US Finalizes Ban List for Chinese Chipmakers; Boosts Mexico Semiconductor Ties 
Half the world will vote in 2024, but how many elections will be fair? 
US and Japan Boost AI, Semiconductor Alliance; EU Eyes Reduction in China Dependence 
The stakes could not be higher as Canada sets its 2035 emissions target 
With nominations decided, Trump leads Biden in US polls 
SpaceX Builds Spy Satellites for US; Russia Warns of Military Response 
Deepfakes are still new, but 2024 could be the year they have an impact on elections 
Chinese Hackers Target US Officials and Dissidents in Cyber Espionage Scheme 
First Lady Melania Trump, over the past several weeks, has made continuous efforts to become more visible, by reiterating the advice given by the health experts and sending video messages and tweets. Melania recently took to social media again but this time to thank the essential workers.
The First Lady shared a message of thanks to those who are working in healthcare and in essential businesses on Twitter. “We salute essential workers in the healthcare industry who are fighting to save lives. We thank those who put themselves at risk to keep our grocery stores, pharmacies & gas stations open. Those who ensure that our power plants & factories are up & running, that we have internet & phones to stay in touch. Those delivering mail & packages to all us at home & keeping the shelves stocked. Our deepest gratitude & appreciation goes to each & every one of you,” wrote Melania.
The United States now has over 700,000 confirmed cases, with over 40,000 deaths and over 70,000 recoveries, according to data from Johns Hopkins, and almost half of the fatalities that occurred came from the state of New York, which is currently referred to as a hot spot or the epicenter of the coronavirus in the country. At the same time, the US is also the worst-hit country of the pandemic.
Melania’s home country of Slovenia only has 70 deaths out of 1,137 confirmed cases of the coronavirus.
Previously, Melania continued her duties as First Lady at the White House over the past several weeks, speaking with the spouses of foreign leaders over the phone. The First Lady spoke with Akie Abe of Japan, Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau of Canada, Elke Brudenbender of Germany, Brigitte Macron of France, Laura Mattarrella of Italy, Queen Letizia of Spain, and most recently Carrie Symonds, the fiancee of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Melania’s Chief of Staff, Stephanie Grisham, told CNN, “The First Lady is keeping in touch with several leader spouses at a time when communication is essential...Mrs. Trump looks forward to continuing her discussions with leader spouses as we continue the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.”
