Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shares personal story of addiction, recovery at summit

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared a deeply personal story about his heroin addiction and recovery at the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Nashville on Thursday. Speaking to a crowd of 3,000, Kennedy discussed the spiritual awakening that helped him overcome addiction, emphasizing the importance of a sense of purpose for young people in preventing substance abuse.

Kennedy described addiction as both a source of misery and a symptom of deeper pain, drawing from his own experience of trying to fill an emotional void with drugs. "Every addict feels that way in one way or another," he said, stressing that threats of death or ruined lives are often meaningless to those struggling with addiction.

While Kennedy highlighted the need for practical solutions like providing Suboxone and methadone and ensuring access to rehabilitation facilities, he focused on the root causes of addiction. He argued that deteriorating family, community, and spiritual connections contribute to the rise in substance abuse. Kennedy proposed policy changes to rebuild these ties, suggesting that parents educate their children on the importance of family meals and service opportunities, while also advocating for the banning of cellphones in schools to reduce their negative influence.

Kennedy reflected on his 14-year battle with heroin addiction, recounting the difficulty of keeping promises to himself and his family. He attributed much of his recovery to rekindling his faith, inspired by a book by Carl Jung that suggested those with a spiritual belief recover more quickly.

The speech was met with interruptions from hecklers, prompting Kennedy to remain composed and even express gratitude for the lessons learned from such interactions. Despite his controversial views on topics like vaccines and health, Kennedy remained focused on the broader message of recovery and the importance of spirituality in healing.

Majority of Republicans say Trump can't defy Supreme Court: Poll

The vast majority of Republicans believe President Donald Trump cannot defy orders from the U.S. Supreme Court but nearly one in three said they don't think the president needs to heed lower court rulings, according to the latest poll from the Pew Research Center.

Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment via email.

The Trump administration has faced criticism and accusations of not obeying a Supreme Court order in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a migrant who was deported to El Salvador who had not been convicted of a crime.

The Supreme Court earlier in April upheld a lower court order that Trump should "facilitate" Abrego Garcia's return to the U.S., but the administration has not yet complied. Attorney General Pam Bondi has said that the administration interpreted the ruling as meaning they would only need to facilitate his return if El Salvador wants to return him.

The president has found himself at odds with courts on a number of other matters as judges have blocked parts of his agenda surrounding the firings of federal workers and efforts to end diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Read the full story by Andrew Stanton on Newsweek.

China denies active tariff negotiations with U.S.

China on Thursday dismissed any suggestion that it was engaged in active negotiations with the Trump administration over tariffs, calling claims of progress "groundless." Guo Jiakun, a spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, stated that there were no ongoing consultations or negotiations on tariffs between the two countries. "Any claims about progress in China-U.S. trade talks are as baseless as trying to catch the wind," Guo said during a briefing.

This statement came after President Donald Trump said earlier this week that relations with China were "fine" and that the final tariff rate on Chinese exports would decrease substantially from the current 145%. However, the Trump administration has sent mixed signals, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicating positive developments with South Korea but Trump later reiterating his stance on tariffs, suggesting some countries would face higher tariffs than others.

The Trump administration has imposed retaliatory tariffs on Chinese imports, while China has responded by increasing its tariffs on U.S. goods and implementing other economic measures. Despite these tensions, Trump has shown interest in finding a way to reduce the tariffs, citing concerns over inflation and the potential impact on the economy. However, China insists that any resolution should involve the complete cancellation of existing U.S. tariffs.

Treasury Secretary optimistic about US-South Korea trade deal

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed optimism today about the progress of a potential new trade deal between the U.S. and South Korea. Speaking from the Oval Office, Bessent noted that talks were moving forward faster than expected, with technical discussions possibly taking place as early as next week.

"We had a very successful bilateral meeting with the Republic of South Korea today," Bessent said, highlighting the productive nature of the talks. He added that South Korean representatives came prepared and ready to negotiate, emphasizing the importance of continuing momentum.

The Trump administration has shown interest in pursuing regional trade deals with countries neighboring China, including South Korea and Japan, as part of broader efforts to apply pressure on Beijing. President Donald Trump also mentioned that world leaders are eager to meet with him during his upcoming trip to Rome, where he will attend the funeral of Pope Francis. Trump emphasized the focus on trade discussions, expressing confidence in the progress being made.

Trump says Russia made "big concession" by halting full land grab

Trump suggested Thursday that Russia made a "pretty big concession" in its war with Ukraine by halting its effort to take the entire country. He said stopping the war and halting territorial expansion were important steps toward peace. However, Ukraine and much of Europe have rejected this notion, calling it insufficient.

Trump also criticized Russia's recent attacks on Kyiv, urging President Vladimir Putin to "STOP!" the bombardment. While Trump expressed frustration over the lack of progress in peace talks, he refrained from commenting on potential new sanctions, stating he wanted to see how negotiations evolve.

Trump says he's 'not happy' with Putin after deadly Kyiv strike

Trump said Thursday he was "not happy" with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Moscow launched a deadly missile attack on Kyiv, the worst in months. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump addressed his earlier post on Truth Social where he urged Putin to "STOP," calling the strike poorly timed amid ongoing peace talks.

"I didn't like last night — I wasn't happy with it," Trump said to the press today. "We're in the midst of talking peace, and missiles were fired."

When asked if new sanctions against Russia were on the table, Trump declined to give a definitive answer, saying, "I'd rather answer that question in a week."

Trump also avoided offering a clear stance on whether Ukraine would need to give up territory to reach a ceasefire, saying, "It depends what territory."

Sources say the administration is exploring recognition of Russian control over Crimea, a reversal of longstanding U.S. policy. Trump emphasized the U.S. is pressuring Russia to return to negotiations, saying, "We're putting a lot of pressure on Russia... or [Putin] wouldn't be talking right now."

Court blocks Trump's citizenship rule for federal voter forms

A federal judge on Thursday temporarily halted parts of President Donald Trump's election overhaul, including a requirement that voters provide proof of citizenship on federal registration forms.

The ruling, issued by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly in Washington, blocks key provisions of Trump's March executive order while a legal challenge from voting rights groups and Democrats continues. The judge also blocked a provision requiring public assistance recipients to verify citizenship before accessing voter forms.

However, the court did not stop other parts of Trump's order, including stricter mail ballot deadlines and a directive for federal agencies to review state voter rolls using immigration databases.

Challengers, including the Democratic National Committee and several civic organizations, argue the order is unconstitutional and could harm voter outreach efforts. Voting by noncitizens is already illegal under federal law.

Pentagon to resume gender-affirming care for transgender troops

The Defense Department will again offer gender-affirming care to U.S. service members, including hormone therapy and surgeries, per a memo obtained by CNN.

The decision comes a month after a federal judge blocked Trump's attempt to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military. The newly signed memo, issued by Dr. Stephen Ferrara, the acting assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, outlines expanded access to treatment for those diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

Care will be provided through military medical facilities and, when needed, through the Supplemental Health Care Program, allowing access to civilian doctors. Waivers previously canceled under the paused policy have been reinstated.

Judge blocks Trump administration's changes to federal voter registration

A federal judge on Thursday temporarily halted the Trump administration's attempt to alter federal election rules, including a new requirement for proof of citizenship when using the national voter registration form.

Trump had pushed for the change in a March executive order, saying the U.S. lacked basic election protections. But U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly sided with voting rights advocates and Democrats, issuing a preliminary injunction while the legal challenge moves forward.

The judge also blocked a provision that would have required people applying for public assistance to undergo a citizenship check before receiving a federal voter registration form.

Judge halts Trump administration's push to end DEI in public schools

A federal judge on Thursday paused the Trump administration's effort to discourage diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in K-12 schools, siding with teachers' unions that argued the policy violates educators' rights.

The National Education Association and the ACLU sued the administration, saying the federal guidance threatened free speech and due process protections. The Education Department had warned schools to avoid race-based practices or risk losing federal funding.

Though the directive wasn't legally binding, it urged states to certify compliance with civil rights laws and move away from DEI efforts the administration labeled unlawful. Schools were also told they could face Justice Department action if they failed to comply.

Trump says he believes Putin will listen to plea to stop bombing

Trump said Thursday he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin will heed his call to halt strikes on Ukraine.

The remark came after a reporter asked Trump whether he thought Putin would take his plea seriously as he welcomed Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to the White House. "I do, yeah," Trump said in response.

Trump's comments follow an earlier post on Truth Social urging Putin to stop the bombardment of Kyiv, which resulted in dozens of casualties overnight.

Fed official says tariff effects won't show in data right away

A top Federal Reserve official said the economic impact of Trump's tariffs will take time to appear in economic data, signaling that the central bank is not likely to cut interest rates in the near future.

Speaking with Bloomberg TV, Fed Governor Christopher Waller said he doesn't expect "anything dramatic" before July, when a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs is scheduled to end.

Waller added that a rate cut would only come if there are clear signs of economic trouble. "If I saw enough movement in the unemployment rate to make me think that things were going bad, or growth prospects started tanking, or consumer spending started really going down, then I'd be ready to go," he said.

US ally receives anti-ship missile boost against China

The Philippines confirmed on Wednesday that it will receive another shipment of supersonic anti-ship missiles amid tensions with China over disputed territories in the South China Sea.

Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email.

China's territorial claims in the South China Sea have covered over 90 percent of the waters, overlapping with claims by the Philippines, a United States treaty ally, and other regional countries. It maintains a steady presence there by deploying naval and coast guard vessels.

The Philippines received the first batch of the shore-based, anti-ship variant of the BrahMos cruise missiles from India in April 2024. The missile has a stated range of 180 miles for its baseline version, while its extended-range variant can hit targets as far as 310 miles away.

The additional delivery of the BrahMos cruise missiles comes as the U.S. has sent its ship-sinking missiles, the NMESIS, to the Philippines for a joint war game this month, as well as a Chinese aircraft carrier deployment near the Southeast Asian archipelagic state this week.

Read the full story by Ryan Chan on Newsweek.

Trump administration asks Supreme Court to allow transgender troop ban

The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to allow it to move forward with a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, pushing to enforce a policy that has been blocked by several lower court rulings.

The emergency request, filed today, marks another legal showdown over a key part of Trump's agenda. The administration argued that the ban is necessary for military readiness, but lower courts have disagreed, saying the policy may violate the constitutional rights of transgender service members and recruits.

The ban, announced earlier this year, was set to take effect last month but has been on hold due to multiple injunctions, including one from a federal judge in Washington state who ruled the policy likely discriminates against transgender individuals. The Supreme Court is now being asked to decide whether the administration can begin enforcing it while the legal battle continues.

Trump Organization parts ways with ethics adviser after president's criticism

The Trump Organization says it is cutting ties with its outside ethics adviser after former President Trump publicly criticized the attorney over his work representing Harvard University in a legal battle with the administration.

William Burck, a well-known Washington lawyer, was appointed in January to review potential business deals for the company that might raise ethical concerns. But Trump blasted him Thursday on Truth Social, saying he should be fired immediately due to his involvement in Harvard's legal challenge against the White House.

Although Trump didn't name Burck directly, the criticism was clearly aimed at him. Not long after, Eric Trump issued a statement to the Associated Press, saying, "I view it as (a) conflict and I will be moving in a different direction."

Trump urges Boeing to 'default' China over unfulfilled jet orders

Trump used Truth Social to criticize China for failing to follow through on aircraft purchases from Boeing, urging the company to "default" China over the issue.

Blumenthal fielding calls on Judiciary role; Healey signals legal action over tariffs

On CNN News Central, Sen. Richard Blumenthal said he's already getting calls from colleagues interested in taking over Sen. Dick Durbin's role as top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee. Durbin announced he won't seek reelection after a long Senate career.

"I'm receiving calls in real time," Blumenthal told anchor John Berman, adding he's holding off on any decisions until the field of interested senators becomes clearer.

In another segment, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey told anchor Kate Bolduan that her state is prepared to pursue legal action against the Trump administration over its tariff policies. She cited economic instability and disruptions in local manufacturing as key concerns.

Healey said she supports lawsuits already filed and will consult with her attorney general on next steps. "I'll take whatever action I think is appropriate," she said.

Vance jokes with troops during return stop at Ramstein Air Base

Senator J.D. Vance and his family made a stop at Ramstein Air Base in Germany while returning from a trip to Italy and India. Speaking to a group of U.S. service members, Vance lightheartedly admitted, "I have no idea what the hell day it is, what time it is."

Surrounded by troops enjoying beer and hot dogs, Vance held up a traditional German beer stein and joked about chugging from it, saying, "That would go viral, and not in a good way, my friends." Instead, he took a modest sip and proceeded to serve cups of beer to the crowd from a keg, sharing a moment of levity before continuing his journey back to Washington.

Trump attacks lawyer linked to both Harvard and his company

Trump criticized a lawyer on Thursday who represents Harvard University in its legal battle with the White House, calling for his removal from a role advising the Trump Organization.

Though he didn't mention the attorney by name in his Truth Social post, Trump was referring to William Burck, a prominent Washington lawyer who has worked with the former president's associates in past investigations. Burck is currently representing Harvard in a lawsuit aimed at blocking the federal government's freeze on over $2 billion in funding.

Trump wrote that he hopes the Trump Organization—now managed by his sons—"gets rid of him ASAP," suggesting Burck should be fired for representing Harvard, which Trump called a "threat to democracy."

Burck previously served as outside ethics counsel for the Trump Organization and has been closely connected to the former president's inner circle, particularly during the Mueller investigation.

Pam Bondi says DOJ is pulling funding from programs deemed off-mission

Attorney General Pam Bondi said that the Justice Department is cutting funding from several initiatives she called "wasteful" and not in line with current federal priorities.

In a statement posted to X, Bondi outlined the cuts, including $2 million originally set aside for listening sessions with individuals sharing personal experiences, nearly $700,000 for research into the impact of LGBTQ liaison officers in police departments, and $250,000 for support services and housing considerations for transgender individuals in prisons.

Bondi said the changes would not affect services directly supporting victims of crime and added that groups may appeal to have their funding restored if they can show that their work serves victims.

Former DOJ official Stacey Young criticized the move, saying it undermines the agencies and groups working on the ground to address key public safety and justice issues. Young, who co-founded Justice Connection, argued that the administration's actions contradict its stated goals of helping victims and reducing violence.

Trump says Harvard is 'anti-Semitic' and a 'threat to democracy'

Trump lashed out at Harvard University in a Truth Social post on Thursday, calling it an "Anti-Semitic, Far Left Institution" and accusing it of fostering hatred and division in the United States.

Anti-Trump podcast downloaded more than Joe Rogan, Candace Owens combined

The MeidasTouch Podcast has topped the podcast charts for the third consecutive month, generating more downloads than Joe Rogan, Candace Owens and Ben Shapiro combined, according to Podscribe data.

Newsweek has contacted MeidasTouch, Rogan and Owens for comment via email.

The MeidasTouch Podcast, which has topped the charts since President Donald Trump returned to office in January, is holding firm as the country's most downloaded podcast.

Prior to its rise, the medium was dominated by conservative or pro-Trump voices—with the likes of Rogan, Shapiro and Shawn Ryan frequently topping the charts. Trump himself appeared on a number of these popular shows while eschewing traditional media outlets in his 2024 presidential bid—a strategy many say contributed to his victory.

Read the full story by Marni Rose McFall on Newsweek.

Trump administration ends civil rights sewage deal in Alabama

The Trump administration has voided a federal civil rights settlement aimed at fixing raw sewage pollution in Lowndes County, Alabama—an overwhelmingly Black, low-income area long plagued by failing sanitation systems. The deal, reached under President Biden, was the first of its kind to treat environmental neglect as a civil rights issue.

The Justice Department now calls the agreement an "illegal" diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) measure. Officials say the administration will no longer pursue environmental justice initiatives it sees as rooted in DEI ideology.

For decades, residents in the rural county have lived with sewage bubbling up into their yards and homes. With no access to public sewer lines and unaffordable septic systems, some families have dug ditches to divert the waste. Others have been threatened with prosecution for not installing systems they can't afford.

The canceled deal had required Alabama to begin installing new systems and address decades of neglect. Its collapse leaves residents in uncertainty, with state health officials saying they'll help only "as long as funding is available."

Advocates say the issue goes beyond DEI. "This is about basic human rights," said Sarah Stokes of the Southern Environmental Law Center, per The Guardian. "Everybody deserves safe sanitation."

Zelenskyy says new Ukraine peace document delivered to Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that a new joint proposal regarding the war in Ukraine has been delivered to Trump following a high-level meeting in London on April 23, per RBK Ukraine.

According to a source cited by RBK-Ukraine, the document outlines a shared European position involving Ukraine, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Trump's special representative, Keith Kellogg, reportedly brought the document back to Washington.

Zelenskyy, speaking during a visit to South Africa, stressed that any peace deal must align with Ukraine's Constitution. He acknowledged the existence of previous U.S. proposals—reportedly including recognition of Crimea and parts of occupied Ukraine as Russian territory—but rejected terms that conflict with Ukrainian sovereignty.

"I believe that today this format, this document is on Trump's desk," Zelensky said. "Anything that contradicts our values or our Constitution cannot be in any agreements."

The London talks were originally expected to involve U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but he did not attend. Instead, national security advisers and defense and foreign ministers from the participating nations held the discussions. Media reports suggest Rubio skipped the talks over Ukraine's refusal to consider the U.S. proposal on Crimea.

Bill Lee downplays tariff fears, points to domestic inflation and retail data

On Early Start this morning, CNN anchor Rachel Solomon spoke with Milken Institute Chief Economist Bill Lee about the current economic outlook, emphasizing tariff anxiety, inflation drivers, and new insights from the Federal Reserve's latest Beige Book.

Lee argued that concerns over tariffs have been blown out of proportion. He noted that the U.S. is a "relatively closed economy," with imports and exports making up a small share of GDP. According to Lee, most inflation is coming from domestic sources like housing, healthcare, and insurance, not from imported goods affected by tariffs.

As for the Beige Book, Lee described the report's findings as "soft data" reflecting business anxiety and selective consumer spending. He said the real test will be whether this sentiment shows up in "hard data" like retail sales or the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The Federal Reserve, he noted, typically waits for trends to emerge across several reports before adjusting policy.

Lee also addressed how inflation might behave differently today compared to earlier disruptions, suggesting that without the fiscal stimulus of the pandemic era, recent price increases may not last.

Trump makes decorative changes to White House grounds and Oval Office

President Donald Trump is making visible changes to the White House, adding new decor and considering a controversial update to the Rose Garden.

Trump, who previously worked in real estate and hospitality, said that he will install two new flagpoles to display American flags within the next week. Inside, he has redecorated the Oval Office with portraits of past presidents and mounted a large copy of the Declaration of Independence on the wall.

Among the new artworks is an image of Trump with his fist raised following last year's assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. He has also floated the idea of paving over the lawn in the Kennedy-era Rose Garden, citing issues with soggy grass during past events.

Trump told reporters the wet conditions "ruined" people's shoes and made standing difficult.

Trump to meet with Norwegian prime minister, sign orders, and attend MAGA dinner

Trump's official schedule today includes a meeting and lunch with the Prime Minister of Norway, followed by the signing of additional executive orders and a fundraising dinner.

At noon, Trump is set to greet the Norwegian leader and share a working lunch. The two will continue discussions during a formal meeting in the Oval Office at 1 p.m., where topics are expected to include trade, security cooperation, and NATO.

Later in the day, at 4:30 p.m., Trump will sign a series of executive orders, continuing a recent push to enact policy changes through presidential authority.

In the evening, the president will travel to his golf club in Washington, D.C. At 6:30 p.m., he is scheduled to attend a MAGA Inc. fundraising dinner.

Election officials meet to weigh Trump's executive order on voting changes

Election officials from all 50 states are meeting Thursday to discuss President Donald Trump's sweeping executive order on how U.S. elections are run, marking the first formal review by those responsible for carrying out voting nationwide.

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission's Standards Board is holding a public hearing in North Carolina. The bipartisan group will examine the implications of Trump's March 25 order, which mandates proof of citizenship to register to vote, revises voting system guidelines, and threatens to cut off federal funding for states that count ballots received after Election Day.

The executive order has sparked immediate legal pushback from voting rights groups, Democrats, and officials in 21 states. They argue that Trump is overstepping constitutional limits, since election rules are largely determined by states. Lawsuits seek to block the commission from enforcing the order.

Critics say the proof-of-citizenship rule could disenfranchise millions, especially those without passports or easy access to birth records. Past state-level versions of similar laws have led to voter purges and confusion.

Trump's directive also targets vote-by-mail systems used in states like Oregon and Washington, where ballots are counted if postmarked by Election Day. Those states have filed suit, saying the changes would undermine their election systems.

The Election Assistance Commission, created by Congress after the 2000 presidential election, typically provides voluntary voting guidelines and funding to states. Now it finds itself at the center of a political and constitutional clash over federal power in elections.

Trump's threats shift Canada's election, boosting Liberals under Carney

Trump's recent trade war moves and provocative remarks about Canada have unexpectedly transformed the country's upcoming election, helping the Liberal Party, previously trailing, gain momentum heading into Monday's vote.

Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney, who replaced Justin Trudeau after his resignation, was initially facing long odds. But Trump's threats—including suggesting Canada should become the 51st U.S. state—have sparked a wave of nationalism across the country, shifting public opinion in the Liberals' favor.

"What Trump has done is shed light on who we are," said former Quebec Premier Jean Charest. Even Quebec separatists are rallying around Canada's sovereignty, he added, per The Associated Press.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, once a clear front-runner, now finds his Trump-like rhetoric backfiring. While he hoped to ride frustration over rising living costs and immigration to victory, Trump's attacks have reframed the race around national identity and foreign influence.

Early voting has hit record highs, with more than 7 million Canadians casting ballots. A January Nanos poll showed Conservatives leading by 27 points, but the latest shows Liberals ahead by four.

Carney, a former central bank chief in Canada and the U.K., has leaned into his crisis management credentials, warning that Trump's actions mark the end of America's role as a trusted global partner. Both major parties say they would push to renegotiate the U.S.-Canada trade deal if elected.

Despite their resurgence, the Liberals face major post-election challenges, with historian Robert Bothwell describing the road ahead as "like being handed a sack full of rabid beavers."

Kenya turns to China as Ruto warns of global trade instability

Kenyan President William Ruto deepened ties with China on Thursday, warning that rising trade tensions driven by the U.S. could destabilize the global order. His comments came during a five-day trip to Beijing, where he praised China's support for Kenya and signed a series of new bilateral agreements.

Ruto, who previously leaned toward the West, has shifted focus amid President Trump's renewed tariffs and retreat from African engagement. He thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for ongoing infrastructure and humanitarian support, and signaled Kenya's interest in learning from China's development model.

China, in turn, emphasized its commitment to strengthening ties with Kenya and other nations in the global South. Kenya plays a major role in China's Belt and Road Initiative, with Beijing funding roads, ports, and a railway across the country.

The leaders signed new pacts covering railways, trade, security, and technology, including plans for a Kenyan consulate in Guangzhou. Ruto also used his platform at Peking University to criticize the global economic system as outdated and dysfunctional, warning that Trump's tariffs could be its breaking point.

Britain commits $400 million to wind power at energy summit

Britain announced a $400 million investment in offshore wind manufacturing on Thursday, aiming to boost its renewable energy industry and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The move came as the U.K. hosted a global energy summit focused on security and sustainability.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the funding would strengthen the country's capacity to produce wind components, encouraging further private investment. U.K. officials stressed that expanding low-carbon power is essential for both energy independence and climate goals.

More than half of Britain's electricity now comes from renewable sources, with a goal of reaching 100% by 2030. The last coal-fired plant in the country shut down in 2023.

The summit revealed a divide between Europe and the U.S. on energy strategy. While European nations accelerate green energy transitions, the Trump administration is doubling down on fossil fuels. U.S. officials criticized clean energy policies, claiming they ignore global energy demands and rely too heavily on Chinese-supplied materials.

Leaders from over 60 countries gathered to discuss threats to energy stability and ways to build a more secure, sustainable future.

Americans grow uneasy with Trump's economic approach

A growing number of Americans are voicing concern over Trump's handling of the economy, particularly his use of tariffs. A new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that half of U.S. adults believe the president's trade policies will raise prices significantly, and many fear the country could slip into a recession in the near future.

While Trump still retains support from some voters, especially among older Republicans, others are expressing frustration with what they see as inconsistent policies and an overreliance on tariffs. About 4 in 10 approve of his economic handling, a number unchanged since March.

Worries about rising costs — especially for groceries and large purchases — are widespread. Many Americans also cite anxiety over their retirement savings and how global trade tensions could affect their financial stability.

Despite inflation easing and unemployment staying low, confidence is shaky. Trump's continued push for tariffs, including threats of expanding them, has created uncertainty in markets and among everyday consumers.

Marco Rubio dismisses Russian sanctions rumors: 'Unequivocally false'

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has strongly rejected a report that the country was considering whether to lift sanctions on one of Russia's main natural gas pipelines linked to Western Europe as part of a deal to end the war in Ukraine.

Rubio dismissed as "unequivocally false" a Politico report that Washington would reverse U.S. policy on Russia's Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, which would deliver a major coup for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Steve Witkoff, an envoy for the Trump administration, had floated the idea, according to the publication citing undisclosed sources, although he also rejected the report, which comes ahead of his meeting with Putin in Moscow on Friday.

Newsweek has contacted Politico for comment.

Read the full story by Brendan Cole on Newsweek.