In Huge Blow to Democrats, Virginia Court Strikes Down House Map

The decision by the state’s top court is a major victory for Republicans, wiping away a measure approved by voters to allow Democrats to gain as many as four House seats in the midterms.The Virginia Supreme Court in Richmond, Va.

C Campbell Robertson and Nick Corasaniti

Trump Calls Iran Strikes a ‘Trifle,’ and the Latest on the Hantavirus Outbreak

Plus, the Friday news quiz.Even after the United States and Iran exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, President Trump insisted that the cease-fire was still in effect and dismissed the Iranian attacks as a “trifle.”

T Tracy Mumford, Will Jarvis, Margaret Kadifa, Jake Lucas, Ian Stewart, Simon Romero and Tony Romm

China Sees a ‘Giant With a Limp’ as U.S. Drains Weapons on Iran War

America’s ability to deter China in a war over Taiwan is weakened, Chinese analysts say, giving Beijing leverage in an upcoming summit with President Trump.President Trump meeting with China’s leader, Xi Jinping, in Busan, South Korea, in October. Both sides agreed to extend a trade truce to limit t

D David Pierson and Berry Wang

Emirates Doubles Down on U.S. and Israeli Ties Amid Iran War

The United Arab Emirates has borne the brunt of Iranian attacks throughout the war, hardening the government’s resolve to reassess its list of friends and foes.The Emirates leader, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, and President Trump in Abu Dhabi, last year.

V Vivian Nereim

Trump Reversed Hormuz Plan After Saudis Denied Airspace Access

Saudi Arabia’s refusal of support suggests that President Trump’s unpredictable approach to Iran has strained ties with one of his closest allies in the Middle East.Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia at the White House with President Trump in November.

M Michael Crowley, Eric Schmitt and Vivian Nereim

Pentagon Releases Files on U.F.O.s

The initial files are murky images that show what could be anything. The government said more would be released on a rolling basis.

H Helene Cooper

Trade Court Rules Trump’s 10% Global Tariff Is Illegal

A panel of federal judges found that President Trump could not legally impose the tariff on most imports.A court found that President Trump had wrongly invoked a decades-old trade law when he applied the duties in February.

T Tony Romm and Ana Swanson

A Very American Controversy at the Venicle Biennale

Trump has taken an active role in the arts in his second term, which may be evident in the work on display at the Venice Biennale — depending on how you look at it.Jeffrey Uslip with a sculpture by Alma Allen at the U.S. Pavilion.

M M.H. Miller

What’s at Stake in the UK’s Local Elections

The voting in England, Scotland and Wales is the biggest electoral test for Keir Starmer since he became prime minister in 2024.Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain spoke on Friday after local election results began rolling in.

S Stephen Castle

New York’s Budget Deal Is Still Hazy. Here Are 5 Key Questions.

Gov. Kathy Hochul claimed victory for a state budget agreement that is already five weeks overdue, and clearly still needs more work.Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is facing re-election this year, announced the framework of a $268 billion state budget on Thursday, but acknowledged that some issues still nee

B Benjamin Oreskes

Vote Brings ‘Freeze the Rent’ Closer to Reality in New York

The panel that regulates rents for nearly one million apartments cast its first vote since Mayor Zohran Mamdani took office, approving ranges that included no increases.As New York City’s Rent Guidelines Board provisionally voted on a rent freeze, a member of the audience made their views clear.

M Mihir Zaveri

Philip Caputo, Who Wrote Blistering Vietnam War Memoir, Dies at 84

“A Rumor of War,” about his service as a Marine Corps infantry officer and published in 1977, relentlessly detailed “the things men do in war and the things war does to them.”Philip Caputo in 1987. “To call it the best book about Vietnam is to trivialize it,” the novelist and screenwriter John Grego

J Joseph Berger

The Many Love Lives of Ted Turner

Known as a playboy, the media mogul gave his paramours and three ex-wives plenty of stories to tell. He also managed to stay friendly with many of them.Jane Fonda, the Academy Award-winning actress, wrote in her memoir that Turner cheated on her a month after they married.

S Sadiba Hasan