U.S. Job Growth Remains Strong, Defying Fed’s Rate Strategy

Employers added 263,000 workers in November, even as some industries showed signs of a slowdown. Wage growth exceeded expectations.

As Officials Ease Covid Restrictions, China Faces New Pandemic Risks

Huge swaths of the nation’s elderly remain vulnerable, scientists say, and a surge in deaths and hospitalizations may be inevitable.

As Macron Loses His Sheen at Home, Harmonious U.S. Visit Is ‘Regenerative’

President Emmanuel Macron, dealing with a difficult start to his second term, can return to France feeling buoyed by a warm reception and unity on Ukraine.

Applying to College, and Trying to Appear ‘Less Asian’

The affirmative action lawsuit against Harvard seemed to confirm advice given for years to Asian Americans: Don’t play chess, don’t check the box declaring race.

With Senate Vote, Congress Moves to Avert Rail Strike

Bipartisan coalitions in the House and Senate pushed through a bill that would impose an agreement between rail companies and their workers.

Biden Says He Is Willing to Talk to Putin About Ukraine, With Conditions

Showing a united front during a state visit, President Biden and President Emmanuel Macron of France affirmed their support for Ukraine ahead of a cold winter that will test the alliance.

Biden and Macron: A Bond Built on a Birthday Wish, Ice Cream and 30 Phone Calls

State visits are meant to test how far flattery can get a president in winning the support of a key ally. But President Biden and President Emmanuel Macron of France have a “genuine” rapport, an official said.

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House Passes Bill to Avert a Rail Strike, Moving to Impose a Labor Agreement

The House voted to force rail companies and workers to accept a pending agreement and to add seven days of paid leave, a key demand of the employees. But it met with a rocky reception in the Senate.

For China’s Leader, Another Dilemma: How to Mourn Jiang Zemin

The former president’s death drew tributes from Chinese people at a fraught moment for the current leader, Xi Jinping, who faces widespread criticism of his harsh Covid policies.

When the Lights Go Out, Kyiv Keeps Going — With Some Ingenuity

Survival kits in elevators, alternative menus in cafes, flashlights and generators everywhere: This is life under Russian bombardment, when power can fail at any moment.

On City Streets, Fear and Hope as Mayor Pushes to Remove Mentally Ill

Mayor Eric Adams intends to remove people with severe, untreated mental illness from the streets. That will mean involuntary hospitalization of people deemed unable to care for themselves.