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Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), the top Democrat on the powerful Senate Finance Committee, sent CIA Director John Ratcliffe a very brief and cryptic public letter this week, urging him to reply to a classified letter he also sent.

“I write to alert you to a classified letter I sent you earlier today, in which I express deep concerns about CIA activities,” Wyden wrote to Ratcliffe – a former Republican congressman and close ally of President Donald Trump.

Wyden, who is also the longest-serving member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, sparked alarm with his letter and raised further speculation about the whistleblower complaint regarding Tulsi Gabbard – the former progressive Democrat turned Trump’s controversial director of national intelligence.

Steve Herman, the former White House bureau chief for Voice of America, reacted to the letter by writing, “The CIA is up to something and Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat who is the longest serving member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, doesn’t like it but can’t tell us about it.”

Independent journalist Matthew Yglesias added, “I think if you read between the lines here you get the sense that Senator Wyden would like to see some public questions asked about something happening at the CIA.”

While many pundits and observers noted Wyden’s letter could be about almost anything, with some pointing to U.S. operations in Syria or Venezuela, many suggested it had to do with the complaint filed to the Intelligence Community Inspector General accusing DNI Gabbard of withholding classified information for political purposes, something Gabbard has denied.

Below are some additional reactions:

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When Owala water bottles started appearing in every influencer's "daily essentials" video and cluttering my Instagram feed, I rolled my eyes. I assumed this was another overhyped product that people would forget about in three months, just the latest in a long line of Stanley Cup successors.

One of my biggest personality quirks (or "flaws," according to some) is that I'm a major spiller. The Stanley Cup's open straw is a non-starter for me. In fact, no water bottle technology has been stronger than my ability to spill its contents. After watching my latest bottle create yet another puddle in my bag, I caved and bought an Owala. And now, I have to admit this water bottle is officially an upgrade in my life.

Why the Owala water bottle is the best

I'm a huge fan of the FreeSip lid—yes, that's what they call it, and yes, it lives up to the name—is genuinely brilliant in its simplicity. There's a built-in straw for when you want to sip without tilting (perfect for walking, driving, or my personal use case: lying horizontally on the couch). Flip it open a bit more, and there's a wide-mouth spout for when you want to chug. One lid, two drinking options, and crucially, a push-button lock that has saved my laptop, my physical planner, and my dignity. Seriously, I cannot emphasize this enough: I am a world-class spiller. The Owala's lock mechanism is the only thing standing between me and constant catastrophe.

At 24 ounces, it's the perfect size—big enough that I'm not refilling it every hour, small enough that it actually fits in my bag's side pocket and doesn't make me look like I'm headed out for a weekend camping trip when I'm just going to run errands. It's become my constant companion without feeling like I'm lugging around gym equipment.

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw for Sports and Travel, BPA-Free, 24-oz, Blue/Teal (Denim)

$29.99 at Amazon

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$29.99 at Amazon

Sometimes the influencers are onto something. And now I'm part of the problem, becoming the exact person who won't shut up about their water bottle. But when you find something that solves multiple persistent problems at once, when a product actually delivers on its promises instead of just looking good in photos, it's hard not to evangelize a little. The Owala works. I'm staying hydrated, my bag is staying dry, and I'm sipping with ease wherever I go.

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Billionaire GOP mega-donor and past Trump supporter Ken Griffin accused the Trump administration this week of corruption and warned that business leaders are concerned about getting trapped in a loop of government coercion.

“This administration has definitely made missteps in choosing decisions or courses that have been very, very enriching to the families of those in the administration,” Griffin said during a conference in West Palm Beach on Tuesday. The Citadel founder was speaking at an event hosted by The Wall Street Journal and added, “That calls into question: is the public interest being served?”

“One of the things that you want to believe is that those who serve the public interest have the public interest at heart in everything they do,” Griffin added.

Griffin’s comments come amid new reporting that Trump and his sons pocketed an eyepopping $500 million investment linked to the United Arab Emirates in their crypto company just ahead of Trump’s second inauguration. The New York Times also reported last month that by its count, Trump and his family have made $1.4 billion since taking office a second time, a figure the Times called a “minimum” accounting.

White House spokesman Kush Desai responded to Griffin’s comments in a statement to the Financial Times:

The only special interest guiding the Trump administration’s decision-making is the best interest of the American people. The fact that major stock indexes have hit multiple all-time highs, real wages have grown, and inflation has cooled since President Trump took office is proof that this administration is delivering for every American.

Griffin donated tens of millions to the GOP in 2024, but declined to endorse Trump directly. He has since been a tough critic of the president on various issues, namely tariffs, which he warned put the U.S. “on a slippery slope to crony capitalism.”

Griffin also slammed the administration’s approach to corporate America and the seemingly quid-pro-quo relationships Trump has forged with major business leaders.

The FT reported on Griffin’s comments, writing, “Griffin said the dynamic has generated concerns that the US would enter a continuous cycle of corporate leaders needing to pander to whomever is in power, instead of relying on the success of their business.”

Griffin was quoted on the subject as warning, “Most CEOs just don’t want to find themselves in the business of having to in some sense suck up to one administration after another to succeed in running their businesses.”

The post Billionaire GOP Mega-Donor Rips Trump Corruption: Been ‘Very Enriching to the Families’ of Admin Officials first appeared on Mediaite.

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The Amazon Echo Dot line has long been a good choice if you're seeking compact, budget-friendly way to enter the Alexa smart home ecosystem, combining decent sound quality with versatile smart home capabilities. And right now, the newest Amazon Echo Dot Max, released late last year, and offering improved audio and connectivity features, is on sale for $79.99 (originally $99.99) in every color.

Amazon Echo Dot Max

$79.99 at Amazon

$99.99 Save $20.00

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$79.99 at Amazon

$99.99 Save $20.00

This speaker earned an Editors’ Choice Award from PCMag, which noted it delivers “fairly strong low-end frequencies considering its puny size.”  At 6.1 x 5.6 x 5.8 inches, it’s more compact than the previous Echo, with a new look that might remind you of the Death Star—it's a sphere with a large, flattened volume plate that makes the buttons more visible and a light ring that shines towards where you’re speaking and displays the volume level as a white arc. (One downside: The smaller size means a smaller woofer than its predecessor, though PCMag said the bass is still “reasonably deep.”)

One of the Dot Max’s main draws its usefulness as a voice assistant. It has Amazon Alexa built-in, and Amazon Prime members can get a free upgrade to the Alexa+ AI assistant (normally $20/month). The Amazon Echo Dot Max supports  Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E, serves as a hub for smart home devices like Zigbee, Thread, and Matter, and includes Wi-Fi radar, ultrasonic, temperature, and ambient light sensors that detect your presence in the room.

While the Echo Dot Max is a good choice at this discount, if you mostly plan to use it for listening to music, the latest Echo Dot (currently $50) may suffice. 

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The House of Representatives adopted a rule on Tuesday to allow a vote on a legislative package that would end the partial government shutdown.

The vote, which concluded Tuesday afternoon, came in at 217-215. One Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), and every Democrat voted against the rule, while the rest of the GOP caucus voted in favor of it.

A partial government shutdown began on Saturday morning as Republicans and Democrats continue to fight over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, amidst the continued controversy over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Last week, the White House struck a deal to continue funding DHS at current levels for two weeks to allow for further negotiations, and the Senate passed a legislative package to act on that agreement on Friday. Now the House will vote on the same deal at President Donald Trump’s urging.

“I am working hard with Speaker Johnson to get the current funding deal, which passed in the Senate last week, through the House and to my desk, where I will sign it into Law, IMMEDIATELY!” wrote Trump in a Truth Social post on Monday. “We need to get the Government open, and I hope all Republicans and Democrats will join me in supporting this Bill, and send it to my desk WITHOUT DELAY. There can be NO CHANGES at this time. We will work together in good faith to address the issues that have been raised, but we cannot have another long, pointless, and destructive Shutdown that will hurt our Country so badly — One that will not benefit Republicans or Democrats. I hope everyone will vote, YES!”

The post BREAKING: House Poised to End Government Shutdown After GOP Approves Trump Deal Vote first appeared on Mediaite.

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The Apple Watch Series 11 is a step up from the 10 in all the ways that matter. It has a longer battery life and tiny tweaks that make a big difference, like a brighter screen, greater durability, and new software features. Right now, the Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS 42mm) is down 25% to $299 (originally $399), marking its lowest price ever on Amazon. 

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS 42mm)

$399.00 at Amazon

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$399.00 at Amazon

In PCMag's real-world testing, the watch delivered nearly two days of battery life and features a brighter screen with 2,000 nits of peak brightness. It’s also more rugged than its predecessor, with a harder, scratch-proof screen, a waterproof build (paired with a water temperature sensor and depth gauge up to 6 meters), and a dust-proof IP6X rating. It features Apple’s newest and smartest software, watchOS 26, which includes features such as Sleep Score metrics and enhanced safety alerts like life-saving hypertension notifications.

Unlike the Apple Watch SE 3, for just $50 more at the current discount, the Series 11 has a thinner design with a larger display, and sensors that detect blood oxygen levels and ECGs, as well as other heart health and temperature sensors. The 11 also packs in an altimeter, gyroscope, compass, and ambient light sensor. Users can dive into their workout data via the iOS Fitness app, while the iOS Health app houses biometrics and ECG results. This model includes GPS, enabling real-time tracking of distance and pace during outdoor workouts. It also supports 5G connectivity, ensuring a stronger connection wherever you are.

If you’re an iPhone user looking to upgrade your smartwatch or invest in a feature-rich one that’s ultra-durable, longer-lasting, and has 5G connectivity, the Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS 42mm), powered by watchOS 26, offers solid bang for your buck at its lowest-ever price of $299.

Planning to express your love with flowers this Valentine's Day? While the gesture is timeless, the pricing certainly isn't: While you might think flowers are something you have to get fresh that day, waiting until Feb. 14 to buy that perfect bouquet means fewer options and higher prices.

Here's the case for ordering your Valentine's flowers as soon as possible.

Why you should order Valentine's Day flowers right now

The sooner you order, the less likely you are to pay the top-dollar prices the last-minute shoppers will shoulder. As the big date approaches and inventory dwindles, prices skyrocket. A dozen roses that might cost $50 a week before Valentine's Day could easily jump to $90 or more come Feb. 14.

Especially if you're planning to have flowers delivered, early ordering is a must. Florists are absolutely slammed on Valentine's Day, and delivery slots fill up fast. Last-minute orders often can't be guaranteed for same-day delivery, meaning your romantic gesture might arrive a day late—which rather defeats the purpose.

When you order early, you can schedule delivery for exactly when you want them to arrive, whether that's first thing in the morning to start your partner's day off right, or perfectly timed during the workday to make all their jealous coworkers. In short, Valentine's Day is about showing someone you care, and nothing shows you care like putting real thought and planning into your gesture.

How to keep Valentine's Day flowers healthy until Valentine's Day

The good news: When properly cared for, roses can stay healthy for five to seven days after purchase. And for even more value and longevity, consider alternatives to traditional roses. Carnations and orchids are beautiful and tasteful while lasting up to two weeks. Not only will you be choosing something more economical, but also, you'll be showing your valentine that they're more special and unique than a boring old rose. (At least, you should be prepared with a little speech in case your lover actually really wanted roses.)

To maximize the lifespan of your roses (and most bouquets):

• Keep them in clean water.

• Trim the stems at an angle every few days.

• Remove any leaves below the waterline.

• Store them away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

• Add flower food to the water.

Remember, Valentine's Day is about expressing your feelings, not emptying your wallet. When you plan ahead, you have time to think about what your partner would really love. You can browse different options, read reviews, compare florists, and make a thoughtful choice rather than panic-buying whatever's available. (And if you're looking for gift ideas that aren't a bouquet, check out my alternative Valentine's Day gift ideas.)