Today's Headlines: Supreme Court Retains Block on Using Wartime Law to Deport Venezuelans
Republican Revolt Reflects a Core Party Divide Over Spending and Debt
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The New York Times
Today's Headlines

May 17, 2025, 4:10 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

Supreme Court Retains Block on Using Wartime Law to Deport Venezuelans

The justices sent the case back to a lower court to consider whether the Alien Enemies Act can be used to deport immigrants accused of being members of the Venezuelan gang.

Republican Revolt Reflects a Core Party Divide Over Spending and Debt

Whether the ultraconservatives dig in and force big changes to the megabill carrying President Trump’s agenda or capitulate, as they have in the past, will determine the fate of their party’s signature legislation.

Democrats Who Championed Biden’s Re-election Bid Now Seek Atonement

With their party facing record low approval ratings, many top Democrats are trying to reposition themselves from Biden boosters to truth-tellers of what really happened in 2024.

Editors’ Picks

‘I Don’t Ever Want to Be Free From the Pain of Missing My Children’

Only by writing could the acclaimed novelist Yiyun Li grapple with the suicides of her two sons. But her new book is no ordinary grief memoir.

Opinion | How Did So Many Elected Democrats Miss Biden’s Infirmity?

More than lying to the public, too many Democrats were lying to themselves.

World

‘He Gets Us’: Trump Makes a Splash in Saudi Arabia

Many Saudis say they are big fans of President Trump, calling him a “straight shooter” who shares their values. Others were not impressed.

Russia and Ukraine Agree to Prisoner Swap in First Direct Talks in Years

But the two sides failed to broker a temporary cease-fire or a meeting between their two leaders, a sign of how far apart they remain on ending the conflict.

Fighting India Helps Revive the Pakistani Military’s Popularity

As Pakistan declares victory, confidence in the troubled country’s state institutions is re-emerging, at least for now.

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U.S.

Republicans Push to End Immigrant Benefits in Democratic States

For years, Democratic state leaders believed their immigrant programs were free from federal interference. But Republicans in Washington are now threatening to penalize states that continue them.

Some Republicans Push to Put School Desegregation Officially in the Past

Louisiana officials want to overturn the remaining federal desegregation orders in their state. They may find allies in the Trump administration.

10 New Orleans Inmates Escape Jail Through Cell Wall Where Toilet Was Removed

Three escapees had been captured by Friday night. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office said the inmates might have had help from jail workers.

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Politics

G.O.P. Tax Bill May Hurt the Lowest Earners and Help the Richest

Even though most Americans may see lower taxes, Republicans’ spending cuts could outweigh those benefits and leave some worse off.

Trump Appointee Pressed Analyst to Redo Intelligence on Venezuelan Gang

The move followed a disclosure that intelligence agencies disagree with a key factual claim Trump made to invoke a wartime deportation law.

U.S. Downgraded by Moody’s as Trump Pushes Costly Tax Cuts

Now all three major credit rating firms no longer give the United States their best rating.

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Business

Movie Tariffs Could Open a Pandora’s Box

Hollywood offers a service, and services are what really drive the U.S. economy. President Trump’s proposed tax could set off a second, and more damaging, trade war.

Why Are So Many Retirees Filing for Social Security Earlier?

An additional 276,000 people filed for Social Security benefits so far this fiscal year, up 13% from a year ago. Anxiety appears to be a driver.

Campaign Against an Airline That Flies Deportees Sets Off a Legal Fight

Seth Miller, a New Hampshire lawmaker, placed billboard ads protesting Avelo Airlines’ decision to operate flights for ICE. Avelo accused him of copyright infringement.

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Technology

Employee’s Change Caused xAI’s Chatbot to Veer Into South African Politics

Grok, the chatbot operated by Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, was providing the responses about South Africa to unrelated questions.

Why We’re Unlikely to Get Artificial General Intelligence Anytime Soon

The titans of the tech industry say artificial intelligence will soon match the powers of humans’ brains. Are they underestimating us?

OpenAI Unveils New Tool for Computer Programmers

The tool, Codex, will be able to handle multiple tasks at the same time, the company said. OpenAI is also in talks to acquire a coding tool called Windsurf for $3 billion.

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Sports

The Art of Moving F1 Around the World

Tons of equipment must be shipped, so logistics teams start packing up right after a Grand Prix ends. Then it’s on to the next race, sometimes on a different continent.

Flavio Briatore Has Just Taken Over Alpine and Has a Promise to Keep

The team rarely scores points. He vows to change that.

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Arts

Who Is Dawn Richard, the Singer Who Will Soon Testify at Sean Combs’s Trial?

The musician performed in two of the mogul’s best-known recent acts, Danity Kane and Diddy — Dirty Money. She sued him last year, alleging threats and groping