Putin’s Trump Strategy: Lots of Flattery, and Talk of Business Deals

After Thursday’s phone call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, President Trump appeared to express doubts about giving Ukraine more powerful weapons.

7 Takeaways From the First N.Y.C. Mayoral Debate

Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa sparred over serious topics like the Israel-Hamas war and President Trump, and more curious ones like parades.

John Bolton Is Indicted Over Handling of Classified Information

Mr. Bolton, a Trump aide turned critic, is part of a string of Trump foes to become prosecutorial targets. But his case picked up in the Biden administration.

After ‘Horrors,’ Israeli Hostages Taste Freedom and Savor Family Reunions

Some former captives have been sent home from the hospital. But a doctor said they all had “endured untold adversity” in their time in Gaza’s tunnels.

China’s Rare Earth Restrictions Aim to Beat U.S. at Its Own Game

Beijing’s latest effort to weaponize global supply chains is modeled on the American technology controls that it has long criticized.

China Fans Patriotic Sentiment as Trade War With U.S. Heats Up

Chinese state media is rallying the public and posting old propaganda footage, but officials are also careful to leave room for talks with President Trump.

Oval Office Becomes a Diorama of Power Dynamics as Trump Goes After Rivals

Unwilling to fight for their institutions’ independence, officials watched as President Trump continued his pursuit of control over law enforcement.

Trump Administration Authorizes Covert C.I.A. Action in Venezuela

The development comes as the U.S. military is planning its own possible escalation, and drawing up options for President Trump.

Trump Reshapes Federal Work Force as Shutdown Drags On

Signs grew on Wednesday that President Trump was using the fiscal stalemate to enact sweeping changes.

ICE Is Cracking Down on Chicago. Some Chicagoans Are Fighting Back.

Residents have begun forming volunteer groups to monitor their neighborhoods. Others honk their horns or blow whistles when they see immigration agents nearby.

Trump Targets Democratic Districts by Halting Billions During Shutdown

The Trump administration has frozen or canceled nearly $28 billion primarily located in Democratic-led districts, according to an analysis by The Times.

Spies, Burgers and Bombs: After a New War, Old Wounds Resurface in Tehran

A deep sense of unease has gripped Iran since U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in June. Residents said they felt rattled, and worried about what might come next.

First Burials to Be Held for Israelis Returned From Gaza

Hamas has handed over the bodies of eight people, but says it is struggling to find the remains of others in Gaza after two years of war.

For Israel, Hamas and Trump’s Peace Plan, Now Comes the Hard Part

Hamas released hostages and agreed to abide by a cease-fire, but persuading it to lay down its arms is another matter.

Israel Identifies 2 Bodies Handed Over by Hamas

The return of the remains of four former captives has spurred anger that more were not retrieved. The devastation in Gaza is likely to make the task harder.

Will the Supreme Court Use a Louisiana Case to Gut the Voting Rights Act?

The justices have shown a willingness to chip away at the landmark civil rights legislation. A Louisiana case could unravel much of its remaining power.

Ukraine’s Formula for Peace: Fewer Talks, More Weapons

As Russia rebuffs President Trump’s diplomatic push, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine is heading again to the White House, this time seeking missiles.

Israeli Hostages Return Home; Palestinian Detainees Are Freed

Trump and World Leaders Gather in Egypt for Summit on Gaza Cease-Fire

Cheering crowds greet Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel.

Why Ukraine Is Betting on Strikes Deep Inside Russia

The Kremlin will only negotiate if missiles and drones bring the pain of war home to Russians, Ukrainian officials say.

A Test Now for Israel: Can It Repair Its Ties to Americans?

Israel’s advocates fear that its conduct of the war has cost it the support of an entire generation of U.S. voters.

Israelis and Palestinians Await Hostage-Prisoner Swap With Relief and Elation

All living hostages in Gaza are expected to be released in the next 24 hours in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Black Unemployment Is Surging Again. This Time It’s Different.

Federal layoffs and an end to diversity initiatives have weakened a historically strong labor market for Black workers.

Trump Is Blowing Up Boats Off Venezuela. Could Mexico’s Cartels Be Next?

U.S. strikes on boats that President Trump says are drug smugglers have unsettled America’s biggest trading partner, where powerful criminal groups produce and smuggle drugs.