Crooked Bough News Round-up

— Lashing back at Trump at UN, Iranian leader calls US and Israel the aggressors

 

at 9/23/26 2:02pm

At the U.N. General Assembly, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded Wednesday to President Donald Trump’s threats from the day before and defended his country’s nuclear program.

— Did college boost your income? A federal test puts pressure on schools.

 

at 9/23/26 1:48pm

Colleges could lose access to federal student loans if their graduates don’t make more money than someone without the degree.

— A light of learning glows in Gaza

 

at 9/23/26 1:45pm

Despite the wreckage of war, many more Palestinian children have returned to school in the territory, a testament to their innocence, curiosity, and desire to be skilled for a life of progress.

— In Canada, a storied travel writer finds a kind of homecoming

 

at 9/23/26 1:40pm

Paul Theroux’s latest cultural travelogue includes an exploration of his ancestral connections to the northern nation.

— Why older voters could decide Brazil’s presidential election

 

at 9/23/26 11:17am

In elections past, Brazil focused on mobilizing its youth vote. But the attention has shifted to voters older than age 70 this year.

— Is nature priceless? This study spotlights its huge value for the world’s economy.

 

at 9/23/26 3:00am

Much of the world’s biodiversity is at risk, yet natural ecosystems are foundational to every national economy. A new report by the Paulson Institute, the Nature Conservancy, and the World Wildlife Fund highlights how policies can make a difference.

— Immigrant’s shooting in Texas again raises questions over ICE tactics

 

at 9/22/26 4:31pm

The latest shooting related to immigration enforcement is renewing concerns about ICE vehicle stops.

— Trump cites military need for arch. He could be putting armed services in a bad spot.

 

at 9/22/26 2:09pm

President Trump says the U.S. armed forces want to store ammunition and drones at his proposed 250-foot arch in Washington, but analysts say there's no military need for the structure.

— At UN, Trump again threatens Iran, but suggests end of war is near

 

at 9/22/26 1:57pm

President Trump used his speech at the United Nations to say he believed the Iran war was coming to a resolution “one way or the other.”

— Straws in the wind for women peacemakers

 

at 9/22/26 12:58pm

Informal votes at the United Nations indicate a woman might be the ​next secretary-general​, the first in 81 years. The leading female candidates explain why that would be critical in avoiding war.

— Effort to steady ties as Xi and Trump prepare to meet in Washington

 

at 9/22/26 12:35pm

The Chinese and U.S. leaders are coming together for the second of four face-to-face meetings planned for this year, part of a broader effort to steady ties amid fierce competition.

— Amid calls for AI rules, who in Congress has the tech savvy to help?

 

at 9/22/26 3:00am

Few members of Congress have the kind of technology background that could be useful as they discuss regulating artificial intelligence.

— UN faces defining test as its aid funding is cut

 

at 9/21/26 2:04pm

The United Nations is facing a budget crunch. That issue is at the top of the agenda as world leaders gather in New York for the General Assembly.

— A welcome thaw in an icy Arctic issue

 

at 9/21/26 2:02pm

A new agreement over Greenland’s status, and U.S. access to the island, shows that quiet diplomacy can help Western allies move from icy relations to more stability in countering common foes.

— Greenland deal: What did the US and Denmark actually agree to?

 

at 9/21/26 2:00pm

The United States, Denmark, and Greenland finally came to terms on a deal that all sides are calling a victory toward their ends.

— Many voters want generational change. Boomer priorities still rule.

 

at 9/21/26 9:26am

Electing younger candidates might not quickly change older Americans' influence in Congress.

— On eve of China summit, Trump raises stakes on AI competition

 

at 9/21/26 3:00am

The likelihood of a comprehensive U.S.-China agreement on AI out of this week’s summit remains low. But the two nations might find a way to indicate they’re working together to address concerns about AI safety.

— Why Republicans are facing pushback over Trump’s transactional Cuba policy

 

at 9/21/26 3:00am

In the run-up to the midterms, the Trump administration’s business approach to Cuba is not sitting well with the Cuban American community.

— ICE agent shoots and wounds man in Austin, Texas, officials say

 

at 9/20/26 4:28pm

The Austin police chief said the man was in serious but stable condition at a hospital after being shot at least once Sunday afternoon.

— Kremlin dominance in Russia’s first wartime parliamentary election all but assured

 

at 9/20/26 9:13am

For the first time, voting includes residents of four Ukrainian regions that Moscow illegally annexed. Authorities in Kyiv denounced the voting as illegal.

— Denmark’s leaders express cautious optimism on Trump’s Greenland deal

 

at 9/19/26 9:04am

The deal is expected to be signed next week and follows months of tension after the U.S. president repeatedly threatened to seize the semiautonomous territory.

As of 9/23/26 2:39pm. Last new 9/23/26 2:08pm.