TOP STORY —  POTUS IN SAUDI:  President Obama is in Saudi Arabia on Day 2 of his reset with the Kingdom. After a two-hour meeting Wednesday, Saudi King Salman it was unclear if any progress was made in easing the tensions between the two allies, a marriage of convenience centered on oil. The Washington Post reports that Saudi officials are not-so-quietly fuming about a bipartisan move in Congress that holds Saudi Arabia financially liable for any role in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

COLD WAR REDUX?  Russia’s not just challenging the U.S. in the air, with its hot-dogging fighter pilots buzzing American ships and spy planes, it’s back in the undersea world big time.  The New York Times is front paging a story about Russia’s buildup of newer, quieter diesel and nuclear powered submarines, citing a 50 percent increase in patrols. All that helps justify America’s five-year $8 billion sub-building plans, including more new Virginia class boats.