At the Kennedy Center Honors, Little Glitz and One Striking Accessory

 At the Kennedy Center Honors, Little Glitz and One Striking Accessory - The New York Times (Thanks to Haadi for this one)

Melania Trump went minimal, Gloria Gaynor dressed to shine, but the star of the night was the president. But the lack of glitz, while allowing the president to shine, also focused attention on the details. Namely the fact that Mr. Trump, in a classic tuxedo, like most of the other men in attendance, was sporting some unusual accessories: two visible bandages over the much-discussed bruises on the back of his right hand.

The President and the First Lady at the Kennedy Center Honors.

The president with award honoree Sylvester Stallone.

Records show monitoring of online criticism amid New Orleans' immigration crackdown

Records show monitoring of online criticism amid New Orleans' immigration crackdown | AP News (Thanks to Sam for this one)

State and federal authorities are closely tracking online criticism and protests against the immigration crackdown in New Orleans, monitoring message boards around the clock for threats to agents while compiling regular updates on public “sentiment” surrounding the arrests, according to law enforcement records reviewed by The Associated Press.

Everybody hates Netflix: Why Hollywood Doesn’t Want Netflix to Buy Warner Bros.

Everybody hates Netflix: Why Hollywood Doesn’t Want Netflix to Buy Warner Bros. - The New York Times

Producers hate Netflix because they can’t get back-end profits. A-list actors and their agents hate that they’ve put a lid on salaries and residuals. Studios hate Netflix when it poached their talent and jacked up executive salaries. Exhibitors hate Netflix because the streamer is undermining the theatrical business by convincing people it’s better to stay on the couch.

Now comes this seismic event, with Netflix announcing plans to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery — specifically the crown jewels of HBO and the movie library and distribution business; CNN and other cable networks would be sent off on their own, as a separate business — for $83 billion. Part of the shock coursing through the industry is because up until this week, most people assumed that tech scion David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance, backed by his Trump-aligned billionaire father, Larry Ellison, would win the prize.

The Slaughter case: Supreme Court to Hear Major Test of Trump’s Power to Fire Officials

Supreme Court considers case that could upend balance of powers : NPR

 Supreme Court to Hear Major Test of Trump’s Power to Fire Officials - The New York Times

The court’s conservative majority has generally let President Trump remove leaders of independent agencies like the Federal Trade Commission, at least temporarily.

Rebecca Slaughter sued President Trump after he fired her from the Federal Trade Commission in March. Photo by Moriah Ratner for The New York Times

Overmatched: Why the U.S. Military Must Reinvent Itself

 Opinion | Overmatched: Why the U.S. Military Must Reinvent Itself - The New York Times

President Xi Jinping of China has ordered his armed forces to be ready to seize Taiwan by 2027. Though the United States maintains a policy of strategic ambiguity on how it would respond to an invasion, Republican and Democratic presidents alike have said that America would defend the island nation. The Pentagon has produced a classified, multiyear assessment that shows how such a conflict would play out: the Overmatch brief.

t catalogs China’s ability to destroy American fighter planes, large ships and satellites, and identifies the U.S. military’s supply chain choke points. Its details have not been previously reported.

The picture it paints is consistent and disturbing. Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defense, said last November that in the Pentagon’s war games against China, “we lose every time.”

How good are those Chinese electric cars? Meet the Xaomi SU7

 How good are those Chinese electric cars? Meet the Xaomi SU7.

China floods the world with inexpensive, excellent products

 China’s Trade Surplus Climbs Past $1 Trillion for First Time - The New York Times

President Trump’s tariffs weren’t enough to hold back the global export flood by China, which pushed past last year’s record in just 11 months.

Tariffs imposed by President Trump on China have caused Chinese exports to the United States to drop by nearly a fifth. But China has throttled back its purchases of American soybeans and other products by almost the same rate, continuing to sell three times as much to the United States as it buys.

China’s Weak Currency Is Powering Its Exports and Drawing Criticism - The New York Times

China’s renminbi is lagging the currencies of key trading partners, making Chinese goods and services cheap and helping to drive exports.

The currency remains one of the biggest — and most sensitive — issues in China’s economy. It takes about 7.1 renminbi to buy a single dollar these days. That weakness has powered China’s exports to remarkable heights. Made-in-China goods are cheaper, too: A OnePlus 15 smartphone is $999 in the United States and $692 in China. A BYD Seal plug-in hybrid car sells for $15,500 inside China, including computer-assisted driving, and about $50,000 elsewhere.

Trump to visit Pennsylvania to highlight efforts to curb inflation as high prices squeeze Americans

 Trump to visit Pennsylvania to highlight efforts to curb inflation as high prices squeeze Americans (Thanks to Joe for this one)

 

Rhonda Marie Fisher: Her murder went unsolved for decades. DNA from paper bags now points to one of Colorado’s ‘most prolific serial killers’

Rhonda Marie Fisher: Her murder went unsolved for nearly forty years. DNA from paper bags now point to one of Colorado’s ‘most prolific serial killers’ | CNN (Thanks to Finn for this one)

Hearing sheds new light on how police dealt with Luigi Mangione

 Hearing sheds new light on how police dealt with Luigi Mangione | AP News (Thanks to Sonia for this one)

Police video shows Luigi Mangione said he didn’t want to talk. They kept asking questions

Trump says he will announce Fed chief nominee in early 2026

Trump says he will announce Fed chief nominee in early 2026 | Reuters (Thanks to Chris for this one)

• Next Fed chief may face challenges from buoyant economy, inflation
• Online wagering markets see top Trump economic adviser as favorite for the job
• Two current Fed governors also among potential candidates

Chinese scientist who smuggled dangerous 'vomitoxin' fungus into US has been deported

Chinese scientist who smuggled dangerous 'vomitoxin' fungus into US has been deported | New York Post (Thanks to Bernadette for this one)

Chinese researcher Yunqing Jian has been deported after she admitted to a scheme to smuggle a crop-killing fungus into the US to allegedly study. AP.

 

Weak Spots Are Few for Russia in Ukraine Peace Talks

 Weak Spots Are Few for Russia in Ukraine Peace Talks - The New York Times (Thanks to Matte for this)

Economic and military pressures could force Russia’s hand. Its economy is strained but not enough to do that, analysts say. And President Vladimir V. Putin says Russia is winning the war.

A photograph released by Russian state media showing President Vladimir V. Putin meeting with the U.S. special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, at the Kremlin, on Tuesday. Photo by Alexander Kazakov/Sputnik

Costco Sues Trump Administration for Refund of Tariffs

 Costco Sues Trump Administration for Refund of Tariffs - The New York Times (Thanks to Haadi for this one)

Related: Ahead of Tariff Ruling, Businesses Race to Secure Refunds - The New York Times

White House insists follow-up strike on alleged drug boat was lawful

 White House insists follow-up strike on alleged drug boat was lawful | AP News (Thanks to Sam for this one)

White House defends strikes on boat survivors. It's unclear where the buck stops : NPR

Congress steps in as questions mount over who authorized a second strike at sea : NPR

Lawmakers continue to push for answers in deadly U.S. boat strike in the Caribbean : NPR

Did the U.S. commit a war crime in the Caribbean? : Consider This from NPR : NPR

Trump and Hegseth Comments on Boat Strike Leave Adm. Bradley Exposed - The New York Times

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth holds a press conference at the Dominican National Palace in Santo Domingo on Nov. 26, 2025. Photo by Felix Leon | AFP via Getty Images

Adm. Frank Mitchell Bradley has taken part in operations that span the globe from Afghanistan to Yemen. Photo by Tierney L. Cross | NYT

IGEM: Teens may have come up with a new way to detect, treat Lyme disease

Teens may have come up with a new way to detect, treat Lyme disease using CRISPR gene editing

The advent of Polymarket

Polymarket CEO says his prediction market is "the most accurate thing we have as mankind right now." - YouTube

How a French "whale" made over $80 million on Trump's 2024 win

What could this have to do with one of America's most persistent pastimes: 

The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County by Mark Twain

Tom Stoppard, playwright and screenwriter, dies at 88. Most fans knew his works "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead!" and the film Shakespeare in Love.

Tom Stoppard, playwright and screenwriter, dies at 88. Most fans knew his works "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead!" and the film Shakespeare in Love.

You can see his extensive list of works at Wikipedia. 

 

From left, Jeremy Irons, Glenn Close and Mr. Stoppard in 1983 during rehearsals for “The Real Thing,” which won a Tony. Photo by Don Hogan Charles for the NYT 

Trump Orders Construction of A.I. Platform to Use Troves of Government Data for Research

 Trump Orders Construction of A.I. Platform to Use Troves of Government Data for Research - The New York Times

The executive order signed on Monday directs the Department of Energy’s national laboratories to create the A.I. platform in partnership with A.I. companies.

Xi Presses Trump on Taiwan as They Agree to Meet in China in April

 Xi Presses Trump on Taiwan as They Agree to Meet in China in April - The New York Times

In an unusual move, Xi Jinping, the leader of China, called President Trump. The two spoke about trade, Taiwan and Ukraine, according to separate official statements.

Related:

Alibaba's Qwen chatbot exceeds 10 million downloads, faster than ChatGPT and DeepSeek

What to Know About Trump’s Peace Plan for Russia and Ukraine

 How Rubio Tried to Bring a Pro-Russia Peace Plan to Middle Ground - The New York Times

U.S. and Ukraine Hail Progress on Peace Plan to End War With Russia - The New York Times

What to Know About Trump’s Peace Plan for Russia and Ukraine - The New York Times

Judge Tosses Criminal Charges Against James Comey and Letitia James After Ruling Trump Prosecutor was Unlawfully Appointed

 Judge Tosses Criminal Charges Against James Comey and Letitia James - The New York Times

Finding Trump Prosecutor Halligan was unlawfully appointed, the decision is a setback for the president’s efforts to wield the criminal justice system against his perceived enemies.

Read the Ruling Dismissing the Charges Against James Comey - The New York Times

Read the Ruling Dismissing the Charges Against Letitia James - The New York Times

Related: Mark Kelly Under Pentagon Investigation for ‘Illegal Orders’ Video - The New York Times

Trump moves to strip protections from endangered and threatened species

 Trump moves to strip protections from endangered and threatened species | CNN (Thanks to Finn for this one)

Related: With the world at a climate summit, White House pushes major environmental rollbacks

E.P.A. Drastically Limits Protections for Wetlands - The New York Times

Doomed UPS plane had cracks in engine mount

 Doomed UPS plane had cracks in engine mount | AP News (Thanks to Sonia for this one)

A pair of snowy owls from the Arctic delight Chicago birders

A pair of snowy owls from the Arctic delight Chicago birders | AP News (Thanks to Louden for this one)

Mamdani maintains Trump is a fascist after White House meeting

 Mamdani maintains Trump is a fascist after White House meeting | AP News (Thanks to Louden for this one)

Trump to meet with Mamdani after calling him a 'communist' and calling video by Democratic veterans 'seditious behavior'

 Here's what to expect when Trump and Mamdani meet Friday : NPR

After calling him a 'communist,' Trump will meet Mamdani in the Oval Office Friday.

Trump calls video by Democratic veterans in Congress 'seditious behavior' : NPR

The A.I. Boom Has Found Another Gear. Why Can’t People Shake Their Worries?

 The A.I. Boom Has Found Another Gear. Why Can’t People Shake Their Worries? - The New York Times

Anxiety Over A.I. Spending Returns to Global Markets - The New York Times

California teens causing hundreds of dollars in damage in TikTok Door Kick Challenge

 California teens causing hundreds of dollars in damage in TikTok Door Kick Challenge | New York Post (Thanks to Bernadette for this one)

Sea otter pup is rescued and reunited with its mother

Sea otter pup is rescued and reunited with its mother | AP News (Thanks to Sara for this one)

Nvidia: the White House, the Market, and the Race

 How Trump and Nvidia’s C.E.O. Became Partners on the International Stage - The New York Times

Over the last 10 months, President Trump has become close with Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s chief executive, as the company’s chips have become a tool in trade and peace talks.

Nvidia and Walmart Could Ease Wall St.’s Jitters. Or Make Them Worse. - The New York Times

After four consecutive down days, the stock market is looking increasingly queasy. Earnings reports from Nvidia, Walmart and Target could hint at what’s ahead.

In the A.I. Race, Chinese Talent Still Drives American Research - The New York Times

Although some Silicon Valley executives paint China as the enemy, Chinese brains continue to play a major role in U.S. research.

Epstein files bill pass House and Senate

 Epstein files bill: Trump is more politically exposed on the issue than ever before | CNN Politics

House votes to approve release of the Epstein files : NPR

Megyn Kelly's Epstein comments prompt backlash from actresses : NPR

Trump, ignoring MAGA critics, is set to deepen US commitment to Saudi Arabia

 Trump, ignoring MAGA critics, is set to deepen US commitment to Saudi Arabia - POLITICO (Thanks to Graydon for this one)

Related:

Once a Pariah, Saudi Prince Resets U.S. Relations on His Own Terms - The New York Times

Seven years ago, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman couldn’t visit Washington. When he arrived at the White House on Tuesday, he got F-35s, the world’s fastest chips and the central role in the remaking of the Middle East.

Trump Lauds M.B.S. During White House Visit and Dismisses Khashoggi’s Killing - The New York Times

President Trump rejected a U.S. intelligence report finding that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had ordered the murder of a journalist.

Here’s Who’s Attending Trump’s Dinner for the Saudi Crown Prince: Elon Musk, Cristiano Ronaldo and more. - The New York Times

Trump Offers Elaborate Welcome to Saudi Crown Prince: Live Updates - The New York Times

Trump Family’s Business Ties to Saudi Arabia Raise Ethics Worries - The New York Times

President Trump will host Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, who oversees a major construction project that is in talks with the Trump family business.

“Branding and licensing deals are a way for the Saudi government to make direct payments to the Trump family in exchange for no work or services provided,” said Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen, a government ethics watchdog group. “These arrangements are not just ethically bankrupt — they fundamentally compromise U.S. foreign policy.”

DAR GLOBAL AND THE TRUMP ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCE TWO GLOBAL FIRSTS: TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL MALDIVES AND THE WORLD'S FIRST TOKENIZED HOTEL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Trump Weighs Options, and Risks, for Attacks on Venezuela

 Trump Weighs Options, and Risks, for Attacks on Venezuela - The New York Times (Thanks to Matte for this)

President Trump has yet to make a decision, but his advisers are pressing a range of objectives — from attacking drug cartels to seizing oil fields — to try to justify ousting Nicolás Maduro.

The Crypto Industry’s $28 Billion in ‘Dirty Money’

 The Crypto Industry’s $28 Billion in ‘Dirty Money’ - The New York Times (Thanks to Haadi for these)

Related: Trump uses pardon power for Changpeng Zhao of Binance after transactions to World Liberty Financial-60 Minutes

How President Trump is changing and using the pardon process - 60 Minutes.

World Liberty financial received $2 Billion through Zhao's Binance.

Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, where Huione Group has deposited more than $400 million in cryptocurrency since 2023.

Cop30 live: ‘literally insane’ that we are letting global heating happen, says Al Gore

 Cop30 live: ‘literally insane’ that we are letting global heating happen, says Al Gore | Cop30 | The Guardian (Thanks to Chris for this one)

Monet's "Water Lilies" by Robert Hayden

 This Poem About Monet’s “Water Lilies” Reflects on the Powers and Limits of Art - The New York Times

Anthropic CEO on 60 minutes

Anthropic CEO warns that without guardrails, AI could be on dangerous path (60 Minutes)

Why Anthropic's AI Claude tried to contact the FBI (60 Minutes Overtime)

Marjorie Taylor Green and President Trump break on Epstein and Healthcare; Trump now urges GOP to release Epstein files

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene says she's received threats amid deepening feud with Trump 

Why are Marjorie Taylor Greene and Donald Trump fighting? What to know. 

“All I see 'Wacky' Marjorie do is COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN!" Trump wrote on social media Nov. 14, in reference to concerns Greene floated about his focus on foreign policy, the government shutdown and controversy surrounding accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.  

 Marjorie Taylor Greene Extends an Olive Branch to Trump
The Georgia Republican, long a loyal Trump ally, had come under attack by the president after showing independence, notably on the government’s investigation of Jeffrey Epstein.

‘Humbly, I’m sorry’: Marjorie Taylor Greene says she’s turning a new leaf after years of divisive comments

Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said Sunday she will stop using “toxic” rhetoric, marking what would be a dramatic shift in a political brand hallmarked by derogatory comments. 

Late Sunday Twist: Trump Urges GOP to Release Epstein files 

After Trump Claimed He'd Launch An Investigation Into Bill Clinton And Jeffrey Epstein, Clinton Responded

 

U.S. Forces Kill 3 Narco-terrorists in Easter Pacific; U.S. Military Buildup continues of coast of Venezeula

 US forces kill 3 narco-terrorists in Eastern Pacific lethal strike operation targeting drug networks
Latest lethal operation brings total suspected narco-terrorists killed to 82 in ongoing campaign

U.S. to designate Venezuela's Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization as USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier arrives in Caribbean 

U.S. reopens shuttered Puerto Rico naval base as Caribbean military buildup continues

U.S. aircraft carrier arrives in the Caribbean Sea in major buildup near Venezuela
The USS Gerald R. Ford arrived in a display of military power after the Trump administration carried it out its 20th attack on alleged drug boats last week.