Good morning. You’re reading the Up First newsletter.
Today’s top stories
– President Trump yesterday defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman when a reporter in the Oval Office asked about the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The CIA concluded the crown prince approved the operation that led to Khashoggi’s killing and dismemberment. The crown prince responded to the question with an appearance of regret, a notably different tone than Trump’s, NPR’s Danielle Kurtzleben reports. The leaders announced several deals during the visit, including U.S. agreements to sell tanks and F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, and Saudi pledges to invest $1 trillion in the U.S. Many texts of additional agreements have not yet been released.
– Both the House and Senate have moved to compel the Justice Department to publicly release unclassified files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The measure passed the Senate unanimously and will go to President Trump, who has said he will sign it while calling the focus on the files a Democratic hoax. The law would require the Justice Department, the FBI, and U.S. attorneys’ offices involved to make unclassified documents, communications, and investigative materials public within 30 days of the president signing the bill. What the Justice Department redacts could prompt further public debate.
– A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll finds President Trump’s approval rating at a new low, 10 months into his second term. Respondents largely blame him and the Republican Party for the recent government shutdown and want a focus on lowering prices. When asked who they would vote for if midterm elections were held today, Democrats led by 14 points — the largest gap since eight years ago during Trump’s first term, when Democrats later picked up 40 House seats. The poll also showed broad dissatisfaction and low confidence in institutions including Congress, the media, political parties, the Supreme Court and the presidency.
Deep dive
– Trump floated the idea of a 50-year fixed mortgage, a proposal that critics — including some of his supporters — say could leave Americans in debt far longer and may not solve housing affordability. Here are key points:
– Most homeowners leave mortgages earlier than the full term by moving or refinancing; the average owner stays in a home less than 12 years (Redfin analysis).
– Longer fixed-rate mortgages lower monthly payments and freeze housing costs, while buyers typically refinance or sell when conditions change.
– Many objections to a 50-year mortgage are similar to issues with 30-year mortgages; proponents argue the idea aims to make ownership more accessible amid high prices and interest rates.
Picture show
Latina grandmothers in their 70s and 80s in San Antonio, Texas, formed a folklórico dance troupe called Las Abuelitas De Oro, inspired by The Golden Girls. Folklórico blends regional Mexican dance and ballet technique, featuring intricate footwork and skirtwork. Despite their age, the troupe performs energetically, gives free year-round shows across San Antonio, and teaches the tradition to younger generations. (via Texas Public Radio)
3 things to know before you go
1. Friendsgiving: A typically potluck-style gathering of friends around Thanksgiving. The custom may be old, but the word entered Merriam-Webster in 2020. NPR’s “Word of the Week” and experts offer tips on how to celebrate.
2. Amped: Music Icons in Levi’s Denim: A Levi’s exhibition in San Francisco explores how jeans reveal insights into the lives and legacies of artists from Freddie Mercury to Beyoncé.
3. Rainbow Road Apartments: A 36-unit complex in Phoenix, inspired by a Mario Kart race track, is scheduled to open next month. (via KJZZ)
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
