Witkoff faces backlash for praising Putin as a ‘humanitarian’

Key Points:

• Senate Democrats plan to investigate the Trump administration’s decision to waive sanctions on Russian diesel, signaling potential oversight actions if they gain control of Congress after the midterms; companies involved have been asked to preserve documents for the inquiry.
• Airbnb will implement new rules starting Nov. 20 that prohibit hosts from requiring guests to perform burdensome checkout chores like stripping beds or washing dishes, aiming to reduce hidden fees and confusing house rules.
• Special envoy Steve Witkoff faced bipartisan backlash for calling Russian President Vladimir Putin a “humanitarian” following the release of a U.S. citizen by Russia, drawing criticism amid ongoing conflict and recent Russian attacks on Kyiv.
• Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was denied entry to a WNBA Finals game in Atlanta after refusing to watch from a private suite arranged for his safety, highlighting ongoing tensions around his outspoken opposition to transgender athletes in women’s sports.
• Federal health officials are investigating a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to raw oysters from Virginia’s Little Wicomico Oyster Company, which has recalled affected products distributed across multiple states; 27 people have fallen ill, with five hospitalizations.
• Rev. Edward Nalwamba, a 79-year-old pastor held in immigration detention for 13 months under poor health conditions, was released by a federal judge due to lack of a concrete deportation plan and exceeding reasonable detention limits, sparking criticism of the immigration system’s handling of his case.