Upshot: The data center boom, as seen from the sky

October 8, 2026

The New York Times

What the Data Center Boom Looks Like From the Sky

In the race for A.I. computing power, hundreds of new projects are coming online across the country — and they’re getting bigger.

By C.J. Robinson

Consider subscribing to Climate Forward and Science Times.

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS

Rubenshuis

10-Minute Challenge: 43 Paintings in One

We’d like you to look at one piece of art for 10 minutes, uninterrupted.

By Larry Buchanan

The New York Times

Quiz: Can You Name These 16 Figures From History?

These notable people were covered in The Times over the past 175 years. Guess who they are.

By Asmaa Elkeurti, Shreeya Sinha and Leslie Dela Vega

Arfa Momin/The New York Times

A College-by-College Guide to Which Majors Pay Off — or Don’t

College is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. We built a tool to compare the earnings of all available majors in a federal data set at nearly every school.

By Arfa Momin and Ron Lieber

The New York Times

U.S. Labor Market Shifts to a Lower Gear

The economy added fewer jobs in September and unemployment ticked up, while inflation has maintained pressure on markets and raised costs.

By Talmon Joseph Smith

A silver helium balloon in the shape of a question mark floats on a dark blue background surrounded by smokey clouds.

Photo illustration by Jane Stockdale for The New York Times

What Are the Biggest Questions in Science Today? 100 Scientists Weigh In.

We asked 100 scientists about unsolved problems in their fields. They sent back provocations — on the origins of life, the possibilities for human progress and much more.

By Bill Wasik

POLLING AROUND THE NATION

President Trump’s Approval Rating: Latest Polls

Track the latest approval rating and polls on Americans’ approval of President Trump.

By Annie Daniel, Jon Huang, Ruth Igielnik, Jasmine C. Lee, Alex Lemonides, Jonah Smith, Caroline Soler, Albert Sun and Rumsey Taylor

Gina Hinojosa speaks into a hand-held microphone while standing under stage lights.

Christopher Lee for The New York Times

Democrats Lead Governor Races Deep in Republican Territory, Polls Show

Democratic advantages in the races for governor in Texas, Iowa, Ohio and Alaska reflect deep unhappiness with President Trump and the economy. A Republican leads in Kansas.

By Anna Griffin, Ruth Igielnik and Sejal Govindarao

Congresswomen in the House chamber. They are all wearing white or beige dresses and jackets.

Kenny Holston/The New York Times

Democrats Project a Party Milestone in Congress: 100 Women in the House

Democrats are increasingly confident they will have a record number of women serving in the House next year, after backing women in competitive districts they are now positioned to win.

By Annie Karni

The Race for Congress: Latest 2026 Polls

Track the latest Congressional ballot surveys that ask who Americans plan to vote for in the 2026 midterm election.

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