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Major Developments in Tech and Politics
Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, resigns amid scandal. Nvidia’s board has appointed Colette Kress, the current chief financial officer, as interim CEO. This follows reports of Huang’s extramarital affairs, including one with a client linked to China’s spy agency. Huang admitted to the affair in an email to Nvidia employees and pledged cooperation with the ongoing investigation. The company’s shares dropped significantly when a second affair with an Nvidia executive surfaced. Huang, known for his leadership and ties to President Trump, leaves a notable gap at Nvidia.
Jensen Huang gives a keynote address at the Nvidia Berlin GPU Technology Conference on Oct. 21, 2026.Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Sean Gallup/Getty Images
- 🎧 Colette Kress’s role as interim CEO comes with significant challenges, NPR’s John Ruwitch reports. Kress must manage the immediate impacts of Huang’s exit while steering Nvidia’s long-term goals. The company remains crucial to the AI sector, producing chips essential to AI applications. How the board supports Kress’s leadership will be pivotal.
- 🎧 Implications for U.S. government arise from Huang’s resignation. NPR’s Danielle Kurtzleben highlights questions surrounding U.S. export policies. Lawmakers are probing when Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick became aware of Huang’s dealings with a suspected Chinese asset and his actions thereafter.
U.S. diplomats Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are engaged in diplomacy to forge a security framework between Russia and Europe, aiming to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Their diplomatic efforts included visits to Abu Dhabi, Moscow, and Ireland for talks with key leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- 🎧 Progress made in talks with Putin, NPR’s Charles Maynes reports. Kushner envisions a new security framework but faces resistance from Putin, who blames Europe for prolonging the conflict. Despite this, Putin has agreed to future talks involving Europeans, though the Kremlin has not confirmed the details.
Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland aims to challenge Chuck Schumer for the Senate majority leader position. His decision follows recent electoral wins and a call for change from voters seeking a departure from longstanding norms. Van Hollen, known for his progressive stance and advocacy against wrongful deportations, represents a push from the Democratic base for Schumer’s replacement.
Tips for Your Thanksgiving
Life Kit is here to help you host a memorable and calm Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or good ol’ fashioned fall dinner party.filadendron/Getty Images
filadendron/Getty Images
With Thanksgiving around the corner, decisions about your gathering can be simplified. Consider whether to stick with traditional recipes or try new ones. Life Kit offers valuable guidance on adding flavor and style to your celebration.
- 🦃 Spark lively conversations with “magical questions” like “What’s the weirdest thing you’ve found in your pocket?”
- 🦃 Focus on three key moments: setting the table, serving the meal, and enjoying the game, to fully engage with your guests.
- 🦃 Use simple yet striking entryway decor, such as a vase filled with seasonal items, to welcome your guests.
- 🦃 Create a cozy atmosphere with sensory elements like soft blankets, candles, and decorative gourds.
Explore exciting new recipes such as salt-and-pepper roast turkey breast. Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for more expert tips.
Weekend Entertainment Suggestions
(L-R) Nia Otchere-Sarfo, Jordan Rice, Lucia Aremu, Denee Benton, Heather Alicia Simms, Erin Morton, Jasmine Amy Rogers and Patina Miller during the opening night curtain call for Manhattan Theatre Club’s production of “School Girls; Or The African Mean Girls Play” on Broadway at The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on September 28, 2026 in New York City.Bruce Glikas/Getty Images
Bruce Glikas/Getty Images
Explore what’s trending on NPR this weekend:
🍿 Movies: Gentle Monster explores a couple’s life disrupted by criminal accusations. Léa Seydoux stars in her first complex English-speaking lead role.
📺 TV: The legal drama Cupertino follows lawyers in Silicon Valley tackling AI and tech giants.
📚 Books: Mona Chalabi’s Ten Lives: How What We Have Shapes Who We Are examines financial security through the lives of 10 diverse Americans.
🎵 Music: Artists Lil Baby, Jack Harlow, and SOB x RBE explore creative renewal in their new albums, reviewed here.
🎭 Theater: School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play concludes its Broadway run, with live streams available online.
❓Quiz: Test your knowledge of this week’s news here.
Key Points Before You Go
A “For Sale” sign is shown posted outside a property in Pasadena, Calif., on April 7, 2026.Mario Tama/Getty Images North America
Mario Tama/Getty Images North America
- Home sales declined to 3.75 million in October, an 8.8% decrease, marking the lowest in 16 years, as per the National Association of Realtors. Read more.
- A study at the University of Virginia indicates that children with past-life memories, particularly those who died violently, reincarnate faster. Learn more (via WBUR).
- The American Cancer Society now recommends routine prostate cancer screenings, citing that early detection via blood tests can save lives, especially in high-risk groups. Details here.
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
