North Carolina’s new map, reinvented crypto businesses, mRNA vaccines

Your afternoon news update

ADVERTISEMENT View in Browser | APNews DONATE View in Browser | APNews DONATE AP Afternoon Wire Advancing the Power of Facts Policy changes, but facts endure. AP delivers accurate, fact-based journalism to keep the world informed in every administration. Support independent reporting today. Donate. By Sallee Ann Harrison October 22, 2025 By Sallee Ann Harrison October 22, 2025 Good afternoon and welcome to your afternoon news update from AP. Today, North Carolina lawmakers give final approval to a new U.S. House map backed by President Donald Trump, money-losing companies with colorful histories are pivoting to cryptocurrency, and COVID-19 vaccines may help some cancer patients fight tumors. UP FIRST Marchers proceed from the Capitol during a rally protesting a proposed redistricting map Tuesday in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward) North Carolina adopts new Trump-backed US House districts aimed at gaining a Republican seat  North Carolina lawmakers have given final approval to a new U.S. House map backed by President Donald Trump. The map adopted Wednesday could help Republicans win an additional seat by reshaping a swing district currently held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Don Davis. North Carolina is the latest state to join Trump's mid-decade redistricting push to avoid losing control of Congress. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ US strikes eighth alleged drug-carrying boat, this time in the Pacific Ocean, killing 2 people Feds say 14 arrested during chaotic immigration sweep that sparked protests on NYC's Canal Street Trump is expected to host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman next month, AP sources say TOP STORIES Money-losing companies with colorful histories have pivoted to crypto So far this year, billions of dollars have flowed into companies that have reinvented themselves by making the buying and holding of cryptocurrency their main focus. More than 200 public companies, including one with ties to the Trump family, have announced plans to hold crypto on their balance sheets as so-called digital asset treasury companies. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ JPMorgan Chase unveils new 60-story headquarters, reshaping New York City's skyline Golf legend Jack Nicklaus wins $50M verdict in defamation lawsuit against former business partners OpenAI launches Atlas browser to compete with Google Chrome COVID-19 vaccines may help some cancer patients fight tumors The most widely used COVID-19 vaccines may offer a surprise benefit for some cancer patients by boosting their immune systems to help fight tumors. Research reported Wednesday found that people with advanced lung or skin cancer lived longer if they received a Pfizer or Moderna shot within 100 days of starting a type of immunotherapy. The mRNA in these vaccines appears to enhance the immune system's response. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ During cold and flu season, the youngest kids really are the germiest ADVERTISEMENT IN OTHER NEWS This photo provided by Seaside Aquarium shows skin breathing sea cucumbers sitting on a beach in Seaside, Oregon, on Tuesday. (Tiffany Boothe/Seaside Aquarium via AP) Gelatinous creatures: Sea cucumbers wash ashore by the thousands in a coastal Oregon town Russia-Ukraine war:  Russian drones and missiles kill 6 in Ukraine, including a mother and her young daughters Louvre heist: Louvre director acknowledges failure after jewel heist and says she offered to resign Press freedom: Jailed journalists win Sakharov Prize for speaking against injustice, European Parliament says Millions of tons of electronics: American e-waste is causing a 'hidden tsunami' in Southeast Asia, watchdog report says  College football: Has parity arrived in college football? Transfer portal, NIL money credited for tighter, more exciting games  WATCH: Adorable snow leopard cub gets first pumpkin experience at Michigan zoo TRENDING Aicha Soumaoro poses in West Chester, Pa., on Friday. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) With confidence and support from each other, more women are redefining baldness as beautiful  More women are defying traditional beauty standards and finding empowerment by going without hair on their heads. For centuries, many cultures have viewed long hair as a symbol of femininity, health and fertility. But women are increasingly embracing a close-cropped or bare head as something to celebrate, whether they are bald by choice or due to medical conditions. Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Sallee Ann Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Sallee Ann SUPPORT THE AP. DONATE. Manage preferences | Privacy policy | Unsubscribe   *Advertisers have no control over editorial decisions or content. If you're interested in advertising, contact us here. ADVERTISEMENT