Trump Bets on Diplomacy Without Diplomats

President Trump’s most trusted envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are at the center of the Iran and Ukraine negotiations.

Mamdani Threatens 9.5% Property Tax Increase if Wealth Tax Is Not Passed

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said his proposal to raise New York City property taxes was a “last resort” to close a budget gap.

Jesse Jackson, Charismatic Champion of Civil Rights, Dies at 84

An impassioned orator, he was a moral and political force, forming a “rainbow coalition” of poor and working-class people and seeking the presidency. His mission, he said, was “to transform the mind of America.”

Trilateral Talks on Russia-Ukraine War Enter 2nd Day

The discussions in Geneva, Switzerland, were expected to focus on Ukrainian-held territory in the east that Russia wants to control as the price of peace. Kyiv has said that demand is a nonstarter.

Iranians Mourn Slain Protesters With ‘Revolutionary Rage’

The authorities moved to suppress shows of defiance at ceremonies commemorating 40 days since the death of protesters.

Flawless Asphalt, Empty Homes: A 300-Mile Drive Through Afghanistan

Life and business are back along a road once defined by war damage. But even with improved security, Afghans are desperate for jobs and development.

Tracking the Fallout From the Epstein Files

This list will be updated and includes people who have faced concrete consequences, such as the loss of their position, as a result of their connection to Jeffrey Epstein.

A Holiday High School Game Is Shattered by a Fatal Assault

At a hockey rink in Pawtucket, R.I., shots rang out, leaving two people dead, in addition to the shooter. The police chief said it was a family matter that exploded in public.

House Plans to Vote on Air Safety Bill After Report on Deadly D.C. Crash

Lawmakers could vote as early as next week on legislation aimed at avoiding another collision like the one that killed 67 people near Reagan National Airport last year.

Democrats and White House Trade Offers but Deal to Reopen D.H.S. Remains Elusive

With Congress in a weeklong recess, there was little sign of progress toward a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

Jackson’s Death Arrives at a Crucial Moment for Black Political Power

There are more Black senators than ever before, but a major Supreme Court ruling could reduce Black representation in the House.

White House Shrugs Off Lutnick’s Epstein Ties

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has acknowledged traveling to Jeffrey Epstein’s island and meeting him on another occasion.

Warner Bros. Discovery Restarts Deal Talks With Paramount

Paramount’s takeover bid was rejected in favor of Netflix, which wanted only the streaming and studio businesses. Paramount said it would pay more if negotiations were reopened.

Colbert Says CBS Pulled Senate Candidate Interview

Stephen Colbert said he had to drop an interview with James Talarico from his Monday broadcast because of new F.C.C. guidance that targeted political interviews on late-night shows.

How the World’s Most Boring Market Became a ‘Battlefield’

Trading of Japanese government bonds, long considered moribund, is roaring back to life as fears of the country’s debt have sent yields surging.

Chatbots Are the New Influencers Brands Must Woo

Companies are realizing they can no longer simply promote themselves to potential customers. They have to win over the robots, too.

Did That Bald Head Get Your Attention? One Start-Up Hopes So.

Billboards that wouldn’t make sense to people outside the tech industry have become common in the Bay Area. One company took the microtargeting game to another level.

In Arson Case, a Judge Wrestles With A.I.-Assisted Apology Letters

The use of artificial intelligence gave a New Zealand judge pause about the genuineness of the remorse expressed in the apology. It reflects a wider discussion about using A.I. for personal communication.

NJ Transit Commuters Grumble as Bridge Work Disrupts Train Rides

Many people who commute into Manhattan got their first taste of the crowded platforms that are expected to become common over the next month as the Portal Bridge is reworked.

Manhattan Hospital Ends Medical Treatment for Transgender Youth

NYU Langone Health cited the “current regulatory environment” in its decision to discontinue its gender medicine program for minors.

Judge Blocks Deportation of Columbia Protester Mohsen Mahdawi

The green card holder from the West Bank had been detained during a citizenship appointment.

Robert Duvall Seared Himself Into Our Memories Even When He Wasn’t the Star

In roles as unalike as a neighborhood shut-in, a Corleone consigliere and a hardhearted military man, the actor brought an intensity that never wavered.

Daniel Radcliffe Wanted a Break From Broadway. Then He Read This Play.