It’s Cyber Monday, which means you’ll be fooling exactly no one when you’re glued to your computer today “working.” 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. Pope in Myanmar
Pope Francis arrived in Myanmar this morning. Francis, the first pope to ever visit the nation, will be focused on the Rohingya crisis. The Pope has previously decried the unspeakable violence against the Rohingya and referred to them as his persecuted “brothers and sisters.” But he’s been advised not to say the word ‘Rohingya’ out of fear that could start anti-Muslim protests in staunchly Buddhist Myanmar. The ethnic group is not a recognized minority in the country. The government, instead, refers to them as “Bengalis,” and claims they are illegal immigrants from neighboring Bangladesh.
2. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
There’s a political fight brewing at the nation’s consumer watchdog agency, but, please, don’t scroll down to the next item. What happens with the CFPB is actually pretty important. Richard Cordray, the agency’s director, resigned last week and named his chief of staff, Leandra English, as the acting director. But then President Trump named Mick Mulvaney, who’s already running the Office of Management and Budget, as the CFPB’s acting director. English is suing to stop that.
The CFPB oversees financial institutions and protects consumers from financial fraud. It’s also not popular at all with Trump, Republicans or Wall Street, so that may explain why the administration seems to want to get its hands on it. Mulvaney himself has been one of CFPB’s biggest critics, saying it creates burdensome regulations. So will there be a showdown this morning? It’s unclear, but Mulvaney’s team expects there will be a normal transition.
3. Sexual harassment
The sex harassment allegations swirling around Rep. John Conyers caused the long-serving Michigan Democrat to step down as ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee. Meanwhile, Sen. Al Franken said he’s embarrassed and ashamed after several women said he had inappropriately touched them. But he still plans to return to the Senate today, after missing votes when the allegations went public. Finally, Sen. Lindsey Graham wishes the President would cool it with the support for Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, whose campaign was rocked by sex harassment allegations weeks ago.
4. Egypt mosque attack
We’re starting to hear the stories from the survivors of the horrifying terror attack on a mosque in Egypt that killed more than 300 people. One man said he concealed himself under dead bodies to hide from the dozens of gunmen who attacked the Sufi mosque in northern Sinai with automatic machine guns. One of the attackers carried an ISIS flag. Another survivor said he lost nine family members in the massacre. Sufism is a mystical branch of Islam that some extremists consider heretical.
5. Indonesia volcano
If your holiday travels include a trip to Bali, a volcano may put a serious dent in them. Volcanic eruptions from Mount Agung are shooting thick ash miles into the air, forcing the closure of Bali’s main airport. About 40,000 nearby residents have been evacuated. The high level of concern on Bali, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, is warranted. When Mount Agung erupted in 1963, more than 1,700 people were killed.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
New nuptials
Get ready for another royal wedding. Prince Harry and American actress Meghan Markle are engaged.
Gift that keeps giving
That homeless vet who received a windfall after helping a stranger in Philly says he’s going to pay it forward.
Romance is not dead
Fellas, you can learn a thing or two from dolphins about how to woo a lady. A new study says the males charm the females with gifts.
RIP, Rance
He was best known as director Ron Howard’s dad, but for decades actor Rance Howard was a movie and TV mainstay, too.
WHAT’S FOR LUNCH
Back to work
Congress returns from Thanksgiving break with a few things ahead for the week: A Senate vote on taxes, a visit from Trump and a meeting on an upcoming spending bill.
NUMBER OF THE DAY
$2.8 billion
That’s how much media company Meredith paid for Time Inc.
AND FINALLY …
Upside down
“Sesame Street” plus “Stranger Things” equals the most entertaining lesson you’ll ever get about sharing. (Click to view)