Mona Lisa's Not Smiling

Good morning.

It’s that time of year when the sun ghosts us earlier every day — and yes, I have “sunset anxiety” about it. If you do too, here are some expert-backed ways to cope. While we’re on seasonal stressors: Thanksgiving planners, check those grocery lists twice — turkey talk is getting tense this year. But even if the bird’s scarce, there’s always dessert. I’m hosting for the first time, so if you need me, I’ll be stress-baking these apple cider donuts. And if you’re channeling that autumn angst into redecorating, Benjamin Moore just dropped its Color of the Year. Let’s just say it pairs well with a cozy blanket...and a mild existential crisis over daylight saving time. Now, let's get to the news...

— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY

What's Happening

International

Mona Lisa's Not Smiling

What's going on: It took just seven minutes for a group of thieves to pull off one of the most audacious museum heists in recent European history — inside the Louvre, no less. In broad daylight yesterday, with visitors inside, robbers armed with power tools scaled a ladder, forced a window, smashed display cases, and made off with eight royal Napoleonic pieces of jewelry. Danny Ocean could never. The chaos unfolded just 270 yards from the Mona Lisa herself. But the job wasn’t flawless: The thieves dropped one piece of jewelry — Empress Eugénie’s crown, glittering with more than 1,300 diamonds — which authorities later recovered, though damaged. Authorities quickly evacuated visitors and said no one was hurt. The search is now on for the suspects and the crown jewels.

Tell me more: The Louvre has a long history of being robbed in broad daylight, including the 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa. But yesterday’s event is one of the most high-profile heists ever recorded. As the mayor of central Paris put it: “It seems like a scenario out of a film or a television series.” One BBC correspondent called the break-in a “huge embarrassment” for Louvre security, with critics arguing it’s a wake-up call for a museum overwhelmed by big crowds and too few staffers. While some mourn Empress Marie-Louise’s lost emerald necklace, others note the irony: Much of the Louvre’s vast collection has roots in colonial plunder. It’s also part of a broader wave of French museum heists: Just last month, someone swiped $700,000 worth of raw gold from Paris’s National Museum of Natural History. Merde.

Related: Oh, and a Picasso Painting Just Went Missing, Too (CNN)

US News

Crowns Off, Signs Up

What's going on: Over the weekend, almost 7 million people turned out for more than 2,700 “No Kings” protests — about 2 million more than last time, according to organizers. People touted homemade signs with slogans like “Make America Good Again” and “So Bad Even Introverts Are Here.” Left-wing politicians joined in, urging people to “stand up for democracy,” while conservatives slammed the demonstrations as a “hate America rally.” President Donald Trump also weighed in, posting an AI-generated video of himself, crown and all, appearing to dump what looks like feces on No Kings protestors. Subtle.

What it means: The protests come as the government shutdown approaches its fourth week — and as Trump orders military crackdowns in liberal cities like Chicago. But No Kings crowds also filled streets in red states, marking the movement’s strongest turnout yet in Trump-voting areas, one analysis found. Experts say the surge reflects growing frustration with the administration’s policies — from immigration raids by masked ICE officers to measures on health care, education, and SNAP funding. In other words, the crown could be slipping.

Related: Trump’s Ending US Aid to Colombia (AP News)

Money

Love Your Rewards Apps? The Feeling Might Not Be Mutual

What's going on: Nothing takes the sting out of a Monday like cashing in rewards points for a free latte or breakfast sandwich — except when that “freebie” might cost you more in the long run. Businesses pitch loyalty programs as a “thank you” to their best customers, promising exclusive treats and deals. In reality, they could be using those accounts to track your purchase history and spending habits to set personalized prices and rewards — a practice experts call “surveillance pricing.” Spoiler: The more you spend, the fewer perks you might get. A Washington Post reporter said this happened to him after consistently buying a Starbucks coffee via the app. Delta and Kroger have also been accused of doing the same. Loyalty does have a price after all.

What it means: Almost everything we buy now doubles as data — and companies are cashing in on it. Lawmakers are discussing rules to rein in surveillance pricing and protect consumers, but progress in Washington tends to move slower than a laptop after a long weekend. However, one business school professor says it’s not all bad: Variable pricing could mean wealthier shoppers pay more, helping offset costs for lower-income customers. If you’re worried about surveillance pricing, experts say you have a few options: use state privacy laws to request your own data, shop around so you’re not always using the same apps, or be less loyal. Still, in this economy, some say that loyalty programs might be the only way you can enjoy a discount.

Related: Luxury Brands’ Biggest Competitors? Themselves (WSJ Gift Link)

Expensive Holiday Gifts For Your Favorite People

You definitely don’t need to spend a lot of money on gifts to show your loved ones you care. But it’s undeniably special to watch your favorite person delight in a luxury gift you hand-picked for them. So if you want to go the luxury route, consider:

• A cashmere sweater from a coveted brand

• A steak dinner, delivered right to their door

• A 16-piece dinnerware set that’s ideal for entertaining

(More) gifts of the day: A popcorn maker our editors swear by, a sculptural candle, and Posh Spice-approved mascara  

*PS: Whether they’re eyeing the latest AirPods or craving a new binge-worthy show, Apple Gift Card takes the guesswork out of gifting.

Settle This

Which city was ranked the happiest holiday destination in the US?

Game Time

Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.