Monocle on Saturday (December 7, 2024): Join Georgina Godwin and Charles Hecker for a round-up of the week’s news and culture. Plus: a conversation with Sam Crane and Pinny Grylls, writer and director of ‘Grand Theft Hamlet’.
Tag Archives: Donald Trump
The New York Times — Saturday, December 7, 2024
TikTok Faces U.S. Ban After Losing Bid to Overturn New Law
The law will ban the video app in the United States by Jan. 19 if its owner, ByteDance, does not sell it to a non-Chinese company.
As Syrian Rebels Advance, Iran Grows Nervous and Neighbors Close Their Borders
The rebels’ gains prompted Lebanon and Jordan to close border crossings and Iran to begin withdrawing personnel from Syria.
How One of the World’s Richest Men Is Avoiding $8 Billion in Taxes
The chief executive of Nvidia, Jensen Huang, has taken advantage of popular loopholes in the federal estate and gift taxes, which have quietly been eviscerated.
How Childhood Tragedy Shaped the Doctor Trump Picked for Surgeon General
At the age of 13, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat said she accidentally knocked over a box in a darkened room. A handgun went off, leaving her father dead.
The New York Times — Friday, December 6, 2024
Syrian Rebels Storm Another Major City
Opposition forces advanced on the city of Hama as their startling offensive moved quickly in the direction of the capital, Damascus.
Pete Hegseth’s Troubles at Work Raise Questions About Leadership
President-elect Donald J. Trump’s choice for defense secretary led two nonprofits into debt, and episodes of drinking continued into his days as a Fox News personality.
Images of Unmasked Suspect Emerge as the Police Track C.E.O.’s Killer
The man sought in the killing of Brian Thompson wore a hood and a smile in surveillance photos. Investigators visited a hostel on the Upper West Side as they mapped his movements.
Pam Bondi’s Journey From Traditional Republican to Warrior for Trump
The president-elect’s choice for attorney general is known for her charm and fealty to him.
The Economist Magazine – December 7, 2024 Preview
America’s gambling boom should be celebrated, not feared
The gambling frenzy is mostly about people being free to enjoy themselves
France steps into deep trouble
It has no government and no budget, and is politically gridlocked
Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea should resign, or be impeached
His coup attempt was foiled. But grave tests still remain for the country
Joe Biden abused a medieval power to pardon his son
The president’s reversal is understandable, hum
The New York Times — Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024
As Hegseth Vows to Fight, Trump Considers DeSantis for Defense Secretary
The president-elect appeared to be having serious conversations about picking Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida as Pete Hegseth, the current selection, dismissed the allegations against him.
Manhunt Enters Second Day After Health Executive Is Gunned Down in Manhattan
Brian Thompson, the chief executive at UnitedHealthcare, was shot in the back in Midtown Manhattan by a killer who then walked coolly away.
Lawmakers Move to Impeach South Korean Leader After Failed Martial Law Bid
President Yoon Suk Yeol’s attempt to break a political deadlock by imposing military rule collapsed within hours, leaving him with few defenders. A vote to impeach him could come as soon as Friday.
Supreme Court Inclined to Uphold Tennessee Law on Transgender Care
The justices heard arguments on Wednesday over whether Tennessee can ban some medical treatments for transgender youth. More than 20 other states have similar laws.
The New York Times — Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024
South Korea President Declares Martial Law, Then Backs Down
Soon after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration on Tuesday, lawmakers voted to defy him, prompting the president to say he was lifting his order.
Justice Dept.’s Apolitical Tradition Is Challenged by 2 Presidents
The post-Watergate norm that political leaders should steer clear of criminal cases is being tested from opposite ends of the political spectrum.
Inside the Supreme Court Ethics Debate: Who Judges the Justices?
In private meetings and memos, the justices made new rules for themselves — then split on whether they could, or should, be enforced.
Supreme Court Returns to a Culture War Battleground: Transgender Rights
On Wednesday, the justices will hear the marquee case of the term, a challenge to a Tennessee law banning several forms of medical care for transgender youths.
The New York Times — Tuesday, December 3, 2024
In Pardoning His Son, Biden Echoes Some of Trump’s Complaints
President Biden complained about selective prosecution and political pressure in a system he has spent his public life defending.
Trump Doubles Down on Defiance After the Collapse of the Matt Gaetz Selection
President-elect Donald J. Trump’s decision to install Kash Patel as F.B.I. director indicates that he remains undaunted by Washington resistance as he appoints ideological warriors, conspiracy theorists and even relatives.
Schumer Presses for F.B.I. Checks and Senate Consideration of Trump Nominees
In a letter, the Democratic leader said members of his party would work with Republicans to consider the president-elect’s nominees — but asserted they should undergo traditional Senate vetting.
Tensions Rise Among Russia’s Elite as Economic Growth Slows
The slowdown is worrying for the Kremlin but not serious enough to significantly hobble its war effort.
The New York Times — Monday, December 2, 2024
Fighting Rages in Syria as Rebels Advance
Forces opposed to President Bashar al-Assad have captured the Aleppo airport and are attacking the western city of Hama, according to local officials and a Britain-based war monitor.
Ukraine’s River of Anguish
Amphibious operations across the Dnipro River at Kherson illustrated the suffering and endurance of Ukrainian forces. A team of Times journalists observed the perilous movements.
Republicans Stand Behind Trump’s Choice of Kash Patel to Lead F.B.I.
Several lawmakers expressed support on Sunday for the president-elect’s plan to install a loyalist who has vowed to use the position to exact revenge on adversaries.
A Second Trump Term Poses a Crucial Test of the Senate’s Independence
President-elect Donald J. Trump is threatening to challenge the institution’s historic role, and the Constitution, with his prospective nominees and threats to push the boundaries of executive authority.
The New York Times — Sunday, December 1, 2024
Rebels Seize Control Over Most of Syria’s Largest City
The rapid advance on Aleppo came just four days into a surprise opposition offensive that is the most intense escalation in years in the civil war.
Trump Says He Will Nominate Kash Patel to Run F.B.I.
President-elect Donald J. Trump turned to a firebrand loyalist to become director of the bureau, which he sees as part of a ‘deep state’ conspiracy against him.
Kennedy’s Inheritance: How Addiction and Trauma Shaped a Turbulent Life
Donald Trump’s pick to be health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reached a pinnacle of power after a life of fame and addictions and a career intertwined with conspiracy theories.
Mexican Cartels Lure Chemistry Students to Make Fentanyl
Criminals turn college campuses into recruitment hubs, recruiting chemistry students in Mexico with big paydays.
The New York Times Magazine-Dec. 1, 2024
THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE (November 30, 2024): The 12.1.24 Issue features Susan Dominus on an I.V.F. mix-up; Amir Ahmadi Arian on the director Mohammad Rasoulof; Francesca Mari on deadly superbugs bred by modern warfare; and more.
An I.V.F. Mix-Up, a Shocking Discovery and an Unbearable Choice
Two couples in California discovered they were raising each other’s genetic children. Should they switch their girls?
Modern Warfare Is Breeding Deadly Superbugs. Why?
Researchers are trying to understand why resistant pathogens are so prevalent in the war-torn nations of the Middle East.
Am I a Hypocrite for Calling Donald Trump a Liar?
The magazine’s Ethicist columnist on hypocrisy. By Kwame Anthony Appiah
Boomers Daily 