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:

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. 

 

 

New York Jets Player Kris Boyd Is Critically Wounded in Shooting

 New York Jets Player Kris Boyd Is Critically Wounded in Shooting
Mr. Boyd was wounded early on Sunday in a shooting in Midtown Manhattan. He is in his first year as a defensive player with the team after signing in March.

 

Border Patrol Fans Out Across Charlotte, N.C., Arresting 81 People on First Day

 Border Patrol Fans Out Across Charlotte, N.C., Arresting 81 People on First Day
Border Patrol agents descended on Charlotte this weekend searching for immigrants in the country illegally. It remains unclear how long the agents will stay.

Homeland Security Missions Falter Amid Focus on Deportations
Under President Trump, an agency intended to keep Americans safe has diverted resources from combating child abuse, trafficking and terrorism. 

Pentagon to Withdraw Some National Guard Troops From Chicago and Portland
The move comes amid court battles and objections by state and local leaders to President Trump’s deployment orders. 

 

UPS crash victims: All 14 people who died are identified after UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville

 UPS crash victims: All 14 people who died are identified after UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville | CNN (Thanks to Finn for this one)

Federal workers question whether shutdown was worth their sacrifice

 Federal workers question whether shutdown was worth their sacrifice | AP News (Thanks to Sonia for this one)

Related: 

The Shutdown Is Over. For Many SNAP Recipients, the Scars Remain. - The New York Times

A Home That Proves You Can Never Have Too Many Books

 A Home That Proves You Can Never Have Too Many Books - The New York Times

Surrounded by his expansive library and exquisite objects, a collector whose aesthetic helped shape America’s idea of minimalism has built a maximalist nirvana.

Read Jeffrey Epstein’s newly released emails about Trump

 Read Jeffrey Epstein’s newly released emails about Trump | PBS News (Thanks to Sara for this one)

 

Trump Gives Hungary a Reprieve on Sanctions After Meeting With Orban

 Trump Gives Hungary a Reprieve on Sanctions After Meeting With Orban (Thanks to Matte for this one)

The United States has imposed sanctions on nations buying Russian oil, but President Viktor Orban successfully argued that Hungary had few other options.

Bipartisan duo secures signatures to force a House vote to release Epstein files

 Bipartisan duo secures signatures to force a House vote to release Epstein files (Thanks to Graydon for this one)

A new Democratic member, Rep. Adelita Grijalva, got the petition over the finish line on Wednesday. Still, the bill is unlikely to pass the GOP-controlled Senate.

What’s Behind the Coming House Vote on Releasing the Epstein Files - The New York Times

Related:

Trump Named in New Epstein Email Release: Live Updates - The New York Times

Takeaways from the new Epstein emails mentioning Trump | CNN Politics

What’s inside the thousands of documents from Epstein estate released by House committee | CNN Politics

Rep. Lauren Boebert helps force House vote on release of Epstein files

Trump Summons Lauren Boebert as He Pushes GOP to Block Epstein Vote - The New York Times

Analysis: Trump is getting pulled deeper and deeper into the Epstein drama | CNN Politics

After Trump Split, Epstein Said He Could ‘Take Him Down’ - The New York Times

What Epstein’s Emails Claim About Trump’s Knowledge of His Conduct - The New York Times

Michael Wolff, Chronicler of Elites, Provided Epstein With Advice on Trump - The New York Times

‘It Feels Like I’m in a Nightmare’: Inside the First Deportation Flight to Iran; Catholic Bishops Rebuke Trump's Immigration Tactics, support Pope Leo XIV

 ‘It Feels Like I’m in a Nightmare’: Inside the First Deportation Flight to Iran - The New York Times (Thanks to Haadi for this one)

Related:

Catholic Bishops Rebuke Trump’s Immigration Tactics in Rare Statement - The New York Times

In a rare statement, the bishops framed the immigration crisis in starkly moral terms. “We feel compelled now in this environment to raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity,” they said.

Government Begins to Reopen After Longest-Ever Shutdown

Trump Live Updates: Government Begins to Reopen After Longest-Ever Shutdown - The New York Times

 Trump Live Updates: House Expected to Vote on Bill to End Shutdown - The New York Times (Thanks to Graydon for this one)

US ends penny-making run after more than 230 years

 US ends penny-making run after more than 230 years | BBC

The Philadelphia Mint will strike its last batch of one-cent coins on Thursday, after more than 230 years of production.

The coins will remain in circulation but the phase-out has already prompted businesses to start adjusting prices, as they say pennies are becoming harder to find.

Police Chase Driver Across Southern California Until She Escapes Into Mexico

 Police Chase Driver Across Southern California Until She Escapes Into Mexico - The New York Times

Woman leads CHP on +155-mile chase from Ventura County all the way to US-Mexico border - ABC7 Los Angeles

NYC’s 106th Veterans Day Parade celebrates 250 years of US military service with 3 grand marshals

 NYC’s 106th Veterans Day Parade celebrates 250 years of US military service with 3 grand marshals – including once-stranded NASA astronaut (Thanks to Bernadette for this one)

US Supreme Court extends its order blocking full SNAP payments

 US Supreme Court extends its order blocking full SNAP payments | AP News (Thanks to Sam for this one)

2025 Booker Prize Goes to David Szalay’s ‘Flesh’

 2025 Booker Prize Goes to David Szalay’s ‘Flesh’ - The New York Times

Everything you need to know about Flesh by David Szalay, winner of the Booker Prize 2025 | The Booker Prizes

Syria’s President Meets Trump at White House for First Time

 Syria’s President Meets Trump at White House for First Time - The New York Times

The visit by President Ahmed al-Shara is another step in the transformation of the former rebel leader once wanted by the United States as a terrorist.

NYT Video explainer

James D. Watson, Co-Discoverer of the Structure of DNA, Is Dead at 97

 James D. Watson, Co-Discoverer of the Structure of DNA, Is Dead at 97 - The New York Times

His decoding of the blueprint for life with Francis H.C. Crick made him one of the most important scientists of the 20th century. He wrote a celebrated memoir and later ignited an uproar with racist views.

$450K pitches: Indictment vs. Emmanuel Clase, Luis Ortiz; Sportsbooks cap bets on individual pitches

 $450K pitches: Indictment vs. Emmanuel Clase, Luis Ortiz reveal star closer as force behind alleged scheme - Yahoo Sports

MLB, sportsbooks cap bets on individual pitches in response to pitch rigging scandal | AP News

Emmanuel Clase in a game against the San Francisco Giants in June.

Senate Passes Bill to End Government Shutdown

Senate Passes Bill to End Government Shutdown: Trump Live Updates - The New York Times

Trump Live Updates: Senate Deal Puts Government Closer to Reopening - The New York Times

Which Senators Broke Ranks With Democrats to Advance the GOP Plan to End the Government Shutdown? - The New York Times

Two of them are retiring, and none of the others face re-election in 2026.

Six Takeaways From the Senate Deal to End the Shutdown - The New York Times

For 40 days, Senator Chuck Schumer kept his caucus unified. But an end approached without an extension of expiring health insurance subsidies that Democrats had demanded.

Trump pardons Giuliani, other allies who sought to overturn 2020 election

 Trump pardons Giuliani, other allies who sought to overturn 2020 election

President Donald Trump has pardoned Rudy Giuliani and 75 other prominent allies involved in his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, a Justice Department official said late Sunday, furthering Trump’s efforts to rewrite the history of his losing campaign five years ago.

'Nolan may be the only person who could do this': How The Odyssey is already gunning to be 2026's biggest film

 'Nolan may be the only person who could do this': How The Odyssey is already gunning to be 2026's biggest film (Thanks to Finn for this one)

Typhoon Kalmaegi slams Vietnam as the Philippines prepares for new storm

 Typhoon Kalmaegi slams Vietnam as the Philippines prepares for new storm | AP News (Thanks to Sonia for this one)

King Charles makes final humiliation of younger brother and Jeffrey Epstein pal Andrew official

 King Charles makes final humiliation of younger brother and Jeffrey Epstein pal Andrew official (Thanks to Bernadette for this one)

China’s New Aircraft Carrier Enters Service, a Sign of Naval Ambitions

 China’s New Aircraft Carrier Enters Service, a Sign of Naval Ambitions - The New York Times

The Fujian, China’s most advanced carrier, went into official service this week. It brings the country closer to challenging U.S. naval dominance.

U.S. Sends Attack Aircraft to El Salvador Amid Regional Troop Buildup; GOP blocks measure to constrain Trump on Venezuela

 U.S. Sends Attack Aircraft to El Salvador Amid Regional Troop Buildup - The New York Times

A New York Times analysis of satellite imagery and air traffic control communications found that U.S. military planes began operating out of the Central American country in mid-October.

Related: Republicans Block Measure to Bar Military Strike on Venezuela - The New York Times

The AC-130J Ghostrider that later appeared in El Salvador taxied near a runway in Ceiba, P.R., in late October. Photo by Ricardo Arduengo/Reuters

NYC's newest signature skyscraper: JPMorganChase's New Global Headquarters at 270 Park Avenue

 JPMorganChase Celebrates Grand Opening of New Global Headquarters at 270 Park Avenue

Is it a buy? Elon Musk Wins $1 Trillion Tesla Pay Package if He Hits Key Targets

Elon Musk Wins $1 Trillion Tesla Pay Package - The New York Times

Tesla shareholders approved a plan to grant Elon Musk shares worth nearly $1 trillion if he meets ambitious goals, including vastly expanding the company’s stock market valuation. The 12-step package asks Mr. Musk, the company’s chief executive, to vastly expand Tesla’s stock market valuation — to $8.5 trillion from around $1.4 trillion — while hitting a variety of other goals. Those include selling one million robots with humanlike qualities and 10 million paid subscriptions to the company’s self-driving software.

 Tesla’s trillion-dollar pay package for Elon Musk : NPR

Tesla shareholders approve Elon Musk’s $1T pay package

What Elon Musk could buy with $1 trillion | CNN Business

These discrete moments offered strikingly different lessons about America and who deserves how much of its wealth.

At Tesla, based in the Austin, Texas, area, shareholders have largely bought into a winner-takes-all version of capitalism, agreeing by a wide margin to give Mr. Musk shares worth almost a trillion dollars if the company under his management achieves ambitious financial and operational goals over the next decade.

But halfway across the country, in the home to Wall Street, Zohran Mamdani’s victory served as a reminder of the frustrations many Americans have with an economic system that has left them struggling to afford basics like food, housing and child care.

Related: Michael Burry of ‘The Big Short’ is back with cryptic messages — and two massive bets

Palantir's Alex Karp blasts 'Big Short' investor Michael Burry

Michael Burry Bet Against Nvidia and Palantir—Is it Time to Get Out? - 24/7 Wall St.

OpenAI Races to Quell Concerns Over Its Finances - The New York Times

The A.I. company faced pushback after a top executive raised the idea of government aid, amid concerns that the A.I. industry is headed toward a dangerous bubble.

Nancy Pelosi, former House speaker, to retire from Congress after this term

 Nancy Pelosi, former House speaker, to retire from Congress after this term

Related:

Opinion | More Democrats Need to Follow Pelosi’s Example and Retire - The New York Times

NYC Mayor Election 2025 Results: Zohran Mamdani Wins and Wins over Young Men and Women equally

The Job Market Is Cooling but Not Collapsing, According to Private Data

The Job Market Is Cooling but Not Collapsing, According to Private Data - The New York Times

The federal government shutdown canceled a second straight jobs report, but private data sources suggest the labor market has weakened modestly since summer.

Judge orders full SNAP benefits to be restored Friday; Administration appeals the decision

Judge orders full SNAP benefits be restored Friday : NPR

 How Families Are Coping with SNAP Cuts During the Shutdown - The New York Times

On Wednesday night, the Trump administration said it would cut November's SNAP food benefits by a bit less than it had previously announced. In revised guidance for states, which are calculating partial payments, the USDA said in a court filing maximum allotments would be reduced by 35% instead of 50%.

Related: Missed Meals and Paychecks: A Timeline on the Impact of the Government Shutdown - The New York Times

Flights Cancelled As FAA Reductions Take Effect

 Flights Cancelled As FAA Reductions Take Effect: Government Shutdown Live Updates - The New York Times

The cuts aim to ease strain on air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay, as the effects of the government shutdown spread to more Americans. Airlines said most travelers would be unaffected for now.

Related: Missed Meals and Paychecks: A Timeline on the Impact of the Government Shutdown - The New York Times

U.S. regrets deaths of police officers in Rio de Janeiro and makes itself "available"

 U.S. regrets deaths of police officers in Rio de Janeiro and makes itself "available" (Thanks to Davi for this one)

Donald Trump's administration sent a letter on Tuesday (4/11) to Rio de Janeiro's Secretary of Security, Victor dos Santos

US sends condolences, offers support to Rio after police raid on drugs, letter shows