Today's Headlines: Scrutiny Mounts of F.B.I. Under Patel as Kirk’s Killer Remains at Large
For Trump, Charlie Kirk Is a Deeply Personal Loss
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The New York Times
Today's Headlines

September 12, 2025, 4:10 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

Scrutiny Mounts of F.B.I. Under Patel as Kirk’s Killer Remains at Large

Already, a series of missteps by Kash Patel, the F.B.I. director, in recent months have invited worries that he has eroded public confidence in the agency.

For Trump, Charlie Kirk Is a Deeply Personal Loss

The president’s reaction to Charlie Kirk’s assassination shows how much the 31-year-old conservative activist had become a part of the Trump family.

In Public and in Private, New York Marks 9/11 Anniversary

The names of those killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks were read at a memorial plaza in Lower Manhattan. Other remembrances took place across the region.

Editors’ Picks

Did a Brooklyn Couple Kill a Neighbor’s Trees for a Better View in Maine?

Maine’s Board of Pesticides Control says two summer residents poisoned a neighbor’s trees so the couple, both Martha Stewart associates, could have a harbor view. They deny it.

Opinion | Charlie Kirk Was Practicing Politics the Right Way

The foundation of a free society is the ability to participate in politics without fear of violence. To lose that is to risk losing everything.

World

Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Plotting Coup in Brazil

Brazil’s Supreme Court convicted the former president of trying to cling to power after losing the 2022 election, including a plan to assassinate his opponent.

Nepal’s Social Media Ban Backfires as Politics Moves to a Chat Room

“The Parliament of Nepal right now is Discord,” a user said of the platform popular with video gamers, where tens of thousands are debating the nation’s future.

On Ukraine and Gaza, Trump Casts Himself as a Bystander, if He Can’t Be a Peacemaker

President Trump often insists he can bring peace to global conflicts. But when allies and adversaries alike appear to be ignoring him or testing American will, he adopts a what-can-you-do shrug.

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U.S.

False Tips and Chicken Coops: The Chaotic Hunt for Charlie Kirk’s Killer

After a day of hunting for a suspect in the assassination, investigators pleaded for help from the public.

Charlie Kirk Assassination Raises Fear of Surging Political Violence

Initial expressions of grief and shock were overtaken by open calls for reckoning and vengeance, as some proclaimed the country was on the brink of civil war.

Defendant in Trial Over Trump Assassination Attempt Is Off to a Shaky Start

Ryan Routh, who chose to represent himself in the Florida case, was cut off in his opening statement by the judge, who said it lacked relevance.

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Politics

Where Charlie Kirk Stood on Key Political Issues

Here are some of the activist’s stances on climate change, immigration, gun control and other issues.

How An Obamacare Deadline Is Colliding With Shutdown Negotiations

Republicans are signaling a new openness to extending health subsidies as Democrats suggest they want health care concessions to keep the government open.

For National Guard Troops in D.C., It’s Trash Pickup and Metro Patrols

Thousands of armed troops are deployed as part of President Trump’s crime crackdown. So far, it has been a lot of beautification projects and assisting the local police.

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Business

Rise in U.S. Inflation Is Likely to Keep Fed Cautious on Pace of Rate Cuts

The central bank is likely to lower borrowing costs at its meeting next week amid budding concerns about the labor market.

Paramount Plans Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery

Any deal would further reshape the media industry, putting CBS News, CNN and two major movie studios under the same corporate umbrella.

In South Korea and Japan, Fury at U.S. Fuels Backlash Over Trade Deals

Officials and business leaders in both countries are questioning commitments their governments made to invest hundreds of billions in American manufacturing.

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Technology

Canadian Man Falsely Named as Charlie Kirk’s Shooter on Social Media

The 77-year-old former banker, who lives in Toronto, said he was “shocked” by the speed at which his photograph spread online.

Small Businesses Face a New Threat: Pay Up or Be Flooded With Bad Reviews

Movers, roofing companies and others are being bombarded with phony one-star reviews on Google Maps. Then they’re asked to pay up.

Regulators Are Digging Into A.I. Chatbots and Child Safety

The Federal Trade Commission said it was starting an inquiry of how six major tech companies monitor activity that could harm minors.

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Arts

As Los Angeles Olympics Loom, Critics Worry Its Cultural Plan Is Lagging

Planning and fund-raising for the “Cultural Olympiad,” the arts programming that is part of the 2028 games, should have been well underway by now, several experts say.

‘Tracker’ Became One of TV’s Biggest Hits by Keeping It Simple

The CBS drama, starring Justin Hartley as a tough guy who finds missing people, is the most successful series in a mini-renaissance for the lone-wolf procedural.

Arvo Pärt Reached Pop Star Status. Now He’s Ready to Rest.

Pärt’s 90th birthday has inspired celebrations, including at Carnegie Hall, even as the renowned composer has stopp