5 things you need to know Friday
The world reacts to the U.S. missile strikes on Syrian airfield
More fallout is expected from the international community Friday following U.S. cruise missile strikes against Syria in retaliation for the chemical weapons attack that killed 86 people earlier this week. Fired from the destroyers USS Porter and Ross in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the 59 missiles were the first conventional assault on another country ordered by President Trump and targeted the airfield where Syria based the warplanes used in the chemical attack, a Pentagon spokesman said. Iran and Russia — two of Syrian President Bashar Assad's strongest supporters — condemned the airstrikes.
Read more:
• U.S. launches strikes against Syria: What we know
• Syria's civil war: A look how we got to this point
• Analysis: Trump just ordered the kind of attack he warned Obama against
• Trump: Preventing chemical weapons use is 'vital national security interest'
• Syria civil war: Disturbing facts show cost of conflict
'Nuclear option' in Senate clears way for final Gorsuch vote
The Senate is expected to hold a confirmation vote Friday on Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, the final action in a bitter political fight that may have far-reaching consequences in the Senate. On Thursday, Republicans invoked the "nuclear option," changing the Senate's filibuster rule for Supreme Court nominees so that only a simple majority of senators — rather than 60 — is needed to end debate. Senators then voted 55-45 to end debate and advance Gorsuch to a vote. Gorsuch, the man caught in the middle of the fight, is expected to be confirmed and could be sworn in Friday.
After getting 'absolutely nothing,' Trump and Xi get back to work
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping resume talks Friday following their first formal meeting at Mar-a-Lago. Trump flew to Florida with most of his top economic and national security officials in tow to discuss wide-ranging issues, including U.S.-China trade practices, North Korea's nuclear provocations and the contentious South China Sea. The White House has tried to tamp down any expectations for any major agreements, characterizing the high-level meeting as an introductory session that could, at best, lead to a framework for future discussions.
Golfers hope for fairer conditions at Masters second round
The Masters rolls along Friday after high winds produced few low rounds at Augusta National in the opening round. Only 11 players shot under par, with American Charley Hoffman standing out among the rest. Hoffman shot 7-under-par 65 to grab a four-shot lead on William McGirt. Without the world's No. 1 player Dustin Johnson — who had to withdraw — the tournament is anyone's to win. Jordan Spieth had a colossal flop on the 15th hole, while veterans braved the storm, literally, to remain in contention. Play resumes at 8 a.m. ET.
This is your best chance to get a close look at Jupiter
Jupiter will make its closest approach to Earth, appearing brighter Friday night than at any other time this year. The massive planet will be visible with the naked eye as it rises in the east at sunset and climbs high through the sky all night, before setting in the west as the sun rises Saturday morning. Using a telescope or binoculars, you'll also be able to spot Jupiter's four bright moons on both sides of the planet.