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David Foster Wallace’s famously verbose, copiously end-noted 1,076-page novel Infinite Jest turned 30 years old this week.

Joe Studwell’s new study How Africa Works is “one of the most original and important books” on the topic.

Catherine O’Hara, who passed away last week, gave one of her finest performances in the “wickedly funny” Best in Show.

The late virtuoso pianist Maurizio Pollini’s 62-disc collection in Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon includes Pollini’s prizewinning 1960 performances.

Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico examines the European digital nomad scene with “ethnographic precision.”

Tensions flare inside Trump antitrust world

The US attorney general and DOJ’s antitrust chief clashed over a personnel move this week, escalating a power struggle between corporate skeptics and hands-off regulators.
Gail Slater.Mattie Neretin/CNP/Sipa USA.

OpenAI in talks with Abu Dhabi’s G42 to create specialized ChatGPT version for UAE

Chatbot would be fine-tuned for government use to accommodate local language and speech restrictions.
Sam Altman.Ken Cedeno/Reuters

Anger in White House over now-deleted Obamas post

It’s not clear whether the person behind what one GOP senator called “the most racist thing” shared by the administration will face further discipline.
President Donald TrumpAl Drago/Reuters

Immigration talks test Congress’ dismal bipartisanship skills

As the Capitol lurches from one shutdown to another, the costs of a centrist exodus and a Republicans-only 2025 are looking clear.
Sen. Angus King, I-MaineNathan Howard/Reuters
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Politics

Domestic challenges mount for Trump

From social media posting to immigration to the midterms, the president is on the back foot.
President Donald TrumpKen Cedeno/Reuters

Tensions flare inside Trump antitrust world

The US attorney general and DOJ’s antitrust chief clashed over a personnel move this week, escalating a power struggle between corporate skeptics and hands-off regulators.
Gail Slater.Mattie Neretin/CNP/Sipa USA.

Anger in White House over now-deleted Obamas post

It’s not clear whether the person behind what one GOP senator called “the most racist thing” shared by the administration will face further discipline.
President Donald TrumpAl Drago/Reuters

Iranian FM says nuclear talks with US were ‘good start’

However, Tehran rejected a core US demand to end nuclear enrichment.

Debatable: ICE warrants

Republicans say warrant restrictions will ‘handcuff’ ICE. Democrats argue that’s needed.

Cruz optimistic that air safety bill will pass the House

The Texas senator last week spoke directly to the speaker about the ROTOR Act.

Senator’s Fed blockade splits Republicans

A pledge by Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., to block Federal Reserve nominees until the Justice Department drops its probe into Chair Jerome Powell is drawing friendly fire.

Immigration talks test Congress’ dismal bipartisanship skills

As the Capitol lurches from one shutdown to another, the costs of a centrist exodus and a Republicans-only 2025 are looking clear.

Trump admits immigration crackdown has been excessively forceful

Trump admitted a “softer touch” may be required on immigration enforcement, as polling showed Americans increasingly view efforts as having gone too far.

Bessent dodges on whether Trump can fire Fed officials

The Treasury secretary told House members Wednesday that the central bank has “lost the trust of the American people.”

Republicans ready another homeland security stopgap bill

“It’s not enough time to come to the sort of agreement that we were hoping to come to,” said a senior White House official.
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