Who Is Carmen Yulín Cruz, the Puerto Rican Mayor Feuding With Trump? by RICHARD FAUSSET and FRANCES ROBLES

By RICHARD FAUSSET and FRANCES ROBLES On the island, the outspokenness of the liberal mayor, who tends to speak in blunt and emotional terms, has come as little surprise. Published: September 29, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2x6JCCe

Trump’s Next Move on Health Care? Choice for Secretary May Offer Clue by PETER BAKER and ROBERT PEAR

By PETER BAKER and ROBERT PEAR The selection of a successor for Tom Price, who resigned as secretary of health and human services, could be a turning point in the debate over health care. Published: September 29, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2g0qPmG

Suspect in Tennessee Church Shooting Cited Revenge for Charleston Massacre by SERGE F. KOVALESKI and ALAN BLINDER

By SERGE F. KOVALESKI and ALAN BLINDER A note found in the gunman’s car made reference to retaliation for the nine church members killed by Dylann Roof in 2015, The Associated Press said. Published: September 28, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2g0vc17

With Widespread Power Failures, Puerto Rico Is Cash Only by JACK HEALY

By JACK HEALY With power failures and communications outages still widespread nine days after Hurricane Maria, much of Puerto Rico has become a cash-only island. Published: September 28, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2g14aXs

High Schools Threaten to Punish Students Who Kneel During Anthem by CHRISTINE HAUSER

By CHRISTINE HAUSER Schools on Long Island and in Louisiana have cautioned students against protesting. And in public schools, such directives run up against students’ First Amendment rights. Published: September 28, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2g0Daak

Inside the New Proposal That Exacerbated Uber’s Board Divisions by KATIE BENNER and MIKE ISAAC

If approved by the board, the proposal by Uber’s new chief, Dara Khosrowshahi, and Goldman Sachs would reduce Travis Kalanick’s voting clout. By KATIE BENNER and MIKE ISAAC from NYT Technology

The Founding Ceremony of the Nation

The Founding Ceremony of the Nation is a 1953 oil painting by Chinese artist Dong Xiwen. It depicts Mao Zedong and other Communist officials inaugurating the People’s Republic of China at Tiananmen Square on October 1, 1949. A prominent example of socialist realism, it is one of the most celebrated works of official Chinese art. […]

Word of the day for October 1, 2017

songcraft , n : (music) The practice or skill of crafting or composing songs. Today is designated International Music Day by the International Music Council to promote musical art among all sections of society, among other things. It was established in 1975 by violinist and conductor Yehudi Menuhin, who was President of the Council at […]

Picture of the day for October 1, 2017

Picture of the day on October 1, 2017: Swine skeleton, after technique of bone maceration, on display at the University of São Paulo Museum of Veterinary Anatomy.

Lin-Manuel Miranda Says Trump Is ‘Going Straight to Hell’ by JOHANNA BARR

By JOHANNA BARR The “Hamilton” creator, who has family in Puerto Rico, denounced the president for his outburst against San Juan’s mayor with the island still in crisis. Published: September 29, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2yfe1Dw

One Day in the Life of Battered Puerto Rico by FRANCES ROBLES, LUIS FERRÉ-SADURNÍ, RICHARD FAUSSET and IVELISSE RIVERA

By FRANCES ROBLES, LUIS FERRÉ-SADURNÍ, RICHARD FAUSSET and IVELISSE RIVERA A team of New York Times reporters and photographers spent 24 hours with people trying to survive the catastrophe that Hurricane Maria left behind in Puerto Rico. Published: September 29, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2fZpTPv

San Juan Mayor Rebukes Trump Administration for Rosy Comments on Relief Effort by RICHARD FAUSSET, MICHAEL D. SHEAR, RON NIXON and FRANCES ROBLES

By RICHARD FAUSSET, MICHAEL D. SHEAR, RON NIXON and FRANCES ROBLES “Damn it, this is not a good news story,” Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz said. Later, President Trump said the operation was going “really well, considering.” Published: September 28, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2wq4oO0

Trump Lashes Out at Puerto Rico Mayor Who Criticized Storm Response by PETER BAKER

By PETER BAKER In a series of tweets, the president accused the mayor of San Juan of “poor leadership” and implied that Puerto Rico should do more to help itself. Published: September 29, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2x3IqVa

Arming China’s Terracotta Warriors — With Your Phone by JON HURDLE

By JON HURDLE At an exhibit at the Franklin Institute, visitors will be able to use an app on their phones to see digital images of spears and arrows for the statues. Published: September 28, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT Science http://nyti.ms/2fyx8gu

San Juan Mayor Rebukes White House Over Response in Puerto Rico by DANIEL VICTOR

By DANIEL VICTOR Carmen Yulín Cruz, the mayor, said it was “irresponsible” of the head of Homeland Security to call the government’s response so far a good news story. Published: September 28, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2fEDzm6

In Power Move at Uber, Travis Kalanick Appoints 2 to Board by KATIE BENNER and MIKE ISAAC

Mr. Kalanick, the former Uber chief, who has been embroiled in a fight with other directors at the ride-hailing company, moved to assert his control over its board. By KATIE BENNER and MIKE ISAAC from NYT Technology

‘Another Fantastic Week’: Tom Price’s Celebratory Travelogues by KATIE ROGERS and ERIC LIPTON

By KATIE ROGERS and ERIC LIPTON The health and human services secretary sent dispatches from his globe-trotting to agency staff members, including many who faced budget-related travel restrictions. Published: September 28, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2fy1boC

The Elusive Giant Coconut-Cracking Rat of the Solomon Islands by JOANNA KLEIN

By JOANNA KLEIN A chance encounter with a falling tree let scientists finally confirm the existence of a legendary rodent species in the South Pacific. Published: September 28, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT Science http://nyti.ms/2kcPhG2

Washington v. Texas

Washington v. Texas (1967) is a US Supreme Court case about the right of criminal defendants to have witnesses testify on their behalf. The Court decided that the Compulsory Process Clause of the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution applied in state courts as well as federal courts. At his trial Jackie Washington had attempted to […]

Picture of the day for September 30, 2017

Picture of the day on September 30, 2017: Ceiling of the Sioni Cathedral, a Georgian Orthodox cathedral in Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. The cathedral is situated in historic Sionis Kucha (Sioni Street) in downtown Tbilisi. It was initially built in the 6th and 7th centuries. Since then, it has been destroyed by foreign invaders and […]

Read the Resignation Letter Tom Price Sent to President Trump by Unknown Author

By Unknown Author Tom Price sent a letter on Friday to President Trump resigning as health secretary. Mr. Price had been under pressure after racking up at least $400,000 in travel bills, footed by the taxpayers, for chartered flights. Published: September 28, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2fXxGNG

Word of the day for September 30, 2017

bombast , n : (archaic) Cotton, or cotton wool. (archaic) Cotton, or any soft, fibrous material, used as stuffing for garments; stuffing, padding. (figuratively) High-sounding words; language above the dignity of the occasion; a pompous or ostentatious manner of writing or speaking.

Senate Unveils Budget Blueprint Allowing $1.5 Trillion in Tax Cuts by THOMAS KAPLAN

By THOMAS KAPLAN The release of the Senate’s budget resolution is a critical step toward passing a tax overhaul that is protected from a Democratic filibuster. Published: September 28, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2fEs5yH

The Perils of Peanut Butter by C. CLAIBORNE RAY

By C. CLAIBORNE RAY How clean does a jar for your sandwich spread need to be for recycling efforts? Published: September 28, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT Science http://nyti.ms/2fxlJxm

Health Secretary Tom Price Resigns After Drawing Ire for Chartered Flights by PETER BAKER

By PETER BAKER The health and human services secretary stepped down soon after President Trump said that he was “not happy” about Mr. Price’s travel bills. Published: September 28, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2xQUicn

Rosetta’s Lost Picture From Moments Before It Struck a Comet by NICHOLAS ST. FLEUR

By NICHOLAS ST. FLEUR One year after the spacecraft dived into Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, it gave scientists a gift from beyond the grave. Published: September 28, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT Science http://nyti.ms/2x3I3Kw

U.S. to Collect Social Media Data on All Immigrants Entering Country by RON NIXON

By RON NIXON The new policy, which officials called an effort to more effectively screen those coming to the country, drew alarm from privacy advocates. Published: September 27, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2fY1f1q

NASA Invites Media to ‘Rocket Day’ for Space Launch System

Media are invited to learn about NASA’s deep space exploration plans and view hardware for the world’s most powerful rocket, NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), at the agency’s Rocket Day, Wednesday, Oct. 11, at NASA locations in Mississippi and Louisiana. from NASA https://go.nasa.gov/2ydEW2H

U.S. to Pull More Diplomats Out of Cuba After Attacks by GARDINER HARRIS and ADAM GOLDMAN

By GARDINER HARRIS and ADAM GOLDMAN The Trump administration is expected to announce Friday that it will pull more of its personnel out of Havana, Cuba, after mysterious attacks that have hurt 21 people associated with the embassy. Published: September 28, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2xDGUsi

Air Force General Addresses Racial Slurs on Campus: ‘You Should Be Outraged’ by JONAH ENGEL BROMWICH

By JONAH ENGEL BROMWICH Show respect or “get out,” the head of the Air Force Academy told cadets after slurs were directed at black students. Published: September 28, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2xDhgnv

95 Minutes Over Jupiter

This sequence of color-enhanced images shows how quickly the viewing geometry changes for NASA’s Juno spacecraft as it swoops by Jupiter. via NASA https://go.nasa.gov/2yyaZGq

NASA Opens Media Accreditation for November Space Station Cargo

Media accreditation is open for the launch of the eighth Orbital ATK cargo resupply flight to the International Space Station from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. from NASA https://go.nasa.gov/2ycXmR6

Trump Administration Is Pressed to Step Up Hurricane Recovery in Puerto Rico by HELENE COOPER, JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS and JACK HEALY

By HELENE COOPER, JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS and JACK HEALY White House aides insisted that the administration’s response was adequate, but residents in Puerto Rico complained of a lack of basic supplies. Published: September 27, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2k7EKfc

Who’s Eating Jellyfish? Penguins, That’s Who by STEPH YIN

By STEPH YIN Researchers attached miniature video cameras to four penguin species and found that each was a jellyvore, even when other food was available. Published: September 28, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT Science http://nyti.ms/2yMwXGN

Some Worry About Judicial Nominee’s Ties to a Religious Group by LAURIE GOODSTEIN

By LAURIE GOODSTEIN Amy Coney Barrett, President Trump’s choice for an appeals-court seat, belongs to People of Praise, a tight-knit, oath-bound group with considerable sway over its members. Published: September 27, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2hCtCpy

Second Yosemite Rockfall in Two Days Injures One at El Capitan by MATTHEW HAAG and MATT STEVENS

By MATTHEW HAAG and MATT STEVENS For the second consecutive day, a chunk of rock broke off the granite monolith at the California park. Crashing rock on Wednesday killed a tourist from Wales. Published: September 27, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2ydmqHB

Engrave Your Own Stationery Template by J. D. BIERSDORFER

Microsoft Word comes with many sample document templates, but you can also create your own custom letterhead. By J. D. BIERSDORFER from NYT Technology

Michael Francis Egan

Michael Francis Egan (September 29, 1761 – July 22, 1814) was a prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. Born in Ireland, he joined the Franciscan Order at a young age. He was ordained a priest, probably in Prague, in 1785 or 1786. He advanced rapidly to positions of responsibility in the Franciscan order, becoming custos […]

Picture of the day for September 29, 2017

Picture of the day on September 29, 2017: Fresco in the dome of Maria Taferl Basilica (Lower Austria) by Antonio Beduzzi (1714-1718): Life and assumption of Mary

Word of the day for September 29, 2017

whopping , adj : (colloquial) Exceptionally great or large.

Fight Erupts to Shield Tax Breaks Threatened by G.O.P. Overhaul by ALAN RAPPEPORT and THOMAS KAPLAN

By ALAN RAPPEPORT and THOMAS KAPLAN Less than 24 hours after Republicans unveiled a sweeping plan to rewrite the tax code, Washington lobbyists are already jockeying to protect valuable tax preferences. Published: September 27, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2xGkKTM

After the Tsunami, Japan’s Sea Creatures Crossed an Ocean by MARTIN FACKLER

By MARTIN FACKLER Hundreds of species — mussels, crabs and others — traveled thousands of miles on plastic debris to American shores. Published: September 27, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT Science http://nyti.ms/2k6toYJ

This Week in NASA History: Second Crewed Skylab Mission Splashes Down – Sept. 25, 1973

This week in 1973, the second crewed Skylab mission splashed down in the Pacific Ocean following a successful 59-day mission in the orbiting laboratory. via NASA https://go.nasa.gov/2fBb096

South Carolina Students to Speak with NASA Astronaut on Space Station

Students at Laing Middle School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, near Charleston, will speak with a NASA astronaut living, working and doing research aboard the International Space Station at 11:30 a.m. EDT Monday, Oct. 2. from NASA https://go.nasa.gov/2xOxDO0

Celebrities Remember Hugh Hefner for More Than Just the Articles by AUSTIN RAMZY and DAN BILEFSKY

By AUSTIN RAMZY and DAN BILEFSKY Tributes on Twitter came from Jesse Jackson, Jenny McCarthy and others who remembered Mr. Hefner for his business acumen and activism. Published: September 27, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2wZjfOT

Trump Waives Jones Act for Puerto Rico, Easing Hurricane Aid Shipments by NIRAJ CHOKSHI

By NIRAJ CHOKSHI Puerto Rican officials and their allies had argued that the law was making it harder to get needed supplies to the island after Hurricane Maria. Published: September 27, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2xIhFUV

Briefing, NASA Television Coverage Set for Upcoming US Spacewalks

Three American astronauts aboard the International Space Station will embark on a trio of spacewalks in October to perform station maintenance. NASA Television and the agency’s website will provide live coverage of the spacewalks, as well as a briefing to discuss the work to be performed. from NASA https://go.nasa.gov/2wYZImi

With Tax Cuts on the Table, Once-Mighty Deficit Hawks Hardly Chirp by THOMAS KAPLAN

By THOMAS KAPLAN Senate Republicans are pressing ahead with a plan to cut taxes by up to $1.5 trillion, and those worried about the deficit have little company. Published: September 27, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT U.S. http://nyti.ms/2xAadMm

Read the Memo on the Implications of the Alabama Race for Republicans by Unknown Author

By Unknown Author The New York Times obtained a confidential memo on Wednesday about the Alabama Senate race, circulated to Republican donors by allies of Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader. In it, an adviser to Mr. McConnell warns that conservative voters have turned against congressional Republicans. Published: September 26, 2017 at 08:00PM from NYT […]

IBM Now Has More Employees in India Than in the U.S. by VINDU GOEL

IBM has shifted its center of gravity halfway around the world to India, making it a high-tech example of the globalization trends that the Trump administration has railed against. By VINDU GOEL from NYT Technology