Despite Epstein’s Toxicity, Steve Bannon Stood by Him, Texts Indicate

Mr. Bannon, a MAGA podcaster, developed a seemingly chummy relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, who was accused of sex trafficking. He said it was in the name of getting Mr. Epstein to open up.An undated photograph released by the Justice Department shows Stephen K. Bannon with Jeffrey Epstein. Mr. Ba

S Sharon LaFraniere and Teresa Mondría Terol

Epstein Files Hint at His Ties to the Supermodel Naomi Campbell

Ms. Campbell previously claimed she was an acquaintance of the convicted sex offender. Emails shed new light on the extent of their interactions.Naomi Campbell modeling in a fashion show in Paris in October 2025.

A Alisha Haridasani Gupta and Jesse McKinley

The Quiet Architect of Trump’s Global Trade War

Jamieson Greer, a low-key lawyer from a working-class background, is rewriting the rules of the global economy at the president’s behest.Jamieson Greer, the U.S. trade representative, has quietly navigated the demands of an unpredictable president.

A Ana Swanson

From One President to Another, a Love Letter With an Edge

To open a series of essays about U.S. presidents, George W. Bush pays tribute to George Washington, who “ensured America wouldn’t become a monarchy, or worse.”George W. Bush focuses on the humility of the first president in his essay. Barack Obama is writing about Abraham Lincoln, and Bill Clinton a

J Jennifer Schuessler

Iran’s Protests Have Ended, but the Anger and Pain Haven’t

In the aftermath of another wave of antigovernment unrest, Iran is gripped by a mood of collective grief and uncertainty about the future.A billboard showing the current supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, alongside the Islamic Republic’s founding leader, in Tehran, Iran, last month.

F Farnaz Fassihi and Leily Nikounazar

Kansas Town Supports Mayor Charged With Voting Illegally

The Mexican-born mayor of Coldwater was accused of voting illegally as a noncitizen. Many of his neighbors want state and federal officials to back off.Former Mayor Joe Ceballos of Coldwater, Kan., was born in Mexico and came to the United States when he was 4 years old.

M Mitch Smith and Clayton Steward

Why an A.I. Video of Tom Cruise Battling Brad Pitt Spooked Hollywood

A 15-second clip created by an artificial intelligence tool owned by the Chinese technology company ByteDance appears more cinematic than anything so far.Brad Pitt, left, and Tom Cruise at the London premiere of “F1: The Movie” last year. Their images were used in a widely circulated video created w

D Derrick Bryson Taylor

Syrian Army Crosses New Threshold With Advances in Kurdish Regions

The advance of the Syrian Army into Kurdish regions could put nearly all the country under one authority. But it ends a dream of autonomy for ethnic Kurds.The Syrian Army has moved into vast new regions, seeking to erase the largest fissure left from the civil war.

C Carlotta Gall, Hussam Hammoud and Nanna Heitmann

Ticket Scam Cost the Louvre $12 Million, Investigators Say

The Paris prosecutor’s office said a network involving museum employees and tour guides had been operating for a decade.Investigators said the suspected scam at the Louvre museum in Paris involved tour guides reusing tickets for different people.

S Ségolène Le Stradic

How a Trump Tax Break Rescued Horse Racing

Owners spent nearly $1.5 billion last year on racehorses, a big increase over 2024. A new tax provision allows them to immediately deduct the full cost of the purchase.

J Joe Drape

New York Needs Lifeguards. Would These Teens Make the Cut?

To qualify for a job patrolling the city’s beaches and pools, candidates must swim 50 yards in 50 seconds or less.Ezaiah taking his swimming test at Harry S. Truman High School in the Bronx last month. He passed.

Y Yuvraj Khanna for The New York Times