Good morning. Here’s a concise roundup of the top stories to start your day.
Top stories
Trump meets Xi in Beijing: President Trump arrived in Beijing and met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. U.S. officials say the talks focused in part on expanding access for American goods and firms in China. Chinese state commentary emphasized a warning about Taiwan, saying mishandling the issue could provoke conflict and jeopardize bilateral ties. Taiwan’s foreign minister expressed skepticism that Taipei is a top priority amid the visit, which has emphasized trade and concerns about Iran. The U.S. says its Taiwan policy hasn’t changed. Japan, closely watching the visit because of rising regional tensions and recent comments about potentially supporting Taiwan militarily, hopes for reassurance from Trump.
Business delegation and trade posture: More than a dozen major U.S. corporate leaders accompanied Trump on the trip. A year after a U.S.-China trade war, both sides appear intent on stabilizing economic ties. Observers note that, given the strategic competition between the two countries, the relationship often reflects the personal rapport between the two presidents.
Court challenge over executive orders aimed at law firms: An appeals court will hear arguments today in a dispute over executive orders the president issued targeting major law firms that represented people he viewed as political opponents. Last year’s orders revoked certain security clearances and restricted access to federal buildings for attorneys tied to specific investigations or clients. Four firms challenged the measures and won in lower courts. The administration argues courts should not override the president’s authority over national security clearances or building access decisions. The firms counter that the orders infringe First Amendment protections for attorneys and threaten clients’ Sixth Amendment right to counsel and to choose their lawyers. The Justice Department had earlier filed to drop an appeal but reversed course, signaling the administration’s desire to press the case.
Kevin Warsh confirmed to lead the Fed: The Senate voted 54–45 to confirm Kevin Warsh as chair of the Federal Reserve. Warsh is President Trump’s nominee to replace Jerome Powell. The White House has signaled it wants a Fed that will lower interest rates; Warsh has said he sees room to ease policy but pledged to use his own judgment and not to take orders from the White House.
Nebraska’s 2nd District primary: Political organizer Denise Powell won the Democratic primary in Nebraska’s competitive 2nd Congressional District, defeating state Sen. John Cavanaugh by roughly two percentage points. She will face Republican Brinker Harding, who has Trump’s endorsement. That seat is seen as potentially decisive for control of the narrowly divided U.S. House.
Today’s listen
NPR Music picked Cure For Paranoia as the winner of the 12th annual Tiny Desk Contest. The Dallas-based alternative hip-hop collective, led by rapper and teacher Cameron McCloud, won with the song “No Brainer.” The group will perform a Tiny Desk concert in Washington and embark on a national tour.
Picture show
NPR followed a trio of teenage birders known as the Pete Dunnelins as they competed in the World Series of Birding in New Jersey. The team—three friends ages 16 and 17—aimed to identify up to 200 species across the state in a single day. Their commitment shows how youth participation and long-term practice can fuel serious competition in a long-running citizen-science event.
3 things to know
1) The South Carolina Supreme Court granted Alex Murdaugh a new trial in the killings of his wife and son; his defense alleges jury tampering by a court clerk in the original proceeding.
2) Scientists studying a Neanderthal tooth from a Siberian cave say a molar shows damage consistent with an invasive dental procedure akin to a root canal.
3) Utah woman Kouri Richins, convicted in her husband’s killing and later author of a book on grief, was sentenced to life in prison.
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.