Birgit Thyssen-Bornemisza led a life of eccentric anonymity and shabby gentility. Then her money got cut off. Then she had a stroke.

The Mysterious Patient in Room 23: The Hermit Baroness

The oil and gas industry is already setting priorities for at least partial G.O.P. control in Congress, with a particular focus on undercutting a Biden administration program to shift away from gas for home heating.

Ahead of the Midterms, Energy Lobbyists Plan for a Republican House

Even as China’s threats on reunification grow more pointed, most recently at the Communist Party congress, Taiwan is working creatively to bolster its alliances.

How Taiwan’s ‘Adorable’ and Ambitious Diplomacy Aims to Keep the Island Safe

With Russian soldiers pushed out of parts of the Kharkiv region, Ukrainian investigators have been overwhelmed with accounts of detentions, torture and missing relatives, as well as collaboration and property theft.

‘It Was Horror’: Ukrainians Share Grim Tales of Russian Occupation

His eight-decade retrospective at the Guggenheim is a dazzling matchup of singular artworks — some fresh from the studio — and celebrated spiral.

Alex Katz: Six Ramps of a Painter’s Progress

A crucial aquifer is running low, so officials are pumping in treated sewage. It’s an increasingly common strategy as heavy demand and climate change strain water supplies.

There’s Something in the Water in Virginia. Before You Say ‘Yuck,’ Wait.

Ahead of the midterm elections, the proliferation of alternative social media sites has helped cement false and misleading information as a defining feature of American politics.

How Disinformation Splintered and Became More Intractable

World leaders buffeted by economic challenges are watching the turmoil in Britain with anything but relish, hoping that Liz Truss’s woes won’t be a harbinger for other countries.

Truss Defied the Markets, and They Ruthlessly Sealed Her Fate

With a new one-man show, deploying a single deck of cards, the performer’s 20-year run as magic’s best-kept secret may be nearing its end.

‘He Must Have Superpowers’: Asi Wind and His Sublime Card Tricks

The humble email newsletter, which became a star in its own right, appears headed back to earth.

Are We Past Peak Newsletter?

The beleaguered British prime minister relinquished her office after just 44 days of political and economic tumult, the shortest tenure in British history.

Liz Truss Resigns After 6 Chaotic Weeks, Igniting New Leadership Fight

In an interview to promote his coming series, “Mammals,” the actor and late-night host dismissed a flap stemming from an Instagram post accusing him of boorish restaurant behavior. “I think it’s so silly,” he said.

James Corden Would Rather Not Talk About That Omelet

The latest iteration of the “Modern Love” franchise, “Modern Love Tokyo,” begins streaming on Oct. 21.

‘Modern Love’ Goes Global in New Television Series

A study ranked large U.S. cities on how friendly they are to remote workers. (Forget about California!)

The Best Cities for Remote Work

Projects all over the country include renovations and new wings as institutions continue to bet on bricks and mortar.

After a Covid Contraction, Museums Are Expanding Again

This weekend our TV critic recommends a gorgeous Italian drama, a naughty Australian teen show and a happy rom-com set in Mexico.

How Much Watching Time Do You Have This Weekend?

Quotation of the Day for Thursday, October 20, 2022.

Quotation of the Day: Record Levels in Bread Prices Rattle Europe

“My trans and nonbinary identity is the thing that I’m the most confident about in my life,” Mx. Swindell said.

Quintessa Swindell Smashes Barriers in DC’s ‘Black Adam’

A government committee issued new guidelines for how it determines penalties for foreign companies that break agreements to protect U.S. national security.

U.S. Details How It Plans to Police Foreign Firms

The programs feature many surprises, including a cat that plays Wordle and a lone man’s odyssey to feed Turkish strays.

Animal Lovers, Rejoice: The NY Cat and Dog Film Festivals Return

A plan to revitalize the town of Callac by bringing in skilled immigrants has divided it and made it an emblem of a nation’s anxiety over its identity and decline.

A Shrinking Town at the Center of France’s Culture Wars

If you get a raise, you may not end up in a higher tax bracket. But more of your income may be subject to Social Security taxes. And you’ll probably pay more for health care.

Your Paycheck Next Year Will Be Affected by Inflation. Here’s How.

James Bullard, who leads the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, appeared at a Citigroup forum last week in Washington. Reporters were not invited.

A Fed President Spoke at an Invite-Only, Off-the-Record Bank Client Event

Four museums featuring exhibits this fall are recognizing the work of African and African American artists.

A Tribute to Black Artists Could Signal a Change for Museums

“Because Spirit Halloween is a pop-up, I have to make sure I have all of my stuff until it pops up again next year.”

October 20, 2022

Headlines from October 20, 2022

The Mysterious Patient in Room 23: The Hermit Baroness

Ahead of the Midterms, Energy Lobbyists Plan for a Republican House

How Taiwan’s ‘Adorable’ and Ambitious Diplomacy Aims to Keep the Island Safe

‘It Was Horror’: Ukrainians Share Grim Tales of Russian Occupation

Alex Katz: Six Ramps of a Painter’s Progress

Billboard 200

Maxident

Un Verano Sin Ti

Renaissance

Dangerous: The Double Album

The Highlights

Historical Context for October 20, 2022