Ever get a hankering for a burger on the back nine? Then,this drone is for you. Here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and Out the Door. (You can also get “5 Things You Need to Know Today” delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.)
1. White House
Whodunit? Or rather, who wrote it? It’s the only question that matters this morning, as Washington tries to solve a stunning political mystery: Who is the “senior official” in the Trump administration who wrote an anonymous New York Times editorialthat slams Donald Trump’s “amorality” and decision-making and claims to be part of an internal “resistance” force dedicated to thwarting his worst impulses? The bombshell op-ed, landing the same week as excerpts from Bob Woodward’s new book, has reportedly heightened the already sky-high level of paranoia at the White House.
After the op-ed went out, Trump came out swinging. He bashed it and its writer as “gutless” and blasted the Times for publishing it anonymously. Later, he took his displeasure to Twitter —“TREASON?”he wondered — and demanded that the Times must “turn him/her over” to the government. CNN’s Stephen Collinson says no matter what happens, Trump’s presidency will never be the same. And Chris Cillizza saysthese 13 people could be the mystery author.
2. Supreme Court confirmation hearing
We heard more from Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh during the second day of his confirmation hearings, but we didn’t necessarily learn moreabout his views during a raucous (read: more protesters) 12-hour session. He rebuffed Democratic senators’ attempts to get him to stray into political areas, so he wouldn’t say if a sitting president must respond to a subpoena or if a president could pardon himself or herself. On abortion, he did say that Roe v. Wade is settled precedent. The hearing resumes this morning.
3. India
India’s top court struck down a colonial-era lawcriminalizing consensual gay sex. The law, imposed during the days of British rule, penalized sex that was considered “against the order of nature.” After the verdict was announced, crowds gathered outside the court erupted in jubilant cheers. It’s a huge victory for the country’s LGBT community because, although the law was rarely enforced, lawyers said it helped bolster a culture of repression and fear.
4. North Korea
North Korea wants to denuke the Korean Peninsula before President Trump leaves office. This timeline, of sorts, is what South Korean officials say North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is pushing for. They just returned from meetings in the North, finalizing plans for another summitlater this month between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Kim has “unwavering trust” in Trump, the South Koreans report, and he’s willing to take more steps toward denuclearization if they’re met with matching steps from the US. Talks between the North and the US stalled in recent weeks, with both sides calling on the other to make further concessions before moving forward.
5. Weather
It had been a pretty quiet Atlantic hurricane season (with all the actionin the Pacific), but that’s changing. Tropical Storm Gordon has come and gone, and Hurricane Florence is more than ready to make some noise. Florence, the year’s first major Atlantic hurricane, is way out there right now, but the storm — a Category 3 — could threaten the US East coast by the end of next week. Meanwhile, Japan is not only still suffering with Typhoon Jebibut also dealing with a major earthquake that’s killed at least seven people and buried homes under landslides.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
I know you!
He was a premature baby she cared for in the hospital 28 years ago. Now, this California nurse just found out he’s her co-worker.
Au revoir
Can’t get your tween off her phone? You could send her to France, which just banned phonesin primary and middles schools.
Facebook SOS
Social media isn’t just for sharing Lindsay Lohan’slatest viral dance hit. One post — and a global network of friends —saved some US travelers’ lives in Bali.
Like a virgin
“The Bachelor” will have its first virgin bachelornext season, meaning things will be really different in the fantasy suite.
You could also call security
What do you do when that protester just won’t shut up during a congressional hearing? Use your auctioneering skills to auction off her cell phone.
HAPPENING LATER
Ready for some football?
Yes, the NFL regular season starts tonight, but what everyone will really be watching for is thenew Nike adfeaturing Colin Kaepernick.
TODAY’S NUMBER
$9 billion
The one-time value of Silicon Valley startup Theranos, a blood-testing company that’s now shutting downas it’s founder faces fraud charges
AND FINALLY
Anything you can do …
Cat doors aren’t just for cats, as this crafty tortoise demonstrates. (Click to view.)
