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☆ Trump’s Criminal Trial Begins With a Bumpy Jury Selection
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Matthew Cullen | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

New York prosecutors joined Donald Trump and his attorneys today in a Manhattan courtroom for the official start of the first criminal trial of an American president. Trump is facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a sex scandal during his 2016 campaign. My colleague Alan Feuer noted that such a high initial failure rate is “surpassingly rare,” underscoring the challenges of seating an impartial jury for a defendant whom much of the country has already made its mind up about. The trial — perhaps the only one against Trump that will unfold before Election Day — is projected to take about six weeks, the judge told the prospective jurors. But it could stretch out longer if jury selection turns out to be especially time consuming.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, Alan Feuer Organizations: Trump Locations: York, Manhattan

☆ Congressional leaders at odds over Israel aid next steps as conservatives warn Johnson against including Ukraine funding
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-14 | by ( Michelle Shen | Melanie Zanona | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Johnson has vowed to put some sort of Israel aid bill on the floor this week, but said the details are still being finalized. The House previously struggled to pass a standalone Israel aid bill, but Johnson could draw ire from the right if he ties it to Ukraine or puts the Senate bill on the floor. How Congress reached this pointWhile the Senate passed its foreign aid bill in February, Johnson said he never planned to bring the bill to the floor. The House, in turn, tried but failed to pass a standalone package for $17.6 billion in Israel aid amid opposition from both Republicans and Democratic leaders. At a closed caucus meeting prior to the vote, House Democratic leadership made a forceful case against supporting the standalone Israel aid package to members.

Persons: Mike Johnson, We’re, ” Johnson, Maria Bartiromo, Johnson, Warren Davidson, Mitch McConnell —, Donald Trump’s, Trump, Chuck Schumer, “, ”, imploring Johnson, Schumer, McConnell, Republican Sen, Marco Rubio sidestepped, ” Rubio, CNN’s Jake Tapper, ” Democratic Sen, Chris Coons, ” Coons, Tapper, CNN’s Haley Talbot, Lauren Fox, Manu Raju, Aileen Graef, Avery Lotz Organizations: CNN, Congressional, House Republicans, Republican Party, Israel, Fox News, GOP, Senate, Democrat, Republican, Union, ” Democratic, Republicans, Democratic, Freedom Caucus, House Democratic Locations: Israel, Ukraine, Iran, Taiwan, Mar, Lago, Washington, “ State

☆ 2024 Election Trump hits the campaign trail Saturday before the beginning of his trial Monday.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-13 | by ( Chris Cameron | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +5 min

During a campaign rally, Vice President Kamala Harris blamed former President Donald J. Trump for the Arizona Supreme Court’s ruling to uphold a near-total ban on abortion. Crowd: “That’s right.” Former President Donald Trump did this. In Tucson, Ms Harris referred to those plans, which The New York Times has reported would rely on enforcing the Comstock Act. “Here’s what a second Trump term looks like,” Ms. Harris said. On Friday, in contrast, Ms. Harris leaned into the issue.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Donald J, Trump, Roe, ”, Donald Trump, Ms, Harris, “, Wade, Biden, Ruben Gallego, Kari Lake, Ms Harris, “ Kamala Harris, ” Carol Tobias, Joe Biden, Lisa Lerer Organizations: Arizona Supreme, Trump, Republicans, Democrat, Republican, Democratic, White, New York Times, U.S Locations: Arizona, Tucson, Ariz, Florida, United States

☆ Biden Says Netanyahu Is Making ‘a Mistake’ in Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Cassandra Vinograd | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

President Biden has again criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and called his approach to the war in Gaza a “mistake,” underscoring how the conflict has strained relations between the two close allies. Tensions between the Biden administration and Israel’s government have risen as the death toll in Gaza has climbed. In an interview that was recorded last week and aired Tuesday night on Univision, Mr. Biden again referred to the strike as “outrageous” and said he did not approve of Mr. Netanyahu’s approach. I don’t agree with his approach,” Mr. Biden said, echoing remarks he made last month. On that call, President Biden threatened to condition future support for Israel on how it addressed his concerns about civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Persons: Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, ”, Netanyahu’s, Mr, Netanyahu, Chris Cameron Organizations: Univision, Mr, Associated Press, Israel Locations: Gaza

☆ World Athletics introduces $50,000 prize money for Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalists
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Sammy Mncwabe | Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —World Athletics (WA) will become the first international sports governing body to award prize money to Olympic gold medalists starting at the Paris 2024 Games, the federation said in a statement on Monday. Athletes who win gold in each of the 48 track and field events in Paris will receive $50,000. Traditionally, Olympic medal winners don’t receive prize money as the event originated as an amateur competition. WA says it is committed to extending the bonus initiative to Olympic silver and bronze medalists at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. “It reflects World Athletics’ view that the athletes – our athletes make up 20% in numbers at an Olympic Games – should be recognized,” he said.

Persons: Sebastian Coe, ” Coe, Coe, ”, “ Organizations: CNN, Athletics, WA, Olympic, ” WA, Olympic Games, Los, Games, National Olympic Committee Locations: Paris

☆ China’s Xi to host former Taiwan president in Beijing, in rare meeting echoing bygone era of warmer ties
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Nectar Gan | Wayne Chang | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Joint concerns over China’s increasing assertiveness under Xi, including toward Taiwan, are a key driver of that summit. Chinese leader Xi Jinping shakes hands with then Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou before their meeting in Singapore on November 7, 2015. Taiwan's former President Ma Ying-jeou speaks to reporters ahead of his visit to China at the Taoyuan International Airport on April 1, 2024. Ma Ying-jeou” or former chairman of the KMT, with no mention of his former role as the president of Taiwan. Reaction in TaiwanMa’s itinerary – and his meeting with Xi – has been closely watched in Taiwan.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Ma Ying, Xi, Chiang Kai, Eric Chu, Ma, ” Chu, Lai Ching, Joe Biden, Biden, Fumio Kishida, Roslan Rahman, Amanda Hsiao, “, underscoring, ’ ”, Tsai Ing, –, Lai, Lai’s, fixating, ”, ” Sung, China –, Ma’s, Hsiao, Yan Zhao, Mr, Sun, Xi –, Sung, ” Ma, James Chen Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Beijing, Kuomintang, KMT, China’s, shek’s Nationalists, –, Democratic Progressive Party, CNN Beijing, Japanese, Getty, International Crisis, Atlantic, “, Taoyuan International Airport, Communists, Nationalists, Atlantic Council, Taiwan’s Tamkang University, DPP Locations: China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Beijing, Taipei, Singapore, Washington, Japan, Philippines, AFP, Taoyuan, Guangzhou, Republic of China, Shaanxi, United States, China . Washington

☆ How 2 executives found success in Puerto Rico's booming business landscape
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Sponsor Post | Sponsored Invest Puerto Rico | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

In 2023, more than 550 businesses and nearly 6,000 new job opportunities were established on the island, according to Invest Puerto Rico. More than ever, Puerto Rico is positioned to host entrepreneurs and executives considering establishing or expanding their business presence. When González cofounded the tech consultancy firm Wovenware in 2003, Puerto Rico's tech scene was virtually nonexistent. Fast forward two decades since its founding, and Wovenware stands as a testament to Puerto Rico's vibrant tech ecosystem, having grown into a key player. Learn more about establishing yourself in Puerto Rico's business landscape.

Persons: Luis Ramos, Christian González, González, might've, Ramos, it's, — Organizations: Invest, Honeywell Aerospace, Puerto, Puerto Rico, University of Puerto, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, Honeywell, González, Workers, Insider Studios Locations: Puerto Rico, Invest Puerto Rico, Puerto Rican, Puerto, University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico's

☆ Bidens roll out the diplomatic – and literal – red carpet for Japan state visit
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Betsy Klein | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The White House will lean into the full pomp and circumstance of a state visit as the president seeks to emphasize the strong alliance between the two countries. The Bidens welcomed the prime minister and his wife to the White House on Tuesday evening, hosting the couple for a casual dinner at BlackSalt, a local seafood restaurant. The White House will serve wines from the Willamette Valley and Columbia Valley in the Pacific Northwest. The Bidens presented their counterparts with a three-legged black walnut table handmade by a Japanese American owned company in Pennsylvania, the White House said. The Biden White House has previously hosted the leaders of Australia, India, France and South Korea for state visits.

Persons: Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Kishida Fumio, Kishida Yuko, Paul Simon, Biden, ” Jill Biden, ”, Bryan Rafanelli, “, Cris Comerford, Susie Morrison, George W, Bush, Lyndon B, Johnson, Carlos Elizondo –, ’ toasts, Elizondo, Billy Joel, CNN’s Arlette Saenz, Kayla Tausche, Sam Fossum Organizations: CNN, Japanese, White, White House social, Wing, State Department, White House, US, National Soccer Team, National Football Team, Biden White Locations: China, Ukraine, Gaza, United States, Japan, BlackSalt, California, Willamette, Columbia, Pacific Northwest, American, Pennsylvania, Australia, India, France, South Korea

Kishida made the remarks days ahead of his Wednesday meeting with Biden in Washington, where he will also address a joint session of Congress and participate in the very first trilateral summit between Japan, the United States and the Philippines. Partnership with Japan has long been central to US strategy in the Indo-Pacific, but the defense relationship has expanded under Kishida, who has raised Japan’s profile in global and regional security. That move is not without controversy, especially in China and other parts of Asia that suffered hugely under Japan’s World War II era militarism. Building Japan’s deterrence and response capability is also “essential” for the alliance with the United States, he argued. Since taking office, Kishida has also positioned Japan as a partner to the US not only in Asia, but more globally.

Persons: Fumio Kishida, Joe Biden, ” Kishida, ”, Kishida, “, Biden, Donald Trump, White, Trump, Kim Jong Organizations: Tokyo CNN, CNN, Biden, Partnership, East China, South Korea –, North, South Locations: Japan, Ukraine, East Asia, Tokyo, United States, Washington, Philippines, Russia, South, Taiwan, China, Asia, East, South China, South Korea, America’s, Europe, North Korea, Moscow, Pyongyang

☆ Is it last orders for London’s nightlife?
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-06 | by ( Anna Cooban | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

London CNN —It’s Thursday, 11.00 p.m., and on a street in London’s Soho district, there’s a loud clatter. “People haven’t got the money,” she told CNN. “That’s when their bills started coming through, the first heating bills from the winter,” he told CNN. Even before the ravages of the pandemic, the number of London’s nightlife venues was in steady decline. They don’t just go out for the sake of going out now,” she told CNN.

Persons: London CNN —, Lesley Lewis, haven’t, ”, Michael Kill, Grazyna, ” Kill, “, —, that’s, Kill’s, Jeremy Joseph, Freddie Mercury, ” Joseph, Jack Henry, Henry, Lutz Leichsenring, Fabian Sommer, Leichsenring, London’s, Sadiq Khan, Amy Lamé, Lamé, Khan, Lamé “, Charlie Fenemer, It’s, Becky Lam, Lam, ” Chris Lau Organizations: London CNN, Staff, CNN, Time Industries Association, York Minister, London, “, ”, German Commission, UNESCO, United Nations, Office, National Statistics, City Hall, Labour, Shady Locations: London’s Soho, London, Wales, Soho , London, Hoxton, London’s, Berlin, “ Berlin, Hong Kong, Soho, Hong, Beijing

☆ Are Milk and Eggs Safe as Bird Flu Spreads?
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-05 | by ( Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

A strain of avian influenza that has killed millions of birds in recent years has now been detected in dairy cows in several states, prompting concerns about the safety of the U.S. dairy supply. Scientists know that bird flu can spread to humans when they come into contact with infected animals, including dead ones, without wearing protective gear, which seems to have been the case with a person recently infected in Texas. So far, there isn’t any evidence to suggest that humans can contract bird flu by consuming food that has been pasteurized or cooked, said Benjamin Chapman, a professor and food safety specialist at North Carolina State University. “That’s not to say it couldn’t happen,” he said. “It’s just that we have a pretty robust history of it not happening.

Persons: “, Benjamin Chapman, “ That’s, ”, “ It’s Organizations: Federal, North Carolina State University Locations: Texas

☆ Wall Street gets key inflation data next week amid concerns the stock market is overbought
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-05 | by ( Sarah Min | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Economists polled by FactSet anticipate the March consumer price index will show prices rising by 0.3% on a monthly basis, less than February's 0.4% advance. Similarly, the March producer price index is expected to show an increase of 0.5%, according to FactSet consensus estimates. Monday April 8 Tuesday April 9 6 a.m. NFIB Small Business Index (March) Wednesday April 10 8:30 a.m. Consumer Price Index (CPI) (March) 8:30 a.m. Initial Claims (04/06) 8:30 a.m. Producer Price Index PPI Earnings: CarMax Friday April 12 8:30 a.m. Import Price Index (March) 10 a.m. Michigan Sentiment preliminary (April) Earnings: State Street , Wells Fargo , JPMorgan Chase , Progressive , Citigroup

Persons: Stocks, we're, Ross Mayfield, Baird, Mayfield, FactSet, David Einhorn, CNBC's Scott Wapner, he's, Michelle Bowman, Bank's Tom Hainlin, Hainlin, Jamie Myers, JPMorgan Chase Organizations: Federal Reserve, Investors, Treasury Bond, Dow Jones, Nasdaq, . West Texas, Treasury, Fed, Investment Group, Investors Intelligence, American Association of, Walmart, Citigroup, JPMorgan, Index, Treasury Budget NSA, Air Lines, Price Index, Progressive Locations: U.S, Wells Fargo, Michigan

☆ The world is scarred from China shock 1.0. They're not about to let 2.0 happen so easily.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

This could create a "China shock 2.0" that impacts other economies around the world. AdvertisementThis is just one of the industries the world is bracing for in the next phase of the "China shock." What happened in China shock 1.0? How Beijing could be creating China shock 2.0Now, China is targeting three new strategic industries that the rest of the world is also eyeing. What are the US and the rest of the world doing about China shock 2.0?

Persons: —, Xi, David H, Autor, David Dorn, Gordon H, Hanson, Rajiv Biswas, who's, Biswas, keener, Janet Yellen, Yellen, it's, Wang Wenbin, Wang, Nomura Organizations: Service, Beijing, OECD, European Union, Department of Energy, Treasury, European Commission, EU, Act, Wall Street, Bloomberg Locations: China, EU, Beijing, Communist China, Georgia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America

☆ Israel to Add Gaza Aid Routes as Biden Hinges Support on Civilian Protection
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Peter Baker | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

President Biden threatened on Thursday to condition future support for Israel on how it addresses his concerns about civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, trying for the first time to leverage American aid to influence the conduct of the war against Hamas. During a tense 30-minute call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, Mr. Biden went further than ever in pressing for change in the military operation that has inflamed many Americans and others around the world. Within hours, White House officials said Israel would speed aid into Gaza as part of an agreement meant to placate the president. “President Biden emphasized that the strikes on humanitarian workers and the overall humanitarian situation are unacceptable,” according to a White House summary of the call. “He made clear the need for Israel to announce and implement a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers.

Persons: Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, “, Netanyahu, ” Organizations: Israel, Hamas, White Locations: Gaza, Israel

☆ C.I.A. Director Is Heading to Cairo for New Truce Talks
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Julian E. Barnes | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +14 min

During a 30-minute call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, President Biden went further than ever in pressing for change in the military operation. Credit... Fatima Shbair/Associated PressBy the middle of the night in Jerusalem, Israel made its first gestures to Mr. Biden. The reported agreement came as American officials held out the prospect of consequences if Mr. Netanyahu resisted. But Mr. Kirby would not outline specific metrics for judging Israel’s response or what Mr. Biden would do if not satisfied. Mr. Biden called himself “outraged and heartbroken” over the incident and made a point of calling Mr. Andrés to express his condolences.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, President Biden, Biden, Biden’s, “, Netanyahu, ”, Fatima Shbair, Mr, Antony J, Blinken, ” Mr, Chris Coons, Coons, Kamala Harris, Jake Sullivan, Biden “, William J, Burns, Mohammed Saber, John F, Kirby, emboldening, John Hannah, José Andrés, Andrés, Zomi Frankcom, Damian Soból, Barack Obama, Bibi, ” Ben Rhodes, Obama, ” Jon Favreau, doesn’t, ‘, ’, aggravation, Jill Biden, Joe, ” Julian E, Barnes, Katie Rogers, David E, Sanger, Lara Jakes Organizations: Israel, Hamas, Credit, Associated, U.S . National Security Council, NATO, Democratic, CNN, Republican, American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Iran, Central Kitchen, Shutterstock, Jewish Institute for National Security of America, Biden, Mr, Israel Defense Forces, White Locations: Gaza, Israel, Rafah, Jerusalem, Ashdod, Jordan, Brussels, Michigan, Washington, Delaware, Iran, Syria, United States, Cairo, “ Hamas, Haiti, Cyprus, U.S, “

☆ Biden Chides Netanyahu, Threatening to Pivot U.S. Policy
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Cassandra Vinograd | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +13 min

During a 30-minute call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, President Biden went further than ever in pressing for change in the military operation. “President Biden emphasized that the strikes on humanitarian workers and the overall humanitarian situation are unacceptable,” according to a White House summary of the call. But Mr. Kirby would not outline specific metrics for judging Israel’s response or what Mr. Biden would do if not satisfied. Mr. Biden called himself “outraged and heartbroken” over the incident and made a point of calling Mr. Andrés to express his condolences. Bibi obviously doesn’t care what the U.S. says, its about what the U.S. does.”Jon Favreau, a former chief speechwriter for Mr. Obama, was even more derisive of Mr. Biden.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, President Biden, Biden, “, Netanyahu, ”, Fatima Shbair, Antony J, Blinken, ” Mr, Biden’s, Chris Coons, Mr, Coons, Kamala Harris, Jake Sullivan, Biden “, Mohammed Saber, John F, Kirby, emboldening, John Hannah, José Andrés, Andrés, Zomi Frankcom, Damian Soból, Barack Obama, Bibi, ” Ben Rhodes, Obama, ” Jon Favreau, doesn’t, ‘, ’, aggravation, Jill Biden, Joe, Katie Rogers, David E, Sanger, Lara Jakes Organizations: Israel, Hamas, Credit, Associated, NATO, Democratic, CNN, Republican, American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Iran, Central Kitchen, Shutterstock, Jewish Institute for National Security of America, Biden, Mr, Israel Defense Forces, White Locations: Gaza, Israel, Rafah, Brussels, Michigan, Washington, Delaware, Jerusalem, Iran, Syria, United States, “ Hamas, Haiti, Cyprus, U.S, “

☆ Live updates: Israel-Hamas war, 7 aid workers killed in Gaza strike
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Heather Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

A Palestinian-American doctor walked out of a meeting with US President Joe Biden before it was over Tuesday evening, underscoring the high tensions, anger and concern from Arab, Palestinian and Muslim-American communities around the Israel-Hamas war. “I said it was disappointing I’m the only Palestinian here, and out of respect for my community, I’m going to leave,” Ahmad said he told the president. Before he left, he handed Biden a letter from an 8-year-old orphaned girl, Hadeel, who lives in Rafah. “I beg you, President Biden, stop them from entering Rafah,” a translation of the letter shared with CNN says. Biden told him he understood that he needed to leave, Ahmad said.

Persons: Joe Biden, Thaer Ahmad, Kamala Harris, Jake Sullivan, ” Biden, “, ” Ahmad, Khan Younis, Al Nasser, Biden, Hadeel, Israel's, Ahmad Organizations: CNN, White Locations: Israel, Chicago, Gaza, Rafah, “

☆ Certain work shifts may harm your health later in life, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Kristen Rogers | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

More dire long-term consequences may also be at play, according to new research on the associations between work patterns in young adulthood and health outcomes later in life. Multiple studies have shown how irregular work hours can harm overall health and social life, but the new paper views the relationship through a “life-course” approach, observing how work patterns affect health throughout adulthood instead of one point in time. Despite the challenges of today’s work schedules, health experts say there are strategies people can use to mitigate the negative impacts. Additionally, still having some kind of routine or schedule around that shift can make it easier to fit in those health-promoting activities — especially sleep, Yao added. And past research has found that refraining from eating late at night counteracts the negative effects of shift work on health, he added.

Persons: ”, Wen, Han, ” Han, White, Xiaoxi Yao, wasn’t, Yao, ” Yao, “, Leana Wen, Wen wasn’t, Azizi Seixas, Christian Benedict, Han’s, ” Benedict, Benedict, ” Seixas Organizations: CNN, Silver School of Social, New York University, Longitudinal Survey, Mayo Clinic, “, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Uppsala University Locations: midlife, Minnesota, Sweden

Hogan's political ascendency resulted in large part from his criticism of tax increases that resonated with a tax-weary electorate in his upset victory in 2014. And Hogan, who was originally elected governor by railing against tax increases endorsed by the Maryland General Assembly, has already made the Maryland race unusually competitive in the heavily Democratic state. The Maryland Senate this month largely kept his budget plan intact, despite a drop in revenue estimates announced after the governor submitted his plan. The Senate has been mostly unreceptive to the House plan, with Ferguson ruling out the corporate tax component. He's also ruled out legalizing internet gambling this year, another part of the House plan.

Persons: Larry Hogan’s, Baltimore's, Francis Scott Key, Republican hasn’t, Hogan, Bill Ferguson, ” Hogan, Del, Ben Barnes, “ I’m, Larry Hogan, ” Barnes, “, ” Ferguson, David Trone, Angela Alsobrooks, Wes Moore, Ferguson, He's, Moore, haven't Organizations: Republican, Gov, U.S . Senate, Baltimore Democrat, Associated Press, Governor, Maryland General Assembly, Democratic, Washington Post, University of Maryland, Republicans, Maryland, Democratic U.S . Senate, U.S, Senate, Transportation Trust Fund, state's, ”, Maryland Democrats, GOP, Maryland Republican, U.S . Rep, Maryland Senate Locations: ANNAPOLIS, Md, Maryland, Baltimore, U.S, Senate, Prince George's

☆ Biden and Xi speak for first time since November summit amid global tensions
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-02 | by ( Mj Lee | Donald Judd | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

It is about verifying, as the president says,” the official told CNN when asked about Xi’s pledge that Beijing will not interfere in the US’ 2024 election. The Biden administration plans to continue stressing to Beijing the US’ grave concerns about Chinese efforts to hack US critical infrastructure, the official said. “We would hope there would be a chance for another in-person meeting” in the near future, the senior administration official said. A Treasury official told reporters Monday she planned to have frank discussions on what the administration considers “unfair” trade practices from China. In January, Sullivan met with the Chinese foreign minister in Bangkok, and Blinken met with the Chinese official in Munich in February.

Persons: Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Biden, ”, Antony Blinken, Xi, Xi –, Jake Sullivan, Vladimir Putin, “, Yellen, Janet Yellen, Sullivan, Blinken, Lloyd Austin, CNN’s Sam Fossum, Arlette Saenz Organizations: Washington CNN, White, Biden, CNN, Treasury, Defense Locations: Gaza, Ukraine, Washington, Beijing, Taiwan, South, Taiwan Strait, China, Woodside , California, California, ”, Russia, Guangzhou, Bangkok, Munich

Israeli strikes on an aid convoy run by the charity group World Central Kitchen killed seven of its workers in the Gaza Strip, setting off international outrage and underscoring the risks to humanitarian workers trying to alleviate a looming famine. The aid workers — a Palestinian, an Australian, a Pole, three Britons and a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen — were traveling in two armored vehicles clearly marked with the World Central Kitchen logo and a third vehicle when they came under fire late Monday night, according to the charity. The convoy was hit despite having coordinated its movements with the Israeli military, the group said. The workers were leaving a warehouse in Deir al Balah, in central Gaza, where the team had unloaded more than 100 tons of humanitarian food aid that had arrived by boat on Monday, World Central Kitchen said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who rarely comments on deadly strikes in Gaza, released a videotaped statement on Tuesday in which he appeared to acknowledge that the Israeli military was responsible.

Persons: —, Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr, Netanyahu, ”, Herzi Halevi Organizations: Kitchen Locations: Gaza, Australian, U.S, Deir al Balah, Israel

The Israeli military told CNN it does not comment on foreign reports. CNN cannot verify the Times’ report, nor independently verify the claims from Iran, Syria and Israel. Increasing pressureAs the Middle East braces for a potential Iranian response, Tehran is under pressure to show strength in the wake of the consulate attack while not drawing the region into a wider war. The Lebanese Shia militant group has been embroiled in daily crossfire with Israeli forces for nearly six months. However, Israeli military spokesman Hagari blamed Iran for escalating tensions in the region.

Persons: Mohammed Reza Zahedi, Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, Donald Trump, IRGC, Qassem Soleimani, ”, Israel, Daniel Hagari, “, Israel’s, Syria Hossein Akbari, Nasser Kanaani, Hossein Amir, Abdollahian, d’affaires, Amir, ” Amir, Faisal Mekdad meanwhile, Houthi, Parsi, Zahedi, Bejamin Netanyahu, Hagari, I’m Organizations: CNN, Revolutionary Guards, Foreign Ministry, Israel Defense Forces, New York Times, Hamas, Ministry of Health, Zionist, Iranian Foreign Ministry, Israel, Syrian Foreign, Diplomatic Relations, US, Quincy Institute, Responsible Locations: Iran, Israel, Syria, Gaza, Damascus, Baghdad, Tehran, Lebanese, ” Iran, United States, Quds, Iranian Embassy, Iranian, Islamic Republic, Washington, Swiss, Switzerland, Syrian, Vienna, Iraq, Jordan, Red, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Lebanon, Yemen

☆ China’s new factory data shows a bright start to the year
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-01 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

The Caixin/S&P Global manufacturing PMI rose to 51.1 in March from 50.9 the previous month, above analysts’ forecasts of 51.0 and marking an expansion for the fifth consecutive month. The upbeat results followed recent better-than-expected export and retail sales data, suggesting a bright start to the year for the world’s second-biggest economy. Official factory data published on Sunday also entered positive territory, offering relief to policymakers even as a crisis in the property sector remains a drag on the economy and confidence. The official purchasing managers’ index (PMI) rose to 50.8 in March from 49.1 in February, expanding for the first time in six months. But analysts say policymakers will need to roll out more stimulus to hit that target as they will not be able to count on the weak statistical base of 2022 which flattered 2023 growth data.

Persons: Li Qiang, ”, Wang Zhe, Wang Organizations: P Global, PMI, Sunday, Citi, Caixin Insight Locations: Beijing

☆ Dollar steady as PCE data sets up June rate cut bets; yen in focus
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-01 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The dollar was broadly steady on Monday as data showing easing U.S. prices bolstered bets that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates in June, while the yen loitered near 152 per dollar keeping traders on edge on the threat of intervention. The dollar was broadly steady on Monday as data showing easing U.S. prices bolstered bets that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates in June, while the yen loitered near 152 per dollar keeping traders on edge on the threat of intervention. The report also showed consumer spending rising by the most in just over a year last month, underscoring the economy's resilience. The yen touched a 34-year low against the dollar of 151.975 on Wednesday and was last at 151.315 per dollar, a shade stronger, on Monday. In other currencies, the Australian dollar rose 0.21% to $0.654, while the New Zealand dollar was 0.20% higher at $0.599.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Sterling, Shunichi Suzuki, bitcoin Organizations: Federal, Commerce Department's, Reuters, Traders, Citi, Japan, Bank of Japan, Ministry of Finance, Financial Services Agency, New Zealand Locations: Japan

☆ A global scramble to make humanoid robots is gearing up to be the 21st century's space race
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-30 | by ( Joshua Zitser | Jyoti Mann | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

Humanoid robots are symbols of power and technological capability, a geopolitics expert says. An incident earlier this month involving a Saudi humanoid robot inappropriately touching a female reporter might not at first seem even remotely connected. AdvertisementHumanoids are visual representations of breakthroughs in AIIn Italy, the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia is working on iCub, a research-grade humanoid robot. AdvertisementChina wants to take the leadWhen it comes to humanoid robots, China is vying for the top spot, so it's no wonder other nations are getting nervous. "The vast magnitude of the market offers an unmatched chance to test, improve, and expand the uses of humanoid robots," he said.

Persons: —, Neil Armstrong's, Muhammad, Elie Metri, Giorgio Metta, Metta, there's, Zen Koh, Koh, Peggy Johnson, Johnson, it's, David Becker, OpenAI, Mercedes, Tesla, Julian Mueller, Kaler, Mueller, Tang Ke, Li Boyang, Will Jackson, Johannes Simon, you've, Jackson, we're, Gartner, Nvidia's, Melonee Wise, Justin Sullivan, Metri Organizations: Service, Robotics, QSS Robotics, Muhammad, Istituto, Tecnologia, European Union, Ministry of Industry, Information Technology, Fourier Intelligence, Getty, BMW, Strategic Foresight, Stimson, TIME, Beijing, Conference, Boston Dynamics, Arts, Engineered Arts, GTC, Getty Images Saudi Locations: China, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Soviet Union, Saudi, DeepFest, Riyadh, Robotics Saudi Arabia, India, Nigeria, Shanghai, Oregon, Las Vegas, Texas, Beijing, China's Liaoning Province, San Jose , California, Getty Images Saudi Arabia, QSS, Europe

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