New York Times

1. Venezuela Oil Tanker Seized by U.S. Was Part of Effort to Finance Cuba

   Firms with ties to Cuba are getting a larger share of Venezuelan oil exports, as the island’s security agents boost President Nicolás Maduro’s defenses.

2. Behind the Venezuelan Opposition Leader’s Daring Escape to Oslo

   An American firm with experience in special operations spirited María Corina Machado, the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, out of the country in a secretive land, sea and air operation.

3. For Rubio the Cuba Hawk, the Road to Havana Runs Through Venezuela

   President Trump’s secretary of state and national security adviser has long sought to cripple or topple Cuba’s government, which has close security and economic ties to Venezuela.

4. In Trump’s Justice Dept., Failing in Court Might Be Better Than Bucking the Boss

   This week demonstrated an emerging reality for President Trump: Commanding the Justice Department is not the same as controlling the justice system.

5. Judge’s Order Complicates Justice Dept. Plans to Again Charge Comey

   Justice Department officials have been considering whether to bring new charges against James B. Comey, the former F.B.I. director, after a different judge dismissed the original case against him.