Trump on China Trade, Pope Francis's Funeral, and New Jersey Wildfire | CBS News 24/7

Trump's Stance on Ukraine and China Trade

• ⚡ President Trump has publicly criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy for refusing to cede Crimea to Russia, stating it prolongs the conflict and that a deal is near.
• ⚠️ Conflicting messages have emerged from the White House regarding potential concessions on Crimea, with some reporting a US proposal that includes recognizing it as Russian territory.
• 📈 Regarding trade with China, President Trump expressed optimism about making significant money for the US, stating that the era of losing money on trade is over.
• 🤝 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted the need for China to rebalance its economy away from reliance on American demand, while acknowledging opportunities for trade deals.

Pope Francis's Funeral and Legacy

• 🕊️ Thousands are paying their respects to Pope Francis as he lies in state at St. Peter's Basilica ahead of his funeral on Saturday.
• 🌍 World leaders, including President Trump and Prince William, are expected to attend the funeral, underscoring Pope Francis's global influence.
• 💖 Many faithful remember Pope Francis as a friendly, simple, and inclusive figure, though some progressives saw him as a modernizer while conservatives were uneasy with his reign.
• 🌍 Pope Francis requested to be buried in the earth without particular decoration, reflecting his modest life.

New Jersey Wildfire and Other News

• 🔥 A state of emergency has been declared in Ocean County, New Jersey, due to a rapidly spreading wildfire that has burned over 11,000 acres, with only 30% containment.
• ⚠️ While evacuation orders have been lifted and no homes were damaged, one commercial property was destroyed, and officials expect the fire to burn for several more days.
• ⚖️ In New York, Harvey Weinstein's rape retrial has begun, with prosecutors detailing the accusations from three accusers.
• 🇺🇸 A federal judge criticized the Trump administration for acting in bad faith regarding the deportation of a Maryland father to El Salvador, ordering the government to provide more information.
• 🎓 Two Columbia graduate students and a Tufts University student are detained in ICE facilities, with concerns raised about their health and the lack of evidence supporting their detention.
• 🏛️ Illinois Senator Dick Durban announced his retirement after more than four decades in public service, opening up a competitive race for his seat.
• 🌾 The city of Uvaldi has reached a settlement with families of the Robb Elementary School shooting victims, including requests for improved police training and cemetery maintenance.
• 🏫 Florida State University is reviewing campus safety protocols, including classroom door locks, following student concerns after a petition was signed.
• 🎶 Country music star Jelly Roll is one step closer to a pardon, with the Tennessee Parole Board recommending one for his past crimes.
• 💸 The Department of Education is beginning to collect payments on defaulted student loans, potentially garnishing wages and tax refunds for millions of borrowers.
• ⛈️ The central and southern US are expecting strong storms with potential for hail and damaging winds, while the East Coast faces dry conditions and drought.