Mass Layoffs in Iran as Businesses Buckle Under Wartime Pressures

5/10/2026 2:01 AM Open Story
Iran was already struggling economically before 2026 brought widespread instability. A government-imposed internet shutdown has crippled an entire sector.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Effectively Blocked After Naval Skirmishes

5/9/2026 2:43 PM Open Story
The U.S. Navy’s blockade continued to intercept ships trying to leave or enter Iranian ports, while fear of Iranian attacks kept other ships from attempting passage through the narrows.
Democratic Candidates Scramble in Virginia After Court Tosses Map

5/10/2026 2:02 AM Open Story
A court ruling that struck down an election map swiftly ended some Democratic House candidacies and pushed others into much tougher races.
One Big Headache for Politicians These Days: a Messy Digital Footprint

5/10/2026 2:01 AM Open Story
As a new generation of chronically online oversharers runs for office, many find themselves tripped up by past statements. Their response? Delete, distance, disavow.
Redistricting Ruling in Virginia Adds to Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s Headaches

5/9/2026 5:20 PM Open Story
Gov. Abigail Spanberger had initially been skeptical of the push for new maps, but as the state’s leading Democrat she had a political stake in its fate.
Vance or Rubio? Trump Muses on Successor as the ‘Kids’ Fill Bigger Roles.

5/10/2026 2:02 AM Open Story
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are boosting their profiles, generating speculation about who’s lining up for the 2028 presidential nomination.
After Capturing Maduro, Trump Celebrated Victory. Did It Bring Venezuelans Home?

5/10/2026 2:00 AM Open Story
Dire conditions in Venezuela prompted an exodus. In the wake of the attack that ousted its top leader, the question is whether things have changed enough to make a return appealing.
What to Do About the White House Correspondents Dinner After an Attack?

5/10/2026 2:02 AM Open Story
A gunman’s attack at the April dinner has spurred more debate than usual about one of Washington’s most dissected rituals.
U.S.-China Rivalry Reaches South American Skies

5/10/2026 4:29 AM Open Story
The U.S. has pressed Argentina and Chile to review two Chinese telescope projects in the Andean deserts. Astronomers are worried about setbacks to research.
Why the Trump-Xi Summit Matters, Even if Little Seems to Come of It

5/9/2026 2:08 AM Open Story
The war in Iran, trade, artificial intelligence and Taiwan are expected to be on the agenda. But expectations are modest.
How China May Have Sought to Recruit a House Aide to Spy on the U.S.

5/9/2026 2:01 AM Open Story
A staff member on the House China Committee was promised $10,000 for U.S. policy insights, on issues like Venezuela and rare-earth minerals.
Cruise Ship Linked to Hantavirus Outbreak Arrives in Spain’s Canary Islands for Disembarking

5/10/2026 2:48 AM Open Story
The MV Hondius, which had carried passengers infected with the virus, anchored off Spain’s Canary Islands on Sunday. Evacuations of other passengers were expected through Monday evening, officials said.
Molly Jong-Fast on Her Mother, Erica Jong, on Mother’s Day

5/10/2026 12:00 AM Open Story
I’m realizing that a sort of gooey sitcom resolution is not in the cards for my mother and me.
I’m a Democrat. My Party Has a Double Standard on Antisemitism.

5/10/2026 3:00 AM Open Story
When we’re talking about which allies to support or which communities we defend, our principles shouldn’t shift.
For Mother’s Day, Classic Mom-isms

5/10/2026 3:00 AM Open Story
The mantras, mottos and favorite sayings our mothers have repeated over the years.
With New Bishops, Pope Leo Starts to Put His Imprint on U.S. Church

5/10/2026 2:01 AM Open Story
His appointments have focused on pastoral care and reflect the changing composition of Catholic pews and priests.
Putin’s Forces Are Barely Inching Along on the Battlefield

5/10/2026 3:59 AM Open Story
The Russian military has yet to solve a fundamental problem: how to make big advances in eastern Ukraine when drones are everywhere.
Hiker Killed by Bear at Glacier National Park, Officials Say

5/9/2026 3:25 PM Open Story
The man was found with injuries “consistent with those sustained by a bear encounter” three days after leaving for a hike, the National Park Service said.