The Regional War No One Wanted Is Here. How Wide Will It Get?

With the U.S.-led attacks in Yemen, there is no longer a question of whether the Israel-Hamas war will escalate into a wider conflict. The question is whether it can be contained.

On the Ballot in Iowa: Fear. Anxiety. Hopelessness.

As Monday’s caucuses approach, voters casually throw around the prospect of World War III and civil unrest, anxious of divisions they fear are tearing the country apart.

Will You Vote for Trump Again?

It’s the question weighing on Republicans across the country. But Iowans get to decide first. We listened as they grappled with their choices.

In a Setback for Beijing, Taiwan Elects Lai Ching-te as President

Taiwan’s vice president, whose party has emphasized the island’s sovereignty, defeated an opposition party that favors reviving engagement with China.

U.S. Strikes Against Houthis in Yemen for Second Day, as Conflict Escalates

The military fired at a target in response to rising attacks on Red Sea shipping, which the Houthis linked to the war between Israel and Hamas.

Federal Scientists Recommend Easing Restrictions on Marijuana

In newly disclosed documents, federal researchers find that cannabis may have medical uses and is less likely to cause harm than drugs like heroin.

The Story Ron DeSantis Does Not Tell Is His Own

Ron DeSantis has made lots of changes to try to revamp his struggling campaign. But he rarely tries talking about himself.

How the Russian Government Silences Wartime Dissent

U.S. Missiles Strike Targets in Yemen Linked to the Houthi Militia

The American-led strikes came in response to more than two dozen Houthi drone and missile attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea since the Israel-Hamas war began.

The Misguided War on the SAT

Colleges have fled standardized tests, on the theory that they hurt diversity. That’s not what the research shows.

‘Frozen Garlic!’ Taiwan Likes Its Democracy Loud and Proud

At the island’s election rallies, warming up the crowd for candidates is crucial. “You have to light a fire in their hearts,” one host says.

Looming Starvation in Gaza Shows Resurgence of Civilian Sieges in Warfare

A U.N.-affiliated panel said the territory could tip into famine very soon. International laws to protect people from human-made famines offer little help.

At World Court, Israel to Confront Accusations of Genocide

Israel has categorically rejected the allegations being brought this week in the International Court of Justice by South Africa.

The Day Hamas Came

No Israeli town suffered more bloodshed than Be’eri in the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7.

Trump Is Connecting With a Different Type of Evangelical Voter

They are not just the churchgoing, conservative activists who once dominated the G.O.P.

Trump’s Argument for Immunity in 2024 Is the Opposite of His Stance in 2021

During his second impeachment trial, the former president argued that criminal prosecution was a more appropriate way to seek accountability since he had left office.

Appeals Court Seems Skeptical of Trump’s Immunity Claim

A three-judge panel appeared unlikely to grant the former president’s request that it throw out federal criminal charges that he plotted to overturn the 2020 election.

Saudi-Israel Ties Depend on Steps Toward a Palestinian State, Blinken Says

In meetings with Israeli leaders, the U.S. secretary of state held out the prospect of Saudi recognition to prod Israel to curb combat operations in Gaza and accept a path to Palestinian statehood.

To Win Iowa, Trump Turns to Allies Like Marjorie Taylor Greene

With the former president busy defending himself in court from 91 felony charges, his campaign has deployed high-profile conservatives to help fill the gaps in Iowa.

A Glimpse Inside a Devastated Gaza

In the ruins of two Gazan towns, New York Times journalists witnessed the sheer destruction that Israel’s war has wrought and the devastation of Hamas’s operations.

Israel Says Its Military Is Starting to Shift to a More Targeted Gaza Campaign

Israeli officials privately say that they hope to complete the transition by the end of January, but that the timeline could change.

Why Iowa Turned So Red When Nearby States Went Blue

Over the past 15 years, the Upper Midwest has seen a remarkable state-by-state sorting of voters along partisan lines.

Israeli Strikes in Lebanon Kill Hezbollah Commander, Militia Says

The latest strikes across Israel’s northern border came as the U.S. secretary of state made another trip to the Middle East in efforts to prevent a wider war.

Exhausted, on the Defensive and at ‘Hell’s Gate’ in Ukraine

The country’s forces along a broad stretch of the front say that, with Russia pushing forward, the war has never been so dangerous.

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.