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Sen. Dick Durbin, a top Senate Democrat, says he will not seek reelection
The Illinois Democrat has announced he will retire at the end of his term next year after nearly three decades in the Senate. His departure creates a key opening in Democratic leadership.
In a quiet week for new releases, a noisy album tiptoes to the top of the charts
For the last few years, Carson's star has been on the rise, and his latest album debuts at No. 1 thanks to a bit of good timing. Also: Record Store Day makes a dent on the album chart.
What to know as the government begins collections on defaulted student debt
The Department of Education says it will resume collections on May 5 and send wage garnishment notices "later this summer." Here's how to know — and what to do — if you'll be affected.
Environmental groups say Trump administration violated their free-speech rights
A lawsuit alleges the Trump administration violated the free-speech rights of nonprofits and municipalities that have had federal funding for climate and environmental projects frozen or cancelled.
Officials from U.S., Europe meet in London for Ukraine peace talks
The U.S. is showing signs that it is increasingly willing to withdraw from a peace process that has grown more complex in recent months.
Trade wars grew America’s auto industry. Historians warn today’s tariffs won’t
Past success bringing foreign car companies stateside means the U.S. has more to lose and less to gain in today’s trade wars.
Birmingham ranked 4th worst in Southeast for ozone pollution, new ALA report says
The American Lung Association's latest "State of the Air" report shows air quality has worsened in some Gulf South metro areas.
This new story collection is marvelous — if a bit meandering
Lydia Millet's characters in Atavists interact and have little dramas of their own — the author's talent is on full display here. Not every story is strong, but they work well together.
Word of the Week: The papal ‘conclave’ is secretive. The word’s origin explains why
The word itself predates Christianity, but the conclave with its secretive deliberations and ancient trappings still captures the public's curiosity.
The next AOC? Young Democrats are aiming to topple incumbents inside their own party
Frustrated with their party's response to President Trump, a wave of young Democrats are challenging incumbents in safe blue districts, hoping to mirror Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's upset win in 2018.
Like measles, misinformation is spreading, poll finds
With the U.S. now reporting more than 800 measles cases, a new poll from health policy research group KFF finds that many people are being exposed to false claims about measles and the measles vaccine.
Harvey Weinstein is on trial, again. Opening arguments start Wednesday
Weinstein is facing sex crimes charges after his 2020 New York conviction was overturned last year. The #MeToo movement was catalyzed in part by the many women who came forward to accuse the disgraced producer of misconduct.
Trump was once seen as an asset to right-wing populists abroad. No more
In some countries, including those facing national elections soon, political leaders who've advocated a homegrown style of MAGA are suddenly scrambling to distance themselves from the U.S. president.
Pope Francis, the music nerd: a playlist
The pontiff, who possessed a sizable record collection, was a keen listener. Hear his favorite tracks — from Bach to Piazzolla — and a few more that might have caught his discerning ear.
Pope Francis’ body lies in state ahead of Saturday funeral
Pope Francis' body lies in state for public viewing at St. Peter's Basilica as the Vatican prepares for his funeral on Saturday.
Kashmir experiences worst civilian attack in years, coinciding with Vance India visit
Police accused rebels of masterminding the attack, which sparked outrage and drew international condemnation, including from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Lori Vallow Daybell convicted of conspiring to kill her estranged husband in 2019
Jurors found Lori Vallow Daybell guilty after deliberating for about three hours, and she faces another possible life sentence on top of the three she is already serving in Idaho.
RFK’s plan to phase out synthetic food dyes could face industry pushback
The health secretary announced a push to eliminate petroleum-based colorants from the food supply. But he'll need to get food companies on board.
As Tesla profits plunge 71%, Elon Musk says he’ll spend less time on DOGE
Elon Musk says he'll cut back his work with the federal government to one to two days per week. He said demand for Teslas is still strong, despite protests and plunging sales.
Judge blocks Trump administration plans to dismantle Voice of America
A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction stopping the Trump administration from dismantling Voice of America, the federally funded overseas news outlet.
Supreme Court leans toward parents who object to LGBTQ books in public schools
At the center of the case is the school system in Montgomery County, Md., the most religiously diverse county in the U.S., with 160,000 students of almost all faiths.
Oscar voters actually need to watch the nominated movies now
In an announcement Monday about rules for the next Oscars, the Academy also said that a film's use of generative AI and other digital tools "neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination."
Inside Harvard’s lawsuit against the Trump administration
Harvard's lawsuit questions how freezing research funds will further the administration's goal of eliminating antisemitism on campus.
Hegseth is in hot water again over sharing attack plans. But this time it may be worse
Military lawyers question Pentagon head Pete Hegseth's defense that he didn't share anything revealing in Signal chat group with his wife and brother.
Marco Rubio announces overhaul of U.S. State Department
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has unveiled his plan to streamline a department that he says has become too bloated over the years. He's cutting 132 offices and about 700 jobs at the state department
The long road to answers for some chronic illnesses
Growing costs, research cuts, and staffing shortages are health care issues that are top of mind for many in the country right now, especially for the millions of people who deal with chronic illness. Some of those people don’t even know what to call their illness.
’60 Minutes’ chief resigns, saying show’s independence was compromised
The longtime head of CBS' 60 Minutes resigned Tuesday, as the network's parent company grapples with President Trump's lawsuit over an interview the show did with Kamala Harris last fall.
The global economy will be hit hard by Trump’s tariffs, IMF warns
The International Monetary Fund slashed its growth forecasts for the global economy to 2.8% as President Trump's tariffs risk sparking a trade war.
Trump fires more immigration judges even as he aims to increase deportations
Getting rid of judges adds to criticism of the Trump administration for not giving migrants or noncitizens enough due process before they're deported.
Gaza’s Catholics mourn Pope Francis. ‘He used to call us at 7 p.m. every night’
Pope Francis called to check in on a Christian congregation in Gaza sheltering at their church almost every night since the Gaza war began. "Today we feel like we are orphans," a spokesperson says.
After Pope Francis’ death, debates begin over his successor
In the weeks that follow the passing of a pontiff, the city of Rome, and the Vatican in particular, comes alive with discussions over which man is best suited to next lead the Church.
Looking for a new book this week? Here are 5 wide-ranging options
A true smorgasbord is on offer for readers this week. Care for an inspirational memoir? Reminders of the precarious position of civilization? Early summer read? They're all here.
