Blasting Bullhorns and Water Cannons, Chinese Ships Wall Off the Sea

We know because we were there. This boat was carrying Times journalists off the island of Palawan, in the Philippines, looking at how China was imposing its territorial ambitions on the South China Sea.

The Wrecking-Ball Caucus: How the Far Right Brought Washington to Its Knees

Right-wing Republicans who represent a minority in their party and in Congress have succeeded in sowing mass dysfunction, spoiling for a shutdown, an impeachment and a House coup.

In Hospitals, Viruses Are Everywhere. Masks Are Not.

Amid an uptick in Covid infections, administrators, staff and patients are divided over the need for masks in health care settings.

Clams Ruled This Town Until the Crabs Moved In

Goro, on the Adriatic Sea, is famous for its clams — essential for the beloved spaghetti alle vongole. But an infestation of crabs is threatening the town’s cash crop.

Gold Bullion and Halal Meat: Inside the Menendez Investigation

Federal prosecutors have accused Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey and his wife, Nadine, of accepting bribes in exchange for official actions by Mr. Menendez.

A Day Care Death and the Dilemma Over How to Crack Down on Drugs

Fentanyl use is increasingly out in the open, and increasingly fatal. But New Yorkers are divided over what to do: decriminalize it or make more arrests.

Gold’s Deadly Truth: Much Is Mined With Mercury

Ten years after an international treaty to ban mercury, the toxic metal continues to poison. The reason might have to do with your wedding ring.

TV Networks’ Last Best Hope: Boomers

Viewers have fled prime-time lineups for streaming outlets, with one notable exception: people over 60.

Menendez Accused of Brazen Bribery Plot, Taking Cash and Gold

The governor of New Jersey called on Senator Robert Menendez to resign. The senator stepped down from his chairmanship of the Foreign Relations Committee.

Mexico Feels Pressure of Relentless Migration From South America

The surge of migrants trekking north mostly from South America has placed increasing pressure on Mexico as the country applies a range of tactics to quell arrivals.

Inside the Deal to Free 5 American Prisoners in Iran

U.S. negotiators say the release of the prisoners is proof that even fierce adversaries can sometimes find their way to an agreement. But the deal almost didn’t happen.

For South Korea’s Senior Subway Riders, the Joy Is in the Journey

The fare is free for those older than 65, and so some retired people spend their days riding the trains to the end of the line.

In Washington Visit, Zelensky Tries to Shore Up Critical Support

President Volodymyr Zelensky told lawmakers that Ukraine would lose the war to Russia if the United States curtailed the flow of aid and weapons.

Biden Faces Competing Pressures as He Tries to Ease the Migrant Crisis

The situation provides ammunition to conservative Republicans who are vowing to shut down the government unless Congress agrees to harsh new anti-immigration measures.

As Armenia and Azerbaijan Clash, Russia Is a Distracted Spectator

In the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, Russia, drained by the war in Ukraine, seemed incapable of acting as the indispensable power capable of knocking heads together.

What Happens When Wall Street Buys Most of the Homes on Your Block?

Investors were largely uninterested in wealthier enclaves. Instead, they targeted middle-income neighborhoods, many with larger Black and Latino populations. 

Biden and Netanyahu Meet to Try to Soothe Tensions, With Some Success

The president put aside his frustrations with the Israeli prime minister over his “extremist” government to focus on issues of mutual interest, like Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Garland Rebuffs Republicans’ Efforts to Reveal Details on Hunter Biden Inquiry

The soft-spoken attorney general struck a sharper tone during testimony before the Judiciary Committee, saying prosecutors won’t be “intimidated” by threats from Trump allies.

Navigating a Perilous Mountain Pass After a Devastating Earthquake

A stretch of lonely road across Morocco’s Atlas Mountains has long been known for its stunning views and perilous turns. After the earthquake, it became a lifeline for dozens of destroyed villages.

Zelensky Tells U.N. Security Council It’s Useless While Russia Has a Veto

The Ukrainian president joined many world leaders in calling for changes at the Security Council, where five permanent members wield veto power — a high barrier to taking action.

Biden Aides and Saudis Explore Defense Treaty Modeled After Asian Pacts

Despite U.S. fatigue over Middle East wars, the White House sees a security agreement resembling those with Japan or South Korea as an incentive for Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel.

Biden, in U.N. Speech, Calls for Action on Ukraine and Other Crises

As other major leaders skipped the annual opening session of the General Assembly, Mr. Biden used his address to try to counter war fatigue both at home and abroad.

Anti-Affirmative Action Group Sues West Point Over Admissions Policy

The Supreme Court ruling barring race-conscious admissions at civilian colleges should apply to the U.S. Military Academy as well, the lawsuit argues.

Canada’s Startling Claim Punctuates Tension With India Over Separatists

The allegation that India was involved in the killing of a Sikh leader in Canada came after New Delhi had accused Western countries of inaction on secessionist groups.

Iran Releases 5 Americans as U.S. Unfreezes Billions in Oil Revenue for Tehran

The terms of the deal have generated intense criticism from Republicans, even as the White House insists Iran will be prevented from spending the money on anything except humanitarian goods.

In U.S., Zelensky Will Make Case for More Aid, and Offer Thanks

The Ukrainian leader’s second trip to America comes at a more delicate diplomatic moment, as he tries to navigate political currents while expressing gratitude for Western support.

Strike Is a High-Stakes Gamble for Autoworkers and the Labor Movement

Experts on unions and the industry said the U.A.W. strike could accelerate a wave of worker actions, or stifle labor’s recent momentum.

In Moscow, the War Is Background Noise, but Ever-Present

Muscovites go about their daily lives with little major disruption. But the war’s effects are evident — in the stores, at the movies and in the increasingly repressive environment.

Biden to Target Industrial Pollution in a 2nd Term, if He Gets One

If the president wins re-election, his climate team is likely to try to cut greenhouse gases from steel, cement and other hard-to-clean-up manufacturing.

Climate Protesters March on New York, Calling for End to Fossil Fuels

Ahead of U.N. meetings this week, thousands gathered in Midtown to demand that President Biden and other world leaders stop new oil and gas drilling.

As Junta Tightens Grip, Niger Is Being Strangled by Sanctions

Border closures and a freeze on financial transactions imposed after soldiers seized power are hurting millions, while Western nations remain divided over what to do.

In Ukraine, a Rosh Hashana Party Not Even War Can Stop

Every year, thousands of followers of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov descend on the town of Uman to worship, dance and pay homage at the tomb of their spiritual leader.

In Risky Hunt for Secrets, U.S. and China Expand Global Spy Operations

The nations are taking bold steps in the espionage shadow war to try to collect intelligence on leadership thinking and military capabilities.

Dire Warnings About Libya Dams Went Unheeded

“The state wasn’t interested,” said an engineer who published a paper on why Derna’s dams, after decades of postponed repairs, might fail under the stress of a powerful storm.

World’s Largest ‘Baby Exporter’ Confronts Its Painful Past

South Korean adoptees have been returning to the country to hold the government accountable for what they call a corrupt adoption system that went largely unchanged until recent decades.

Texas Attorney General Is Acquitted in Landmark Senate Trial

Senators voted largely on party lines against conviction of the attorney general, Ken Paxton, who had been impeached on charges of corruption and abuse of office.

U.A.W. Starts Strike Small, but Repercussions Could Prove Far-Reaching

The union targeted three factories: one run by General Motors, one by Ford and one by Stellantis. Prolonged walkouts could hurt the U.S. economy and President Biden.

‘A Ticket to Disney’? Politicians Charge Millions to Send Migrants to U.S.

The Biden administration vowed to “end the illicit movement” of people through the Darién jungle. But the number of migrants moving through the forest has never been greater — and the profits are too big to pass up.

Biden Defends Striking Autoworkers: They Deserve a ‘Fair Share’

White House aides believe the battle between the car companies and their workers underscores many of the president’s policy positions.

Fernando Botero, Artist of Whimsical Rotundity, Is Dead at 91

His voluptuous figures, both in paintings and in sculpture, portrayed the high and mighty as well as everyday people through an enlarging prism.