Newsletter Apr 19, 2021

In a relationship filled with conflict, the U.S. is trying to work with China to solve the climate crisis. That's what made Sunday's announcement so promising ... if the two superpowers can put aside their many differences.

3 Things

Environmental enemies: The U.S. and China have been at each other's throats on virtually every front -- the COVID-19 pandemic, territorial disputes, trade, technology theft, cyber attacks and human rights -- but they have found some degree of common ground.
Make that the ground beneath their feet and the air that they share as the world's two biggest polluters and superpowers announced Sunday that they will work together to reduce climate change.
The news came as John Kerry, President Joe Biden's climate envoy, and Chinese climate envoy Xie Zhenhua convened in Shanghai ahead of Biden's virtual climate summit later this week.
"The United States and China are committed to cooperating with each other and with other countries to tackle the climate crisis, which must be addressed with the seriousness and urgency that it demands," the rival nations proclaimed in a joint statement.
The two countries, which combine to generate nearly 40% of the world's total emissions of greenhouse gases, agreed to reduce their own emissions while helping other countries make the transition to low-carbon energy. They still disagree on plenty, but it's a start.
FIND OUT THE U.S. AND CHINA'S PLAN TO SAVE THE PLANET

Asian ally:Vowing to hold China accountable at this week's virtual summit, the U.S. is counting on a key ally in the region for support.
The Biden administration is working closely with Japan to stand up to China on climate change and next-generation technology. Biden told Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga that his nation had America's "iron-clad support" on security issues and beyond.
"We're going to work together to prove that democracies can still compete and win in the 21st century," said Biden, pointing to recent Chinese aggression at sea, as well as in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.
But the biggest international threat coming out of Beijing is the dispute over Taiwan. The joint statement issued Friday was the first time the U.S. and Japan have taken a stand together on the issue.
SEE HOW BIDEN IS USING U.S. ALLIES TO REIN IN CHINA

Birdies for Biden: And on the 87th day, he played golf.
After three months and dozens of items crossed off his "first 100 days in office" to-do list, Biden took to the links over the weekend for the first time since becoming president. The rust was apparent.
â€œThe course record is still intact,â€ Biden joked following his round.
Biden joins a long list of prior presidents who left the Oval Office to chase the little white ball. Of the last 20 commanders-in-chief, only Jimmy Carter, Harry Truman and Herbert Hoover didn't play golf.
Biden is well below par when it comes to keeping up with his predecessor, former President Donald Trump, on the links. Trump played his first round of golf on his 25th day in office, then picked up the pace. During his four year term, Trump played 308 rounds -- a number exceeded only by PGA Tour pros and maybe Michael Jordan.
SEE WHAT BIDEN HAD TO SAY ABOUT HIS FIRST ROUND

Markets

DJIA	34,200.67	0.48%
S&P 500	4,185.47	0.36%
Nasdaq Composite	14,052.34	0.10%
Japan: Nikkei 225	29,726.49	0.15%
UK: FTSE 100	7,019.53	0.52%
Crude Oil Futures	62.91	-0.35%
Gold Futures	1,777.40	-0.16%
Yen	108.62	-0.18%
Euro	1.20	-0.27%
* As of market close

Autopilot fail

While automakers merge into the fast lane toward self-driving vehicles, another tragic crash involving a Tesla being driven on autopilot cast more doubt about whether artificial intelligence can truly replace human beings.

Two people were killed in a high-speed collision with a tree Saturday near Houston, with early reports showing that neither passenger was sitting in the driver seat at the time of the accident. The two men, who were sitting in the front passenger seat and back seat, were killed in the crash.

Authorities weren't releasing much information in regards to the autopilot setting and its potential role in the accident, but it is the latest in a series of autopilot crashes in recent months. The police, National Transportation Board, Tesla and the auto industry have pledged a thorough investigation.

Investigators are also looking into a March crash in Michigan, where the driver of a Tesla was using autopilot and struck a state trooperâ€™s car. Each accident is another major setback for the rollout of automated cars.

FIND OUT THE ISSUES KEEPING AUTOPILOT FROM FULL LAUNCH

Vax for swag

Free beer, food and apparel just for getting the COVID-19 vaccine? If your health isn't enough reason to get inoculated, companies are doing their part to sweeten the pot by offering an array of freebies to the vaccinated.

Beer appears to be the beverage of choice for the human pin cushions, with Budweiser and Samuel Adams among the popular brands buying a round for those who can provide proof of vaccination. And Miller Lite is letting fans spread the word with a free "It's Almost Miller Time" T-shirt.

Vaccine recipients can also score some free grub from a variety of restaurants, including one free doughnut daily from Krispy Kreme (or until you can no longer fit through the front door). Even computer nerds who stay away from alcohol and unhealthy foods can get in on the freebies thanks to Staples offering discounted office supplies (free lamination service so you can flash that valuable vaccine card all over town)..

SEE ALL THE FREEBIES YOU CAN GET WITH A VACCINE CARD

Loyal royals

The British royal family spent the weekend in the spotlight as they reunited to bid farewell to Prince Philip, who died at 99 on April 9. While the royal funeral marked the end of one era, it also signaled a new one.

Although Philip has been on the public sidelines for some time due to his declining health, his death could have a big impact on the future of the first family. There has been speculation that Queen Elizabeth might retreat from some of her official duties after the loss of her husband of 73 years.

Such a move would likely see the next generation stepping in to fill some ceremonial roles, but there has been some bad blood since Harry's "Megxit" from royal responsibilities. Harry and wife Meghan Markle's scathing interview last month with Oprah Winfrey caused a major rift, but father Prince Charles, brother Prince William and sister-in-law Kate Middleton seemed to sort things out with Harry over his grandfather's loss.

It's true funerals can bring a family together, but not always in a good way.

FIND OUT WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE POST-PHILIP ROYAL FAMILY