Virginia court overturns new congressional map

Virginia's Supreme Court struck down a newly approved congressional map drawn by Democrats, ruling 4 to 3 that the process used to pass it violated the State Constitution. The map had been designed to flip several Republican-held seats ahead of the midterm elections, but the court said the constitutional amendment enabling the redraw was improperly enacted because lawmakers voted after early voting had already begun in a prior election cycle.

With the decision likely final before Election Day, the state will revert to its previous map, potentially securing several safe seats for Republicans. Despite the advantage, Republicans still face challenges in maintaining their majority in Congress. Meanwhile, legal challenges over redistricting continue elsewhere, including in Tennessee, where Democratic voters allege that new district lines diluted Black voting power.

In other national news, President Donald Trump has approved plans to dismiss the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration following policy clashes within the administration. Public school districts across the country are also grappling with declining enrollment tied largely to a sustained drop in birthrates, leading to budget cuts and school closures.

Additional developments include rising tensions involving Iranian oil tankers in the Middle East, steady job growth in April, and major political shifts in Britain and Haiti. Cultural highlights range from debate at the Venice Biennale to the start of a milestone season for the Women's National Basketball Association.