The island democracy was early to ban TikTok on government phones, and the ruling party refuses to use it. But a U.S.-style ban is not under consideration.

Taiwan, on China’s Doorstep, Is Dealing With TikTok Its Own Way

Broadway is still recovering from the pandemic. A state tax-credit program has helped, but watchdogs say it aids some shows that don’t need a boost.

Does a Smash Hit Like ‘Lion King’ Deserve a $3 Million Tax Break?

Signaling growing alarm, policymakers ramped up efforts to stem a continued decline in real estate values.

China Says It Will Start Buying Apartments as Housing Slump Worsens

The sport came to Beto Gomez’s small Indigenous town nearly two decades ago. Despite some resistance back home, he is now the world’s only professional kite surfer with Wayuu roots.

How Kite Surfing in Remote Colombia Changed a Boy. And a Village.

“Hit Me Hard and Soft,” her third album, is both concise and far-reaching.

Billie Eilish Dares to Write (Twisted) Love Songs

The company said it will work to remove content about drugs like Ozempic, extended fasting and more from the “For You” feed.

TikTok Attempts to Rein In Weight Loss Posts

Far from the shouting, Christian therapists, writers, parents and their trans children are trying to create a space within conservative circles to acknowledge differences in how people experience gender.

Some Conservative Christians Are Stepping Away From the Gender Wars

A recent congressional meeting devolved into a back-and-forth that reflects a changing norm in politics — one that rarely makes anybody look good.

The Ugly Effect of Physical Insults

Citing rapid advances by China and Russia, the United States is building an extensive capacity to fight battles in space.

New Star Wars Plan: Pentagon Rushes to Counter Threats in Orbit

When Justice Samuel Alito and Senator Bob Menendez landed in hot water, they looked for a scapegoat close to home. Inside their homes, in fact.

Take My Wife, Please: For Political Damage Control, Just Blame Your Spouse

The election, fiercely opposed by the state’s political leaders, was seen as a test of the United Automobile Workers’ ability to unionize factories in the South.

Mercedes Workers in Alabama Reject Union

Quotation of the Day for Friday, May 17, 2024.

Quotation of the Day: The United Nations Inspector Becomes an Authoritarian Whisperer

Speedrunners are using algorithms and canny methods against a fire-breathing dragon to complete Minecraft, which is turning 15 this week, more swiftly than ever.

Minecraft Is an Infinite Sandbox That’s Being Beaten in Minutes

With or without Trump, the Republican threat to democracy remains.

When ‘Stop the Steal’ Becomes Your Motto

Rebekah Peppler shines a spotlight on a beloved French tradition that you can try at home.

The French Don’t Snack. They Apéro.

The free-expression group has been engulfed by debate over its response to the Gaza war that forced the cancellation of its literary awards and annual festival.

After a Season of Protest, PEN America’s Literary Gala Goes Forward

The university calls it a “restorative practice”; the students call it a coerced confession.

Why Is N.Y.U. Forcing Protesters to Write Apology Letters?

An accusation against some A.I. companies that they are using the “open source” label too loosely.

Openwashing

Two chefs, one cookbook author, a culinary historian and a food writer made a list of the country’s most delicious meals, from carbonara in Rome to ravioli in Campania.

The 25 Essential Pasta Dishes to Eat in Italy

Nellie Bowles’s new book fights the last war.

Wokeness Is Dying. We Might Miss It.

The “Big Bang Theory” spinoff aired its last episodes Thursday night, but the franchise will continue on CBS this fall.

‘Young Sheldon’ Is One of TV’s Most Popular Shows. So Why Did It Just End?

U.S. residents can still gamble on the presidential race — but regulators are trying to stop the practice.

As the 2024 Race Heats Up, Betting Is Growing for Everything but Elections

Improv adds a theatrical dimension to the role-playing game, which has been undergoing a renaissance as it turns 50 this year.

‘Dungeons & Dragons’ Review: Community Building One Dice Roll at a Time

A TikTok movement is calling for followers to block famous people over their stances on the Israel-Hamas war. It began at the Met Gala.

Why TikTok Users Are Blocking Celebrities

Dozens of alumni of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts had sued in 2021, accusing faculty members of widespread misconduct.

May 17, 2024

Headlines from May 17, 2024

Taiwan, on China’s Doorstep, Is Dealing With TikTok Its Own Way

Does a Smash Hit Like ‘Lion King’ Deserve a $3 Million Tax Break?

China Says It Will Start Buying Apartments as Housing Slump Worsens

How Kite Surfing in Remote Colombia Changed a Boy. And a Village.

Billie Eilish Dares to Write (Twisted) Love Songs

Billboard 200

The Tortured Poets Department

Radical Optimism

One Thing At A Time

We Don't Trust You

SEVENTEEN Best Album '17 Is Right Here'

Historical Context for May 17, 2024