Washington desk

Filed from the Washington desk — including multi-city pieces that also ran elsewhere.

Technology · 9 October 2026

Amazon Ditches the ‘Fire’ Label for ‘Alexa’ as Tablets Finally Get Full Android Access

Rita Knox, Washington desk

Amazon has rebranded its Fire line as Alexa Tablets, launching a $499 Alexa Tablet 12 Pro with a matte display and full access to the Google Play Store, alongside 11‑inch and 8‑inch models for kids and adults alike…

Finance · 8 October 2026

Fed Official’s ‘Robust’ Outlook Leaves Markets Guessing on Rate Hike Timing

Helen Pell, Washington desk

A senior Federal Reserve official signaled that further interest‑rate hikes are unlikely this month, hinting any move would wait until the end of the year. Traders took the cautious tone as a cue, nudging markets highe…

Technology · 8 October 2026

Elon Musk's Capitol Hill - A Silicon Valley bigwig's drive for Pentagon deals raises eyebrows, but "sources close to the satire say it's actually tech nerds' plan to create new tec

Rita Knox, Washington desk

A new report suggests Silicon Valley billionaires' quest for Pentagon contracts fuels paranoia in Washington, but the tech titans' secret handshakes reveal their real intentions. Exclusive!

Business · 8 October 2026

Corporate Profits Surge While Fed Holds Steady, Briefing Declares Robust Recovery

Helen Pell, Washington desk

Earnings season lights up the market, the Fed keeps rates steady, and a briefing highlights a robust economy that still demands careful watching.

Finance · 8 October 2026

College Majors and Earnings: What Federal Aid Data Reveals

Helen Pell, Washington desk

A graphics‑driven analysis by Arfa Momin of federal aid recipients shows how a graduate’s major and alma mater influence earnings four years after graduation, while noting the study’s limited time frame.

Entertainment · 8 October 2026

Ted Lasso Finale: Zelda’s Coup, Roy’s Exit, and a Quiet Tribute to Anthony Head

Candy Voss, Washington desk

The season‑four finale wraps up with an In Memoriam card for the late Anthony Head, Zelda’s surprise takeover of the club, and Roy’s departure, leaving Ted’s next move wide open. Fans are left guessing what t…

Entertainment · 8 October 2026

Sony Turns Crunchyroll Into a Japanese Snack Factory with New Storyworks Division

Candy Voss, Washington desk

Sony has launched Crunchyroll Storyworks, a new unit led by 25‑year veteran Tohru Iokibe, to co‑create anime and live‑action adaptations in partnership with Japan’s creative ecosystem.

Science · 8 October 2026

Bacteria Joined the Human Exodus—Now Our Modern Diet’s the Unwanted Tourist

Rita Knox, Washington desk

Genetic studies show our ancestors carried trillions of gut bacteria across continents, but industrial diets are reshaping that ancient microbial convoy, with possible health consequences for modern societies.

Entertainment · 8 October 2026

Aaron Sorkin’s ‘The Social Reckoning’ Turns Hollywood Into a Congressional Hearing with a Cast That Could Hack Your Popcorn Machine

Candy Voss, Washington desk

Aaron Sorkin’s follow‑up to ‘The Social Network’ stars Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White and Jeremy Strong as Zuckerberg, and turns the fight against Meta into a sharp whistleblower thriller that feels like a con…