U.S. Department of the Treasury · Original source
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations gala, tracing the history of the relationship and describing the current leader-level engagement. He said the new Board of Trade seeks favorable tariff treatment for $30 billion of non-sensitive goods in each direction, and stressed the aim is to de-risk, not decouple. He also announced a new dialogue with China on superintelligence risks.
Office of Governor Greg Abbott · Original source
Governor Greg Abbott has asked the U.S. Small Business Administration for a disaster declaration for El Paso County after severe storms and flooding in Far West Texas late last month. If approved, low-interest federal loans would become available to eligible homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofits. A state disaster declaration remains in effect, and residents are encouraged to report damage through the state’s iSTAT online assessment tool.
U.S. Department of State · Original source
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi at China’s request. They discussed President Trump’s upcoming travel to the APEC Summit in China and Xi Jinping’s planned visit to Florida for the G20 Summit. The State Department readout says both sides recalled the leader-level commitment to a constructive relationship based on respect, fairness and reciprocity, and agreed on the value of leader conversations on peace and denuclearization.
The White House · Original source
President Donald Trump marked Veterans Day with an address at Arlington National Cemetery, honouring service members from World War II to Afghanistan. He recognised several living veterans by name and spoke of the nation’s debt to those who served. The White House release also lists the administration’s veterans agenda, including prescription drug savings through the VA, record numbers of homeless veterans housed and a reduced benefits backlog.
Office of South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden · Original source
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden announced the reappointment of Jeremiah Schneider as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, effective January 9, 2027, when Rhoden’s full term begins. All current cabinet appointments expire at the end of the current four-year term, and most require South Dakota Senate consent. Schneider, who has led the department since March 2025, is a U.S. Navy veteran with two deployments to Afghanistan and currently serves as a Master Chief Hospital Corpsman.
