Chair

• Kuomintang (KMT) vicevoorzitter Chang Rong-kung ontmoette Wang Huning, China's hoogste functionaris voor Taiwan-zaken, op 11 mei 2026 in Peking, waarbij hij bevestigde dat de cross-strait relaties niet van staat-tot-staat zijn. • Chang benadrukte gedeelde overtuigingen dat het territorium niet verdeeld mag worden en de natie niet verspreid mag raken, zoals geciteerd door Wang tijdens de top die werd gerapporteerd door United Daily News. • De bijeenkomst onderstreept het standpunt van de KMT tegen Taiwan-onafhankelijkheid terwijl zij contact houdt met Peking, te midden van aanhoudende spanningen over de status van Taiwan.

• Warsh zou de aftredende Fed-voorzitter Jerome Powell opvolgen, terwijl Trump zijn pogingen voortzet om invloed uit te oefenen op de Amerikaanse centrale bank. • De Amerikaanse Senaat wordt verwacht Kevin Warsh deze week te bevestigen als voorzitter van de Federal Reserve, terwijl Donald Trump zijn campagne voortzet om invloed uit te oefenen op de belangrijkste centrale bank ter wereld. • De invloed van de Fed op de economie reikt van de arbeidsmarkt tot aan de hypotheekrentes, en elke stap wordt nauwgezet gevolgd door investeerders op Wall Street.

• De oprichter van Sports Direct zegt dat mensen in zijn dienst beelden hebben opgenomen van Peter Cowgill die een andere retailbaas ontmoette • De oprichter van Sports Direct, Mike Ashley, heeft toegegeven dat hij surveillancebeelden heeft geregeld die zijn rivaal Peter Cowgill, de voormalige voorzitter van JD Sports, ten val brachten. • Cowgill werd in 2021 stiekem gefilmd in een auto terwijl hij sprak met Barry Bown, de baas van Footasylum. JD Sports was op dat moment bezig met de overname van de sneakerretailer en de twee bedrijven waren niet bevoegd om commercieel gevoelige informatie te delen. Lees verder...

• ISS en Glass Lewis steunen aandeelhoudersresolutie door zorgen over de macht van Jamie Dimon, die beide rollen bekleedt • Beleggers in JP Morgan zijn opgeroepen om voor te stemmen voor het scheiden van de functie van chief executive en voorzitter bij de grootste bank van Amerika, vanwege zorgen over de macht die de miljardair Jamie Dimon uitoefent. • ISS en Glass Lewis, die advies geven aan enkele van 's werelds grootste fondsbeheerders over hoe te stemmen tijdens jaarlijkse beleggersvergaderingen, hebben hun steun betuigd aan een aandeelhoudersresolutie die ervoor zou zorgen dat twee verschillende personen de functies van voorzitter en chief executive bekleden "zo spoedig mogelijk".

• Senator Lisa Murkowski is leading a bipartisan effort in the Senate to establish an independent redistricting commission at the federal level, aiming to reduce partisan gerrymandering in congressional elections. • The proposed legislation would require states to use independent commissions rather than partisan legislatures to draw House districts, with a focus on increasing competitive races and voter representation. • Advocates say the bill could reshape political power in closely divided states, while opponents warn it could infringe on state authority over elections.

• The Federal Reserve voted to leave the benchmark federal funds rate unchanged at 3.5% to 3.75% on Wednesday, citing concerns about inflation rising amid the war in Iran. • This marks the continuation of the Fed's pause in rate adjustments following three successive 25-basis-point cuts in September, October, and December 2025. • Fed Chairman Jerome Powell is scheduled to hold a press conference at 2:30 p.m. ET to discuss the decision, marking what could be his final interest-rate announcement as Federal Reserve chair.

A Senate committee is poised to advance Trump’s pick as doubts linger over the Fed’s independence and Powell’s futureUS politics live – latest updatesSign up for the Breaking News US newsletter emailKevin Warsh, ​Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Federal Reserve, is set to clear a key procedural hurdle on Wednesday, opening ‌the way for him to succeed Jerome Powell in coming weeks amid the White House’s unprecedented efforts to exert control over the world’s most powerful central bank.The Senate banking committee is set to vote at 10am EDT (1400 GMT) to advance Warsh’s nomination to the full Republican-controlled Senate. All 13 Republicans on ​the panel are expected to support Warsh after Thom Tillis, a North Carolina senator, dropped his opposition following the Department of Justice’s ​decision on Friday to end a criminal investigation into Powell that Tillis viewed as a threat to the ⁠Fed’s political independence. Continue reading...

• The Department of Justice dropped its criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Powell regarding the agency's building expenditures, marking a significant development in federal oversight. • The decision came amid broader discussions on Capitol Hill about federal accountability, with both Republican and Democratic representatives weighing in on the implications. • The outcome reflects shifting priorities in federal investigations and debates over Fed governance and spending practices.

• The Department of Justice has dropped its investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, marking a significant policy shift. • The decision comes amid Trump's emergency economic orders, potentially easing tensions over Fed independence. • This move is viewed as stabilizing financial markets but criticized by conservatives seeking accountability on monetary policy.

Former Scottish Labour leader says she understands that expressing respect for author caused ‘worry, anger and upset’The incoming chair of the LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall, says she is “truly sorry” after she expressed “huge respect” for JK Rowling in an interview with the Guardian.Kezia Dugdale, the former leader of Scottish Labour, said she understood that her words had caused “worry, anger and upset and I am truly sorry about that”. Continue reading...

Kevin Warsh, Trump’s ‘central casting’, has a long road ahead of convincing board members to lower interest ratesDonald Trump’s fate is to be frustrated by monetary policy.Even assuming he gets his way and Kevin Warsh succeeds Jerome Powell as chair of the Federal Reserve next month, it is unlikely that the president will finally gain control of the Fed. Continue reading...

• Kevin Warsh, President Trump's nominee for Federal Reserve Chair, testifies in his first Senate Banking Committee hearing at 1400 GMT on April 21, 2026, facing questions on Fed independence amid Trump's pressure to cut rates. • Warsh advocates reducing the Fed's balance sheet, conflicting with recent resumption of regular Treasury purchases in December 2025. • The hearing addresses hot topics like Fed autonomy and potential rate cuts, with USD firming after Monday's rally rejection.

The hearing marks a key hurdle Kevin Warsh must overcome in order to succeed Jerome Powell when his term ends on 15 MayHello and welcome to the US politics live blog.President Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Federal Reserve will commit to protecting central bank independence on interest rates at a crucial confirmation hearing later today.Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Donald Trump’s labor secretary, resigned from her role with the administration. She said it was “an honor and a privilege to serve” to serve and that she would take on a job in the private sector. The departure came after she became entangled in a string of political and personal controversies. Democrats celebrated, writing “this administration is imploding”.Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, called for Kash Patel’s immediate resignation following a report from the Atlantic detailing the FBI director’s alleged excessive drinking and absences. Patel has sued the magazine for defamation with his attorneys calling the article a “sweeping, malicious, and defamatory hit piece”.Donald Trump signed memorandums related to coal supply chains, natural gas and grid infrastructure on Monday. The president invoked the Defense Production Act in the energy-related memos, writing that increasing energy production is “essential to United States national defense”.The crowded field of Democratic candidates in the California’s governor’s race appears to be narrowing as Betty Yee — a former state controller— announced Monday she planned to end her campaign. Meanwhile, the California Democratic party chair Rusty Hicks continued to urge candidates trailing in the polls to exit the race. Continue reading...

• President Donald Trump is backing Kevin Warsh as his preferred candidate for Federal Reserve chair, intensifying pressure on current Fed Chair Jerome Powell amid ongoing policy disagreements. • Republican Senator Kevin Cramer discussed the timeline for the CLARITY Act and Trump's strategy to reshape Federal Reserve leadership during an appearance on 'Mornings with Maria.'

Democratic lawmakers urged Republican leaders to postpone the confirmation hearing of Kevin WarshSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxDemocrats have moved to stall Donald Trump’s effort to exert greater control over the US Federal Reserve, condemning the president’s “absurd” bid to install a new leader of the central bank while it is targeted with criminal investigations.Democratic lawmakers on the Senate banking committee urged its Republican leadership on Thursday to postpone the planned confirmation hearing for Kevin Warsh, the financial executive and former Fed governor Trump has nominated to replace Jerome Powell as Fed chair. Continue reading...

• President Donald Trump threatened to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell if he remains at the helm after his term ends next month. • Trump framed the move as part of efforts to align the central bank with his administration's economic agenda amid ongoing policy tensions. • The statement escalates executive pressure on the independent Fed, potentially destabilizing financial markets and sparking debates over central bank autonomy.

Heather Hallett hails vaccine scheme but criticises rule that only those meeting 60% disabled threshold can get payoutsThe Covid-19 vaccine programme in the UK was an “extraordinary feat” but the payment scheme for people injured by the jabs must be urgently reformed, the public inquiry on the pandemic has found.In her report, the inquiry chair, Heather Hallett, praised the fact the UK was a world leader in biomedical sciences, which set it in good stead for developing and rolling out vaccines at scale. But she said the government must act urgently to reform the scheme for payments to the “small minority” of people seriously injured by the vaccines, and almost double maximum payouts to at least £200,000 from an upper limit of £120,000 at present. Continue reading...

US president says he has ‘held back’ on firing the head of the Federal Reserve leading up to end of Powell’s term in MaySign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxDonald Trump threatened to fire Jerome Powell if he stays on as US Federal Reserve chair past the end of his tenure and doubled down on a criminal investigation into renovations of the central bank’s headquarters.As the White House pushes Trump’s new nominee to take charge of the Fed, Kevin Warsh, Powell has a month left in the role. The possibility of Powell staying on as chair past 15 May, the official end of his term, has grown amid mounting scrutiny of Trump’s approach to the Fed in the Senate, which is required to approve Warsh’s nomination. Continue reading...

Designer said to be considering options for his 40% stake in fashion house ahead of negotiations with bank lendersStefano Gabbana left his post as chair of Dolce & Gabbana at the start of this year, the design house he co-founded with his then partner, Domenico Dolce, in 1985 has said.The Italian luxury fashion house said Gabbana had tendered his resignation, effective as of 1 January, “as part of a natural evolution of its organisational structure and governance”. Continue reading...

Former Channel 4 chair and boss of Kingfisher to be appointed at crucial time for UK’s media regulatorBusiness live – latest updatesThe UK media regulator Ofcom has named the City veteran Ian Cheshire as its next chair.Ofcom, which oversees the UK’s media and internet sectors, named Cheshire as its preferred candidate for chair on Wednesday. He will be formally appointed to the role for a four-year term once he has been approved in a parliamentary hearing. Continue reading...

• Kevin Warsh was nominated as the next Federal Reserve Chair, set to succeed Jerome Powell in May 2026. • Warsh, a critic of the Fed’s quantitative easing policies, is viewed by markets as a steady hand amid economic uncertainties. • The nomination comes as PCE inflation rose to 2.9% and core PCE to 3.0% year-on-year in March, aligning with consensus expectations.

• Julie B. Samora, MD, PhD, MPH, FAAOS, has become chair of the AAOS Board of Directors. • Announcement coincides with planned site maintenance on AAOS.org on March 31, 2026, from 8:00-9:00 AM CST. • Her leadership focuses on advancing orthopaedic care and policy in the U.S.

• White House technology advisor David Sacks has expanded his role to become co-chair of a newly formed presidential advisory council focused on guiding U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence. • The council aims to shape national AI policy and strategy amid intensifying global competition. • This development underscores the Biden administration's push to maintain U.S. dominance in AI innovation and deployment.

Pete Wilcox says point of investigation into infamous 1984 clashes with police is to ‘enable communities to move on’ Former miners will finally get the chance to speak the truth about their experiences after four decades of silence during a public inquiry into infamous clashes with police at Orgreave, the inquiry’s chair has said.Pete Wilcox, the bishop of Sheffield, said only an inquiry could help South Yorkshire move on from the events of 18 June 1984, when striking miners unexpectedly found themselves in a pitched battle against thousands of police officers brought in from forces across the UK. Continue reading...

Liz Kendall urged by online safety figures to hand job to Jeremy Wright ahead of Labour grandee Margaret HodgeMinisters are facing pressure to appoint a former Conservative cabinet minister as the new chair of the media regulator Ofcom, as he battles for the job against a Labour peer.The job of running the regulator has become a key post in public life, as concern over online content has grown rapidly, alongside the rise of more politically partisan broadcasting. No successor has yet been named to replace Michael Grade, the former BBC chair who has just weeks left in the job. Continue reading...

• AMA Board Chair Dr. Aizuss testified before Congress on March 20, 2026, highlighting financial challenges for physician practices impacting patient access to care nationwide. • He identified market consolidation, inadequate payments, prior authorization burdens, coverage instability, and workforce shortages as drivers of rising costs and longer waits. • Recommendations include prior authorization reform, restoring physician-owned hospitals, addressing physician shortages, and ensuring Medicaid sustainability amid changes.

US president on social media said he was ‘thrilled’ that Brendan Carr was looking into broadcasters’ licenses Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox Donald Trump reinforced comments made by Brendan Carr, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), threatening the broadcast licenses of news organizations that report unfavorably on the war in Iran.In a Truth Social post Sunday night, Trump said he was “thrilled” that Carr was “looking at the licenses of some of these Corrupt and Highly Unpatriotic ‘News’ Organizations. They get Billions of Dollars of FREE American Airwaves, and use it to perpetuate LIES …”. Continue reading...

• A federal judge on March 14, 2026, blocked subpoenas directed at the Federal Reserve by the Justice Department, hitting an institutional guardrail for the Trump administration. • The ruling delays confirmation of Kevin Warsh as next Fed Chair, with Republican Senator Thom Tillis warning of prolonged process; DOJ plans to appeal. • This occurs amid fading confidence in US trade policy and fiscal credibility, maintaining bearish USD views.