Clockwise US News

Clockwise Business News — Consumer inflation hit 3. 8% annually in April, with projections suggesting 4. 2% in May, fueled by the ongoing Iran war and tariffs. This is Clockwise business news, 6 PM Eastern. These rising prices are significantly straining the US economy and are poised to influence voters as the November elections approach.

Clockwise Politics News — President Trump has sparked concerns by suggesting arms sales to Taiwan are a negotiating chip with China. This follows his return from high-stakes talks in Beijing today. This is Clockwise politics news, 4 PM Eastern. The President's remarks, made in a Fox News interview, have heightened anxieties in Taiwan. A $14 billion arms package has been held in abeyance, pending negotiations with China.

Clockwise General News — President Trump has returned from China, expressing doubt on a Taiwan arms deal while the US faces escalating inflation. This is Clockwise general news, 2 PM Eastern. Trump’s discussions with President Xi Jinping covered trade, the Iran conflict, and Taiwan. He described a potential $14 billion arms package for Taiwan as a "negotiating chip". This statement introduces uncertainty into US support for the island.

Clockwise General News — Long Island Rail Road workers have gone on strike, bringing North America's busiest commuter rail system to a halt. This is the Clockwise General Briefing, 8 AM Eastern. Thousands of workers walked off the job early Saturday, paralyzing transit for hundreds of thousands of commuters in the New York City area. Negotiations between unions and management reportedly broke down late Friday, leading to the work stoppage. Moving on to national news, a senior Food and Drug Administration official who has been critical of COVID-19 vaccines and certain antidepressants has been removed from her leadership role.

Clockwise General News — Israeli forces launched new strikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon today, despite an earlier agreement to extend a ceasefire. This follows an Israeli airstrike in Gaza targeting a Hamas military leader. This is Clockwise general news, 6 AM Eastern. Both Israel and Lebanon accuse each other of violating the shaky ceasefire, signaling continued regional volatility. The airstrike in Gaza sought the Qassam Brigades leader, though his status remains unconfirmed.

Clockwise Business News — reports a significant earnings beat for Q1 2026, exceeding market expectations. This is Clockwise business news, 6 PM Eastern. announced first-quarter 2026 revenue increased 33% to $364.

Clockwise Politics News — President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded their high-stakes summit today in Beijing, claiming significant progress on stabilizing bilateral relations despite lingering disagreements on critical issues. This is Clockwise politics news, 4:30 PM Eastern. The two leaders discussed the Iran war, technology, and potential trade deals. China reportedly agreed to order 200 Boeing jets and over $10 billion in US agricultural products, though concrete agreements were not immediately announced. While both leaders emphasized stability, deep differences over Taiwan and other issues persist.

Clockwise General News — Justice Department is preparing to seek an indictment against former Cuban President Raúl Castro. This is Clockwise general news, 2 PM Eastern. Sources tell The Associated Press this action relates to Castro's alleged role in the 1996 shootdown of Brothers to the Rescue planes.

Clockwise General News — Presidents Trump and Xi have concluded their high-stakes summit in Beijing, claiming progress in stabilizing US-China relations despite ongoing deep differences. This is the Clockwise General Briefing, 8 AM Eastern. Moving on to international tensions, the White House confirmed that President Xi agreed the Strait of Hormuz "must remain open" to ensure the free flow of energy amidst the ongoing war in Iran. This comes as tensions remain extremely high in the region, with concerns over energy supply and regional stability.

Clockwise General News — House leaders have just announced a breakthrough bipartisan agreement on federal spending limits, potentially averting an impending government shutdown. This is Clockwise general news, 6 AM Eastern. The newly reached deal establishes caps for discretionary spending across key agencies, aiming to streamline budget appropriations for the next fiscal cycle. This represents a significant step towards fiscal stability. The Department of Labor today reported a slight but noticeable increase in weekly unemployment claims nationwide.