Good morning. Today: Elite corruption exposed in 20,000 emails, a federal agency loses its leader, and the books that moved us most in 2025.

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David Richardson resigned Monday as acting FEMA chief after six months. He faced criticism for handling Texas floods in July that killed 136 people, including remaining absent from the disaster site for one week.

Richardson, a former Marine officer, had no emergency management experience when appointed in May. He replaced Cameron Hamilton, who was fired after opposing FEMA's elimination. The agency lost 18% of staff since Trump took office.

FEMA Chief of Staff Karen Evans assumes the role December 1. A Trump-appointed review council will deliver recommendations in December on reforming FEMA and shifting disaster response responsibilities to states.

A trove of 20,000 emails from Jeffrey Epstein was released, revealing extensive correspondence with prominent figures across politics, business, and media. TheWrap's analysis compares the network to Stanley Kubrick's film "Eyes Wide Shut," arguing it validates theories about elite corruption.

The emails include exchanges with former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, Steve Bannon, journalists, and academics. Many maintained contact after Epstein's 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution (vote today to release all files).

The release shows Epstein's continued connections until his 2019 federal sex trafficking arrest. The article suggests the correspondence proves "conspiracy theorists are right" about protected networks among the powerful (unpublished Epstein profile).

▲ Kubrick’s real ending to Eyes Wide Shut.

A building at Accurate Energetic Systems exploded October 10, killing 16 workers and detonating up to 28,000 pounds of explosives. The blast at the Tennessee facility was heard 15 miles away. Workers ranged in age from 21 to 60.

Building 602 manufactured explosive boosters for commercial mining but wasn't regularly inspected by federal agencies. Pentagon inspectors examined military production areas but skipped commercial buildings. The ATF regulates storage and security, not manufacturing safety or workplace conditions.

Federal investigators are examining the heating kettles and chemical handling processes that may have triggered the chain reaction. A victim's family filed a lawsuit alleging unsafe conditions at the 120-employee facility. Guidelines for explosives manufacturing here.

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“The books that moved and delighted us, sparked conversations, and opened our minds:”

See the full list right here.

Sales burnout stems from repetitive work disconnected from purpose. The solution: link activities to intrinsic goals beyond quota. One manager helped a rep calculate weekly meetings needed to fund his autistic son's school. Breaking personal goals into metrics—from life aspirations to commission to meetings—transforms routine calls into meaningful progress toward what truly matters.

Watch 10-minute video.

▲ Google CEO warns no company immune if AI bubble bursts, acknowledges "elements of irrationality" in market

▲ Medicaid insurers list phantom doctor networks as over one-third treated zero patients in 2023

▲ ICE raid at Ohio taco shop splits Trump county as Republicans clash over unmarked-car arrests

▲ Comey prosecution faces collapse as judge cites "disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps"

▲ Freddy's franchisee M&M Custard files Chapter 11 with $27.7M in liabilities, $5.2M in assets

Do we need a bear market now? [WSJ]

Bobby Flay talks cooking cliches [Video]

Chefs’ unique Thanksgiving meals [Blog]

Nighttime mobility routine [Video]

Restaurant secret to guacamole [Video]