Today's Headlines: Reiner Family Associate Details Events Before and After Killings Were Discovered
Trump Orders Blockade of Some Oil Tankers to and From Venezuela
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The New York Times
Today's Headlines

December 17, 2025, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

Reiner Family Associate Details Events Before and After Killings Were Discovered

A person close to the family provided a detailed account of what occurred in the Reiner house after a massage therapist received no response at the gate.

Trump Orders Blockade of Some Oil Tankers to and From Venezuela

The move is an escalation of military operations and a pressure campaign against Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s leader. But its scope and economic impact are not clear.

3 Days After Deadly Brown Shooting, Killer and Motive Remain a Mystery

The authorities released more video footage in an attempt to identify a suspect, and said they had no idea why the killer attacked a study session.

World

Suspect in Bondi Beach Massacre Is Charged With Murder and Terrorism

The Australian authorities said the 24-year-old man, who had been shot by the police, woke from a coma on Tuesday afternoon.

Ukraine Plan Calls For Enhanced Military, With U.S. and European Backup

The latest proposal is designed to deter future Russian aggression. But Russia is not part of the talks and has shown little willingness to negotiate.

As Israeli Settlements Get Bigger, Palestinian Hikes Grow Shorter

With Israelis rapidly building in the West Bank, Palestinian hikers are increasingly unable to walk across the land.

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U.S.

Nick Reiner Formally Charged With Murdering His Parents

Prosecutors said that Mr. Reiner killed his parents, Rob and Michelle Reiner, using a knife. He has not yet entered a plea.

At Many Top Law Schools, Black Student Enrollment Continues to Drop

The New York Times examined data from 18 of the nation’s top law schools and found that first-year Black enrollment had increased at only four, including at Harvard.

M.I.T. Professor Is Fatally Shot in His Home

The professor, Nuno F.G. Loureiro, was pronounced dead at a hospital on Tuesday morning. The authorities said they had opened a homicide investigation.

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Politics

Trump Expands Travel Ban and Restrictions to 20 More Countries

People from Syria, South Sudan and those with documents issued by the Palestinian Authority are included in the latest restrictions. More than 35 countries are now under U.S. travel restrictions.

Johnson Rules Out House Vote to Extend Health Insurance Subsidies

The speaker had planned to give moderate Republicans seeking an extension of the tax credits a vote on their proposal, but said on Tuesday it was simply “not to be.”

Trump and Top Aides Publicly Defend Susie Wiles After Explosive Interviews

President Trump praised his chief of staff as doing “a fantastic job,” and more than a dozen members of his cabinet have posted defenses of her on social media.

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Business

Jared Kushner’s Firm Pulls Out of Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery

Affinity Partners, Mr. Kushner’s private equity firm, played a small financial role in Paramount’s $108 billion offer, but it had attracted political attention to the deal.

On British Roads, Chinese Cars Are Racing Ahead

BYD, Chery and other Chinese automakers are winning over drivers in Britain, where tariffs are low and buyers are open to new brands.

Does China Have a Robot Bubble?

The Chinese government is betting that robots will drive economic growth. But the bots can’t really do much yet.

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New York

Mayor Adams’s Farewell To-Do List: Praise Himself, Undermine Mamdani

Before jetting off to Mexico, Mayor Eric Adams held an unusual news conference that included a time capsule, a new theme song and a defense of his one-term tenure.

Widow of Officer Slain in Park Ave. Attack Sues Landlord Over Security

Didarul Islam and three others were killed when a gunman came to a Midtown skyscraper. The suit says the building had few physical barriers and lax surveillance.

New Yorkers Back Mamdani’s Push for Free Child Care, Poll Shows

A Siena University poll showed that voters support having wealthy New Yorkers pay more in taxes to fund child care statewide, and favored Gov. Kathy Hochul in next year’s election.

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Arts

Watching ‘Liberation’ With a Women’s Movement Pioneer, My Mom

In researching her new Broadway play, Bess Wohl interviewed my mother. After a performance, we all discussed the play and its themes.

‘Tartuffe’ Review: Casting Keeps a Deluxe Molière Revival on Its Toes

Matthew Broderick plays Tartuffe and David Cross his naïve prey in this Lucas Hnath adaptation of a 17th-century French comedy classic.

A Second Doctor Is Sentenced in Matthew Perry Ketamine Case

The doctor, Mark Chavez, who had used fraudulent prescriptions to acquire the drug and conspired to sell it to Mr. Perry at inflated prices, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.

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Food

This Restaurant Gem Is the Answer to Our Fast Casual Fatigue

In the age of boring bowls, Ope Amosu’s ChòpnBlok brings a welcome jolt of flavor, energy and joy.

Kashi Offers Indian Supper Club Fare in Downtown Brooklyn

A calorie-conscious bowl restaurant in SoHo, Iberian nibbles in Chelsea and more restaurant news.