Crooked Bough News Round-up

— Government spent millions on Trump ads. And, federal agents raid Ilhan Omar's home

 

at 10/13/26 5:08am

The government is using millions of taxpayers' dollars on pro-Trump ads, even after the president said this would not happen. And, federal agents search Rep. Ilhan Omar's D.C. home.(Image credit: Alex Wong)

— Pakistan imposes emergency rule in former prime minister's stronghold

 

at 10/13/26 4:51am

Pakistan has imposed emergency rule in the province governed by the political party of imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan.

— What ice cream has to do with this year's Nobel Prize in economics

 

at 10/13/26 4:30am

Prices can get sticky. That helps explain why recessions hurt so much — and what policymakers can do about them.

— Voters here will decide whether to force cities to build cheaper, smaller homes

 

at 10/13/26 3:00am

Voters in Massachusetts will decide whether to require cities and towns to allow smaller homes on smaller lots. A growing number of states are doing the same to help ease a housing shortage.(Image credit: Jennifer Ludden)

— Win or lose, independent candidates want to meet voters in the middle

 

at 10/13/26 3:00am

Nearly 200 independent candidates in more than 100 congressional races are trying to prove there's an alternative to the two party system — even though the chance of winning is very low. (Image credit: Becky Bohrer)

— Polls are a snapshot, and other helpful things to remember during the midterm elections

 

at 10/13/26 3:00am

With Election Day just a few weeks away — and millions of votes already cast — midterm polls are everywhere. While polling can be a helpful tool to understand the electorate, it's not a crystal ball.(Image credit: Tom Brenner)

— Should states force cities to build cheaper houses? Voters here will decide

 

at 10/13/26 3:00am

Voters in Massachusetts will decide whether to require cities and towns to allow smaller homes on smaller lots. A growing number of states are doing the same to help ease a housing shortage.(Image credit: Jennifer Ludden)

— One way to protect coral reefs? Bring back seabirds

 

at 10/13/26 3:00am

Coral reefs are facing increasing threats around the globe. But on a remote Pacific island, scientists have found that reefs can get help from a surprising ally: seabirds.(Image credit: Claire Harbage)

— Morning news brief

 

at 10/13/26 2:46am

Trump will headline a rally in Alaska Tuesday, federal agents searched Rep. Ilhan Omar's D.C. home Monday, Trump's diesel deal with Russia frustrates European leaders.

— USA prepares for Women's World Cup with matches against top team Spain

 

at 10/13/26 2:44am

With less than a year until the FIFA Women's World Cup kicks off in Brazil, the U.S. women's national soccer team is testing its mettle with two friendlies against the world's top team, Spain.

— DNA and vehicle-tracking help French investigators recover stolen Renoirs

 

at 10/12/26 11:42pm

DNA left on a protective painting cover helped investigators recover two stolen Renoirs and uncover what they suspected were preparations for another art heist, a French prosecutor said Monday.(Image credit: Philippe Magoni)

— New White House press secretary a 'devoted fan' of Trump and MAGA

 

at 10/12/26 4:17pm

Katie Zacharia worked for one of Trump's companies and raised her profile appearing on conservative-leaning talk shows. She also amplified right-wing conspiracy theories. Now she'll be the president's chief spokesperson.(Image credit: Terry Wyatt)

— New White House press secretary a "devoted fan" of Trump and MAGA

 

at 10/12/26 4:17pm

Katie Zacharia worked for one of Trump's companies and raised her profile appearing on conservative-leaning talk shows. She also amplified right-wing conspiracy theories. Now she'll be the president's chief spokesperson.(Image credit: Terry Wyatt)

— Government spent $10 million on pro-Trump ads after president said super PAC would fund

 

at 10/12/26 4:16pm

Nearly $22 million in taxpayers funds has been spent to air the ads, with nearly half spent after Trump promised to fund what the White House calls public service announcements through his super PAC.(Image credit: Alex Wong)

— Actor Selma Blair removed from plane by police after altercation

 

at 10/12/26 2:18pm

Authorities say Blair was physically abusive and injured two flight attendants while traveling from Los Angeles to New York. A Blair representative said she had a medical emergency aboard the plane.(Image credit: Chris Pizzello)

— Federal agents search Rep. Ilhan Omar's DC home, DOJ says it's part of criminal investigation

 

at 10/12/26 11:17am

The Justice Department says the search is part of an "ongoing federal investigation," while Omar calls it "an attempt to target political enemies"(Image credit: Luke Garrett / NPR News)

— Political strategist on how Trump's personal grievances could affect the GOP

 

at 10/12/26 2:39am

NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with political strategist and former senior Republican congressional adviser Rina Shah about how President Trump's personal grievances and projects are affecting the chances of GOP candidates in the upcoming election.

— Russia hits Ukraine gas facilities after Trump claims 'energy ceasefire'

 

at 10/12/26 12:41am

Trump said he had brokered a cease-fire to protect energy infrastructure in Russia and Ukraine. But Ukrainian officials say bombs kept falling overnight on gas facilities, wounding 33 people.(Image credit: Andrii Marienko)

As of 10/13/26 10:34am. Last new 10/13/26 9:51am.