Happy Thursday! The weekend is almost here, and I can hardly wait!
In today’s highlights:
- The Cardinals have chosen a new Pope
- Trump announces a trade deal with the UK
- GOP struggles with negotiations over Trump’s agenda
- Bill Gates plans to give away nearly all his wealth “virtually”
🚨🚨Breaking News
New Pope Elected:
White smoke billows from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new Pope.
With 133 Cardinals casting their votes, a new leader for the Catholic Church has emerged.
The energy in St. Peter’s Square is electric, as thousands gather to witness the unveiling of their new Pope.
📹 Check out the white smoke
💻 Watch the “Chimney Cam” live – It feels like being in Vatican City.
The exact identity of the Pope will likely be revealed soon, maybe within the hour.
☕ At the White House
Celebrating a Trade Agreement:
President Trump has just announced a new trade deal with the UK, marking a significant move during the ongoing trade tensions.
What does this entail? While confirmations are pending, Trump stated:
- The deal includes substantial market access boosts for U.S. exports, especially beef, ethanol, and other agricultural products.
- The UK is set to lower non-tariff barriers on American goods.
- American goods will move faster through UK customs.
Check out more from Alex Gangitano and Brett Samuels on the agreement
Trump’s amusing remark: “What a beautiful accent! I wish I had that accent,” he commented during the announcement, referring to British accents. 📹 Watch the clip
Further details from the BBC: “The US to lift tariffs on UK steel and aluminum and reduce auto tariffs to 10% as the trade deal unfolds.”
The stock market reacted positively, with shares rising this morning.
Talking tariffs: The Ford Motor Company is raising the prices on three models assembled in Mexico, driven by pressure from Trump’s tariffs.
The models affected? Ford Bronco Sports, Maverick Pickup, and Mustang Mach-E Electric SUV.
Interest rates, by the way: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell opted to maintain current rates, leading to Trump’s critique of his decision. “Jerome Powell is a fool,” Trump stated on social media, adding, “But I actually like him!”
Capitol Hill Update
Challenges Looming:
As the deadline approaches, Republicans seem to be struggling to finalize President Trump’s proposed “One big, beautiful bill.”
Main sticking points: There’s no consensus on how to approach Medicaid cuts or the cap on the state and local tax deduction.
A GOP Senator described the situation as a “train wreck.” Concerns are growing that if they can’t find common ground soon, things may derail.
However, Senate Majority Leader John Tune reassured that progress is being made among Republican senators during recent discussions.
House Republicans also passed a bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
The bill will now head to the Senate, though its future seems uncertain without bipartisan support.
Testimonies happening today:
FBI Director Kash Patel will testify before the Senate Budget Committee regarding next year’s budget, alongside Secretary of Homeland Security Christie Noem discussing 2026 budget requests.
This Morning’s News
Bill Gates Plans to Give Away His Fortune:
Billionaire and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has announced he intends to donate almost all of his wealth, over $200 billion, within the next 20 years, planning to close his foundation by 2045.
Why this decision? Gates aims to expedite efforts related to global health, emphasizing the urgency of addressing pressing public needs.
He remarked, “When I die, I want people to remember me for my contributions, not just as someone who died rich. There are too many urgent issues to keep hold of resources that could be used to help others.”
In contrast: Gates criticized Elon Musk for cutting support for vulnerable children, highlighting the disconnect between wealth and responsibility.
Upcoming Events
The House and Senate will be in session today. President Trump is in Washington. (All Times EST)
noon: Trump and First Lady Melania participate in an event celebrating military mothers.
1:30 pm: Transportation Secretary Shawn Duffy will unveil a new air traffic control system.
1:45 pm: Senate vote scheduled.
2 pm: State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce will hold a briefing.
Internet Buzz
Today marks National Coconut Cream Pie Day.
Small headline: “A pet raccoon with a mysterious object in its mouth during an Ohio traffic stop,” police report. No, really.
Entertainment news: The “Real Housewife” franchise is expanding to Rhode Island.
👋 Closing Thoughts:
I’ve seen something intriguing that I can’t unsee, leading me to want a baby elephant… Do they remain that small forever?
