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: Politics
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.
Literary Arts Preview: n+1 Magazine – Winter 2025
@nplusonemag (December 4, 2024): The Winter 2025 issue of n+1, RERUN features:
Hannah Zeavin on psychoanalysis’s Palestine exception
Will Tavlin on Netflix’s assault on cinema
Mina Tavakoli attends a ventriloquism convention
Nicholas Dames reads books about parents reading books
Dawn Lundy Martin on falling in and out of love with the university
New fiction by Rachel Khong, Jill Crawford, and Claire Baglin
Bassem Saad on the afterlives of Mahdi Amel
Alan Dean on Radu Jude, Romania’s Godard
Mark Krotov on the return of Trump
Plus the intellectual situation: the editors on Fredric Jameson
Current Affairs: Prospect Magazine – January 2025
Democracy is in a doom spiral—but it isn’t dead yet
The far right thrived in 2024, and the erosion of liberal democracy is the story of the century so far. It didn’t have to be this way By Cas Muddle
Concrete resistance: how one building symbolises Kharkiv’s defiance
Want to imagine the city of the future? Try Milton Keynes Jen Stout
Prospect’s books of the year 2024: Politics & Reportage
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.
Preview: The New Yorker Magazine – Dec. 9, 2024
Stopping the Press
After spending years painting the media as the “enemy of the people,” Donald Trump is ready to intensify his battle against the journalists who cover him. By David Remnick
R.F.K., Jr., Wants to Eliminate Fluoridated Water. He Used to Bottle and Sell It
Donald Trump’s nominee to lead H.H.S. once started a bottled-water line, Keeper Springs. What was in it? By Charles Bethea
On the Block: Where Jerry Lewis and Buddy Hackett Once Schvitzed
The tummlers have moved on, but the distinctive Friars Club building, in midtown, is going to the highest bidder. By Bruce Handy
Boomers Daily 