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China’s three‑day state visit to Washington ended today, closing a rare moment of high‑level engagement between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit began with full ceremonial honors marked by a rare planeside welcome at Joint Base Andrews, a 21‑gun salute, military flyover, and a formal state dinner. The pomp and circumstance bestowed up the Chinese leader is the highest level of diplomatic respect the U.S. extends to foreign leaders -- normally allies. The optics stood in stark contrast to the deep tensions that continue to define the U.S.–China relationship, from technology and trade disputes to national‑security concerns and China’s continued purchase of Iranian oil. Throughout the visit, both leaders publicly emphasized partnership despite the geo-political strain. Trump highlighted their “great friendship” and said the two nations had made strides on trade and market access for American farmers. Xi framed the visit as an opportunity to “carry forwar...

SUMMARY: There has been proof for a long time that the continent of Africa is larger than it has been presented on global maps. Africa was never small. The map made it look that way. The U.N. voted last week to change the world map for accuracy and every country in the world voted for it except the United States. We didn't need a photograph from space to discover Africa was bigger but the modern proof from above exists. Scientists have known the continent's geographic dimensions for centuries. What changed is the way those dimensions are projected onto a flat map. The sizes of Latin America, Oceana and South Asia are also accurately depicted on the new world map. U.N. General Assembly endorsed a resolution encouraging the use of equal-area map projections, particularly Equal Earth, because they represent the relative size of land masses more accurately. It passed 164–1, with six abstentions, and it is nonbinding. The U.S. appears smaller. Before the earth's plates shifte...

  The menu for the state dinner of Xi Jingping showcased American ingredients with subtle Chinese influence, bringing the culinary traditions of both nations together. Starting with  a toast, the first offering was Schramsberg "Blanc De Noir," honoring the historic “Toast to Peace” shared by President Nixon and Premier Zhou Enlai in Beijing in 1972. The same American sparkling wine served at that historic gathering is still enjoyed at White House functions today. First Course Yellow Squash Velouté Wild Mushroom Fricassée Crispy Pancetta Scallion Oil The first course offers a refined and silky-smooth velouté made of sweet yellow squash. This course is gently blended to highlight its delicate seasonal flavors of earthy wild mushrooms, sautéed with fresh herbs. Together, these ingredients create a rich fricassee, complemented by crispy pancetta for a savory and smoky contrast. A finishing drizzle of scallion oil adds vibrance and a subtle allium brightness to the dish. Second Co...

  Trump Extends High Gesture of Diplomacy to China's Xi Despite Tension Pres. Donald Trump will welcome Chinese leader Xi Jing Ping to the White House for an official state visit Wednesday. The visit will take place over three days and includes a formal state dinner, the highest reflection of diplomatic honor the U.S. extends to foreign governments and began with the POTUS and FLOTUS greeting the leader and his wife upon their arrival to Join base Andrews. The leaders are facing off for high stakes during tech and tariff wars that make the nations fierce competitors. The high stakes talks occur for the first time since Xi visited in 2015. Ahead of the arrival ceremony Pres. Trump posted a compliment about how well Xi and Madame both look. The president has been criticized for rolling out the red carpet for a leader who is deemed oppressive and appears that the U.S. is overlooking serious tensions. Several lawmakers have said that having an official state dinner for XI sends a mess...

First Lady Melania Trump and Madame Peng Liyuan visited the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, DC today, where they explored works spanning centuries of artistic achievement and cultural exchange and shared a special moment with students from the Washington, DC area. Upon arrival, the First Lady and Madame Peng were welcomed by leadership of the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art before beginning their tour of the museum’s collections. The First Lady and Madame Peng then viewed the Smithsonian’s celebrated Peacock Room, one of the museum’s most distinctive and immersive works of art. Created by American artist James McNeill Whistler in 1876–77, the Peacock Room transforms an entire interior into a dazzling composition of blue, green, and gold. Inspired in significant part by Chinese porcelain and Japanese design, Whistler covered the room with shimmering patterns and fanciful depictions of peacocks, creating a singular work in which painting, architectur...

By Mona Austin  Controversy has erupted out of what viewers and attendees had celebrated as one of the best Stellar Awards to date. Related to entertainment value, the acts were luminous and the special honors were respected.   In a "technical" review of the show, however, there were some significant failures to point out.   Here are the top critiques and "lowlights" from the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards.  Tribute to icon Richard Smallwood omitted from main event  When the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards aired on BET, the omission of a memorial tribute to the iconic Richard Smallwood was noticed and sparked feverish backlash.  The controversy is attached to the  fact that, despite Stellar honors and his broader significance as a music artist, Smallwood was not included in the main event of the Stellars and his tribute was relegated to the pre‑show.  Gospel music fans are criticizing the producers for an inadequate tribute....