President Donald Trump ended his historic Asia trip with a high-stakes meeting with Chinese communist leader Xi Jinping, calling the talks “a twelve out of ten.” Trump said the two sides struck major deals, cutting tariffs on Chinese goods, resuming U.S. soybean sales, and pledging action on fentanyl. In another development, the president ordered the Pentagon to restart nuclear weapons testing after a 30-year pause, citing rival nations’ testing programs.
The government shutdown has stretched into day 30, with tensions rising on Capitol Hill over funding for food aid. Lawmakers clashed as SNAP benefits are just days away from expiring. Republicans rejected Democrats’ attempt to pass standalone funding, as Democrats demand continued support while health care talks stall.
Hurricane Melissa has been downgraded to a Category 1 storm and is now passing over the Bahamas, bringing heavy rain and damaging winds to the islands. Although winds have decreased, officials say dangerous storm surges and rainfall remain a threat. Meanwhile, Jamaica is starting recovery and restoration efforts. At least 36 deaths have been reported across Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. According to initial projections from AccuWeather experts, total damages and economic losses could reach as high as $22 billion.