We the People… Have Questions

Good morning.

Naturally, I was rooting for Journalism in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, but it lost to Sovereignty — because sometimes the metaphors just write themselves. One eye on the race, the other on the hats — a fitting warm-up for tonight’s Met Gala. To get in the spirit, here’s a look back at some of the most unforgettable Met Gala dresses of all time (yes, including Liv Tyler and Stella McCartney’s “Rock Royalty” moment). And hey, read something in here your friend would enjoy? Go ahead and forward it their way. The more the merrier. Now, let’s get to the news...

— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY

What's Happening

US News

We the People… Have Questions

What's going on: President Donald Trump did little to quiet critics warning of a “constitutional crisis” in an exclusive interview with Meet the Press that aired Sunday. When asked if he believes he’s obligated to uphold the Constitution, Trump said: “I don’t know,” before adding that his lawyers “are obviously going to follow what the Supreme Court said.” His comments appear to contradict past statements from his Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Supreme Court itself, and the oath he took — twice — to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.” (He also seems fuzzy on the Declaration of Independence — prompting one reporter’s viral look.) The backlash to Trump’s waffling was swift.

Tell me more: In the same wide-ranging interview, Trump downplayed recession fears — even as new data showed the economy shrinking — saying, “the good parts are the Trump economy, and the bad parts are the Biden economy.” (No word yet on who’s running the doll economy.) He also said he plans to build a Mar-a-Lago-style ballroom in the White House — on his own dime. Trump floated VP JD Vance and Rubio as potential successors (after previously appearing to entertain the idea of a third term). Still, it was his “I don’t know” that garnered the most criticism, fueling concern among analysts about how he challenges institutions, dismisses court rulings, and treats checks and balances like suggestions.

Related: Trump’s Latest Plan? A 100% Tariff on Movies Made Overseas (WSJ Gift Link)

US News

Diddy's Federal Trial Set To Begin

Disclaimer: The following story mentions sexual assault, which could be triggering to some readers.

What's going on: The federal trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs starts today in Manhattan, with jury selection set to get underway. He faces five criminal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. Prosecutors allege that Combs ran a violent criminal enterprise spanning more than two decades, using his fame, fortune, and business empire to recruit and exploit women. The indictment describes so-called “freak offs” — drug-fueled orgies where women were allegedly coerced into sex acts with male sex workers while Combs filmed. Prosecutors say he maintained control through violence, threats, and hush money. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty and denies all wrongdoing, saying the relationships were consensual.

Tell me more: The trial (which is expected to last eight to 10 weeks) centers on the allegations from four women, including Combs’s former partner and key witness, Cassie Ventura. Her 2023 lawsuit — settled without Combs admitting wrongdoing — alleged a decade of abuse and helped spark the federal investigation. A judge has ruled that 2016 hotel surveillance footage, first aired by CNN, showing Combs attacking Ventura is admissible in court. CNN reports that additional witnesses will include former partners, a male sex worker, and a friend of Ventura who also claims to have experienced Diddy’s violence. At a pretrial hearing last week, Combs confirmed he rejected a plea deal that would’ve carried a lighter sentence. He remains in federal custody and faces anywhere from ten years to life in prison if convicted.

Related: Eleven Lacrosse Players Charged With Extreme Hazing Over Staged Kidnapping (CNN)

Business

The Oracle of Omaha Is Retiring

What's going on: First came the shock — then the standing ovations. That was the scene in Omaha on Saturday as Warren Buffett announced his retirement, ending a legendary six-decade run at the helm of Berkshire Hathaway. The 94-year-old’s announcement caught almost everyone off guard — including Vice Chairman Greg Abel, who is set to take over as CEO at the end of the year. Buffett had long said he planned to work until his death, and only his children knew he’d be stepping down. He isn’t just a rich finance bro — he’s a cultural legend, with memes about his long-time flip phone use (despite having nearly $100 billion invested in Apple) and his fast-food diet. Although his career contained occasional eyebrow-raising moments, Buffett will go down as one of the world’s most influential investors.

Tell me more: Known for his folksy charm and razor-sharp strategy, he inspired generations of investors — and he’s still got it, recently outperforming the S&P 500 by nearly 23 points in a chaotic market. Meanwhile, Buffett isn’t going quietly, either — he called Trump’s trade war a mistake on Saturday. He also attempted to assure investors, noting he’d be available to help Abel, a Canadian who’s overseen many of Berkshire's investments. CEOs have weighed in — including JPMorgan Chase’s Jamie Dimon, who called Buffett “everything that is good about American capitalism and America itself.” He also praised his integrity, optimism, and commitment to investing in the country’s growth.

Related: China Has Several Cards To Play in the Trade War With Trump (The Conversation)

Tell Us

Millennial retirement panic is real. Do you think yours will look like your parents' did?

Extra Credit

Eat

Ever take a bite of pasta so good, it leaves the entire table speechless? Eden Grinshpan’s Pine Nut and Preserved Lemon Pasta, from her new cookbook Tahini Baby, is that pasta. Pine nuts are the game-changer — toasted until golden, they add a deep, nutty flavor that pulls the whole dish together. When combined with spaghetti, tangy preserved lemon, garlic, Parmesan, Aleppo pepper, and plenty of butter, you’ve got a creamy, crave-worthy meal that’s been described as “foreplay on a plate.” Consider yourself warned.

Game Time

Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.