After a court fight, Louisiana’s new congressional map boosts Black political power Louisiana’s new congressional map is a win for Black voters and likely brings an end to the state’s long-running legal battle over redistricting. It could also see Democrats gain a seat in Congress. Read more on NPR

Billy Joel returns to the recording studio with first new song in nearly 20 years The 74-year-old singer-songwriter’s longtime label, Columbia Records, plans to drop ‘Turn the Lights Back On’ on Feb. 1st. Read more on NPR

Israel says 24 soldiers were killed on its deadliest single day during the war in Gaza Israel said 21 soldiers died when two buildings exploded and collapsed; three more died fighting in southern Gaza. Israel says it’s investigating the incident, which Hamas claims responsibility for. Read more on NPR

‘Forgottenness’ wrestles with the meaning of Ukrainian identity — and time In writer Tanja Maljartschuk’s novel, the narrator’s malaise and weakening attachment to time serve as a metaphor for today’s Ukraine, as well as for other struggling democracies, including our own. Read more on NPR