From Lebanon to the Red Sea, a Broader Conflict With Iran Looms

With its proxies attacking from many vantage points and its nuclear program suddenly revived, Iran is posing a new challenge to the West — this time with Russia and China on its side.

As Gaza Losses Mount Under Strikes, Dignified Burials Are Another Casualty

“The lucky are those who have someone to bury them when they die,” Dr. Mohammad Abu Moussa, a radiologist at one Gaza hospital, said of those killed by Israeli airstrikes.

With Shutdown Looming, House and Senate Leaders Agree on Spending Levels

Despite the deal, time is short to assemble and pass legislation putting the agreement in force before a Jan. 19 deadline.

Marijuana Buyers From Texas Fuel a ‘Little Amsterdam’ in New Mexico

Sunland Park, along the Rio Grande, has joined the ranks of U.S. cities transformed by state cannabis laws. But the good times may not last forever.

How Trump Has Used Fear and Favor to Win Republican Endorsements

The former president keeps careful watch over his endorsements from elected Republicans, aided by a disciplined and methodical behind-the-scenes operation.

How Harvard’s Board Broke Up With Claudine Gay

Facing intense pressure, it went from standing behind her as the university’s president to pushing her out within weeks.

Who Was the Mysterious Woman Buried Alone at the Pet Cemetery?

At Hartsdale Pet Cemetery, Ed Martin III had become accustomed to unusual requests. Then came Patricia Chaarte.

U.S. News Makes Money From Some of Its Biggest Critics: Colleges

U.S. News sells “badges” to colleges, so they can promote their rankings — whether they are 1st, 10th or much, much lower.

F.D.A. Issues First Approval for Mass Drug Imports to States From Canada

The agency authorized Florida to purchase medicines directly from wholesalers in Canada, where prices are far cheaper. Pharmaceutical companies oppose the plan.

Justices to Decide Whether Trump Is Eligible for Colorado Ballot

The Colorado Supreme Court ruled last month that the former president could not appear on the state’s Republican primary ballot because he had engaged in insurrection.

Heavy Rain in U.K. Causes Hundreds of Flood Warnings and Travel Disruptions

In London, around 50 people were evacuated from rising waters. Heavy rain brought similar scenes to parts of France and Germany.

Biden Faces Pressure on Immigration, and Not Just From Republicans

Mayors and governors from President Biden’s own party are looking for help with overflowing migrant encampments, packed shelters and busted budgets.

Attacks Heighten Fears of a Wider War for the Middle East and U.S.

The killing of a top Hamas leader in Lebanon and mysterious twin explosions in Iran heighten fears of a regional war that could draw in the United States.

Paxlovid Cuts Covid Death Risk. But Those Who Need It Are Not Taking It.

With Covid deaths rising to about 1,500 per week, researchers question why Paxlovid use has remained low among high-risk patients.

By Christina Jewett

Putin’s Drive to Rewrite History Snares a Retired Lithuanian Judge

A few years ago, Kornelija Maceviciene ruled against Soviet officers for a brutal crackdown on pro-independence protesters in her country in 1991. That has made her a target for a Russian court.

Menendez Case Focuses on How Qatar Trades Its Riches for Clout

The tiny Gulf state has cultivated relationships with powerful people and institutions to raise its global profile, and to protect its interests.

Leader’s Killing Is a Blow, but Not a Knockout, for Hamas

The killing of Saleh al-Arouri, a key Hamas strategist, in Lebanon sets the organization back at a vulnerable time. The group has rebuilt after the assassination of other leaders, though.

Bombing in Iran Kills Over 100, Sowing Confusion and Speculation

No one claimed responsibility for the bombing at a memorial for Qassim Suleimani, the top commander killed by a U.S. drone strike four years ago.

Strawberry Case Study: What if Farmers Had to Pay for Water?

With aquifers nationwide in dangerous decline, one part of California has tried essentially taxing groundwater. New research shows it’s working.

‘It’s State Propaganda’: Ukrainians Shun TV News as War Drags on

A government-approved news program intended to counter Russian disinformation and boost morale is coming under criticism for painting a rosy picture of the war.

Top Hamas Official Is Killed in Lebanon as Fears Grow of a Wider War

The Israeli government would not comment on the death of Saleh al-Arouri. But a U.S. official said to expect Israel to assassinate Hamas officials “for years.”

The Twin Fronts in the Battle Over Israel’s Identity

Monday’s court ruling joined the war in Gaza in a widening crisis over what kind of state Israel will be.

A ‘Miracle’: Plane Erupts in Flames Landing in Tokyo, but All Aboard Survive

Japan Airlines said all 367 passengers and 12 crew members had safely, evacuated the jet. But five crew members on a Japanese Coast Guard plane that collided with it were killed.

Harvard President Resigns After Mounting Plagiarism Accusations

Claudine Gay faced backlash over the university’s response to antisemitism on campus, which led to increased scrutiny of her academic record.

Israel’s Top Court Strikes Down Move to Curb Its Powers

The Supreme Court, by the narrowest of margins, rejected a law pushed by Netanyahu allies that limited its authority to review government decisions.

Can He Condemn the Killings Without Causing More Pain?

Chris George has lived in Israel and Gaza, where he was once held hostage. As his employees ask him to speak out on the latest war, he is torn.

Powerful Earthquake Hits Japan, and Officials Warn of Aftershocks

There were reports of collapsed buildings and people being trapped underneath them. The quake disrupted electricity and phone service, and initially raised fears of a tsunami.

Police Officers Are Charged With Crimes, but Are Juries Convicting?

Since the death of George Floyd, a national movement promised sweeping justice reform. So far, police prosecutions have resulted in a mixed bag of convictions, acquittals and a mistrial.

The U.S. and Israel: An Embrace Shows Signs of Strain After Oct. 7

No other episode in the past half-century has tested the relationship between the United States and Israel in such an intense and consequential way as the Israel-Hamas war of 2023.

Half of Gazans Are at Risk of Starving, U.N. Warns

More than 90 percent of Palestinians in the territory say they have regularly gone without food for a whole day, according to the United Nations.

‘There’s No Other Job’: The Colonial Roots of Philippine Poverty

Decades after independence, the Philippines lacks the kind of factory economy that has lifted up other Asian nations, tying millions to farm work.

He Was One of the Central Park Five. Now He’s Councilman Yusef Salaam.

Mr. Salaam will take office 34 years after a wrongful prosecution for rape led to his spending nearly seven years in prison.