What's Happening
Legal
In Court, Cassie Tells the Story Diddy Tried To Bury
Disclaimer: The following story mentions sexual assault, which could be triggering to some readers.
What's going on: Cassie Ventura took the stand Tuesday at Sean “Diddy” Combs’s federal sex trafficking trial, describing her life with the music mogul as one shaped by control, fear, and violence. Ventura, who dated Combs and was signed to his label, said he beat her more times than she could count, dictated her appearance, and filmed sex acts to use as blackmail. She testified that Combs ordered her to find male escorts for “freak offs,” multi-day sex parties where he demanded specific performances and punished resistance. “He would … knock me over, drag me, kick me, stomp me in the head,” she said. Prosecutors are using her testimony to establish coercion rather than consent. “I just didn’t feel like I had much of a choice, didn’t really know what ‘no’ could be or what ‘no’ could turn into,” Ventura testified. Combs pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution. He faces 15 years to life in prison if convicted.
Tell me more: Ventura’s 2023 civil lawsuit — settled just one day after it was filed — sparked the federal investigation now playing out in court. Her allegations of years of abuse and forced sex acts mirror this week’s testimony. Since then, dozens more accusers have come forward. Prosecutors argue Combs built a criminal enterprise on threats, drugs, and coercion, using his wealth and staff to maintain silence and control. Combs’s defense team admitted he was jealous and violent at times, but insists all sex was consensual. They’ve also attempted to discredit Ventura, by highlighting alleged drug use and a previous altercation with a security guard. Her testimony continues today, with Diddy’s lawyers yet to cross-examine her.
Related: French Actor Gérard Depardieu Found Guilty of Sexual Assault (NPR)
Politics
Biden Book Raises New Questions for the Democratic Party
What's going on: A bombshell book about former President Joe Biden’s health alleges his condition had deteriorated to the point that aides discussed wheelchair accommodations if he got re-elected. Original Sin, by journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, reports that during the campaign, advisors required handrails for appearances that involved steps and often swapped dress shoes for sneakers. The issues weren’t just physical. The book claims the now-82-year-old showed signs of cognitive change long before that fateful June debate — you know, the election-changing one where Biden said: “We finally beat Medicare.” One revealing anecdote from a New Yorker excerpt describes Biden failing to recognize George Clooney at a fundraiser the two were headlining. A Biden spokesperson responded to the claims, saying, “evidence of aging is not evidence of mental incapacity."
What it means: While some view the book as needlessly harsh toward a dedicated public servant, others see it as a crucial message for the Democratic Party about leadership transitions. Some analysts say “Retirement Is the New Resistance” — a lesson Democrats could have applied sooner with Biden, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The spotlight’s now on other senior figures, like 74-year-old Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY). It’s not just about age: Health concerns are swirling around Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA). And though the Republican Party has similar challenges, Democrats are the ones dealing with growing calls for new leadership from the likes of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ).
Related: Pete Buttigieg Breaks Silence on Biden’s Second Term and a Possible 2028 Run (WaPo Gift Link)
US News
Even MAGA's Not on Board With That Qatari Jet
What's going on: Some of President Donald Trump’s staunchest supporters have a limit — and apparently, it’s a luxury jet with foreign fingerprints. That’s the dilemma Trump finds himself in — eyeing a $400 million flying palace courtesy of the Qatari royal family while Air Force One gets a tune-up. The offer emerged ahead of Trump’s Middle East tour this week, where leaders have rolled out the red carpet — and a custom McDonald’s food truck — to cater to his love of gold, glitz, and fast food. But what started as criticism and allegations of corruption from Democrats has since evolved into MAGA blowback. Laura Loomer, who once said she’d “take a bullet” for Trump, called the move “a stain” on the presidency, and Ben Shapiro said “this kind of skeezy stuff needs to stop.” Others point out Trump previously called Qatar a “funder of terrorism,” while Republican senators like Rick Scott (R-FL) expressed unease about Qatar’s relationship with Hamas.
What it means: Military and Secret Service officials say the jet raises national security risks, since it’s a foreign government providing presidential transport. But this isn’t just about the plane — critics say it’s about how Trump 2.0 has used the presidency for personal profit. Just this month, he auctioned off face time through his $TRUMP meme coin and offered private dinners and White House tours to top crypto holders. Meanwhile, his sons have been globe-trotting, announcing billion-dollar deals across the Gulf, including a golf resort in Qatar. The jet may be the flashiest example, but many say it’s part of the same pattern: no lines, no limits, and no apologies. In fact, Trump said it would be “stupid” to decline.
Related: Did Chief Justice John Roberts Just Send a Message to President Trump? (Politico)
Highlight Reel
BY SKIMM SPORTS
The week's sports news and culture stories, ranked.
Hang it in Louvre: In her final match, this Italian soccer star made one last, game-changing statement by bringing her résumé to the field. Literally.
Winning: Sue Bird will be spreading her wings and returning to the Olympics in a whole new capacity.
Play ball?: This MLB team is on track to beat the White Sox’s 121-game losing streak. That’s one way to set a record.
Alarming: A US Olympic gold medalist has been charged as part of a prostitution ring.
Extra Credit
Invest
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know about ZURZUVAE?
ZURZUVAE may cause serious side effects, including:
Decreased ability to drive or do other dangerous activities. ZURZUVAE may decrease your awareness and alertness, which can affect your ability to drive safely or safely do other dangerous activities
Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until at least 12 hours after taking each dose during your 14-day treatment course of ZURZUVAE
You may not be able to tell on your own if you can drive safely or tell how much ZURZUVAE is affecting you
Decreased awareness and alertness [central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects]. ZURZUVAE may cause sleepiness, drowsiness, slow thinking, dizziness, confusion, and trouble walking
Because of these symptoms, you may be at a higher risk for falls during treatment with ZURZUVAE
Taking alcohol, other medicines that cause CNS depressant effects, or opioids while taking ZURZUVAE can make these symptoms worse and may also cause trouble breathing
Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any of these symptoms, or if they get worse during treatment with ZURZUVAE. Your healthcare provider may decrease your dose or stop ZURZUVAE treatment if you develop these symptoms
ZURZUVAE is a federal controlled substance (C-IV) because it contains zuranolone, which can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep ZURZUVAE in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not sell or give away ZURZUVAE, because it may harm others and is against the law.
Before taking ZURZUVAE, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
drink alcohol
have abused or been dependent on prescription medicines, street drugs, or alcohol
have liver or kidney problems
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. ZURZUVAE may harm your unborn baby
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. ZURZUVAE passes into breast milk, and it is not known if it can harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding and about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with ZURZUVAE
Females who are able to become pregnant:
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment with ZURZUVAE.
You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with ZURZUVAE and for 1 week after the final dose
There is a pregnancy registry for females who are exposed to ZURZUVAE during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of females exposed to ZURZUVAE and their baby. If you become pregnant during treatment with ZURZUVAE, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visit online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. ZURZUVAE and some medicines may interact with each other and cause serious side effects. ZURZUVAE may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect the way ZURZUVAE works.
Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take antidepressants, opioids, or CNS depressants such as benzodiazepines.
What should I avoid while taking ZURZUVAE?
Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until at least 12 hours after taking each dose of ZURZUVAE because ZURZUVAE may make you feel sleepy, confused, or dizzy
Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines that make you sleepy or dizzy while taking ZURZUVAE without talking to your healthcare provider
See “What is the most important information I should know about ZURZUVAE?”
ZURZUVAE may cause serious side effects, including:
See “What is the most important information I should know about ZURZUVAE?”
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. ZURZUVAE and other antidepressant medicines may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in people 24 years of age and younger. ZURZUVAE is not for use in children
How can I watch for and try to prevent suicidal thoughts and actions?
Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings, or if you develop suicidal thoughts or actions. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings
Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider as scheduled. Call your healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:
attempts to commit suicide
thoughts about suicide or dying
new or worse depression
feeling very agitated or restless
trouble sleeping (insomnia)
new or worse anxiety
panic attacks
new or worse irritability
acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
acting on dangerous impulses
other unusual changes in behavior or mood
The most common side effects of ZURZUVAE include:
Sleepiness or drowsiness, dizziness, common cold, diarrhea, feeling tired, weak, or having no energy, and urinary tract infection
These are not all of the possible side effects of ZURZUVAE. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
What is ZURZUVAE® (zuranolone) CIV?
ZURZUVAE is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with postpartum depression (PPD).
It is not known if ZURZUVAE is safe and effective in children.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide.
Sponsored by Sage Therapeutics, Inc. and Biogen Inc.
ZUR-US-1093v2 03/25
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