Politics and government
Every story tagged politics and government from the last 60 days of the digest, newest first.
438 stories · 57 days · latest Thu 17 Sept 2026
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Thursday 17 September 2026
Semafor
Congress's AI safety window is closingExperts warn the midterms could interrupt the momentum for AI regulation in Congress.
Regulation · AI
The Washington Post
Inside the campaign to convince Washington that AI could end human lifeActivists spent years cultivating allies on Capitol Hill, and lawmakers in both parties are now discussing AI extinction risk.
The Washington Post
Sam Altman says people are right to fear advancing AI but should trust leadersSam Altman said people are right to fear advancing AI but should trust the leaders building it.
The Guardian
US officials decide against backing Saudi Arabia after meeting Houthi leadersUS officials decided not to back Saudi Arabia after meeting Houthi leaders as fighting in Yemen escalates.
The Guardian
Panama cuts canal traffic amid El Niño droughtPanama cut canal traffic as El Niño drains water supplies, on a route carrying 40% of US container traffic.
The Guardian
Von der Leyen invites Canada to become EU's first associate memberThe European Commission president invited Canada to become the EU's first-ever associate member amid its trade war with the US.
The Washington Post
Trump's planned sale of controversial bombs to Israel is largest in yearsThe administration approved a $2.8 billion sale of 40,000 one-ton bombs to Israel, the largest such sale in years.
The Washington Post
Why the general election is over for most AmericansUnite America finds just over 9% of eligible voters, in dominant-party primaries, effectively decided 88% of House seats.
The Washington Post
Takeaways from a disruptive primary election seasonThe Post's takeaways: the economy dominates voters' concerns and anti-establishment anger has spread to Democratic primaries.
The Washington Post
Trump told Republicans to talk about him. Data shows they aren't listening.A review of over a million posts shows GOP candidates largely ignoring the President's advice to run on him and $5,000 payouts.
The Guardian
Ed Sheeran responds to Macklemore "Free Palestine" commentMacklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour after venues including Robert Kraft's Gillette Stadium refused to host him.
Vox
Gallup poll on Americans' views of Israelis and PalestiniansVox points to Gallup data showing the sharpest recent drop in sympathy for Israel among Americans aged 35 to 54.
Vox
The case against orbital data centersSpace data center proposals would require so many satellites that stars would become less visible.
The Hill
Senate votes to advance bill to regulate college sports, athlete compensationThe Senate advanced the Protect College Sports Act 74-24, shielding the NCAA from antitrust suits and capping revenue sharing and agent fees.
Wednesday 16 September 2026
The New York Times
Rising fuel costs are fueling protests, shortages and strikes worldwideCountries are struggling to absorb the cost of the war in Iran as oil prices climb.
The Washington Post
Supreme Court blocks sweeping mail ballot restrictions for the midterm electionsThe Court blocked Trump's rules limiting who can vote by mail, saying the administration was unlikely to succeed on the merits.
Vox
The Supreme Court definitively blocked Trump's mail voting rulesVox reports the three-sentence order stops Trump's new mail-voting rules from applying to the 2026 midterms or, probably, any election.
The Washington Post
Senators grill FBI Director Kash Patel on personnel movesPatel defended firing numerous agents and declined to say whether bureau personnel will be sent to polling stations.
The Washington Post
Judge bars Kennedy Center's latest attempt to add Trump's name to buildingHours after the ruling the Kennedy Center board voted to close the performing arts venue.
The Washington Post
ICE is quietly firing new hires. For one recruit, it was devastating.ICE is dismissing some new hires over red flags officials say should have been caught earlier in the process.
Front Office Sports
WNBA union rips NBA for excluding it from betting regulation letterThe WNBA players' union called it deeply disappointing that the NBA left the group off a joint letter to state betting regulators.
The Guardian
The drought abides: US men still without a major since 2003 despite Shelton's heroicsAlexander Zverev beat Ben Shelton in four sets in the US Open final, though Shelton's run lifted him to world No. 4.
Vox
The small-body problem: why eating smaller animals causes more sufferingUniversity of Bath and Faunalytics researchers found eating smaller animals causes greater total suffering because so many more must be farmed and killed.
Tuesday 15 September 2026
The Washington Post
AI leaders warn the tech needs to slow down. Here are the moves behind the scenes.Anthropic, OpenAI and Google have discussed creating a new industry AI safety body behind their public calls to slow development.
The Washington Post
Trump rejects calls to slow AI development, citing Chinese competitionPresident Trump dismissed AI leaders' calls to slow development, saying whoever wins AI wins.
Vox
Everyone but Trump is freaking out about AIVox lays out three federal options for making AI safer: a pause, independent auditors, or tougher liability law.
Axios
Coxon, Bernie and Bannon unite on "human" AIBernie Sanders and Steve Bannon are joining forces at a Washington Pro-Human Assembly to press for AI safeguards.
NPR
Trump and Mike Johnson on the AI slowdownFurther reading from the day's section on Washington and Beijing Pick Sides.
The Washington Post
Working-class Americans aren't running for office. It's changing our politics.Research finds 52% of Americans hold working-class jobs but only 2% of members of Congress held one before taking office.
The Washington Post
A flurry of election lawsuits creates confusion before the midtermsFurther reading from the day's section on The Midterm Machinery: Ballots, Courts and Candidates.
The Washington Post
The new threat election officials fear: Trump's federal governmentFurther reading from the day's section on The Midterm Machinery: Ballots, Courts and Candidates.
The Washington Post
Kansas workers push back against Trump's call to ban Canadian jet makerBombardier workers in Wichita are pushing back against Trump's threat to ban the Canadian jet maker.
Reuters
Ryanair CEO sees significant rise in airfares if oil prices remain highRyanair's CEO warned of significant airfare increases as jet fuel runs 90% above last year.
The Guardian
Deepfakes are wrecking influencers' credibilityScammers are stitching influencers' photos into fake sponsored posts, including a fabricated GLP-1 drug ad.
The Baltimore Banner
Rugby draws record U.S. crowd at M&T Bank StadiumA U.S. record rugby crowd of 68,173 filled Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium to watch South Africa beat New Zealand 43-28.
Monday 14 September 2026
The Washington Post
He was close to a huge math breakthrough. Then he got scooped by AI.A mathematician close to a major result was beaten to it by AI, a human-scale version of the weekend's AI debate.
The Washington Post
Trump dismisses AI leaders' calls to slow down, citing Chinese competitionThe president rejected the labs' call to slow down, as Democrats increasingly attack his hands-off approach ahead of the midterms.
The Washington Post
The new threat election officials fear: Trump's federal governmentWith seven weeks to Election Day, officials are preparing for seized ballots, ICE agents at polls and batch ballot rejections by the postal system.
The Washington Post
Kennedy Center could close as early as Tuesday, warns of bankruptcy, documents showThe center's Trump-installed leaders warn of certain fiscal collapse unless the president's name goes on the building, and recommend closing the main building.
The Washington Post
Trump's Kennedy Center takeover has pushed this nearby restaurant to the brinkThe Kennedy Center's troubles are spreading to businesses near the building.
The Washington Post
We asked dozens of people what they want from Democrats. Here's what they said.Interviews with dozens of voters explore why Democrats plan to turn out even if they dislike their party's leaders.
Reuters
Modi, Putin hold talks in New Delhi on trade, defenceIndia hosted a BRICS summit where members called for maximum restraint in the Iran war and agreed mainly on opposing tariffs.
Reuters
India's GDP grows 7.8% in April-JuneIndia beat growth forecasts, but a former finance secretary accused the government of revising last year's figure down.
CNN
Pentagon pressed airmen shot down over Iran to participate in 60 Minutes interviewPete Hegseth and political appointees pushed the downed F-15 airmen into the season premiere interview despite their concerns.
The New York Times
Haberman and Rutenberg on Trump and free speechThe AP's refusal to give Trump's team rights to its assassination-attempt photo appears to be another reason for its White House ban.
AP
Declassified CIA presidential daily briefs from before 9/11The 1998-2001 briefs show Osama bin Laden also planned to target countries including India and Pakistan.
The Guardian
Baby orangutans found in India spark trafficking investigationFurther reading from the day's section on Lightning Round.
Sunday 13 September 2026
The Washington Post
Why a $5,000 Trump dividend check won't solve your money woesFurther reading from the day's section on hot inflation and rising oil prices.
The Washington Post
Ranchers' loyalty to Trump wavers as some bristle over beef importsFurther reading from the day's section on hot inflation and rising oil prices.
The Washington Post
As AI fears grow, lawmakers are racing to turn alarm into actionThe Post reports lawmakers are racing to act on AI, as the leaders of the two biggest AI labs openly talk about slowing down.
The Washington Post
Are tech bros Hollywood's new serial killers?Further reading from the day's section on AI labs talking about slowing down.
The Washington Post
Federal judge rules Trump plan to cut FEMA by 50 percent was illegalA federal judge ruled the administration's plan to cut FEMA by 50% illegal, saying it looked pulled from thin air.
The Washington Post
These are the Trump investigations Democrats plan if they win in NovemberThe Post outlined the Trump investigations House Democrats plan if they win in November.
The Washington Post
Al-Qaeda regroups in Afghanistan, 25 years after 9/11The Post reports al-Qaeda is regrouping in Afghanistan, 25 years after 9/11.
The Washington Post
Park Service works to fortify sea wall key to East Potomac golf projectFurther reading from the day's section on Washington twenty-five years after 9/11.
The Washington Post
The billionaire Trump ally blowing up college footballThe Post profiled the billionaire Trump ally blowing up college football.
The Washington Post
He was cleaning his garage. Then he found a file marked 'SECRET.'A man cleaning his garage found a lost stash of World War II prisoner-of-war records.
The Washington Post
Why scientists are starting to worry popular supplements could harm the aging brainNew studies raise questions about supplements and the aging brain.
The Washington Post
Would Jesus like Waymo? Baptists have thoughts.Further reading from the day's reading list.
The Washington Post
These students weren't alive on 9/11. They're reading letters from teens who were.Further reading from the day's reading list.
Saturday 12 September 2026
Vox
Trump, Iran, gas prices and the Republican midterm conventionAugust CPI held at 3.4% with core goods accelerating, and Trump's two-hour Dallas keynote never mentioned inflation, rent or housing.
Vox
The Logoff: Trump's midterm convention in DallasTrump closed the Dallas convention repeating his $5,000 dividend promise, drawing backlash from his own party's fiscal conservatives.
Vox
The GOP is running on Islamophobia in 2026In Dallas, Ted Cruz cast communism and Islamism as allied against Republicans while naming Mamdani, El-Sayed and Talarico.
Friday 11 September 2026
Vox
"Donald Trump, Republicans, gas prices and the midterms"Caitlin Dewey found that in a speech designed to re-energize flagging enthusiasm, Trump never said inflation, rent or housing.
Vox
"Trumpapalooza"Inside the Dallas convention hall, Trump promised every adult American $5,000 if Republicans hold Congress.
Charlotte Observer
Amber Gaudet's investigationAmber Gaudet's investigation into a log-cabin company accused of defrauding would-be homeowners, published the morning she was laid off.
Reuters
"Head of French Alps 2030 Winter Games set to leave post"Further reading from the day's lightning round.
Reuters
Hyrox founders reclaim majority stake with L CattertonHyrox's founders reclaimed a majority stake at a €600 million valuation, for an events business that barely existed five years ago.
Reuters
CFP opens ESPN window to discuss a 24-team formatBig Ten wants a 24-team College Football Playoff, SEC wants 16, with a decision due by December 1.
BBC
Messi agrees to buy a majority stake in EldenseEldense would be Messi's second Spanish club this year.
Thursday 10 September 2026
The Washington Post
"What Republicans are campaigning on for the midterms"Amber Phillips lays out the three Republican midterm planks: affordability, the tax bill and Democratic socialists.
The Washington Post
"Trump gave $45,000 cash gifts to Natalie Harp, two other close aides"Further reading from the day's section on the Dallas convention and the affordability problem.
The Washington Post
"Trump is remodeling the White House. The group set up to protect it has stayed quiet."Further reading from the day's section on the Dallas convention and the affordability problem.
The Washington Post
"Trump is running out of time as he tries to restrict mail voting"Further reading from the day's section on mail voting, maps and Missouri's contempt fight.
The Washington Post
"What to watch when voting in the midterms"Further reading from the day's section on mail voting, maps and Missouri's contempt fight.
The Washington Post
"Drivers face more pain as oil rockets back toward $100 per barrel"Saudi Arabia's oil exports hit a thirteen-year low with both its primary shipping lanes disrupted at once.
The Washington Post
"Anthropic researcher resigns, warning of reckless race toward superintelligence"An Anthropic researcher who posted greater-than-ten-percent odds that AI kills all humans within a decade has resigned, warning of a reckless race.
Digiday
"WTF is the Amazon ad surcharge lawsuit?"Further reading from the day's section on media, the Fox-Roku review and FAST TV's data problem.
The Washington Post
"Cancer's toll on 9/11 survivors is accelerating 25 years later"Twenty-five years on, the epidemiological curve for cancer among 9/11 survivors is still bending the wrong way.
The Washington Post
"The largely hidden force helping drive America's craze for weight-loss drugs"America's craze for weight-loss drugs, reframed as a distribution-economics story.
Wednesday 9 September 2026
Vox
The weirdest thing about Trump's trade warCaitlin Dewey writes from Montreal that Trump's trade war with Canada has no constituency: no think tank, industry or influencer advocates it.
The Washington Post
With Ohio's governorship up for grabs, a toxic race turns violentAmy Acton is running close against Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio, and an armed man lunged at her at a county fair over the weekend.
The Washington Post
As Social Security fund runs dry, some Republicans say it's time to raise taxesFurther reading from the day's section on the trade war, gas prices and the midterm map.
The Washington Post
As Canada's countertariffs kick in, Trump's escalating threats draw political rebukeCanada's countertariffs took effect, hitting roughly $20 billion of American goods.
Semafor
High symbolismFormer UK adviser Ben Judah reads London's assertiveness over Israel's West Bank settlements as a post-American turn.
The Washington Post
Citing 'ethnic cleansing,' U.K. bars import of goods from Israeli West Bank settlementsThe UK, France and Canada announced trade sanctions on Israel's West Bank settlements, and the White House threatened countermeasures against the UK.
Status
USA Today's Palantir ProblemUSA Today Co. signed a Palantir partnership to analyze and monetize user data while its newsrooms cover ICE, DHS and DoD, and its union wants answers.
Puck
Maria Bartiromo Out at Fox: What Really HappenedDylan Byers reports Fox could no longer abide Maria Bartiromo amplifying 2020 election-fraud claims at a network still carrying $787.5M of Dominion scar tissue.
The Washington Post
Did we make it too hard to get a mortgage after 2008?Further reading from the day's reading list.
The Washington Post
Schools should stop banning peanuts. Here's what really keeps kids safe.Further reading from the day's reading list.
Tuesday 8 September 2026
The Washington Post
The German politician with a MAGA touchFurther reading from the day's section on Europe's turn to the right.
The Washington Post
As Social Security fund runs dry, some Republicans say it's time to raise taxesSen. Bernie Moreno joined Elizabeth Warren in proposing to raise the payroll tax cap, as Social Security faces a 22% benefit cut in six years.
The Guardian
John Lewis is making a chat show for the chatbotsFurther reading from the day's section on who controls the ad budget as AI takes over buying.
The Hill
Carr says FCC looking at "a lot of actions"FCC chair Brendan Carr says he is weighing a lot of actions after Trump's threat against NBC's Kristen Welker.
Reuters
Seattle Times, Newsday sue OpenAI and MicrosoftThe Seattle Times and Newsday sued OpenAI and Microsoft.
Semafor
Munich's Oktoberfest beer cartelAn antitrust fight inside Munich's $1.8 billion Oktoberfest, with a referendum campaign at 21,000 of 35,000 signatures.
Monday 7 September 2026
The Washington Post
David Ignatius: "America's absence is inviting the war Europe fears most"Further reading from the day's section on the tanker war and stalled Ukraine diplomacy.
Business Insider
"Zuckerberg told Trump a national AI regulator is a flawed idea"Zuckerberg told Trump in a previously unreported call that a national AI regulator is a flawed idea, as the industry seeks federal preemption of state AI laws.
Regulation · AI
The Washington Post
"Trump is running out of time as he tries to restrict mail voting"The administration asked the Supreme Court to pause the block on its mail-voting restrictions, but two swing states are already sending ballots.
The Washington Post
"The most important House races to watch in November"Further reading from the day's section on ballots, bonds and the machinery of the midterms.
The Washington Post
"The US is not the only country grappling with soaring debt"Further reading from the day's section on ballots, bonds and the machinery of the midterms.
The Washington Post
"'Black boxes' on lobster boats set a dangerous precedent"Further reading from the day's section on ballots, bonds and the machinery of the midterms.
The Washington Post
Max Boot: "Hegseth chose loyalty over leadership"Further reading from the day's section on ballots, bonds and the machinery of the midterms.
The Washington Post
"He raged against the American Dream. His audience wanted more."Danielle Paquette on an Army veteran who built an audience out of losing faith in the American Dream.
The Washington Post
"The 'Gen Z stare' and the decline of saying things out loud"We speak fewer words every year, and researchers are asking what that does to the brain.
The Washington Post
"These teachers fight AI cheating with classes that force students to show they are learning"Further reading from the day's reading list.
The Washington Post
"Sears isn't dead. It's alive and well in Mexico."Further reading from the day's reading list.
Sunday 6 September 2026
The Washington Post
U.S. says it hit 3 Iranian oil tankers, including one near Kharg IslandCENTCOM struck three Iranian crude tankers, disabling one off Kharg Island, after Iran fired missiles at two US Navy vessels.
The Washington Post
The mystery behind an audio clip that helped upend a Senate raceLiz Goodwin reports AI tools increasingly let political actors fool voters and help candidates cast doubt on reality.
The Washington Post
OpenAI feared its technology could reshape elections. Now campaigns are using it.OpenAI wrote rules against campaign use of its technology, and campaigns are making ads with it anyway.
The Washington Post
Republican House candidates tone down Trump on their campaign websitesRepublican House candidates are quietly toning down Trump on their own campaign websites.
The Washington Post
Trove of documents reveals alleged chemical weapons stockpile in SudanA document trove on an alleged chemical weapons stockpile in Sudan converts years of deniable claims into record.
The Washington Post
The U.N. backed a map that shows Africa true to size. The U.S. was sole objector.The UN backed the Equal Earth projection, which shows Africa near its true relative size, and the US was the sole objector.
The Washington Post
The best time to buy an iPhone may be right this minuteFurther reading from the day's section on cancer research, culture and a beer heist.
The Washington Post
Her work was key to a landmark experiment. She was credited in a footnote.Mary Tsingou-Menzel, whose work was key to a landmark experiment but credited in a footnote, has died at 97.
Saturday 5 September 2026
The Washington Post
Supreme Court clears way for work on the White House ballroomThe Supreme Court majority found the preservationists lack standing, and construction on the White House ballroom never stopped.
The Washington Post
Pentagon secretly installs military influencers in civilian rolesFurther reading from the day's section on courts struggling to keep up with the presidency.
The Washington Post
The U.S. economy added 162,000 jobs in AugustThe US economy added 162,000 jobs in August, beating expectations.
Business Insider
Zuckerberg told Trump a national AI regulator is a flawed ideaZuckerberg told Trump privately that a national AI regulator is a flawed idea.
Regulation · AI
The Washington Post
DOJ urges judge to rule for OpenAI in the NY Times lawsuitDOJ filed in support of OpenAI in the New York Times lawsuit.
Regulation · AI
Front Office Sports
Judge grants injunction allowing ex-pros to join LSUA Louisiana judge granted an injunction letting players who took NFL preseason snaps return to LSU.
The Washington Post
Inside the effort to contain Pennsylvania's measles outbreakPennsylvania public health workers are fighting the nation's worst ongoing measles outbreak substantially by word of mouth.
Friday 4 September 2026
The Washington Post
"Republicans fear Trump will keep super PAC money and not spend on the midterms"Republicans increasingly fear Trump will keep MAGA Inc.'s $400M+ rather than spend it on the midterms.
The Washington Post
"Judge blocks Trump's latest attempt to limit birthright citizenship"Further reading from the day's section on mail ballots, Missouri's map and midterm money.
The Washington Post
"Secret Service is getting the fortified White House past presidents resisted"Further reading from the day's section on Hegseth's Pentagon and the war nobody will brief.
Reuters
"US workers' share of GDP skids to fresh record low"US corporate profits hit a record near $4.3T after tax as labor's share of national income fell to 60.2%, the lowest since 1951.
The Washington Post
"Gloria Steinem, lodestar of the modern women's movement, dies at 92"Gloria Steinem died at 92, having personified the women's movement for half a century and co-founded Ms. magazine.
The Washington Post
"The 'Gen Z stare' and the decline of saying things out loud"Ariana Eunjung Cha writes on the Gen Z stare and the finding that we speak fewer words every year.
Vox
"The waves of feminism, explained"Further reading from the day's section on Gloria Steinem, the Gen Z stare and other quick hits.
The Washington Post
"How the data center backlash is growing in U.S. statehouses"The data-center backlash is now a statehouse phenomenon even as the Fed credits data-center construction for keeping growth positive.
The Washington Post
"El Niño is predicted to soon become the strongest on record"El Niño is predicted to become the strongest on record, potentially by the end of this month.
The Washington Post
"Trump administration aims to strip schools' tax exemption if they consider race"A Treasury and IRS proposal to strip schools' tax exemption if they consider race could reach as many as 18,000 institutions.
Vox
"Talk to your aging parents about their Apple Watches"Talking with aging parents about their Apple Watches is a surveillance-versus-safety conversation nobody wants to have.
Thursday 3 September 2026
The Guardian
Iran accuses US of war crime after missile blast near weddingIran accused the US of a war crime after a strike killed at least four people at a wedding.
NBC News
Mamdani to limit generative AI in NYC elementary schoolsFurther reading from the day's section on the AI build-out meeting its limits.
Observer
How Chelsea and Man City became experts at price-gouging Premier League rivalsRory Smith examines how Chelsea and Manchester City became expert price-gougers of their own Premier League rivals.
Front Office Sports
Prediction markets arrive on the Supreme Court's doorstepNew Jersey petitioned the Supreme Court to decide whether prediction-market sports contracts are financial products or gambling.
Vox
The climate threshold we hoped we'd never crossA major UN assessment concludes the world will pass 1.5°C within a few years, tracking toward 2.6°C by 2100.
Vox
Beware the "loneliness economy"Paid friendship apps and clubs are booming, and most sell the idea of community rather than the thing.
Wednesday 2 September 2026
The Washington Post
"Postal Service plans may keep voters from getting ballots, whistleblower says"A whistleblower alleges USPS rushed a new ballot-processing system into existence in roughly eleven weeks, skipping standard testing.
Vox
"Supreme Court, Trump's executive order, and vote-by-mail"Vox's Caitlin Dewey compares timelines: two years for HealthCare.gov, nine months for a direct-file pilot, eleven weeks for the USPS ballot system.
Senate disclosure
USPS whistleblower letterThe disclosure, routed through Sen. Richard Blumenthal's office, alleges USPS kept implementing the mail-voting order after telling courts it had stopped.
The Washington Post
"Why a candidate leading in North Carolina is running like he is behind"Roy Cooper leads Michael Whatley by 11 in North Carolina with a $20M war chest, and campaigns like he is behind.
CNN
"MapQuest is the No. 1 app after refusing 'Lake America'"MapQuest said it would not adopt Lake America, hit #1 in US navigation apps, and saw downloads jump 128% day-over-day.
The Washington Post
"Trump says voters who oppose data centers will kill the golden goose"Trump's let Data Reign post put him on the wrong side of a 70% issue, with Gallup finding 7 in 10 Americans oppose local data centers.
The Washington Post
"Trump champions data centers as Republicans turn against them"Trump backs data centers while Gallup finds 63% of Republicans oppose them in their area.
Gallup
Americans oppose data centers in their areaGallup has 7 in 10 Americans opposing data centers in their area, including 63% of Republicans.
Digiday
"WTF is the Amazon ad surcharge lawsuit?"The FTC and 22 state AGs sued Amazon over allegedly overcharging search advertisers for seven-plus years.
Front Office Sports
Clemson's Tristan Smith and the NCAA eligibility suitsClemson's Tristan Smith won a fifth-year eligibility injunction with $600K of NIL on the line, one of hundreds of similar suits.
The Washington Post
"As more colleges surpass $100K price tag, here's the true cost"More colleges are passing a $100K price tag as undergraduate enrollment is projected to fall 13% over 15 years.
The Stadium Business
"Boston Legacy postpones White Stadium move to 2028"The $325M Franklin Park stadium project cleared its lawsuit and still slipped a year on construction.
Tuesday 1 September 2026
Politico
"US strikes Iran's Larak Island"After a month of quiet, the US struck rocket launchers on Iran's Larak Island, and Iran fired ballistic missiles at US forces in Jordan and the UAE.
The Washington Post
"Military leaders warn Hegseth against extending Iran war operations"Top commanders warned Hegseth that prolonging large-scale operations against Iran is unsustainable.
Vox
"US-Iran war missile shortage"Vox's Caitlin Dewey assembled the ledger: interceptor stockpiles burning down at a cost of billions, eroded troop morale and disrupted ship maintenance.
AP
New US ballistic missile in IranFurther reading from the day's section on the Iran war and the munitions bill coming due.
Marketecture
"Google Has a Privacy Argument for Every Occasion"Alan Chapell sets Google's $10 million purchase of Spirit Airlines' data against its claim that its own search data is too sensitive to anonymize.
Front Office Sports
"Kalshi Nabs US Open Deal"Kalshi became the US Open's exclusive prediction-market partner three days after an appeals court ruled Nevada can enforce its gaming laws against it.
CBS News
Grand Canyon floodFurther reading from the day's section on Lake America, NASA's Roman telescope, Nepal's floods and other quick hits.
Monday 31 August 2026
The Washington Post
"They confided in ChatGPT. Their secrets ended up in court."The Post found a dozen cases of ChatGPT conversations pulled into criminal and civil court proceedings.
The Baltimore Banner
"WMAR local TV news anchor layoffs"The Baltimore Banner documented how Scripps's anchorless news stream plays on WMAR.
CNN
"Trump says he'll report Kristen Welker to the FCC"Trump threatened to report NBC's Kristen Welker to the FCC during a weekend pressure campaign on the press.
The Guardian
"DHS obtained records tied to journalists and nonprofits without judicial approval"DHS has used an obscure summons provision to obtain records tied to journalists, nonprofits and unions without judicial approval.
The Washington Post
"Military leaders warn Hegseth against extending Iran war operations"Several US military leaders advised Pete Hegseth that prolonging large-scale Iran operations is unsustainable and risks readiness elsewhere.
The Washington Post
"Pentagon secretly installs military influencers in civilian roles"DoD has quietly installed conservative military influencers into civilian roles, where they amplify Hegseth's culture-war fights.
The Washington Post
"A trans veteran became homeless after the military didn't pay her severance"Chloe Shapiro, a transgender veteran, became homeless after the military failed to release her severance.
The Washington Post
"Trump's ambassador to Italy is flaunting his wealth"Further reading from the day's section on Washington's war footing and the Pentagon.
The Washington Post
"To get the national debt under control, start with the retirement state"Further reading from the day's section on the Fed, IPOs and Apple's leadership handover.
The New York Times
"White House proposes new H-1B fee"The White House proposed a new $103,265 H-1B fee, routed through DHS after a judge struck down the earlier proclamation-based version.
The Washington Post
"An aging population in China inspires a new industry: adult children for hire"Further reading from the day's reading list.
Sunday 30 August 2026
The Washington Post
"Gov. Greg Abbott (R) blocks funding in Texas for Flock cameras as bipartisan backlash brews"Greg Abbott blocked state funding in Texas for Flock license plate cameras as bipartisan backlash builds.
The Washington Post
"Trump lauded low prices at Freedom Fuel. A supplier says some gas wasn't paid for."Mansfield Oil claims in a federal suit it was never paid for more than a million gallons, nearly $4 million worth, pulled from a Pennsylvania terminal.
The Washington Post
"A Native tribe is fighting back as Trump's tariffs threaten its livelihood"The Post follows Blackfeet reservation ranchers, taxi drivers and campsite owners through two years of losses from the Canada tariffs.
The Washington Post
"How states' fight over an ICE agent could open a new political battleground"Further reading from the day's section on the surveillance backlash and the tariff frontier.
The Washington Post
"This Appalachian memoir author is running as a Democratic contrast to JD Vance"Further reading from the day's section on the surveillance backlash and the tariff frontier.
The Washington Post
"On Lake Ontario — er, America — sailors have no plans to change course"Lake Ontario boat captains won't adopt the Lake America name.
Status
"The WaPo's Attiah Walkback"An arbitrator ordered the Post to reinstate fired columnist Karen Attiah.
The Washington Post
"Why we should stop eating lettuce, cyclospora or not"Further reading from the day's section on health, money and what the spreadsheet leaves out.
The Washington Post
"Iron deficiency is surprisingly common. Here's how to boost your intake."Further reading from the day's section on health, money and what the spreadsheet leaves out.
The Washington Post
"Away from the spotlight, the real Dolly was just as radiant"Further reading from the day's section on the deaths of Dolly Parton, Tim Curry and Yayoi Kusama.
The Washington Post
"The financial (and life) insights from Dolly Parton's '9 to 5'"Further reading from the day's section on the deaths of Dolly Parton, Tim Curry and Yayoi Kusama.
The Washington Post
"Sliman Mansour has died. His art became a symbol of Palestinian resilience."Further reading from the day's section on the deaths of Dolly Parton, Tim Curry and Yayoi Kusama.
The Athletic
"How does a football Hall of Famer become a Supreme Court justice? Let Alan Page explain"NFL MVP, Hall of Famer, Minnesota Supreme Court justice and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient.
The Washington Post
"Youth football is growing again as coaches adapt to CTE concerns"Youth football participation is recovering as coaches adapt to CTE concerns.
Saturday 29 August 2026
Semafor
Battle over voting rights heats upJudge Talwani lifted a block on USPS mail-ballot rules, then imposed a 14-day restraining order a day later, and DOJ appealed within hours.
Vox
Trump's record-breaking immigration crackdown, by the numbersFurther reading from the day's section on the fight over mail voting.
NOTUS
Druckenmiller's WSJ op-ed was drafted with AIStanley Druckenmiller admitted to NOTUS he used an LLM to help draft his WSJ critique of Treasury Secretary Bessent.
Front Office Sports
Roxanna Scott out as ESPN editor-in-chiefFurther reading from the day's section on the media business and AI-drafted op-eds.
AP
Satellite images show the Nepal glacier collapse chain reactionA glacier collapse in Nepal triggered catastrophic flooding along the China border, with nearly 600 foreign tourists missing.
Immigration · Climate · Space
Vox
Three words stand between us and autonomous killer robots'Meaningful human control' versus the Pentagon's 'appropriate human judgment' on autonomous weapons.
Business Insider
Meta's post-settlement ads point at TikTok and YouTubePR pros on Meta's strategy after its $18B teen-safety settlement.
Friday 28 August 2026
The Washington Post
"Why Trump is focused on ground beef prices"Lifting tariffs on 300,000 metric tons of foreign ground beef may shave prices but has enraged ranchers, who vote Republican.
The Washington Post
"Squeezed by tariffs and Iran war, farmers say they face a new crisis"Further reading from the day's section on the US-Canada trade war and grocery prices.
The Washington Post
"A former Mike Collins staffer posted KKK and Nazi images"Further reading from the day's section on the fight over how America votes.
The Washington Post
"El-Sayed's ties to firebrand influencer threaten Democrats' path to control Senate"Further reading from the day's section on the fight over how America votes.
Reuters
"Puck in advanced talks for investment by RedBird Capital at $250 million valuation"Further reading from the day's section on Nvidia, Hugging Face and the rebound in software stocks.
Vox
"Why everyone hates Flock"Flock's 120,000 license-plate cameras face a Senate Republican inquiry, DeSantis calling the tech 'out of control' and warnings from Bernie Sanders.
The Washington Post
"What probably triggered the Nepal flood"The Nepal flood killed at least 273 across Nepal and Tibet with more than 1,000 missing, and scientists believe a glacier chunk broke off.
The Washington Post
"Trump keeps boosting data centers, even as other Republicans grow critical"The Republican split over data centers heading into 2026 races.
Thursday 27 August 2026
The Washington Post
Meta agrees to sweeping changes, $18 billion payout in landmark state settlementMeta agreed to pay up to $17.1B to 47 states plus about $1B to Texas, and to cap teens at two hours a day across Facebook and Instagram by default.
The Washington Post
Bill Gates was an AI optimist. Now he's scared of what could go wrong.Bill Gates argues AI is considerably more dangerous than the industry admits and says he would back a global slowdown if anyone had a credible plan.
The Washington Post
Takeaways from the latest primaries as Trump reverses a losing streakTrump-endorsed Darline Graham in South Carolina and Mike Mazzei in Oklahoma won Tuesday's primaries, reversing a losing streak.
The Washington Post
Another Dan Sullivan advances in Alaska Senate primaryAlaska will have two Dan Sullivans on the November ballot: the incumbent senator and a retired teacher who made the top four.
The Washington Post
Lawyers gear up as Trump administration threatens election officials with arrestFurther reading from the day's section on the fight over mail voting and the primaries.
The Washington Post
Before Hegseth fired him, top general was advised to drop Kid Rock probeFurther reading from the day's section on foreign and domestic pushback against Trump's playbook.
Wednesday 26 August 2026
The New York Times
"Canada Hits Back at Trump With Retaliatory Tariffs"Ottawa retaliated with tariffs of up to 50% on about $20 billion of US products, designed to apply pressure inside specific states before the midterms.
The Washington Post
"As U.S.-Canada tensions escalate, Republicans could face political consequences"A former GOP trade counsel says northern states with auto industries or Canadian tourism are the wrong places for Republicans to have this fight.
The Washington Post
"Squeezed by tariffs and Iran war, farmers say they face a new crisis"Further reading from the day's section on the trade war with Canada.
The Washington Post
"Supreme Court eases path for Trump's sweeping limits on mail-in balloting"The Post's read: Trump has lost the mail-voting fight on the law but won it on the atmosphere, sowing confusion as ballots go out.
The Washington Post
"Kennedy Center finances deteriorated sharply after Trump name change"Further reading from the day's section on the legal fight over mail voting.
BMJ
CTE prevalence among former NFL playersOf 235 examined brains among the 878 former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021, 215 had CTE.
The New York Times
"At least one in four N.F.L. players gets brain disease"John Branch notes the 24.5% CTE rate is almost certainly an undercount, implying at least 400 of this season's active players will develop it.
The New York Times
"Where's OSHA?"OSHA says that in most cases it does not take enforcement action on professional athletes, and has proposed formally excluding inherent hazards.
Tuesday 25 August 2026
Politico
"US-Canada trade talks collapse"Trump threatened 50% tariffs on Canadian cars and trucks after talks collapsed, and Carney said the intent was to break Canada's steel, aluminum and auto industries.
The Globe and Mail
"Canada sees US as a risk, not an ally, poll finds"Roughly two-thirds of Canadians think the crisis will make their country stronger by making it less dependent on Washington.
CBC
"Buy Canadian boycott movement"Vox's Zack Beauchamp, who lives in Ontario, says his Canadian wife has shifted everything she buys, down to the dishwasher pods.
The New York Times
"Canadian goods facing Trump tariffs"Further reading from the day's section on tariffs and sanctions as economic weapons.
The Washington Post
"Some Texas conservatives are breaking rank and pledging to vote Democrat"Some Texas conservatives are pledging to vote Democratic over Greg Abbott's refusal to block data centers, a land-use fight that scrambles coalitions.
Axios
"NBC News taps Taboola for programmatic display"Taboola taking over NBC's banner inventory is Ari Paparo's evidence of shrinking open-web ad supply.
Status
"Bari's Cuomo Crush; Attiah's Arbitration Win"A Washington Post arbitration ordered columnist Karen Attiah rehired.
KTLA
"LA28 Olympic ticket sales surpass 6 million"Further reading from the day's section on sports business in survival mode.
MedPage Today
"Citing deaths, docs urge NCAA to limit energy drink marketing to kids"Further reading from the day's section on sports business in survival mode.
Variety
"California AG Bonta cancels Paramount settlement talks"Further reading from the day's section on culture, cars and the day's lightning round.
Vox
"Cage-free eggs, cruelty, and climate"A study finding cage-free egg production emits more than conventional production.
AP
"Hawk Fire prompts Reno evacuations"About 90,000 people were urged to leave.
Monday 24 August 2026
The Washington Post
"U.S.-Canada breakdown shows limits of Trump's aggressive trade strategy"The Post's analysis: maximalist tariff leverage works only while everyone believes capitulation is the only move, and a G7 ally just showed otherwise.
Bellingcat
"Satellite Imagery Documents New Border Patrol Road Construction in Big Bend National Park"Planet Labs imagery shows more than five miles of new road inside Big Bend National Park, built before the 'Smart Wall' project was paused.
The Washington Post
"How John Solomon became Trump's White House secret hunter"Further reading from the day's section on ESPN's McAfee bet and the Paramount endgame.
The Washington Post
"See the moment when Republican politicians turned against data centers"The Post's data shows the moment most GOP politicians flipped to talking about data centers negatively, as local siting fights spread.
The Washington Post
"See the invisible force driving destructive floods across the United States"Further reading from the day's section on cities, data centers and fights over land use.
The Washington Post
"The 2030s will bring a fiscal cliff. Here's how it got so steep."An interactive rewind on how the national debt reached $40 trillion.
The Washington Post
"The government's Intel bet was even worse than expected"Scott Lincicome on the government's equity stake in Intel, one year on.
Sunday 23 August 2026
The Washington Post
"Pentagon fires Stars and Stripes leaders who criticized DOD's interference"The Pentagon also fired publisher Max Lederer and reporter Lara Korte, and the Post points to a story on morale aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
The Washington Post
"As debt surpasses $40 trillion, the bill for Washington spending comes due"With the national debt past $40 trillion, the Post writes that lawmakers may soon be compelled into long-deferred choices.
The Washington Post
"Trump's new tariffs on Canada will hit whisky, goose down jackets, hockey sticks and more"After US-Canada talks collapsed, 50% tariffs now hit $20B of Canadian goods, including whisky, goose down jackets and hockey sticks.
Puck
"Data-Center Protests Are Reshaping U.S. Elections"Ian Krietzberg reports the data-center revolt is now reshaping US elections.
Puck
"The New York Times in the Era of the Journalism Influencer"Dylan Byers on the Times and Pablo Torre dispute, and how a reporter's portable audience inverts the old bargain with the masthead.
The Washington Post
"Some Americans are turning to Europe for help having a baby"Americans are traveling to Greece and Spain for fertility treatment they can't afford at home.
The Washington Post
"How one billionaire's crusade against homelessness became Trump's playbook"Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale's once-fringe homelessness agenda has become administration policy.
Saturday 22 August 2026
Vox
Data center moratoria and the AI backlashDylan Scott argues the data center backlash broke containment this week, citing ad buys rather than sentiment polling.
Vox
Data centers, bans, electric bills and waterFurther reading from the day's section on the backlash against data centers and surveillance cameras.
Axios
GOP memo warns AI companies about data centers and the electionFurther reading from the day's section on the backlash against data centers and surveillance cameras.
Data centres · Elections · AI
Philadelphia Inquirer
Shapiro's data center executive orderJosh Shapiro signed an executive order limiting data center construction and then cut an ad about it.
The Washington Post
Are Flock cameras the next bipartisan political issue?Dan Merica found the same backlash aimed at Flock's license plate cameras, with Tim Burchett and Adam Schiff reaching the same conclusion.
The Washington Post
We found cops who misused Flock. Their departments didn't know.Further reading from the day's section on the backlash against data centers and surveillance cameras.
Vox
The Flock camera backlashFurther reading from the day's section on the backlash against data centers and surveillance cameras.
The Washington Post
Pentagon fires Stars and Stripes leaders who criticized DoD interferenceThe Pentagon fired Stars and Stripes' editor-in-chief, publisher and a reporter, with editor Erik Slavin saying he was fired for insubordination.
New York Post
The Spencer Pratt "Median Strategies" poll storyFurther reading from the day's section on Washington institutions and who gets to say what's true.
The Washington Post
US debt surpasses $40 trillionUS debt reached $40 trillion months early, partly on lost revenue from invalidated tariffs.
The Washington Post
What's behind the bond market roller coasterThe 30-year yield hit 5.32%, fell to 5.18 after Bessent doubled the buyback program, and rebounded to 5.27 by Thursday.
The Washington Post
What it took to finally build housing on Treasure IslandFurther reading from the day's reading list.
Vox
Cuba has twice the doctors per capita as the US, and a collapsing health systemFurther reading from the day's reading list.
Friday 21 August 2026
The New York Times
"U.S. Debt Tops $40 Trillion for the First Time"America's gross national debt crossed $40 trillion on Wednesday, as Treasury doubled the amount of its own debt it can buy back.
Vox
"How the national debt makes your life more expensive"The Yale Budget Lab estimates a decade of federal borrowing has added roughly $2,500 a year to the cost of a typical mortgage.
The New York Times
"Federal agents searched former Rep. Eric Swalwell's home"The FBI seized Eric Swalwell's electronics at SFO and searched his D.C. home in a federal criminal probe tied to sexual assault allegations.
CNN
"Scott Jennings is the early favorite for White House press secretary"Further reading from the day's section on federal probes, primaries and the midterm map.
Pew Research Center
"Young adults in the U.S. are increasingly wary of AI"Pew finds 44% of Americans aged 18 to 29 are now more concerned than excited about AI, up from 29% in 2022.
Platformer
"The website that created an AI clone of its editor in chief"Every collected 30,000 of editor-in-chief Kate Lee's historical edits and built a copy-editing agent from them.
Axios
"NBC News taps Taboola for programmatic display ads"Taboola became NBC News' exclusive programmatic display vendor.
The Guardian
"Flock cameras and the surveillance debate"120,000 license plate readers in 6,000 communities, and up to 50 documented cases of officers misusing the data.
Thursday 20 August 2026
The Washington Post
"The bond market is sounding an alarm. Here's what it means."The thirty-year Treasury yield briefly touched 5.34%, its highest since 2007, before Treasury doubled buybacks of the longest-dated bonds.
The Washington Post
"What it means that Democrats are winning special elections in Trump country"Democrats have overperformed Harris's 2024 vote share by an average of 12.5 points across 110 special elections since January 2025.
The Washington Post
"Why a stunning democratic socialist win in Florida is different"Democratic socialist Angie Nixon beat Alexander Vindman by double digits in Florida after being out-raised 16 to 1.
The Washington Post
"8 takeaways and surprises from Florida, Wyoming and Alaska primaries"Rep. Cory Mills lost by thirteen points, and Trump's picks lost in a southwest Florida House seat and the Wyoming governor's race.
Vox
"The worst primary in America"Caitlin Dewey covers FL-6, where Rep. Randy Fine beat manosphere influencer Dan Bilzerian.
Digiday
"OpenAI's ads business hits Europe at the six month mark"OpenAI ships ads inside ChatGPT across 31 European markets, built explicitly on consent, with a new EU privacy policy this month.
The Washington Post
"Mathematicians ask what's left for humans when AI can do math research"Further reading from the day's section on AI's accountability gap.
The Kansas City Star
"KC to officially offer $600M for Royals ballpark"Kansas City formally offered $600M toward a $1.9B Royals ballpark where the team would pay $1 a year in rent.
The Washington Post
"Cancer treatment could face landmark moment with promising vaccine"Moderna and Merck's personalized mRNA vaccine intismeran prevented the return and spread of cancer in high-risk melanoma patients.
The Washington Post
"Why homes once banished to trailer parks are filling the suburbs"Manufactured homes, long banned outright by many towns, are moving into the suburbs as prices override the stigma.
Vox
"One unexpected reason kids aren't reading"Further reading from the day's section on a new cancer vaccine and the lightning round.
The Washington Post
"We found cops who misused Flock. Their police departments didn't know."Paired with Flock's CEO telling Business Insider that drones are now its fastest-growing line.
Wednesday 19 August 2026
The Washington Post
"The divide between Trump and Vance on Iran"Vance ranked cheap gas first and no Iranian nuke second among the administration's goals, and Trump posted a correction putting the bomb first.
The Washington Post
"Trump threatens to bomb Oman if it gets in the way"Further reading from the day's section on Iran, the Strait of Hormuz and the price of waiting.
The New York Times
"Saudi Arabia and UAE look to stockpile oil in Asia"Further reading from the day's section on Iran, the Strait of Hormuz and the price of waiting.
The Washington Post
"US debt set to hit $40 trillion months earlier than expected"The US national debt is set to cross $40 trillion this week, months ahead of schedule, with another debt-ceiling fight due in early 2027.
Puck
"How the Roberto Clemente case could reshape athlete NIL law"The Roberto Clemente license-plate case raised $15 million, none of it for the family, and is now before the Supreme Court.
Vox
"The Supreme Court, Trump's ballroom, and bye-bye environment"Ian Millhiser on why the East Wing case reaches far past the East Wing.
The Washington Post
"Vandals are destroying license-plate cameras as anger over surveillance rises"Further reading from the day's reading list.
Vox
"Mollie, the hamster uploading his runs to Strava"Further reading from the day's reading list.
Tuesday 18 August 2026
The Washington Post
"60 days after Trump signed a deal with Iran, the war is ongoing and the president is stuck in a quagmire"Sixty days after Trump signed the Iran memorandum, the war continues, the Strait remains largely closed and the US blockade has resumed.
The Washington Post
"Trump threatens to bomb Oman if it 'gets in the way'"Trump told Fox News the US would bomb Oman if it gets in the way, while Oman remains an active mediator.
The Washington Post
"Trump reduces military exercises with South Korea, citing good ties with Kim Jong Un"Trump said he would substantially reduce joint exercises with South Korea, citing his relationship with Kim Jong Un and Seoul's stance on Iran.
The Washington Post
"U.S. commander calls mental health a priority after he visits USS Lincoln"Further reading from the day's section on the Iran war reshaping US alliance policy.
The Washington Post
"So what is attracting voters to DSA's 'Sexy Socialist Summer'?"DSA says membership has nearly doubled since Mamdani's December win, and Post-Ipsos has 46% of under-30s open to a democratic socialist president.
The Washington Post
"How David Crowley upset Francesca Hong in Wisconsin's primary for governor"Wisconsin's Francesca Hong lost a governor's primary she had led in every poll, on electability attacks.
The Washington Post
"Angry at the Supreme Court, liberals push a slew of plans for overhauling it"Further reading from the day's section on election monitors, voter-roll lawsuits and the midterm machinery.
The Seattle Times
"Kalshi ordered to stop most operations in WA"A King County judge ordered Kalshi to stop offering most event contracts in Washington State and to geofence residents out.
Vox
"A low-tech way to save coral reefs"Further reading from the day's section on media, culture and El Niño.
The Washington Post
"White House races to prepare for new strains of deadly viruses after cutting biosecurity experts"A dwindled White House biodefense team and delayed safeguards, against rising concern over AI-enabled pathogens.
Monday 17 August 2026
Semafor
Amodei addresses AI backlashDario Amodei conceded AI firms haven't yet delivered on their big promises, and endorsed a FINRA-style central regulator.
Regulation · AI
Snopes
The Hasan Piker clip investigationA Snopes investigation found the clips of Hasan Piker were authentic but stitched from separate streams and stripped of context.
The Washington Post
Universities are fighting AI cheating. There's a deeper problem.Further reading from the day's section on bot loops, where AI tools on both sides of a transaction face off.
The Washington Post
Hollywood is hiring "slop janitors"Further reading from the day's section on bot loops, where AI tools on both sides of a transaction face off.
The New York Times
Ellison, Nashville, and the future of HollywoodSharon Waxman wrote that Ellison is deadly serious about moving Paramount out of California, citing an executive house-shopping in Tennessee.
The Intercept
A Los Angeles journalist nears 300 days in ICE detentionFurther reading from the day's section on media fights over a lawsuit, a ruse and Paramount's exit plan.
CNN
Life aboard the USS Abraham LincolnThe USS Abraham Lincoln has spent 260-plus days at sea on a deployment extended for the Iran war, amid reports of dire conditions aboard.
The Washington Post
Why Trump's erratic approach to the Iran war is guaranteed to failFurther reading from the day's section on Gaza talks, the Iran war and conflicts from Romania to Sudan.
The Washington Post
Trump took a secret flight from Turkey amid an Iranian threatFurther reading from the day's section on Gaza talks, the Iran war and conflicts from Romania to Sudan.
The Washington Post
When America's budget will break, disastrouslyThe Post's editorial board warned the 2030s could knock America flat as the 1930s brought it to its knees, while stressing it is still avoidable.
The Washington Post
Senate hopeful Talarico touts his faith. Texas Republicans call it blasphemy.James Talarico is running for Senate in Texas on his progressive seminary background, and state Republicans call it blasphemy.
The Washington Post
His family fled socialism. He's trying to spread it.Teo Armus profiles a young Cuban American selling democratic socialism door-to-door in Miami.
The Washington Post
Angry at the Supreme Court, liberals push overhaul plansFurther reading from the day's section on Washington, the midterm map and the fiscal cliff.
The Washington Post
Four Pennsylvania districts that could flip the HouseFurther reading from the day's section on Washington, the midterm map and the fiscal cliff.
The Washington Post
HPV vaccines are tragically underusedFurther reading from the day's reading list.
Sunday 16 August 2026
The Washington Post
Democrats abandon deep-red state Senate races, boosting independentsDemocratic Senate nominees in Nebraska, Idaho and South Dakota withdrew after winning their primaries, clearing the field for independents.
The Washington Post
Why Kansas might elect its first Democratic senator in nearly 100 yearsKathleen Parker argues Kansas might elect its first Democratic senator in nearly a century.
The Washington Post
Killings and other violent crimes dropped sharply in 2025Further reading from the day's section on Democratic mapmaking and federal surveillance.
The Washington Post
They were on Air Force One when Trump secretly leftJournalists left aboard Air Force One when Trump switched planes say they should have been told their plane was considered a target.
The Washington Post
Navy weighs major warship redesign to match Trump's preferencesThe Navy is weighing a major carrier redesign, costing billions, because Trump wants new ships to resemble WWII-era carriers.
The Washington Post
Her childhood photo. Thousands of explicit images. One woman's nightmare.A Wyoming woman alleges in a federal lawsuit that her stepfather used Grok to turn a childhood photo into thousands of child sexual abuse images.
The Washington Post
Plan to build apartments over a Nazi bunker reignites debate in BerlinFurther reading from the day's section on quick hits, from unfinished books to recovered stolen art.
The Washington Post
How to beat an earthquake: The Colombian city where no one diedFurther reading from the day's section on quick hits, from unfinished books to recovered stolen art.
The Washington Post
What I learned about the American Dream from Europeans pretending to live in OhioA fake Ohio trailer park in Poland, and what the people playing Americans think Americans are.
The Washington Post
Closing the Kennedy Center may be the best of bad optionsPhilip Kennicott argues closing the Kennedy Center may be the best of bad options.
Saturday 15 August 2026
The Washington Post
"Trump official who oversees U.S. Forest Service asked for more aircraft to fight a small fire near his Idaho ranch"Further reading from the day's section on Washington and the Justice Department's losing streak in court.
The New York Times
"Trump wildfire smoke, health, EPA and the Forest Service"Further reading from the day's section on Washington and the Justice Department's losing streak in court.
Bloomberg Law
"Walter Sells Lakers, Seeks Cash to Pay Loans Amid DOJ Probe"TWG Global is raising capital amid DOJ scrutiny of loans between Mark Walter's insurers and his empire, and the Lakers sale helps pay that down.
NBC Chicago
"Bears' owner gives updates on Indiana stadium site, Arlington Heights"Bears chairman George McCaskey confirmed due diligence on a stadium site in Hammond, Indiana, after Illinois incentive legislation failed.
Reuters
"Jessica Pegula says WTA genetic testing has begun"The WTA has begun genetic sex testing at the Cincinnati Open.
Reuters
"Record US wildfire season: firefighter entrapments hit 20-year high"Firefighters are being overrun at the highest rate in two decades, with months left in a record wildfire season.
Vox
"How to rebuild your attention span"The decline in attention span is not permanent, and resting the brain is most of the fix.
Vox
"Spokane wildfires and the West's burning suburbs"The wildland-urban interface story, told through Spokane and the West's burning suburbs.
Friday 14 August 2026
The Washington Post
$4/gal gas prices have never been this high so late in the yearThe national average gas price has never been above $4 a gallon after August 12 in any year on record.
The Washington Post
What Democrats can learn from Wisconsin's 'oatmeal' winDan Merica credits retiring Gov. Tony Evers, who endorsed David Crowley after he quit, for Crowley's primary win over Francesca Hong.
Vox
The trap of MAGA womanhoodCaitlin Dewey argues MAGA elevates ambitious women only when they exercise power on Trump's behalf; four of 23 cabinet-level posts are held by women.
The New York Times
DHS paid nearly half a billion for deportation jets, then parked themFurther reading from the day's section on the Wisconsin primary, a press secretary's exit and the Kennedy Center.
The Washington Post
Chatbots are doing the work of Congress with little oversightFurther reading from the day's section on AI assistants, the jobless boom and the model race.
The Times
Infantino set to back 64-team World Cup as he seeks South American supportInfantino is backing CONMEBOL's push for a 64-team 2030 World Cup to lock in South American votes.
Vox
What is HYROX?HYROX is an eight-round fitness competition that reportedly subsumes your entire existence.
The Washington Post
Record El Niño to give Earth a preview of its warmer futureFurther reading from the day's section on inflammation, HYROX and life on a Croatian island.
The Washington Post
How AAU is failing to protect young athletes from sexual abuseMolly Hensley-Clancy investigates how AAU, the country's largest youth sports organization, is failing to protect athletes from sexual abuse.
Stateline
Schools spend billions on AI but struggle to figure out what's worth itThe procurement side of AI in education: schools spend billions but struggle to figure out what is worth it.
North Dakota Monitor
Refugees among thousands losing SNAP benefitsThe local-paper version of a national policy change: refugees among thousands of North Dakotans losing SNAP benefits.
Thursday 13 August 2026
The Washington Post
"Takeaways from primaries in South Carolina, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Connecticut"The Post called David Crowley's win over Francesca Hong in Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary a clear upset.
Vox
"A messy lesson for the post-woke left"Francesca Hong ran on universal childcare, free school meals and a data center moratorium, but spent her closing week explaining 2020.
Vox
"Why progressives are backing off Woke 1"Progressives including Mamdani, El-Sayed and AOC are openly walking back the strident Woke 1 vocabulary that peaked after 2020.
The Washington Post
"Are data centers enough to flip a key House race?"Will Lawrence, running in a Trump-carried mid-Michigan district, built his first general-election ad around a proposed data center in Mason.
The Washington Post
"Rural Texas data center opposition is scrambling conservative orthodoxy"Further reading from the day's section on data centers, power and the metro economy.
The Washington Post
"How utility and tech firms 'educate' regulators with big donations, secret retreats"Further reading from the day's section on data centers, power and the metro economy.
The Washington Post
"Trump administration set to spend at least $900 million on White House construction"The administration is set to spend at least $900 million on White House construction, mostly taxpayer-funded, per confidential contracts.
The Washington Post
"Pirro, in rare move, convenes special grand jury in Washington"Jeanine Pirro convened a special grand jury in D.C., a designation that lets it focus on a single case and issue a public report.
The Washington Post
"Trump's plane ruse echoes Clinton's Pakistan swap, with one key difference"Further reading from the day's section on Trump's decoy plane and the machinery of Washington.
Semafor
"Not worth the risk"Eli Lilly filed six lawsuits against sellers of illicit retatrutide, its unapproved obesity drug.
Wednesday 12 August 2026
The Washington Post
Democratic rebellion against older politicians reaches new battlegroundRep. John Larson, 78, lost to former Hartford mayor Luke Bronin, the fifth House Democrat over 70 to fall in a primary this cycle.
The Washington Post
Trump flew in secrecy amid Iran threat; Air Force One became decoyTrump left Turkey inside an airport catering container, leaving reporters and staffers on Air Force One as unwitting decoys against an Iranian threat.
Vox
Iran-linked hackers hit US water systemsIran-linked attacks hit water and wastewater systems in at least twelve states last month, causing shut-offs and boil-water notices.
The Washington Post
Rural Texas data center opposition is scrambling conservative orthodoxyBipartisan opposition to data centers is building before the midterms, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Trump ally, is campaigning on restraint.
The Washington Post
New York becomes first state to impose data center moratoriumNew York became the first state to impose a data center moratorium, as dozens of communities have tried their own.
Semafor
Progressives prepare AI regulation pushCongressional progressives are building an AI privacy and surveillance package designed to recruit civil libertarians on the right.
Surveillance · Regulation · AI
Puck
David Ellison Has Gamed Out a California Exit PlanDavid Ellison intends to move Paramount Skydance out of California if Rob Bonta does not settle the WBD antitrust suit by October 1.
Tuesday 11 August 2026
The Washington Post
Trump administration order would upend nation's childhood vaccine scheduleTrump signed an executive order reducing federally recommended childhood vaccinations and pushing parents to space remaining shots apart.
The Washington Post
Economy shed 23,000 jobs in July as labor market weakenedThe economy shed 23,000 jobs in July, with Trump's approval stuck in the mid-30s and Democrats leading the generic ballot.
The Washington Post
Eleventh-hour primary upsets muddy the race for control of CongressFurther reading from the day's section on vaccines, the new attorney general and the midterm math.
Vox
What happens if the US cuts off aid to Israel?Caitlin Dewey finds Israel would need military spending of about 8.5% of GDP to replace US aid: a real cost, but not a decisive lever.
The Washington Post
Water systems are ripe for cyberattacks, experts warn after suspected Iranian hacksUS water systems are low-hanging fruit for cyberattacks after suspected Iran-linked intrusions in twelve states.
The Washington Post
They said they would build AI safely. Then it went rogue.OpenAI says its next model, Astra, may have hit the critical cyber threshold, as agents in the Hugging Face incident built secret message boards.
Puck
For Whom the Ellisons TollBill Cohan reports a March trial date for the WarnerMount antitrust suit, close to the June 2027 date when WBD's board can walk.
Oregon Live
Ian Karmel, others paid to rally support for Moda Center funding dealA lobbying group paid local influencers, including comedian Ian Karmel, to back public money for a $600M Moda Center renovation.
Vox
The Costco chicken investigationWhat an organic poultry label does and does not guarantee.
Monday 10 August 2026
Puck
Ross Douthat's Exit Exposes a Crack at the TimesDylan Byers argues the Times' video pivot is training star columnists like Ross Douthat, who left after 17 years, for careers on other platforms.
NYT Opinion
Ross Douthat's final columnDouthat's exit essay called Trump's second term corrupt, bullying and destabilizing, then argued the president has little real power.
Reuters
Former chip executives launch athlete discovery platformFurther reading from the day's section on private capital flowing into sports.
Axios
Charlotte investor Axum acquires Wembanyama-backed BARCODEFurther reading from the day's section on private capital flowing into sports.
Reuters
Taylor Swift songs removed from White House and Trump campaign postsFurther reading from the day's reading list.
Alaska Beacon
Cruise ship helps stranded skiff as Zuckerberg yacht stands byFurther reading from the day's reading list.
Sunday 9 August 2026
The Washington Post
Unemployment improved, because thousands of workers disappeared. Where did they go?Unemployment fell because more than 260,000 people left the labor force, and prime-age participation is at its lowest level since the pandemic.
The Washington Post
Pirro, Trump's longtime champion, is on the outs over Reflecting Pool moveJeanine Pirro, US attorney for DC and a longtime Trump champion, is reportedly on the outs over the Reflecting Pool vandalism prosecutions.
The Washington Post
Rep. Max Miller has been battling for his career. Then came stories about a child's stuffed bunny.Rep. Max Miller's divorce broke open over the allegation that he withheld his daughter's stuffed bunny.
The Washington Post
Pentagon presses defense firms to build weapons as Iran war depletes stocksDeputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg directed the defense industry to build weapons faster amid a critical US munitions shortage.
Saturday 8 August 2026
Washington Post Early Brief
"The Senate wants a recess. Trump doesn't."Trump wants the SAVE America Act attached to the Senate's pre-recess sprint, while Thune says the votes aren't there to clear sixty.
Vox
"Hackers just broke into America's drinking water"Iran appears to have compromised municipal water utilities in at least a dozen states.
Friday 7 August 2026
The Washington Post
Under Trump, 90% of ambassador nominations have gone to political supporters90% of this administration's ambassador nominations have gone to political supporters rather than career diplomats.
The Washington Post
How some veterans signed up for sham schools and pocketed GI Bill moneyFurther reading from the day's section on Washington's ledger of oversight fights.
The Washington Post
FCC lifts the cap limiting the size of TV broadcasting companiesBrendan Carr's FCC voted 2-1 to eliminate the two-decade-old television ownership cap, clearing the way for consolidation in local TV.
Thursday 6 August 2026
The Washington Post
"This federal judge ruled against Trump. Then the threats began."U.S. District Judge John McConnell ruled against the Trump administration, faced a wave of intimidation, and went on the record about it.
The Washington Post
"Trump, Hegseth clashed at Camp David over shortages of long-range guided missiles"Trump and Pete Hegseth clashed at Camp David over shortages of long-range guided missiles, with Trump asking why he hadn't been told.
Puck
"The Latest WarnerMount Hurdle: A Routine Exec-Poaching Lawsuit"Warner is suing Amazon for poaching an HBO Max marketing executive mid-contract, a talent war conducted in court.
Wednesday 5 August 2026
The Washington Post
Michigan Senate primary live resultsThe Michigan Senate primary between Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens tested whether the movement left can win in a state Trump carried.
The Washington Post
Black voters are divided; progressives are pivotal in Michigan Senate primaryFurther reading from the day's section on primary night and the Democrats' August.
The Washington Post
Democratic socialists won liberal cities. Can they do it in a swing state?Movement-left candidates have won deep-blue city primaries for two years, and August tests them in states Trump carried, like Michigan and Wisconsin.
The Washington Post
Why Michigan is such a big Senate battlegroundFurther reading from the day's section on primary night and the Democrats' August.
NOTUS
The voters who see Stevens as a repeat of 2024Further reading from the day's section on primary night and the Democrats' August.
The Washington Post
How predatory trade schools drained $300 million from the GI Bill and failed veteransFurther reading from the day's section on Todd Blanche's confirmation deal.
The Washington Post
Trump made the Reflecting Pool a test of his power. It backfired.Further reading from the day's section on Todd Blanche's confirmation deal.
The Washington Post
Trump orders changes to new helipad after weeks of around-the-clock workFurther reading from the day's section on Todd Blanche's confirmation deal.
The Washington Post
Why Trump is lashing out at Chevron amid profit windfallExxon's Q2 profits doubled and Chevron posted record earnings, and the president's response was that they should give some back to the public.
The Washington Post
Trump keeps making threats. The world has stopped flinching.Further reading from the day's section on the Strait of Hormuz, the oil windfall and an emerging Iran deal.
The Athletic
How do FIFA presidential elections work? Who can challenge Gianni Infantino?Further reading from the day's section on sports business, public markets and private leagues.
The Washington Post
Left-wing challengers are beating House Democrats. These could be next.Recommended as the pattern that made primary night's results legible.
The Washington Post
What exactly is a democratic socialist?Recommended as useful background before Wisconsin votes next week.
Tuesday 4 August 2026
The Washington Post
"The 5-Minute Fix: Senate Republicans are pushing back on Trump"Republicans got Todd Blanche's written statement rescinding the $1.8 billion fund, but no change to the president's tax immunity arrangement.
Sunday 2 August 2026
The Washington Post
"DOJ drops Reflecting Pool charge, citing 'botched' work and contradicting Trump"Jeanine Pirro asked a judge to dismiss the indictment against Olympian David Hearn, conceding the Reflecting Pool damage came from a flawed installation.
The Washington Post
"Trump says he will 'push hard' for payout fund, keep Blanche as acting AG"Further reading from the day's section on the collapsed Reflecting Pool prosecution.
The Washington Post
"U.S. general warns Pentagon he lacks sufficient forces to protect Israel"The head of US European Command warned the Pentagon in writing that he lacks the Aegis destroyers to protect Israel from Iranian missiles.
The Washington Post
"In Trump Gaza deal, Hamas disarms, Israel withdraws. Neither wants to go first."The Board of Peace's 15-point Hamas disarmament plan immediately hit the sequencing problem every ceasefire since the 1990s has died on.
Puck
"The Billion-Dollar Bet Behind Paramount's WBD Merger Delay"Eriq Gardner assesses the billion-dollar bet behind Paramount angling for a trial rather than a settlement.
The Washington Post
"The last day of a factory in Trump country, as its work moves to China"Peter Jamison spent the final day at a Conn-Selmer band-instrument factory in Ohio whose work is moving to China, with 150 people there at the end.
The Washington Post
Fareed Zakaria: "Trump appears to order the government to lie on behalf of tariffs"Fareed Zakaria argues the new tariff plan only functions if federal officials certify a finding the underlying data doesn't support.
The Washington Post
"Impostor scams have already defrauded Americans of $1.8 billion this year"Further reading from the day's section on errands and the rest of the weekend file.
The Washington Post
"Coyotes overtake abandoned housing development, vexing neighbors"Further reading from the day's reading list.
The Washington Post
"A teen was missing for years. Then she called police from states away."Further reading from the day's reading list.
The Washington Post
"After years of unexplained fainting, a 'tilt table test' pinpointed the cause"Further reading from the day's reading list.
Saturday 1 August 2026
The Washington Post
"The economy slowed this spring"GDP grew 1.5%, with more than half of it driven by AI-related investment.
The Washington Post
"Mass layoffs hit Haitian workers as protected status ends"Over a million migrants, mostly Haitian, lost temporary protected status, with mass layoffs following at airports, nursing homes and schools.
The Washington Post
"Republicans struggle for a way forward on the Blanche nomination"John Cornyn and Thom Tillis have Todd Blanche's attorney general nomination stalled over a $1.8 billion fund and the president's audit immunity.
The Washington Post
"ICE is expanding its arrests at airports to new targets"Further reading from the day's section on Gaza, Iran and threatened trade chokepoints.
Friday 31 July 2026
The Washington Post
A divided Fed holds interest rates steady despite stubborn inflationThe Fed held rates steady on Wednesday, and 30-year mortgage rates hit a one-year high of 6.66% by Thursday.
Platformer
This AI notetaker won't sell surveillance to your bossGranola's Chris Pedregal says CEOs routinely ask for every employee's meeting transcripts, and Granola refuses.
The Washington Post
Early Brief: A divided field threatens Democrats' Montana Senate hopesMontana Democrats have until August 10 to resolve a three-way Senate race that may already be lost.
The Washington Post
5 takeaways from the Senate hearing where Fauci refused to answer questionsFauci invoked the Fifth at least 100 times before Rand Paul's committee, which votes next week on a contempt referral.
The Washington Post
U.S. strikes Iran in response to surprise ballistic missile launchThe US launched a heavy wave of retaliatory strikes on Iran, and Trump said he'll pretty much always hit back.
The Washington Post
A shrinking weapons stockpile is testing the Pentagon's sweeping new strategyFurther reading from the day's section on Iran, the Gulf and the limits of American power.
Wednesday 29 July 2026
The Washington Post
"The 5-Minute Fix: Republicans' midterm problems"Amber Phillips finds the top three voter issues, the economy, the Iran war and immigration, are all ones where Trump's handling polls badly.
The Washington Post
"Early Brief: For the DNC, no money, more problems"The DNC closed June with $16.3M in cash against $18.5M in debt, while the RNC held $128.5M with none.
Tuesday 28 July 2026
The Washington Post
John Fetterman: Why I changed my mind about the filibusterFetterman argues he was wrong in 2022: the thing that has stopped many unpopular policies since early 2025 is the filibuster, not the Democrats.
The Washington Post
The GOP's enthusiasm problem hits even core votersFurther reading from the day's section on election rules, the filibuster and the Senate's sprint.
The Washington Post
Operation Southern Spear has not slowed cocaine entering the USFurther reading from the day's section on the Iran war, oil and a reordering abroad.
The Washington Post
First came heat domes, then came wildfires across EuropeFurther reading from the day's section on the Iran war, oil and a reordering abroad.
The Washington Post
A desert town may run out of water, and others could followFurther reading from the day's reading list.
Monday 27 July 2026
The New York Times
"Paramount Pauses Warner Bros. Deal"Paramount froze its $111bn Warner Bros. Discovery merger until next June, and per the NYT its own trial lawyer proposed the pause.
Sunday 26 July 2026
C-SPAN
Rescheduled White House Correspondents' Association DinnerAt the rescheduled WHCA dinner, Wall Street Journal reporters won the Katharine Graham Award before Trump spoke for more than an hour.
Puck
"How Gruden's NFL Lawsuit Turned Into a Free Speech Fight"Further reading from the day's section on LeBron James's move to Philadelphia and the week in sports.
Saturday 25 July 2026
Status
"Loomer's Kyiv Curveball; Paramount's Shock Merger Move"Paramount agreed to postpone closing its $111B Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition, sidestepping a preliminary-injunction fight with twelve state AGs.
AP
"Paramount agrees to delay Warner Bros. merger"Paramount will close after an antitrust trial or next June, but faces ticking fee payments to investors if the deal drags past September 30.
The Washington Post
"Peptide boom has states scrambling to protect consumers"The Post surveyed every state's pharmacy, medical and nursing boards and found gaping holes around medspas and peptides.
Friday 24 July 2026
The Washington Post
"Why Michigan is such a big Senate battleground"In Michigan, leaked audio has GOP nominee Mike Rogers saying he'd rather face progressive Abdul El-Sayed than Rep. Haley Stevens.
Thursday 23 July 2026
The New York Times
On Politics: The next big tests for the leftAbdul El-Sayed leads narrowly in Michigan's Senate primary despite a ~$50M ad disadvantage, while Wisconsin's governor race boosted socialist Francesca Hong.
Tuesday 21 July 2026
The Washington Post
"US teeters on return to all-out war with Iran after more troops killed"Seventeen US service members have been killed since February 28, three over the weekend, and a US official says the US is planning for a wider war.
The Washington Post
"Iran retaliates against US strikes as gas returns to $4 a gallon"Oil is past $90, Tehran vows not a single drop transits Hormuz if strikes continue, and gas hit $4 nationally on Monday.
The Washington Post
"What voters are making of the Iran war dragging on"Sarah Chamberlain of the Republican Main Street Partnership said the politics of the war are all about the cost of living for voters.
The Washington Post
"Trump's latest election push finds little traction inside GOP"Further reading from the day's section on election rules and Arizona's AZ-05 primary.
The Washington Post
"School closures rising across the US as student populations and funds shrink"School closures are rising across the US, the American version of the demographic story China just published numbers on.
Monday 20 July 2026
The Washington Post
"How to avoid another Iran Fiasco"David Ignatius warned that Trump's reset button on Iran could produce Iran Fiasco 2.0, as the ceasefire collapsed and US deaths climbed again.
Puck
"WarnerMount Is Already Teasing a Supreme Court Showdown"Eriq Gardner broke down California AG Rob Bonta's suit to block the Paramount and Warner Bros. merger, potentially bound for the Supreme Court.
The Washington Post
"JD Vance is moving to a wealthy enclave outside D.C."JD Vance is moving to a wealthy enclave outside D.C., with neighbors complaining about motorcades and helicopters.
The Washington Post
"'Throw it all out': My parents' stuff is more than clutter"Katie Roiphe takes on the impossible question of what to do with an aging parent's belongings.
The Washington Post
"Kratom is an opioid. The DEA should regulate it like one."The Washington Post's Week in Ideas carried a warning that kratom is functionally an opioid.
The Washington Post
"Maui went from wildfires to purgatory"The Washington Post's Week in Ideas reported on why Maui still can't rebuild three years after the fires.
Where these stories come from
Each morning the Daily Newsletter Digest reads about fifty newsletters, groups them by theme and records an audio episode. These are the day’s most substantive stories from it, each with a direct link to the original article.
Links open the publisher’s own site, which may ask you to subscribe. The one-line summaries are ours; the reporting is theirs. A place tag links to that metro or country on this site, where the same story appears under In the news.