Politics

• U.S. proposes critical minerals trade bloc aimed at countering China’s grip - The U.S. is mobilizing allies into a preferential trade bloc for critical minerals as part of efforts to counter China's dominance in the market.
• China's Xi reasserts Taiwan stance in call with Trump, while U.S. president pushes trade - Beijing stressed Taiwan is the most important issue while Trump highlights the trade aspects of the bilateral relations.
• Oil slides in volatile trading as upcoming U.S.-Iran talks revive de-escalation hopes - Oil prices fell on Thursday after Washington and Tehran agreed to hold talks in Oman on Friday, even as differences persist over the scope of the discussions.
• Senate Banking Chair Tim Scott believes Fed Chair Powell committed no crime in testimony - President Donald Trump recently said the investigation into Jerome Powell, led by U.S. Attorney for Washington Jeanine Pirro, should continue to the end.
• U.S. plans critical mineral price floors with Mexico, EU and Japan - The Trump administration has put critical minerals at the heart of its trade and industrial policies in an effort to reduce dependence on China.
• Trump admin to withdraw 700 federal officers from Minnesota: Homan - The Trump administration will draw down about 25% of its law enforcement officers from Minnesota on Wednesday, border czar Tom Homan said.
• Trump says India won't buy Russian oil anymore. Moscow insists India hasn't said that - Analysts are skeptical that India will stop buying Russian oil completely.
• Venezuela tells China oil prices won't be set by the U.S., seeks to reassure investment after Maduro capture - Venezuela assured Beijing that its oil pricing will not be dictated by the U.S. and that Chinese investment in the South American country will remain secure.
• U.S. military shoots down Iranian drone that 'aggressively approached' aircraft carrier - The U.S. Central Command said the drone approached the USS Abraham Lincoln with "unclear intent."
• House Republicans move toward reopening U.S. government - The government partially shut down Saturday morning after Congress failed to pass a six-bill package to fully fund the government.