a marked depression that they interpret as evidence of an ancient invasive dental procedure. 3) Kouri Richins, a Utah woman convicted of killing her husband and later writing a book about grief, was sentenced to life in prison.
That’s today’s roundup. Have a good day.