Today's Headlines: Trump Says Kennedy Center Will Close for 2-Year Reconstruction Project
Move Fast, but Obey the Rules: China’s Vision for Dominating A.I.
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The New York Times
Today's Headlines

February 2, 2026, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

Trump Says Kennedy Center Will Close for 2-Year Reconstruction Project

The president’s announcement came after the center has been rocked by cancellations and boycotts by performers, contributors and audience members.

Move Fast, but Obey the Rules: China’s Vision for Dominating A.I.

Beijing wants to lead the world in developing cutting-edge artificial intelligence, but it also wants companies to adhere to an increasingly complex set of rules.

Can Tom Homan De-escalate Tensions in Minnesota?

The White House border czar wants to focus more on getting immigrants already in jails. He’ll have to persuade Democrats to do it.

World

Gaza Crossing to Egypt Reopens in Step Forward for Fragile Cease-Fire

Israel and Egypt had disagreed for months about how to resume operations at the Rafah border crossing, which has been closed for nearly a year.

Ukraine Peace Talks Delayed After Russia and U.S. Meet

It was unclear why the latest round of negotiations, which had been expected on Sunday, were postponed for several days.

China Fails to Curb the ‘Secret Filming Betrayal’ of Women and Girls

Hidden cameras capture women in intimate moments without their consent, yet the authorities do little to stop it.

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U.S.

Federal Courts Undercut Trump’s Mass Deportation Campaign

A policy intended to keep immigrants detained indefinitely has led to a deluge of lawsuits, overwhelming some federal courts and resulting in many releases.

Fear and Anger Grow as Thousands Remain Without Power in the South

More than 30 people have died across three Southern states in connection with last week’s storm, and thousands remain without power.

Hazing Death in Arizona Leads to Charges for 3 Fraternity Leaders

Three 20-year-old students in Delta Tau Delta at Northern Arizona University were arrested on Saturday. The fraternity has been suspended.

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Politics

How Trump Appears in the Epstein Files

The New York Times found more than 5,300 files with references to Mr. Trump and related terms. They include salacious and unverified claims, as well as documents that had already been made public.

U.A.E. Firm Quietly Took Stake in the Trump Family’s Crypto Company

The $500 million agreement raises new concerns about the propriety of the president negotiating foreign policy with his own business partners.

With New Memoir, Newsom Wants Americans to Know He Struggled Growing Up

Mr. Newsom, the California governor and a potential presidential candidate, writes that the privileged caricature of his background is mistaken.

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Business

Squeezed Between Trump and China, India Looks for Faraway Friendships

India is overcoming its aversion to free-trade deals to cozy up with Canada and other middle powers.

U.A.E. Firm Quietly Took Stake in the Trump Family’s Crypto Company

The $500 million agreement raises new concerns about the propriety of the president negotiating foreign policy with his own business partners.

Target’s New C.E.O. Faces Hometown Crisis as He Begins Turnaround Effort

Michael Fiddelke takes the top job at the struggling retailer amid continued unrest in the Twin Cities. A new boss also steps in at Walmart, where things are quieter.

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New York

Man and Dog Found Dead Inside Mobile Veterinary Van in Queens

A second man was found unconscious outside the van. The police are investigating whether the deaths were caused by carbon monoxide from a generator.

N.Y. Republican in Swing District Gets Rowdy Reception at Town Hall

Representative Mike Lawler, who has promised to hold several town halls as he seeks re-election, was repeatedly heckled by audience members in Rockland County.

Snow, Ice, Parking Hell: It’s a Tough Winter to Be a New York City Mover

Even in summer, moving crews have to contend with walk-up apartments, double-parking and sofas that won’t fit through narrow hallways. It’s a lot worse right now.

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Arts

Grammy Awards Highlights: Bad Bunny Takes Album of the Year in Groundbreaking Win

He is the first Spanish-language artist to win the ceremony’s top prize. Kendrick Lamar with SZA took record of the year, and Billie Eilish won song of the year. Lady Gaga, Olivia Dean and Lola Young were also honored.

Stars Speak Up for Immigrants Throughout Grammys Night

Bad Bunny joined Gloria Estefan, Shaboozey, Kehlani and others in speaking up for communities that are being targeted by ICE across the United States.

10-Minute Challenge: A Painting of Time

We’d like you to look at one piece of art for 10 minutes, uninterrupted.

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Food

Beany, Greeny, Grainy Goodness

This blend of barley, white beans and spinach with sun-dried tomatoes not only holds up well, it becomes even more flavorful with time.

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Science