Good morning. This is the Up First newsletter.
Today’s top stories
– President Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in an Oval Office exchange about the 2018 murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. The CIA has concluded the crown prince approved the operation that led to Khashoggi’s killing and dismemberment. The crown prince offered remarks that suggested some regret, a tone NPR’s Danielle Kurtzleben described as different from the president’s. During the visit, leaders announced several deals, including U.S. sales of tanks and F-35 fighter jets and a Saudi pledge to invest about $1 trillion in the United States. Texts and details of many of the additional agreements have not yet been released.
– Congress moved to make unclassified records tied to Jeffrey Epstein public. Both chambers acted to compel the Justice Department to release certain files; the measure passed the Senate unanimously and will go to President Trump, who said he will sign it while calling scrutiny of the records a Democratic hoax. The law would require the Justice Department, the FBI and relevant U.S. attorneys’ offices to publish unclassified documents, communications and investigative materials within 30 days of the president signing the bill. What officials redact could spark more public debate.
– A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows President Trump’s approval rating at a new low, 10 months into his second term. Poll respondents largely blamed Trump and the Republican Party for the recent government shutdown and said their top priority is bringing down prices. 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 gained 40 House seats. The poll also found broad dissatisfaction and low confidence in institutions such as Congress, the media, political parties, the Supreme Court and the presidency.
Deep dive
– Trump proposed a 50-year fixed mortgage, a plan that has drawn criticism — even from some supporters — who say it could stretch Americans’ debt far longer and may not address housing affordability. Key points to know:
– Most homeowners don’t keep a mortgage to its full term; a Redfin analysis finds the typical owner stays in a home under 12 years.
– A longer fixed-rate loan can lower monthly payments and lock in housing costs, giving buyers a longer runway before rates or prices bite.
– Buyers commonly refinance or sell when circumstances change, so many of the concerns raised about a 50-year loan mirror objections to the standard 30-year mortgage.
– Proponents say the idea is meant to expand access to homeownership amid high prices and elevated interest rates, while critics worry about longer-term financial exposure.
Picture show
In San Antonio, Texas, a group of Latina grandmothers in their 70s and 80s formed a folklórico dance troupe called Las Abuelitas De Oro, inspired by the TV show The Golden Girls. Folklórico blends regional Mexican dance with ballet technique and emphasizes intricate footwork and skirtwork. Despite their age, the women perform lively, free shows across the city year-round and teach younger generations the tradition. (via Texas Public Radio)
3 things to know before you go
1. Friendsgiving: A potluck-style gathering of friends around Thanksgiving. The custom is older but the word entered Merriam-Webster in 2020. NPR’s Word of the Week and etiquette experts offer tips for hosting.
2. Amped: Music Icons in Levi’s Denim: A Levi’s exhibition in San Francisco examines how jeans reflect the lives and legacies of artists from Freddie Mercury to Beyoncé.
3. Rainbow Road Apartments: A 36-unit complex in Phoenix modeled after a Mario Kart race track is set to open next month. (via KJZZ)
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.