By Jamie Ross and Izin Akhabau

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Good morning. It’s Friday, Sept. 25, and if all our readers chip in, we might be able to buy this California town together. We just need $4.75 million. Let’s catch up.

	Chinese President Xi Jinping was honored with a state dinner at the White House.

• Last night: Government officials and prominent tech leaders gathered for the dinner. It capped a day of ceremony and meetings, which will continue today before Xi departs.

• Who attended the dinner? Find the guest list here. Attendees enjoyed a menu with Chinese influences, while both first ladies made statements with their fashion choices.

CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters were allowed back into the White House.

• Yesterday: Journalists regained entry after a judge blocked President Donald Trump’s ban. But, last night, CNN and MS NOW said some staff were barred from Xi’s arrival at the dinner.

• While Trump’s ban was in place: The White House launched a news channel, Trump TV, on YouTube. Columnist Monica Hesse watched for 24 hours and found it extremely odd.

The Senate rejected a measure to block Trump from ordering more strikes on Iran.

• It was close: The measure failed on a 49-50 vote after passing the House in July. Four Republicans voted for it and one Democrat voted against. See how your senator voted here.

• Karen Tumulty’s take: The Post’s Chief Political Correspondent says loyal Republicans are calling for an end to the war but they’re stopping short of saying how that should happen.

	A Trump-backed Republican candidate in Nevada exaggerated his military record.

• How? David Flippo falsely claimed he received a Bronze Star “for valor” during his Air Force career. After being contacted by The Post, his campaign blamed “honest mistakes” by staff.

• In other election news: An ad promoting Trump began airing this week. It says it was paid for by the government, despite a law banning taxpayer funds being used for propaganda.

Which cities will be hit hard by a nor’easter this weekend? Check our forecast.

• This morning: The storm was gaining strength about 250 miles east of North Carolina. It will move north in the days ahead and may push ashore Sunday.

• Are you in its path? Find detailed forecasts for six cities here. A stretch from New Jersey to Massachusetts is expected to experience the most severe impacts.

Dementia patients’ flashes of lucidity are offering hope to scientists and families.

• When patients are near death: Some have moments of sudden clarity. The phenomenon is mysterious — scientists don’t fully understand why it occurs or how often.

• For researchers: The episodes raise questions about if it may one day be possible to access cognitive abilities believed to have been lost, or even reverse aspects of dementia.

• And, according to a new study: The aging brain is adapting, not declining.

You might unintentionally be making awful coffee.

• This might be hard for you to read: But your beloved cup of coffee might be bitter, over-roasted junk. And, once you taste an outstanding cup, it will be almost impossible to go back.

• We’re here to help: Please avoid these five common coffee mistakes. If you only follow one piece of advice, ditch pre-ground coffee. It loses flavor much faster than whole beans.

Before you go ... Taylor Swift dropped four new songs overnight: She has a message for the haters. Plus: How one night in 2004 changed everything for Swift.

One more good read: The most profound movie you’ll see this year is about concrete.

News quiz: Test your knowledge in today's On the Record.

Word game: One word to spell 'em all! Can you solve today's Keyword in 6 guesses?

Crossword: It's time to solve! Play now.

Wridges: Speed and spell your way up to a high score in our newest game.

Have a great weekend. We’ll see you back here Monday.

(Illustration by Katty Huertas/The Post)

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