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Word of the Week: The swashbuckling origins and evolution of ‘filibuster’

Sen. Cory Booker's record-breaking Senate speech wasn't technically a filibuster, but it still put the word in focus. Here's what to know about its history, from the swashbuckling to the stonewalling.

A ‘beacon’ or a ‘roulette’? Chinese America watchers see opportunities and pitfalls

Some of China's America watchers see opportunities for their country in the United States' retreat from international institutions. Others see distractions and pitfalls.

Major deal wipes out $30 billion in medical debt. Even backers say it’s not enough

Undue Medical Debt is retiring unpaid medical bills for 20 million people. The debt trading company that owned them is leaving the market.

Microsoft turns 50: A look back at everything from the Altair to the Zune

The company helped launch the software industry and bring a computer to every desktop. Hit products like Windows and the Xbox became household names – but does anyone remember the Zune?

The price of what hit record highs this week? Find out in the quiz

This week inspired questions of self-reflection, like "could I talk for 25 hours straight?" and "do I feel liberated?" and "can you tell me again why the Wisconsin Supreme Court is important?"

A hot seat for Musk, the trade war and third-term talk: Takeaways from the week

A GOP electoral warning points to Elon Musk in the hot seat, and President Trump employed a third-term distraction. Also, a trade war rages, and there were mass firings at key scientific agencies.

Elton John and Brandi Carlile almost abandoned their new album

Elton John partnered with Brandi Carlile for a new album of duets, Who Believes in Angels? But the project almost fell apart during its first recording sessions.

NCAA president on why he supports NIL settlement for college players

NCAA president Charlie Baker discusses a proposed settlement between college athletes and the NCAA for making direct payments to players for their name, image and likeness.

Former Costa Rican president says visa may have been revoked over criticism of Trump

Former Costa Rican President Óscar Arias Sánchez, who likened President Trump to "Roman emperor" earlier this year, says he fears the U.S. revoked his visa over criticisms of Trump.

Trump downplays the role of far-right activist in firings of NSC staff

President Trump is downplaying reports that far-right provocateur Laura Loomer influenced National Security Council firings on Thursday.

Canada trucker protest organizers found guilty of mischief

The February 2022 protests, dubbed the Freedom Convoy, were sparked by a Canadian government vaccine mandate for truck drivers crossing the U.S.-Canada border.

South Korea’s president removed from office over ill-fated declaration of martial law

South Korea's Constitutional Court removed impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from office on Friday, ending his tumultuous presidency and setting up an election to replace him.

Alabama lawmakers advance proposed ban on cellphones in school

A growing number of states are moving to ban or restrict cellphones in schools. The push has been fueled by concerns that phones are a distraction in the classroom and that screen time and social media have a negative impact on mental health.

19 states sue over Trump’s voting executive order, arguing it’s unconstitutional

The lawsuit is the fourth legal challenge against Trump's executive order on voting. The attorneys general argue the order is "an unconstitutional attempt to seize control of elections."

Judge considers ‘contempt’ after Trump officials stonewall ruling on migrant removal flights

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg Thursday pushed, once again, the Justice Department to explain its use of the Alien Enemies Act and provide key details and the timeline of the flights.

On top of layoffs, HHS ordered to cut 35% of spending on contracts

Federal health agencies have to slash their spending by more than a third, on top of the 10,000-person staffing cuts.

R.E.M.’s hometown of Athens, Ga., still welcomes fans 45 years after the band started there

R.E.M. played its first concert there in 1980 and still draws fans to its hometown. A visit to Athens can be like a pilgrimage of the band's music.

A Pentagon inspector general announces investigation into Hegseth’s use of Signal

The announcement comes after lawmakers voiced concern about whether top national security officials discussed classified information on Signal about a military strike against Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Death toll rises as devastating spring storms batter the South and Midwest

At least six people have died amid severe storms that are predicted to impact large areas of the United States through the weekend.

How much will tariffs raise prices? Trump’s economists just revealed their answer

The administration revealed how they calculated the tariffs. Buried in that math is a straightforward answer to a question Trump has long refused to answer: How much will his tariffs raise prices?

Education Dept. warns schools: Eliminate DEI programs or lose funding

The department sent a letter to state leaders threatening the loss of funds for K-12 schools that don't follow its interpretation of civil rights laws.

Mineral-rich, war-torn DRC first stop for Trump’s new Africa czar

Massad Boulos, Trumps new Senior Advisor for Africa and father-in-law to daughter Tiffany Trump, kicks starts his first official trip on the continent, with a visit to the mineral rich and war wracked Democratic Republic of Congo.

Cultural groups across U.S. told that federal humanities grants are terminated

Among the thousands of groups affected by the sudden cessation of funds are state arts councils, museums, historic sites, archives, libraries, educators and media outlets in all 50 states.

Judge rules Alabama can’t prosecute groups helping patients get abortions elsewhere

Although most abortions remain illegal in Alabama, the decision allows doctors and advocacy groups to tell patients about abortion options in other states, and help with travel and other costs

Jason Isbell confronts the pain of divorce, and the possibility of new love

Jason Isbell sings about his split from musician Amanda Shires on his latest album Foxes in the Snow. "What I was attempting to do is document a very specific time where I was going through a lot of changes," he says.

See ‘A Minecraft Movie,’ ‘A Nice Indian Boy’ and ‘Freaky Tales’ in theaters this week

Jack Black and Jason Momoa star in the first attempt to adapt the blockbuster video game for the big screen. And Pedro Pascal returns in a real-life inspired Bay Area anthology with a lot going on.

We tried out the Nintendo Switch 2 — it’s a solid console sequel

We played hours of Nintendo Switch 2 games the same day President Trump announced new global tariffs. Despite the hefty price tag, it's a solid evolution of one of the world's most popular consoles.

Hungary says it will quit the International Criminal Court as Netanyahu visits

Hungary said it will start the process to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an ICC arrest warrant, arrived in Budapest.

Dow drops 1,500 points on trade war fears over new tariffs

President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imported goods, which were higher and broader than many expected. The new import taxes are expected to raise prices and slow growth in the U.S., while pushing many other countries into recession.

More homes are finally hitting the spring market. Will buyers take the plunge?

After a couple extremely slow years, more inventory is finally hitting the market this spring. But buyers might be put off by high prices and an unsteady economy.

Elizabeth Olsen is good at ignoring advice

Elizabeth Olsen doesn't want validation, but she does want you to understand her taste. She shares why she's terrified of dying, but is fascinated with death and the joy of idle people watching.

RFK Jr. wants to stop people using SNAP benefits to buy soda. Will it help?

Nutritionists agree reducing the amount of sugar people consume would be good for the Nation's health. But the plan to block people from using food assistance to buy soda is getting mixed reviews.