Upshot: New loan limits are testing grad students
Also: Trump’s huge arch
The Upshot
April 16, 2026

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Send in a question to Nate Cohn about the midterms, polling or other political matters at dear.upshot@nytimes.com.

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FROM UPSHOT FRIENDS

An illustration showing the proposed 250-foot arch, compared to the scale of a person.

The New York Times

How the Giant D.C. Arch Would Compare to Others Across the World

See how the 250-foot structure would dwarf other monumental arches, including the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

By Marco Hernandez and Anushka Patil

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The New York Times

The Slow-Motion Battle for Hormuz

Iran’s stranglehold over the waterway completely reshaped shipping during the war. The U.S. naval blockade is an attempt to stop that.

By Josh Holder, Adina Renner and Blacki Migliozzi

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The New York Times

How Iran, Suffering Under Sanctions, Diversified Its Economy

As the nation contended with high inflation, high unemployment and unrest before the war, it became more than just an oil exporter.

By Patricia Cohen and Robert Gebeloff

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

A diagram with icons shows how negotiations between chambers of Congress and the White House have failed, continuing the D.H.S. shutdown for about eight weeks so far.

8 Weeks of Failed D.H.S. Shutdown Negotiations in 1 Chart

The shutdown that began with Democrats and Republicans disagreeing over ICE restrictions has continued for nearly two months.

By Ashley Wu

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Wenjia Tang

Times Insider

Finding Trends in Sports Stats and ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Puzzles

Ben Blatt, a data reporter for The Upshot, dreams up inventive ways to answer questions like: “Is Taylor Swift actually increasing N.F.L. ratings?”

By Sarah Bahr

POLLING UPDATES AROUND THE NATION

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The New York Times

Virginia Redistricting Referendum 2026: Latest Polls

Track the latest polls in Virginia's redistricting referendum.

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The New York Times

Maine U.S. Senate Election 2026: Latest Polls

Track the latest polls in the Maine U.S. Senate election.

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The New York Times

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, Albert Sun and Rumsey Taylor

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