In Virginia Redistricting Win, Democrats Play Hardball to Thwart Trump

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:00:58 +0000)

“We cannot bring a stick to a knife fight”: Democrats are increasingly open to extreme measures, including gerrymandering, when the stakes are high.

Virginia Passes Gerrymandered Map to Help Democrats in Midterms: 4 Takeaways

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:31:56 +0000)

Virginia’s approval of an aggressive gerrymander could give Democrats up to four additional House seats as they seek to win back Congress.

Abbott Uses Trump-Style Tactics, Threatens Houston, Dallas and Austin Over ICE Policy

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:01:25 +0000)

Gov. Greg Abbott gave the leaders of Houston, Dallas and Austin until Wednesday to amend their policies to his liking, or return over $150 million in police funding.

Federal Appeals Court Upholds Texas Ten Commandments Law

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:04:25 +0000)

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit said the law does not violate the Constitution. The plaintiffs said they planned to ask the Supreme Court to reverse the decision.

Democrats Win Big in Election Map Fight, and Influencers Push Nicotine as a Health Hack

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:00:10 +0000)

Plus, how rainforests can bounce back.

Hoarding Is Driving Energy Prices Higher Everywhere

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:51:14 +0000)

As wealthy nations scramble to secure stocks of oil, the result is higher prices for all and shortages in vulnerable countries.

What Was the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal?

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:05:36 +0000)

President Trump has ridiculed President Barack Obama and the agreement, which he withdrew from during his first term. His critics say he could have avoided a war had he left it in place.

A $440,000 Breast Reduction: How Doctors Cashed In on the No Surprises Act and Arbitration

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:01:09 +0000)

A law meant to end surprise medical billing accidentally created a multibillion-dollar industry that is making doctors richer.

Threat of Evictions Darkens Russia’s Rosy Picture of Occupied Ukraine

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:00:21 +0000)

A new law forces Ukrainians in the captured regions to get Russian title deeds or risk losing their homes.

EU Considers $106 Billion Loan to Ukraine, Delayed for Months by Orban

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:48:24 +0000)

After months of impasse because of objections from Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary, ambassadors were meeting to discuss a key step on the way to disbursing the much-needed money.

‘Donnyland’? Ukraine Proposes Naming Part of the Donbas in Trump’s Honor.

(Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:33:51 +0000)

The proposal reflects a global reality in which governments appeal to President Trump’s vanity to get American might on their side.

Trump Is Said to Be in Talks to Send Afghans Who Aided U.S. Forces to Congo

(Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:36:32 +0000)

A U.S. aid worker said that the Afghans, who were evacuated to Qatar, would face a choice between moving to the Democratic Republic of Congo and living under the Taliban.

Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Pervades Long Island Suburbs

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:00:18 +0000)

Migrant arrest rates have been high in places like Long Island, where federal agents benefit from stealth and the aid of local politicians.

Tucker Carlson Says He Is ‘Tormented’ by His Past Support for Trump

(Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:54:21 +0000)

“I want to say I’m sorry for misleading people,” said the conservative commentator, who has broken sharply with the president over the war with Iran.

Musk’s SpaceX Goals Shift Ahead of Its I.P.O.

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:01:02 +0000)

As SpaceX prepares to go public, Mr. Musk has proposed moonshots that differ from the company’s original aim of reaching Mars.

SpaceX Strikes Deal With Cursor for $60 Billion

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:22:29 +0000)

The potential acquisition comes as Elon Musk’s rocket and satellite maker, which has been emphasizing artificial intelligence, is preparing to go public.

A Year After Terrorist Attack, a Kashmir Town Longs for Tourists

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:09 +0000)

Pahalgam, with steep ravines, grassy hillsides and pine forests, is a base for Hindu pilgrimages that business operators hope will revive visitors.

Two Drugs Stir Hope for Treatment of Deadly Pancreatic Cancer

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 03:48:01 +0000)

In separate small clinical trials, two treatments showed promise that they could help patients with one of the most dire diagnoses in oncology.

Dave Mason, Songwriter Who Co-Founded Traffic, Dies at 79

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 05:40:57 +0000)

The English singer and guitarist wrote mainstays of the classic-rock canon like “Feelin’ Alright?” and “Only You Know and I Know.” He also had a successful solo career.

Dark Skies and Dark Energy Converge in West Texas

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:02:01 +0000)

In the Big Bend region, a portal to the early universe is enabled by the largest dark-sky reserve on Earth.

Proposed Lifetime Smoking Ban to Become Law in Britain

(Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:38:28 +0000)

The proposal, which was approved by Parliament on Tuesday, will ban the supply or sale of tobacco products to anyone born in 2009 or after, permanently.

Graham Platner Went to Hell and Back. He Has a Simple Message for Democrats.

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:00:41 +0000)

At campaign stops, he talks about high gas prices and Trump’s incompetence. But the core of his message is an unflinching disgust for forever war.

Americans Have Fled to Red States. Blue States Can Win Them Back.

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:44:08 +0000)

Jason Furman, Neera Tanden and Elizabeth Wilkins discuss.

Michael Kosta Introduces Former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:15:04 +0000)

“It’s always the ones you never heard of,” the late night host said on Tuesday’s “The Daily Show.”

Pope Leo Is Skipping Some of Africa’s Biggest Catholic Nations

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:04:24 +0000)

As the pontiff arrives in the tiny authoritarian nation of Equatorial Guinea, some Catholics in Africa say they are excited about his visit but are feeling a little left out.

Japan Is Used to Earthquakes, but What About a Big One?

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:19:13 +0000)

For many people in Japan, the country’s regular tremors are not a big deal. Officials are urging them to prepare for the next catastrophic quake.

College Where Charlie Kirk Was Killed Cancels Speech

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:01:41 +0000)

Utah Valley University was thrilled that Sharon McMahon, a best-selling author, would speak at its graduation. And then her old posts resurfaced.

Man Is Charged With Providing Gun to Louisiana Shooter

(Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:35:14 +0000)

The arrest came two days after a gunman carried out a rampage that left eight children dead in Shreveport and injured two adults.