Members of the 15-member Regional and Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, include China, Japan and South Korea. The new trading bloc does not include the U.S. or India.

Thousands of residents in three communities near Denver were ordered to evacuate Thursday as wind-fueled wildfires engulfed parts of the area, scorching hundreds of homes and buildings.

It was the second time the two leaders spoke this month, as Russia has assembled as many as 100,000 troops along the Ukrainian border, prompting fears of an invasion.

The CDC revised its guidance Thursday, as 91 cruise ships are under investigation for COVID outbreaks onboard. Most cruise lines require adult passengers to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19.