Good evening. Here’s the latest at the end of Tuesday.
King Charles stresses significance of U.S.-U.K. tiesOn Capitol Hill this afternoon, King Charles III delivered an optimistic assessment of American-British ties, at what many consider to be the relationship’s lowest point in decades. “The story of the United Kingdom and the United States is, at its heart, a story of reconciliation, renewal and remarkable partnership,” Charles said in an address to Congress. The king’s speech, the centerpiece of his first visit to the U.S. as Britain’s monarch, was warmly welcomed by American lawmakers. He received multiple standing ovations and made several jokes that caused the House chamber to erupt in laughter, such as when he called the countries’ shared history “a tale of two Georges.” Charles did not make direct reference to the current tensions between President Trump and Britain’s prime minister, Keir Starmer. However, the king appeared to gently push back against Trump’s criticisms of NATO and his skepticism regarding climate change. He also called for “unyielding resolve” in the defense of Ukraine. Earlier today, Charles met privately with Trump — who might be his distant cousin — and the two traded gifts. Later this evening, Charles and Queen Camilla will attend a banquet in the White House’s State Dining Room. Then, the royal couple is set to travel to New York and Virginia. Not on the itinerary: a reunion with Prince Harry, the king’s younger son who lives in the U.S.
The Trump administration indicts James Comey, againThe Justice Department secured a new indictment of James Comey, the former F.B.I. director, accusing him of making a threat against Trump. The charges center on a social media post showing seashells arranged to say “86 47.” An earlier indictment of Comey, on different accusations, was dismissed by a judge. Earlier today, a different judge ruled that Maurene Comey, a former federal prosecutor and a daughter of Comey, can sue the government over her firing. In other Trump administration news:
The U.A.E. deals a blow to a major oil cartelThe United Arab Emirates announced today that it was leaving OPEC, a group of nations that work together to control global supply and price of oil. The country, which generates roughly 12 percent of OPEC’s production, had long complained that the group’s quotas had unfairly limited their ability to export oil. The U.A.E. is expected to pump more oil, potentially causing greater volatility and weighing down global prices. However, the conflict in the Middle East — which has widened the rifts between the U.A.E. and its Arab neighbors — could delay the effects of the move. Today, gasoline prices in the U.S. jumped to their highest level in four years. For more:
South Korea turns to A.I. to check on its elderlySouth Korea is aging faster than any other nation. Over the last 15 years, the number of people over 65 has doubled to more than one fifth of the population, creating huge challenges for doctors, social workers and caregivers. In response, many Korean cities are using A.I. tools to check in on tens of thousands of older adults who live alone. The technology has problems, but the bots have been embraced with a level of warmth that has surprised even their creators. More top news
Stephen Colbert has a lot of feelings about his show endingRecent episodes of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” have felt like something of a farewell tour, with loud ovations and tribute songs. It officially ends next month after 11 seasons, canceled by CBS for financial reasons, the network says. Our TV reporter John Koblin recently sat down with Colbert to discuss his thoughts about the show, the decision to end it and his desire to end his partnership with CBS on a good note. As for what’s next: Colbert is working on a script for a new “Lord of the Rings” movie.
Cast your ballot for the greatest living American songwritersMy colleagues just published a list of the 30 greatest living American songwriters. They considered the votes of hundreds of music-industry experts, and our critics came up with a final list after battling it out over what makes someone “great.” Now, it’s your turn: Cast your ballot for who you believe to be the greatest. Then, check out our interviews with some of the songwriters on our list, including Taylor Swift and Jay-Z. Or, take our quiz to test your songwriting knowledge.
Dinner table topics
Cook: These 15 salads feel like a real meal. Read: Jordan Harper’s “A Violent Masterpiece” is just that — a violent masterpiece. Listen to tunes from DoYeon Kim, who is blazing a jazz trail on the traditional Korean zither. Get inspired by our fashion photographer’s one-pie |
