The Wall Street Journal

‘Poo in the Water’: How Financial Engineering Sullied Britain’s Most Famous River

Critics say the U.K.’s largest water utility, Thames Water, loaded up on debt to pay investors dividends while failing to upgrade London’s Victorian-era sewers

Why Democrats Keep Losing the Battle for Small-Town America

Voters in rural North Carolina reflect the mounting challenges facing President Biden in swing states, voicing discontent with the economy, illegal immigration and inflation

Terrorist Attacks in Russia’s Dagestan Target Synagogue, Churches, Police

Attacks raise concern about the vulnerability of Russia’s internal security

Abortion-Pill Ruling and IVF Battle Highlight Vulnerability for GOP

Fights over reproductive rights played out this week in the Supreme Court, in the Senate and in churches

Climate Change Is Coming for the Finer Things in Life

Wine. Olive oil. Coffee. Cocoa. ‘It does feel a little apocalyptic.’

Scorching Heat Ravages Hajj as More Than 1,170 Pilgrims Die

Americans and hundreds of Egyptians among the dead in Saudi Arabia’s annual event, which suffered its highest death toll since 2015

Scammers’ New Way of Targeting Small Businesses: Impersonating Them

Copycats are using videos and photos to pose as real small-business owners and dupe their customers

Why the Far Right Is No Longer an Existential Threat to Europe

The far right’s acceptance of the euro means that possible victory in France’s election is unlikely to lead to financial crisis

Escalating Clashes Between Israel and Hezbollah Raise Risk of Wider War

U.S. special envoy Amos Hochstein was in the Middle East seeking to head off a broader regional conflict

The Dark Side of Colombia Tourism: Child Sex Trade in Medellín

The city, once a cocaine capital, is now fighting the exploitation of minors by some foreign visitors, many of them Americans

Thailand to Become First Southeast Asian Country to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

Across Asia, Taiwan and Nepal are the only places where gay unions are legally recognized

The Dial-Toning of AI

As with every new technology, its hype will fade as its uses become ubiquitous.

Russia Gears Up for Song, Sports Contests as It Pushes ‘West vs. Rest’ Message

Putin has created new events to support his view that the world doesn’t need the U.S. and its allies

AI Fake Nudes Are Now a Frightening Reality for Teens

Girls portrayed in AI-generated nude images can still face bullying and judgment, even when everyone knows the pics are fake, teens say

Economic Data Paint a Picture of Two Americas

The rich are feeling confident, but lower-income households are growing cautious

Quit Being a Cynic at Work. It’s Holding You Back.

There are ways to fight the tendency to see the worst in everyone

Halfway Through an Epic Election Year, the Winner Is: Surprise

From Mexico to India and South Africa, voters gave priority to their own economic prospects, delivering verdicts that ran counter to predictions

Stressing Over Your Next Home Renovation Project? Let AI Handle It.

A sea of apps is helping take the headache out of home design and construction. ‘There seems to be a new one every day.’

What Type of Nerd Are You? There’s a Cruise for That.

Science expeditions to the Arctic, military-history deep-dives along the Mississippi and more. On these cruises, you’ll be rushing for a seat in the lecture hall instead of the on-board casino.

How Well Can AI Plan Your Next Trip? We Tested Gemini and ChatGPT

For a recent trip to Boston, our writer challenged two of the buzziest AI bots to produce an itinerary and recommend restaurants. Here, just how much they can do—and where they still fall short.