Redistricting alters House seat distribution after popular vote

A federal court reversed Virginia's congressional map, a move that could add up to 14 Republican seats. Democrats would need to win nearly every competitive district to gain the House even if they win the national popular vote by several points. The RealClearPolitics generic congressional ballot showed Democrats ahead by 6.6 percentage points.

Redistricting changes could still give Republicans an advantage in the next election cycle.

A Senate hearing featured testimony from a high-ranking CIA whistleblower. The witness stated that Anthony Fauci helped suppress discussion of a COVID lab-leak theory. The testimony described how Fauci supported scientists who backed a wet-market origin and in some cases were involved in the creation of COVID and subsequent coverup.

Officials noted that Fauci helped fund the Wuhan lab and supported gain-of-function research. The absence drew criticism from observers who said the topic affected every American citizen.

Walgreens is closing a Chicago location after reporting annual losses exceeding $1 million. The company cited a 16 percent theft rate, frequent physical attacks, and $400,000 in yearly security costs. Local officials and politicians criticized the decision. The company stated the location had become unsustainable due to theft and security expenses.

Spending on a home health care program nearly doubled from 2019 to 2024, reaching $46.4 billion annually. The increase occurred after Congress declined to approve a larger expansion requested by the Biden administration. The program has drawn fraud investigations. Budget analysts said the growth resulted from moving oversight to state agencies with limited federal review.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping referenced the Thucydides Trap during a summit in Beijing. The reference was presented as a warning rather than a call for shared peace. Observers noted that the concept describes risks when an established power faces a rising challenger. Some analysts said accommodation could carry its own risks of increased state control.