The New York Times

1. Mass Layoffs in Iran as Businesses Buckle Under Wartime Pressures

   Iran was already struggling economically before 2026 brought widespread instability. A government-imposed internet shutdown has crippled an entire sector.

2. Strait of Hormuz Remains Effectively Blocked After Naval Skirmishes

   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.

3. Democratic Candidates Scramble in Virginia After Court Tosses Map

   A court ruling that struck down an election map swiftly ended some Democratic House candidacies and pushed others into much tougher races.

4. One Big Headache for Politicians These Days: a Messy Digital Footprint

   As a new generation of chronically online oversharers runs for office, many find themselves tripped up by past statements. Their response? Delete, distance, disavow.

5. Redistricting Ruling in Virginia Adds to Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s Headaches

   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.