Trump Calls Xi a ‘Friend.’ But He Left China Without Any Breakthroughs.
5/16/2026 10:01 AM Open Story
The lack of concrete agreements with Beijing shows the risks of President Trump’s personality-driven foreign policy, which rests on the belief that he can defend U.S. interests through charm and force of will.
Trump Uses Taiwan Arms Sales as Bargaining Chip With China, in a Risky Move
5/16/2026 8:11 AM Open Story
The president said a potential arms deal for Taiwan was a “very good negotiating chip” in talks with Beijing. His words raise questions about the reliability of U.S. support.
China Will Host Putin, Days After Trump’s Visit
5/16/2026 4:23 AM Open Story
The Russian leader will go to Beijing on Tuesday for talks with President Xi Jinping. The Kremlin said he had watched President Trump’s visit closely.
How a Nature Cruise Turned Into a Nightmare
5/16/2026 10:25 AM Open Story
The hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius set off alarms for a world still traumatized by Covid. For those on board, the danger was much closer.
In Congress, a Sexual Harassment ‘Minefield’ Persists, Aides and Former Staff Say
5/16/2026 9:34 AM Open Story
Nearly 10 years after Congress instituted measures to make it easier for women to lodge harassment complaints, lawmakers and aides say the behavior is still rampant.
A Bitter Land Commissioner Race in New Mexico Over 9 Million Acres
5/16/2026 2:00 AM Open Story
A Republican candidate for the state land commissioner post has Democrats worried that protected state and federal land could be opened to industry.
Voters in Louisiana Head to the Polls, Uncertain but Determined
5/16/2026 11:28 AM Open Story
Votes cast for the House candidates on Saturday’s primary ballot won’t count after state officials moved the election to November to provide time to redraw congressional maps.
Which Countries Are Profiting From the Iran War Oil Shock
5/16/2026 2:01 AM Open Story
An analysis of oil export data offers clues about which nations have benefited from higher prices, and which have lost a lot of revenue.
Fears Grow That Iran May Be Using Proxy Groups Beyond Mideast
5/16/2026 11:46 AM Open Story
The charges against Mohammad al-Saadi in the United States have raised concerns that Iran could be working with its proxies to stage attacks outside the region.
Hamas’s Top Leader in Gaza Is Killed in Israeli Strike
5/16/2026 7:29 AM Open Story
Izz al-Din al-Haddad took over the group’s military wing in Gaza last year. Hamas officials confirmed Mr. al-Haddad’s death in an Israeli attack.
LIRR Labor Strike Shuts Down Busiest U.S. Passenger Rail Service
5/16/2026 1:53 PM Open Story
This is the first strike on the service in more than 30 years. It comes after three years of failed contract negotiations, two federal interventions and a volley of last-minute bargaining.
Long Island Rail Road Workers Are on Strike. Here’s What to Know.
5/15/2026 9:41 PM Open Story
America’s busiest passenger rail service shut down on Saturday after unions and transit officials failed to agree on a new contract.
The Law They Hate Was a High Point of Our History
5/16/2026 8:19 AM Open Story
The Voting Rights Act has more democratic legitimacy than the court that is trying to destroy it.
American Clothing No Longer Makes American Cultural Capital
5/11/2026 7:25 AM Open Story
Vintage American clothing still commands high prices, but the physical manifestations of U.S. empire have decayed. No one knows what’s next.
Car Plows Into Pedestrians in Northern Italian Town, Injuring at Least 8
5/16/2026 1:21 PM Open Story
Four of the injured were in serious condition, the mayor of Modena said, praising residents who rushed to stop the car’s driver from escaping on foot.
Severe Storms to Bring Strong Winds and Hail to Central United States
5/16/2026 12:25 PM Open Story
A series of storms, including supercells, threatens to dump rain, hail and create a tornado risk for a vast section of the country. The most severe weather is expected on Monday.
Mamdani’s Nakba Day Social Media Post Marks Shift for N.Y.C. Mayors
5/16/2026 12:53 PM Open Story
Pro-Palestinian New Yorkers celebrated Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s decision to post about the Palestinians’ day of remembrance, but the move was criticized by some Jewish leaders.
Woman Gives Birth to a ‘Bouncing Baby Boy’ in Brooklyn Courtroom
5/16/2026 1:03 PM Open Story
A court officer delivered the newborn after a woman who was nine months pregnant appeared in court on low-level charges.