The 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. Amid Fractures on the Right, Tucker Carlson Continues His Attacks

   On Theo Von’s show this week, Mr. Carlson lashed out at a major supporter of the president, the F.B.I. and “unimpressive, dumb, totally noncreative people” leading the nation.

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

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