Musk’s Slashing of the Federal Budget Faces Big Hurdles
The so-called Department of Government Efficiency, with Elon Musk as co-leader, has advantages that past budget-cutters did not, but laws and court challenges can still make change slow and difficult.
His siblings have long retreated from the inner circle, but the president-elect’s eldest son has made a name for himself as the person who can best assess loyalty to the Trump political brand.
The law sets a minimum age for users of platforms like TikTok, Instagram and X. How the restriction will be enforced online remains an open question.
An A.I. Granny Is Phone Scammers’ Worst Nightmare
Daisy Harris, an A.I.-generated English granny, has been stymying scammers with meandering, time-wasting conversations. But can she actually make a dent in the flood of fraud?
The Guardian Weekly (November 28, 2024): The new issue features last week’s escalation of Nato ballistic missile activity, in which UK and US-made missiles were launched into Russia for the first time, brought a predictably cold response from Vladimir Putin – who loosened Moscow’s nuclear doctrines and promised more attacks with a new, experimental ballistic missile.
1
Spotlight | Does lame duck Biden have time to Trump-proof democracy? The outgoing US president may only have weeks left in the White House, but activists say he can secure civil liberties, accelerate spending on climate and healthcare, and spare death row prisoners. David Smith reports
2
Science | My weird, emotional week with an AI pet Casio says Moflin can develop its own personality and build a rapport with its owner – and it doesn’t need food, exercise or a litter tray. But is it essentially comforting or alienating? Justin McCurry finds out
3
Feature | Are we right to strive to save the world’s tiniest babies? Doctors are pushing the limits of science and human biology to save more extremely premature babies than ever before. But when so few survive, are we putting them through needless suffering? By Sophie McBain
4
Opinion | A social media ban is in everyone’s interests – not just kids under 16 Van Badham on why she resents being excluded from protection against monetised fear, anger and toxicity
5
Culture | A road trip like no other: an epic drive on the Autobahn Fifty years after electronic pioneers Kraftwerk released a 23-minute song about a road – and changed pop music for ever – Tim Jonze hits the highways of Düsseldorf and Hamburg in search of its futuristic brilliance
Hamas is unlikely to compromise in Gaza, despite the decision by its ally, Hezbollah, to stop fighting. A deal in Gaza would also be harder for Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister.
The finding was a landmark in a court case that has stretched out over more than a decade. Plans for a receivership of New York City’s jails will be heard on Jan. 14.
President Biden said the 60-day truce, which the United States helped broker, would take effect early Wednesday, and was intended to become permanent, ending Lebanon’s deadliest war in decades.
Soldiers were ordered to defend government buildings with gunfire if needed, as supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan demanded his release from prison.
President-elect Donald J. Trump ordered the investigation by his legal team into Boris Epshteyn, a powerful figure in the transition. Mr. Epshteyn denies the allegations.
Tariff Threats Show Trump’s Commitment to Upending Global Trade
The president-elect’s threat to hit Canada, Mexico and China with new tariffs is already rocking business and diplomatic relationships and could topple the trade pacts he signed in his first term.
The special counsel effectively brought to a close the Justice Department efforts to hold Donald J. Trump accountable in the election and classified documents cases.
The United States is pushing Israel to reach a deal with the Lebanese militia by Thanksgiving, even as key details remained unresolved, Israeli officials said.
Breaking with past practice, President-elect Donald J. Trump has not agreed to disclose the donors paying for his planning effort or to limit their contributions.
Some private citizens are hunting for potential cases of fraud tied to small-business loans. They have earned big payouts — in some cases, more than $1 million.
Netanyahu’s Arrest Sought by International Criminal Court
The I.C.C. rejected Israel’s challenges to its jurisdiction and also issued a warrant for a top Hamas official. Its chief prosecutor is seeking the arrests for war crimes in Israel and Gaza.
Monocle on Sunday (November 24, 2024): Juliet Linley and Chandra Kurt join Monocle’s editorial director, Tyler Brûlé, to discuss the weekend’s hottest topics.
We also speak to Monocle’s executive editor, Christopher Lord, and get the latest news from Monocle’s Vienna correspondent, Alexei Korolyov. Plus: Katja Weber, the organiser of Zürich’s enchanting Christmas market at Bellevue, joins us to share her seasonal insights.
President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick to lead the Defense Department was described by peers as a skillful soldier who became embittered by military dysfunction.
Msgr. Jamie J. Gigantiello is in hot water with his diocese. Prosecutors are looking into his dealings with the New York City mayor’s top adviser. It all started with Sabrina Carpenter.
She Faked a Religious Conversion to Escape Terrorists
After being abducted by an offshoot of Boko Haram in Nigeria six years ago, a Christian nurse describes her daring escape and how faith kept her alive.
Key details still needed to be worked out between Israel and Hezbollah, and disagreements could scuttle or delay any deal, the officials said. But some cited reasons for cautious optimism.
The world’s richest person, not known for his humility, is still learning the cutthroat courtier politics of Donald Trump’s inner circle — and his ultimate influence remains an open question.
The billionaire has rapidly transformed parts of the state, shocking even development-friendly officials: “It was like, ‘Voilà, Elon is here.’”
Cash, Kidnappings and Luxury Resorts: A Formula for Power in Modi’s India
With a tactic known as “resort politics,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party has been accused of using brute force to take over Indian state governments.
News, Views and Reviews For The Intellectually Curious