Marvin Shanken, Publisher of Wine Spectator and Cigar Aficionado, Has Died

30 October 2026 at 22:47

He bought a struggling industry newsletter called Wine Spectator in 1979 and turned it into one of America’s leading tastemakers. He was 83.

Websites For Midterm Candidates Are Filled With A.I.-Written Text, Analysis Shows

NYT > Top Stories

By: Stuart A. Thompson and James O’Toole

29 October 2026 at 14:55

The use of A.I. chatbots to write candidate biographies and policy positions is another way the technology is entangled with elections.

Texas Senate Rivals Converge on Lubbock, With Trump in the Mix

NYT > Top Stories

By: J. David Goodman · Lucinda Holt and Sarah Self-Walbrick

28 October 2026 at 07:08

It was a showdown of sorts in western Texas as James Talarico and Ken Paxton appeared at dueling rallies on either side of a prairie-dog-filled city park.

President Trump with Ken Paxton during a campaign visit in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Tuesday.

The Christian Influencer at the Center of Ken Paxton’s New Life

NYT > Top Stories

By: Lauren McGaughy

27 October 2026 at 21:56

The Texas attorney general has been silent about his relationship with Tracy Duhon, a New Orleans woman who has built a personal brand around faith and redemption.

Ken Paxton’s State-Funded Jet-Setting Draws Campaign Scrutiny

NYT > Top Stories

By: Beth Reinhard and Lauren McGaughy

26 October 2026 at 18:34

Mr. Paxton, the Republican candidate for Senate in Texas, has taken about 350 trips outside of the state since he was sworn in as attorney general.

Ken Paxton attending a campaign rally with President Trump earlier this month.

Democrats See a Rare but Fleeting Chance to Shake Up the Senate Map

NYT > Top Stories

By: Carl Hulse

26 October 2026 at 21:19

Democrats are targeting G.O.P. strongholds that could set them up for new majorities. But if they don’t win those races now, it could be a long time before they have another chance.

Protesters outside of an event for Senator Roger Marshall in Topeka, Kan. Soaring fuel costs and economic struggles have made some Republican senators like Mr. Marshall vulnerable on their home turf.

In Texas Senate Race, Talarico Leans Into Growing Rivalry With Elon Musk

NYT > Top Stories

By: Bayliss Wagner

25 October 2026 at 19:12

On the trail, James Talarico, the Democratic Senate nominee, has increasingly gone after Mr. Musk, a critic of his who has given big to a group aligned with the Republican candidate, Ken Paxton.

Elon Musk, left, is in an increasingly tense rivalry with James Talarico, the Democratic Senate nominee in Texas.

What Happens if Trump Doesn’t Like the Midterm Results?

NYT > Top Stories

By: Michelle Cottle · Jamelle Bouie · David French and Derek Arthur

24 October 2026 at 14:49

Hope, dread and the final stretch to Election Day.

Reading view