Washington desk

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

World · 6 October 2026

Sánchez’s 29 November Gamble: Could Spain’s Snap Election Turn Brussels into a Budget Battlefield?

Pieter Lang, Brussels desk

Pedro Sánchez has called a 29 November snap election after Congress rejected his housing reforms, a move that could reverberate through the EU’s long‑term budget, while French students continue protests over ove…

Sports · 6 October 2026

Lakers Hit Preseason Roadblock: Two Stars Out, Fans Left Singing Karaoke

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

The Los Angeles Lakers enter their NBA preseason opener missing two star players due to injuries, forcing the team to rely on bench depth and a hefty dose of optimism.

Sports · 6 October 2026

Roosters eye NFL while Nawaqanitawase and Crichton head to rival code

Doug Kettle, Sydney desk

The Sydney Roosters acknowledge the loss of Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton to another code, but rumors suggest the NFL could be eyeing a different player for a cross‑code switch.

Entertainment · 6 October 2026

Warner Bros. CEO Bids Tearful Farewell as Skydance Prepares to Swallow the Studio in a Debt‑Heavy Coup

Candy Voss, Washington desk

Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav posted a goodbye video on his last day, just as Skydance moves to acquire the studio, turning the deal into a high‑debt blockbuster sequel.

Sports · 6 October 2026

CAA Names Former NFL Executive Dasha Smith as New COO

Candy Voss, Washington desk

Creative Artists Agency has hired Dasha Smith, formerly the NFL’s executive vice president and chief administrative officer, as its chief operating officer. Smith brings experience from the league’s executive operati…

Business · 6 October 2026

Paxton Opens Probe into Texas Pediatricians Over Vaccination Fees, Pediatricians Deny Intimidation

Helen Pell, Washington desk

Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican Senate hopeful, launched an investigation alleging a profit‑driven conspiracy behind routine childhood vaccinations. Texas pediatricians say the move is intimidation, not a hea…

Business · 6 October 2026

Pentagon Pulls the Plug on Anthropic AI After Earlier Blacklisting

Helen Pell, Washington desk

The Department of Defense labeled Anthropic a supply‑chain risk earlier this year, yet months later quietly ceased using its Claude model despite its recent widespread use, leaving analysts puzzled.

Finance · 6 October 2026

Fed’s Rate Riddle: AI Keeps Thriving While Households Scream

Helen Pell, Washington desk

High borrowing costs are tightening households and businesses, but the AI sector remains buoyant, inflating prices and leaving the Fed puzzled.

Business · 5 October 2026

Supreme Court to Hear Landmark Climate Lawsuit Against Oil Companies

Helen Pell, Washington desk

The Supreme Court will begin its new term hearing a landmark case that could let local governments sue oil companies for climate‑change damages.