As Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with President Joe Biden in the United States, questions arise about the state of China's economy. Reports suggest that cracks in the Chinese economy have widened in recent years, with a sluggish post-Covid recovery and a credit crisis in the property market. The country's long-predicted structural slowdown is finally being felt, leading to uncertainty and a lack of confidence among foreign investors and businesses. Youth unemployment has skyrocketed, and there is a growing sense of ennui among young Chinese.

In addition to economic challenges, President Xi is also facing internal issues within his power structure, with unexplained disappearances of key leaders raising questions of corruption or political purges. All of these challenges contribute to a sense that President Xi is in a more vulnerable negotiating position as he meets with President Biden.

The outcome of this meeting is uncertain, with expectations of major breakthroughs low. However, it raises questions about how China's economic struggles will impact its ability to address issues such as climate change and human rights. As the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China's actions on climate change are crucial. And as calls grow for the international community to take a stronger stance on China's human rights violations, the state of China's economy could have implications for future diplomatic efforts.

Protests outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters took a violent turn on Wednesday night as clashes erupted between police and demonstrators. The protest was organized by a coalition of groups advocating for a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Protesters attempted to block entrances and exits to the building, demanding that politicians acknowledge their calls for peace. However, the situation quickly escalated, with police claiming that about 150 protesters engaged in illegal and violent behavior. Protesters, on the other hand, accused the police of initiating violence and forcefully apprehending disabled or chronically ill individuals. Inside the headquarters, lawmakers were directed to the basement, and some were later evacuated in police vehicles. Six officers sustained minor injuries, and one protester was arrested for assaulting an officer. The Metropolitan Police Department also responded to the disturbance. The protest was organized by groups including If Not Now and Jewish Voice for Peace Action, who have been involved in similar demonstrations across the country. These clashes highlight the impassioned divisions over the Israel-Hamas war.

New Hampshire has officially set the date for its 2024 presidential primaries, and it's a move that puts the state out of compliance with national Democrats' preferred voting order. Despite pressure from President Joe Biden and top Democrats to have South Carolina as the leadoff spot, New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan announced on Wednesday that the primary will take place on January 23. The decision was backed by GOP Governor Chris Sununu, as well as both Republican and Democratic state party chairs. This move comes after two cycles of February voting and solidifies the Republican nominating calendar. However, it goes against the plans of Democrats who wanted New Hampshire to vote second on a shared date with Nevada. Scanlan, along with other Republicans who control state government, had made it clear that they wouldn't bend to Democrats' demands, stating that diversity was not the issue at play and that it should be up to the voters to determine the nominee. As a result, the question now remains: Will this decision impact the influence of New Hampshire in the primary process?

After a major fire broke out under the 10 Freeway in Los Angeles, a California program that leases land under freeways is now facing scrutiny. The fire, which was determined to be arson, caused severe damage to the freeway and is expected to keep it closed for weeks.

The land where the fire occurred was rented out by a Calabasas businessman who illegally sublet it to small businesses. Many of these businesses were operated by immigrants who were struggling to make a living. The renters had no fire alarms or sprinklers in their makeshift offices, which contributed to the devastation caused by the fire.

The landlord, Apex, owned by Ahmad Anthony Nowaid, had failed to pay rent on the property for more than a year and owed $78,000. Caltrans, the agency that owns the land, was suing Apex for back rent. This property was one of five that Caltrans was attempting to evict Apex and another Nowaid company from.

This incident has brought attention to the California program that leases land under freeways. Questions are being raised about the oversight and safety measures in place for these leased properties. Authorities are calling for a review of the program to prevent future incidents like this from occurring.

The White House is facing criticism and calls for action as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise. Despite having the power to intervene and stop the conflict, the US has chosen not to take action to end the destruction. The Biden administration has been accused of complicity in the Israeli attacks on Gaza, which have resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction. Western publics are growing increasingly incensed, with protests attracting large numbers of participants. Even US allies in the Middle East are pleading for US intervention to restrain Israel. The optics of the crisis are becoming increasingly disastrous for the White House, as images of crushed and bleeding bodies in Gaza circulate widely. French President Emmanuel Macron has broken ranks with the US, demanding that Israel stop killing Gaza's women and babies. Is the White House complicit in the ongoing crisis in Gaza, and what will it take for them to intervene and put an end to the devastation?

**Note:** This article is a summary of various news articles and does not reflect my own opinions or biases.

Hamas has reportedly agreed to release at least 50 women and children held captive in Gaza in exchange for a multi-day pause in fighting and an increase in aid. The potential deal, which has not yet been accepted by Israel, is seen as a significant step towards securing the release of hostages taken during Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. According to reports, the total number of hostages represents only 20 percent of those initially taken captive. The group had previously released two American hostages, but the new agreement would not guarantee the release of all remaining Americans. The United Nations Security Council has also called for the release of hostages and the opening of humanitarian corridors in Gaza. While American officials and international organizations have been pushing for a resolution, Israel has yet to make a decision on whether to accept the proposed deal. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for the deal to fall apart if Israel rejects it.

Recent incidents of physical altercations among politicians in the United States have raised questions about the acceptance of political violence in the country. The most recent incident involved Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) almost coming to blows with Teamsters union president Sean O'Brien during a Senate committee hearing. Mullin defended his actions, stating that in Oklahoma, "you don't run your mouth" like O'Brien did online. He further justified his behavior by suggesting that sometimes people need to get punched in the face.

While these incidents may seem isolated, they are part of a broader pattern that implies an acceptance, albeit slight, of using violence to resolve disputes. The question of whether Americans accept political violence has been looming for years, especially after the January 6th Capitol riot. According to a recently released survey by PRRI, a third of Republicans believe that "patriots" may need to resort to violence to bring about change. However, this sentiment has also increased among Democrats and the overall population.

It is important to note that we are not discussing a widespread endorsement of political violence but rather the acceptance or tolerance of violence within the political sphere. The incidents occurring on Capitol Hill spark concerns about the erosion of democracy in the United States, echoing patterns observed in other countries. As debates about political violence persist, the nation faces the challenge of maintaining a peaceful and respectful political discourse.

The Israeli government has released video footage of a Hamas attack in Gaza on October 7, 2023. The footage, obtained from body cameras of the attackers and other sources, shows the militants preparing for and carrying out the attack. The video includes scenes of the militants crossing the border fence from Gaza into Israel, as well as footage from tunnels in Gaza that were allegedly used during the attack. The release of the video is part of Israel's effort to counter criticism and pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza. U.S. officials and lawmakers have been shown the video, with reactions ranging from shock to resolve for Israel's actions against Hamas. The footage depicts the gruesome aftermath of the attack, with images of burned and disfigured bodies. The release of the video is aimed at showcasing the brutality of Hamas and justifying Israel's military assault in the Gaza Strip. Israeli officials have likened the attack to 9/11, with an estimated 1,200 people killed and over 200 taken hostage.

Jonathan Miller, an attorney for Misty Hampton, has confessed to sharing witness proffer videos with a media outlet in the Fulton County district attorney's 2020 election interference case. The videos featured key figures in the case, including Sidney Powell and Jenna Ellis, who have since pleaded guilty to related charges. Miller stated during an emergency hearing for a protective order that he believed sharing the videos was in his client's best interest. The judge will issue a protective order to prevent further disclosure of certain discovery information.

Miller defended his actions by asserting that hiding the proffers misleads the public and that the videos actually helped his client. The leaked footage included Ellis recounting a conversation with Trump adviser Dan Scavino, in which he stated that Trump would not leave the White House regardless of the election results. Powell also testified that Trump was repeatedly informed by others that he had lost the election.

Fulton County prosecutors sought the protective order after the leaked videos were published by ABC News and The Washington Post. They argue that the disclosure compromises the integrity of the case. Trump and other co-defendants have proposed a protective order that would require the district attorney's office to designate sensitive evidence ahead of time, with defendants given the opportunity to contest the designation.

Counted among the nearly 300,000 supporters who gathered on the National Mall, nine teenagers share their experiences and thoughts from the rally.

The March for Israel in Washington, D.C. drew tens of thousands of American Jews who were there to express their support for Israel, call for the release of hostages held by Hamas, and fight against antisemitism. The event aimed to bring together different types of American Jews, allowing them to interpret their support for Israel and fight against antisemitism in their own ways.

Among the attendees were nine teenagers who shared their experiences and thoughts throughout the day. Isaac Shalit, 14, from Austin, Texas, expressed his joy at seeing people from different sects and parts of Judaism coming together for Israel. Lior Markus, 16, from Toronto, Ontario, said that he hadn't felt this strong of a presence of Jews since he was last in Israel.

The rally received media coverage and bipartisan political attendance. However, it is important to note that the march is not indicative of the policy preferences of most American Jews, as attendees had various interpretations of what support for Israel looks like. The event aimed to unite Jews despite their differences and emphasize their connectivity to Israel and each other as Jews.

Overall, the March for Israel provided a platform for American Jews to show their solidarity, support, and determination to fight antisemitism.

Las Vegas police are seeking the public's help in identifying two individuals who were involved in the fatal beating of a teenager near Rancho High School earlier this month. The incident occurred on November 1st and resulted in the death of 17-year-old Jonathan Lewis Jr. on November 7th. Eight juveniles, aged 13 to 17, have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the attack. The fight reportedly broke out over stolen headphones and a stolen marijuana vape pen.

The police have released still images of the two individuals they are trying to identify. One is seen wearing a black hoodie, while the other has dark shaggy hair and a black shirt. At least some of the fight was recorded and shared on social media, showing a person taking a swing at someone before being swarmed by a group of teenagers who kicked and stomped them.

The father of the victim praised his son for trying to help a smaller child who was being bullied, calling him a "hero." Online donations for a memorial fund set up by the father have exceeded its goal by tens of thousands of dollars, with donors expressing their condolences and gratitude for Jonathan's bravery.

The investigation is ongoing, and the police are urging anyone with information about the incident or the two individuals in the released images to come forward.

The Tuscarawas Valley community is coming together to support families who have experienced a devastating loss in a charter bus crash. Six people, including three students and three adults, were tragically killed in the crash. The community has rallied around the affected families, offering support in various ways.

The Tusky Valley Middle-High School has set up a table with flowers and photos of the victims, allowing students and staff to pay their respects. Additionally, a comfort dog and the state patrol's crisis assistance team have visited the school to provide emotional support.

Outside of school, the local community has also shown immense support. The TV Tavern in Mineral City has opened its doors to offer a place for people to gather and find solace during this difficult time. Many residents have expressed their shock and sadness, struggling to find the right words to convey their emotions.

In response to the tragedy, Governor Mike DeWine has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff in honor of the lives lost. The community is grateful for the outpouring of love and support, and they are determined to stand strong in the face of this tragedy.

Overall, the Tuscarawas Valley community is coming together to support the families affected by the charter bus crash. They are finding solace in each other's presence and demonstrating the strength and resilience of their tight-knit community.

Attorneys for former President Donald Trump have filed a motion for a mistrial in his New York fraud case, alleging bias and unfair treatment by Judge Arthur Engoron and his clerk, Allison Greenfield. Trump's lawyers claim that the court has failed in its responsibility to ensure a fair trial, free from the appearance of impropriety. They argue that Engoron has shown favoritism towards New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, and that Greenfield, also a Democrat, has been co-judging the case.

The trial, which began on October 2, accuses Trump, his sons, and their company of perpetrating a decade of fraud and benefitting from at least $250 million. The defense argues that Trump is the victim of bias, with Engoron ruling against him and making comments that demonstrate favoritism towards the prosecution.

Engoron has indicated that he will deny the motion, asserting his right to discuss legal issues with his law clerk and defending his communications with her. A spokesperson for the attorney general's office dismissed Trump's claims as an attempt to distract from the allegations of fraud. As the trial progresses, the mistrial motion poses a significant challenge to the proceedings and raises questions about the potential impact of bias on the outcome.

In a targeted operation, Israeli forces stormed into Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, which Hamas is accused of using as a command center. The hospital is currently housing thousands of sick and displaced Gazans, and this action has raised international criticism of Israel. The United Nations estimates that there are at least 2,300 patients, staff, and civilians trapped inside the facility due to the ongoing conflict.

Israel claims that Hamas is using the hospital and the underground tunnels beneath it to conceal military operations and hostages, a claim that Hamas denies. The situation inside the hospital is described as catastrophic, with medical procedures taking place without anesthesia, families having limited access to food and water, and decomposing bodies filling the air.

Both Israel and the United States have accused Hamas of using hospitals to hide command posts and hostages using underground tunnels. Hamas, in turn, has blamed US President Joe Biden for the attack on Al-Shifa Hospital, holding the occupation and President Biden responsible.

This targeted operation has further escalated tensions in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has already claimed many lives and displaced numerous people. The international community continues to call for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Seven more women have joined a lawsuit against the state of Texas over its restrictive abortion laws, bringing the total number of plaintiffs to 22. The lawsuit, originally filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights in March, challenges the narrow and vague exception for life-threatening medical emergencies in the state's abortion bans. The plaintiffs argue that the laws delayed their access to care and endangered their lives during complicated pregnancies. One of the new plaintiffs, Cristina Nunez, who has diabetes and end-stage renal disease, became extremely sick when she unexpectedly became pregnant. Despite wanting an abortion, she was told it was not possible in Texas due to her health conditions. As her health continued to deteriorate, she was unable to receive the care she needed. The case is currently awaiting consideration of a temporary injunction by the Texas Supreme Court, which could allow abortions in more medically complicated cases. Meanwhile, critics of the state's laws argue that they are preventing women from accessing necessary healthcare and putting their lives at risk.

Conservatives in Congress are reportedly fuming over Speaker Mike Johnson's decision to work with Democrats in order to pass a government funding bill with no spending cuts, essentially avoiding a shutdown. This strategy mirrors the actions of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which ultimately led to his firing. However, unlike McCarthy, Johnson is not facing an ouster threat over his decision.

Although some House conservatives are privately considering other ways to retaliate, they are not currently pushing for a mutiny against Johnson. One tactic being discussed is holding the House floor hostage by tanking procedural votes, similar to what was done against McCarthy. However, it is unlikely that such a plan would gain traction.

The key difference in Johnson's case is that he does not have the same trust issues among his colleagues that McCarthy had. McCarthy was ousted, in large part, due to personal animosity among a group of Republicans who voted against him. Johnson, on the other hand, has not faced the same level of opposition.

The focus now turns to passing legislation to keep the government funded and avoid a partial shutdown. Leaders from both parties in the Senate have expressed their support for a stopgap spending bill that has already passed the House. The goal is to quickly reach an agreement and send the bill to President Joe Biden for his signature before funding expires on Friday.

The mother of a 6-year-old boy who shot his first-grade teacher in Virginia earlier this year has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for using marijuana while owning a firearm. Deja Taylor pleaded guilty to two federal charges - the unlawful use of a controlled substance while possessing a firearm and making a false statement while purchasing the firearm. The boy used his mother's gun to shoot his teacher, Abigail Zwerner, at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News on January 6th. Zwerner survived her injuries and has since filed a $40 million lawsuit against the school district.

Taylor's defense attorney argued for probation, special conditions, and counseling instead of a prison sentence. In addition to the federal charges, Taylor has also pleaded guilty to a state charge of felony child neglect. She is expected to be sentenced for that on December 15th. The 6-year-old boy, who reportedly has "extreme emotional issues," will not face criminal charges. Taylor's attorney stated that she has no criminal record and has cooperated with authorities since the shooting.

The Phoenix Suns have been experimenting with their lineup, particularly the fifth starting spot next to Kevin Durant. Both Josh Okogie and Keita Bates-Diop have had opportunities to secure the role, but the debate continues. Okogie has had the most chances, but he hasn't been able to make them count, with his offensive shortcomings being a significant factor. His field goal and three-point percentages have been disappointing, making him a negative presence on the offensive end. On the other hand, Bates-Diop offers length and the ability to hit three-pointers, which could be valuable for the Suns' star-studded lineup. The decision ultimately comes down to whether the team prioritizes defense or shooting in that spot. The return of the Suns' big three - Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant - adds more complexity to the lineup decisions. With all three healthy, the Suns have a talented roster that will become even stronger once the starting puzzle is solved.

Sources:

- Luke Duffy, Hoops Habit

- RotoWire Staff

- Donnie Druin, FanNation Inside The Suns

- Zach Buckley, Bleacher Report

- Duane Rankin, AZ Republic

Devin Booker made his return to the court after missing five games with a lower leg injury, and it seemed to have a positive impact on the Phoenix Suns. In their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Booker's presence helped the Suns secure a 133-115 victory.

Booker had an impressive performance, finishing the game with 31 points on 12-of-22 shooting, along with four rebounds, five assists, and two turnovers in just 26 minutes of play. His return gave the Suns a boost, as they improved their record to 5-6 on the season.

Despite facing the top defense in the league, Booker showed control and mastery in his game. He was able to dissect the defense, switch speeds, and create gaps to exploit. Even against renowned rim protector Rudy Gobert, Booker was able to break down the defense and make impactful plays.

The Suns' victory showcased the potential of having Booker back on the court. With his return, the team saw improvement in various aspects of their game, including ball control and shooting efficiency. Booker's performance and leadership were instrumental in guiding the Suns to victory.

Overall, Devin Booker's return was a significant factor in the Suns' success against the Timberwolves. His ability to make a positive impact after a brief absence highlights his skill and importance to the team. With Booker back in action, the Suns will look to build on this win and continue their pursuit of a successful season.

Becky Lynch, the former women's champion of WWE, is set to make an appearance on this week's episode of Celebrity Jeopardy. The wrestling superstar will be competing against Macaulay Culkin and Rachel Dratch, with each celebrity representing a charitable cause.

Lynch will be vying to win money for The V Foundation For Cancer Research, specifically supporting Connor's Cure. Her participation comes as a way to contribute to fundraising efforts for pediatric cancer research at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Before the show aired, Lynch took to social media to generate excitement for her appearance. She expressed her eagerness to compete and mentioned the chance to win $1 million for her charity. However, she later corrected the date of the show, attributing the mix-up to daylight savings time.

Celebrity Jeopardy is known for its wide range of contestants and viewership. Lynch's appearance on the long-running game show is likely to introduce her to a new audience. Fans of Jeopardy and the wrestling star alike are eagerly awaiting her episode to see if she has what it takes to win.

The episode will air on Wednesday, and viewers are encouraged to tune in and support their favorite celebrities as they test their knowledge and compete for a good cause.

Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris has been ruled out of the team's game against the Dallas Mavericks due to a right groin strain. This will be the second game that Harris has missed due to the injury. He has only played 20 or more minutes in a game once this season, so his absence shouldn't have a major impact on the rotation. Cole Anthony is expected to see some additional minutes off the bench, while Anthony Black and Jalen Suggs may also see increased playing time. There is a possibility that Markelle Fultz, who has been dealing with a knee injury, could see more action if he is cleared to play.

Harris has been an important contributor for the Magic this season, averaging 8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in just under 18 minutes per game. He has also been shooting an impressive 50% from three-point range. The team will miss his solid defense and ability to space the floor. Coach Jamahl Mosley expressed his confidence in Harris, stating that he provides the defensive effort and shooting that the team needs.

It remains to be seen how long Harris will be sidelined with his groin injury, but the Magic will be hoping for a swift recovery so that he can return to the court.

The 72nd Annual Miss Universe competition is set to take place in San Salvador on November 18th, and it is already breaking barriers and making history. The Miss Universe Organization has announced its exceptional selection committee, which includes trailblazing models, music icons, and business leaders who bring a diverse range of expertise to the event. Among the committee members are Halima Aden, the first hijab-wearing model signed by a major agency, Mario Bautista, an emerging Mexican singer-songwriter, and Janelle Commissiong, the first woman of color crowned Miss Universe. The committee promises an unparalleled event with its diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

In addition to the distinguished selection committee, the Miss Universe 2023 pageant is also making history with its contestants. For the first time, the pageant includes two mothers and two transgender women competing for the crown. The Miss Universe Organization has been at the forefront of promoting diversity, inclusivity, and representation in the pageant, allowing transgender candidates to participate since 2012 and opening the pageant to mothers and wives starting in 2023. This year, Michelle Cohn from Guatemala became the first married woman with children to win the Miss Universe Guatemala crown and will be competing in the 2023 pageant.

With a distinguished selection committee and groundbreaking contestants, the 72nd Annual Miss Universe competition is set to be a historic event that celebrates diversity and empowers women from all walks of life.

As the Thanksgiving recess approaches, Congress has devolved into a spectacle of childish behavior. Despite passing a stopgap funding bill to keep the government open, representatives created a farce on Tuesday that left Americans questioning the legitimacy of their government. The day was full of immature actions, including accusations of a kidney punch by former GOP leader Kevin McCarthy and a challenge to a physical fight by Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin.

McCarthy was accused of delivering a painful blow to Rep. Tim Burchett, one of the GOP rebels who ousted him as speaker. Though McCarthy denied the claim, the incident highlighted the lack of decorum in Congress. Meanwhile, across Capitol Hill, Sen. Mullin challenged Sean O'Brien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, to a physical fight after being insulted on Twitter.

These incidents reflect the growing contempt that the American people hold for Congress. Sen. Bernie Sanders, in a rare moment of frustration, admonished Mullin, reminding him that he was a US senator, not a participant in a cage match. The Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, where the showdown occurred, has never witnessed such behavior.

The question remains: What is happening to our elected representatives? Has Congress become a playground for childish antics? The American people deserve better representation than this spectacle of immaturity.

A Georgia judge has announced that he will issue a protective order to prevent the public release of sensitive evidence exchanged between prosecutors and lawyers representing former President Donald Trump and his co-defendants in the criminal election interference cases in the state. The order comes in the wake of a media leak of confidential interviews conducted with attorneys Jenna Ellis and Sidney Powell.

The former president and others are facing charges of racketeering in their attempt to reverse Trump's 2020 election loss to President Joe Biden in Georgia. Prosecutors from the Fulton County District Attorney's Office sought the protective order in response to the leaked interviews.

During a hearing on the proposed order, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee emphasized the need for the case to be tried in the courts and not in the court of public opinion. Most of the defense teams agreed to the order, while attorney Jonathan Miller, who represents one of the defendants, argued against it, asserting that the public has the right to know what Ellis and Powell disclosed to prosecutors.

The judge's decision to issue the protective order aims to ensure that the evidence remains relevant and admissible during the trial. The case raises important questions about the legitimacy of the 2020 election and the public's right to access information related to it.

The 72nd annual Miss Universe pageant is just around the corner, set to take place in El Salvador on November 18. With representatives from 90 different countries, the competition promises to be a display of beauty, talent, and diversity. The preliminary competition, featuring the swimsuit and evening gown segments, took place on November 15, while the national costume show is scheduled for November 16. This year's edition also marks a historic moment as mothers and married women are allowed to compete for the first time, showcasing a shift towards inclusivity. Among the trailblazers are Maria Camila Avella Montanez from Colombia and Michelle Cohn from Guatemala, the first mothers and married women to participate. Rikkie Valerie Kolle from the Netherlands and Marina Machete from Portugal will also contribute to the historic narrative as the second and third transwomen to compete in Miss Universe. Additionally, Pakistan will make its debut in the competition, symbolizing a step towards global inclusivity. The coronation night on November 18 promises to be a historic occasion, as the world eagerly awaits to crown the next Miss Universe.