Trump Names His Picks for Top Pentagon Roles

They include a billionaire investor who supported Mr. Trump’s campaign, a former official who froze aid to Ukraine and a former executive at Uber.

Surfers Return for Rare Big Wave Contest in Hawaii

The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is held only when conditions are just right. The 45 invited surfers had less than 48 hours to arrive on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, on Sunday.

Trump Previews Second Term in Sprawling Speech to Conservative Conference

President-elect Donald J. Trump repeated false claims about immigration and the border, slammed diversity initiatives and discussed the Panama Canal in the 90-minute address.

Wes Moore Given Bronze Star, Nearly 2 Decades After Army Service

The Maryland governor had faced a controversy over whether he had received the medal for his time in Afghanistan.

Letter Calling for Tracking People of Color Circulates in an Oregon County

The letter, distributed in Lincoln County, Ore., tells community members to report people who may be undocumented, the sheriff’s office said.

These Spiritual Democrats Urge Their Party to Take a Leap of Faith

In a party that has grown less religious, some prominent Democrats say discussing their deepest beliefs can be a way to connect — when it’s authentic.

Refugees Are Bracing for Trump to Cut the Resettlement Program Again

As Donald J. Trump returns to office, the rebuilt program is under threat. Many vulnerable people approved for resettlement in the U.S. could be stranded abroad.

Behold! ‘Christmas Adam’ Is Born.

First there was Christmas Eve … and then a new celebration was created.

It Can Be Lonely to Have a Middle-of-the Road Opinion on the Middle East

Some college students and faculty members are seeking space for nuanced perspectives on the Israel-Hamas war on deeply divided campuses.

U.S. Fighter Jet Shot Down Over Red Sea by Apparent Friendly Fire

A U.S. Navy ship mistakenly fired at the F/A-18, whose two pilots were safely recovered, the military said.

Police Fatally Shoot Man Who Drove Pickup Into Texas Mall, Injuring 5

The police said the man was being investigated for possible drunken driving but instead of stopping, he smashed his pickup truck into a J.C. Penney.

Trump Appoints ‘The Apprentice’ Producer as Special Envoy to Britain

Mark Burnett and President-elect Donald J. Trump had a long and successful collaboration that made Mr. Trump a household name.

University of California Resolves Civil Rights Complaints Over Gaza Protests

Five schools agreed to changes after reports that they failed to protect students from antisemitism and anti-Arab and anti-Muslim discrimination.

Congress Approves Spending Package After Political Drama

President Biden signed the spending bill early on Saturday, ensuring that there would be no lapse in government funding.

Dropped From Spending Bill, Cancer Research and D.C. Stadium Measures Revived by Senate

Two bills on pediatric cancer research and a football stadium site had been left out of the main spending package, but passed early Saturday as separate legislation.

‘A Gift to Everyone’: A Wisconsin Community Mourns a School Shooting Victim

Rubi Patricia Vergara was one of two victims killed in Madison this past week. At a memorial service, she was remembered as an empathetic teenager with a passion for music and art.

Lee Edwards, Historian of the Conservative Movement, Dies at 92

In his books about Ronald Reagan, Barry Goldwater and other figures on the right, he was, one observer said, “a keeper of the flame and spreader of the gospel.”

Homeless Woman Going Into Labor Is Cited for Violating Camping Ban

Body-camera footage shows an officer from the Louisville Metro Police Department in Kentucky detain the woman, who gave birth later that day.

Biden Signs Spending Bill, Finalizing End to Shutdown Drama

President Biden’s signature, while technically coming after the midnight deadline for a shutdown, ensured that there would be no lapse in government funding.

Read the Complaint

Blake Lively v. Wayfarer Studios LLC et al

Read the Statement

Statement to The New York Times from Bryan Freedman, attorney for Justin Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and all its representatives.

Justice Thomas Did Not Disclose Additional Trips, Democrats Say

The revelation was included in a report by Democratic staff members on the Senate Judiciary Committee who had conducted a 20-month investigation into ethics practices at the Supreme Court.

This Chrismukkah, Latkes and Eggnog Go Together

The first night of Hanukkah and Christmas Day converge for the first time since 2005. What are families who celebrate both to do?

Death on the Night Shift at Frozen Pizza Factories in Chicago

Undocumented workers help feed America’s hunger for prepared foods, but some take jobs with staffing agencies that expose them to hazardous conditions.

Congress Approves Full Social Security Benefits for Public Sector Retirees

The popular measure gives full benefits to millions of people who currently receive them at a reduced level. Critics warn the $196 billion cost will speed up the program’s insolvency.

Chicago Board of Education Votes to Fire Leader of City’s School System

The job status of Pedro Martinez, the chief executive of Chicago Public Schools, had been in doubt for months amid tension with Mayor Brandon Johnson.

The Best Movies About Politics (According to You)

Tired of real politics? Try the silver screen instead.

Congress Approves Spending Extension, Ending Shutdown Crisis

The Senate passed the measure and sent it to President Biden’s desk, shortly after the midnight deadline for funding to lapse.

In Late Push, Senate Democrats Narrowly Top Trump on Judicial Confirmations

With the vote, the Senate approved its 235th lifetime judge of President Biden’s tenure, besting his predecessor by a single judgeship.

U.S. Prisons Flout Law by Keeping Inmates Past Release Date, A.C.L.U. Says

Tens of thousands of prisoners deemed to be at low risk of committing crimes again have languished in lockup for as long as a year after they reached their release date under the First Step Act.

Missouri Governor Commutes Sentence of Detective Convicted in On-Duty Killing

Eric J. DeValkenaere was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Cameron Lamb. Calls for clemency angered many in Kansas City, Mo.

G.O.P. Spending Hawks Defy Trump on the Debt Limit, Previewing More Clashes

President-elect Donald J. Trump is known for his tight grip on members of his party, but the rare rejection of his demand to suspend the debt limit reflected a disconnect that could plague his policy agenda.

The spending deal Musk helped kill included an X-backed bill to help victims of deepfake porn

Biden Administration Weighs Putting Up Roadblocks to Trump’s Deportation Campaign

The administration may extend protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants whose legal status is set to expire near the start of the Trump administration.

Biden Withdraws Proposed Regulations on Student Loans and Trans Athletes

The decision to withdraw the regulations seemed to be an acknowledgment that they would go nowhere under the Trump administration.

See Which Government Workers Would be Impacted if a Spending Bill Doesn’t Pass

Some workers would be forced to report to work, while others would be furloughed.

She Turned in Her ‘Star Trek’ License Plates, but the Tickets Kept Coming

Beda Koorey, 75, returned personalized plates inspired by the identifying tag on the U.S.S. Enterprise to New York State in 2020. She has since been inundated with tickets for others who used the same tag.

2024: The Year in Visual Stories and Graphics.

Selected Times graphics, visualizations and multimedia stories published this year. All free to read for a limited time.

As RFK Jr. Pursues Bid for Health Secretary, Federal Authorities Begin Campaign for Childhood Vaccines

“Parents have heard so much misinformation,” Kaye Hayes, a federal infectious disease official, said in a statement announcing the campaign. “Many of them are overwhelmed.”

Indiana Man Sentenced to 130 Years for Killing 2 Teenage Girls

Richard Allen, of Delphi, Ind., received the maximum sentence, concluding a case that came to be known as the Delphi Murders. His lawyers plan to appeal.

Trump Moves to Replace Officials Whom New Presidents Traditionally Leave Alone

Congress devised some positions to stay on during changes in administrations. But Donald Trump has declared his intent to replace at least three.

Russia’s Abrupt Setback in Syria Creates Headaches for Putin

Losing Syrian military bases would hurt the Kremlin’s attempts to project power in the Middle East and Africa.

Trump Used Government Shutdowns as Leverage During His First Presidency

A partial government shutdown in Donald J. Trump’s first term was the longest in U.S. history.

Virginia Student Accused of Plot to Attack Israeli Consulate in New York

A freshman at George Mason University, who is a citizen of Egypt, was arrested on Tuesday after being accused of planning an attack.

Meet the 38 Republicans Who Defied Trump on the Spending and Debt Deal

The rebels are largely the most conservative lawmakers who are passionate about slashing spending and debt. They hail from deep-red districts where a primary challenge is less of a danger.

Markets Rally, Shaking Off Threat of Government Shutdown

The S&P 500 jumped after a November inflation reading helped ease worries. A partial government shutdown, analysts said, wouldn’t have a lasting economic impact.

Trump Wanted Shutdown to Happen on Biden’s Watch, Not His

The president-elect was eager to evade responsibility for the consequences of a potential shutdown even as he blew up a bipartisan deal that would have kept the government open.

Top Senate Democrats Want Epshteyn to Address Pay-to-Play Allegations

The chairmen of the Finance, Judiciary and Banking Committees demanded answers from a Trump lawyer accused of soliciting payments from potential administration nominees.

Here are the latest developments.

Why It’s Hard to Control What Gets Taught in Public Schools

Politicians on both the left and the right have sought to change or limit what teachers can do inside classrooms. Teachers often ignore them.

They Entered Treatment. Drugs, Overdoses and Deaths Followed.

Baltimore addiction programs draw patients with free housing while collecting millions. Some say one company offered little help.

Senior U.S. Diplomats Meet With Governing Militias in Syria

The U.S. officials in Damascus are also looking for signs of Austin Tice, a missing American journalist, as well as other U.S. citizens.

Dozens of House Republicans Defy Trump in Test of His Grip on G.O.P.

Thirty-eight Republican lawmakers resisted the president-elect’s command to support a spending and debt deal, showing that at least some of his followers are willing to buck his leadership in the right circumstances.

Chinese National Charged in California After Aiding Local Candidate, Prosecutors Say

The man is charged with acting as an illegal foreign agent. The move is part of an effort by the authorities to prevent China from influencing American politicians.

Ex-Police Chief Who Sexually Assaulted 17-Year-Old Gets 25 Years in Prison

Larry Allen Clay Jr., 58, of Fayetteville, W.Va., was also a sheriff’s deputy at the time of the crimes, which he tried to cover up, prosecutors said.

Here’s What Could Happen in a Government Shutdown

With a funding deadline approaching, workers are bracing for the possibility of a disruptive holiday season, which could include longer wait times for travelers.

How Each House Member Voted on the Bills to Avoid a Government Shutdown

The House passed a measure to fund the federal government for a few months, extend the farm bill and provide new disaster aid.

The Timeless Craft of the Courtroom Sketch Artist

In courtrooms where cameras are banned, these artists provide a curious public a glimpse behind closed doors. Here’s how they do it.

Philadelphia City Council Says Yes to New 76ers Arena Next to Chinatown

The mayor and labor unions touted the economic promise of the $1.3 billion project. Opponents said the arena would decimate the city’s storied Chinatown.

Assessing Elon Musk’s Criticisms of the Government Spending Deal

The world’s richest man posted or amplified inaccurate claims about the bill’s provisions for congressional salaries, a football stadium and biological research.

Oysters Sicken at Least 80 at Restaurant Event in Los Angeles, Officials Say

The county Health Department said that the outbreak at the 101 Best Restaurants event was linked to a broader outbreak from oysters that have since been recalled.

More Than Twice as Many U.S. Troops Are in Syria as Previously Disclosed

A Pentagon spokesman said the increase was unrelated to the fall of President Bashar al-Assad to rebel forces in early December.

Spending Deal Debacle Threatens Johnson’s Tenuous Hold on His Job

A Republican backlash to the speaker’s plan to temporarily fund the government has sparked new talk of ousting him, and highlighted the challenges he will face if he manages to keep his job.

Joanne Pierce Misko, Ex-Nun Who Made F.B.I. History, Dies at 83

She and Susan Malone were sworn in together in 1972 as the first female agents, only months after the bureau opened the door to women.

Wisconsin School Shooter May Have Plotted With California Man

At the request of law enforcement officials, a judge ordered a man, who reportedly corresponded with the shooter about a second attack, to surrender his guns.

Former Uvalde Schools Police Chief Fails in Bid to Avoid Prosecution

Investigations have singled out Pete Arredondo, the former chief, for the delayed police response to a 2022 school shooting in Texas. A judge denied his request to quash the charges against him.

Billionaire Rivals Bezos and Musk Are Said to Have Dined With Trump at Mar-a-Lago

Elon Musk, the chief executive of Tesla, and Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder, ate with President-elect Donald J. Trump. Both have courted Mr. Trump.

Avian Flu Has Hit Dairies So Hard That They’re Calling It ‘Covid for Cows’

The virus has spread rapidly in California, the nation’s largest producer of milk. Farmers are frustrated that their herds are getting infected despite various precautions.

Kennedy Returns to Capitol Hill With New ‘Make America Healthy Again’ Caucus in Senate

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the president-elect’s pick for health secretary, has spent much of the week meeting with friendly Senate Republicans, including some who appear to be trying to institutionalize his influence in Congress.

Government Lurches Toward Shutdown After House Tanks Trump’s Spending Plan

Dozens of right-wing Republicans joined Democrats in opposing a bill ordered up by President-elect Donald J. Trump to tie a government funding extension to a two-year deferral of the debt limit.

Elon Musk Flexes His Political Strength as Government Shutdown Looms

The world’s richest man led the charge to kill a bipartisan spending deal, in part by promoting false and misleading claims about it.

Appeals Court Disqualifies Fani Willis From Prosecuting Georgia Trump Case

The panel overruled the trial judge, who had allowed Fani T. Willis to keep the case despite a romantic relationship that defendants said created a conflict of interest.

After the House Delayed a Bill to Add Judges, a Biden Veto Looms

The Senate backed a bipartisan bill to add dozens of judges, but the House held off on voting until after Election Day. Now, Donald Trump would be assured at least 22 picks.

A Famed Iowa Pollster’s Career Ends With a ‘Spectacular Miss’ and a Trump Lawsuit

Known for her “gold standard” polls of Iowans, J. Ann Selzer is facing retribution from Donald Trump after her final 2024 survey showed a surprising, and ultimately wrong, winner.

A Lottery Drawing Included Four Consecutive Numbers. What Are the Odds?

A Mega Millions drawing turned up 66, 67, 68 and 69. Is that unusual?

Chaos Consumes Drive to Avoid Government Shutdown, With 2 Days to Go

President-elect Donald J. Trump’s denunciation of a bipartisan spending bill all but buried that deal while leaving unclear what form a new agreement could take.

Suspect in C.E.O. Killing Agrees to Be Extradited to New York

Luigi Mangione, jailed in Pennsylvania, was charged in New York this week with first-degree murder in what prosecutors said was part of an “act of terrorism.”

‘It’s a Beaut, Clark!’ What’s It Take to Light Up the Griswold House?

The blinding light display in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” dazzled the Griswolds and nearly broke the power grid. What would it cost, and how much power would it really need?

An Election Draw Decided by a Straw

In an era of invective and distrust, two California candidates turned a tie over to chance.

Education Dept. Reverses Itself and Reopens Two Loan Repayment Plans

The department had been trying to phase out the two plans in favor of a more generous new one that has been tied up by litigation since this summer.

A Ten Commandments Tablet Sells for More Than $5 Million at Auction

Sotheby’s called the stone the world’s oldest inscribed with the Ten Commandments, but some experts had raised questions about its provenance and authenticity.

F.B.I. Searches Home of L.A. Deputy Mayor Suspected of Bomb Threat Against City Hall

The official, Brian Williams, was appointed by the mayor last year to oversee public safety. He was immediately placed on administrative leave, the mayor’s office said.

Trump Takes Credit for New Border Security Plan Outlined by Canada

After Canada unveiled its plan to secure the border with the United States, Mr. Trump’s transition team attributed the action to the president elect.

Trump Criticizes Spending Deal, Pushing Congress Toward a Shutdown

The president-elect weighed in against the huge spending package after Elon Musk had spent the day warning Republicans not to support it. The blowup left the compromise on life support.

Senators Call for Investigation of Medicaid Work Requirement Program

A group of Democratic lawmakers accused Georgia Pathways to Coverage, the only Medicaid work requirement program in the country, of spending little of its funding on health benefits.

The Wrath of Trump: House Republicans Map a Case Against Liz Cheney

President-elect Donald J. Trump has never been shy about his desire to see his enemies punished. But he often shows a measure of caution about taking credit for potential prosecutions himself.

Florida Charges Man Suspected of Trump Assassination Plot

As Ryan W. Routh fled the scene, a highway was shut down and a car crash ensued. In charging him with attempted felony murder, the state defied federal prosecutors.

2 Endangered Whales Found Entangled in Fishing Gear, With 1 Likely to Die

The North Atlantic right whales, which were seen off the coast of Massachusetts, are one of the most endangered large whale species.

Justices to Hear Case on South Carolina’s Bid to Defund Planned Parenthood

The issue in the case is whether Medicaid beneficiaries may sue under a law that lets them choose care from any provider qualified to perform the required services.

White House Pushes to Find American Journalist Abducted in Syria

U.S. officials have given the rebel group in control of Damascus a list of former members of the Assad government who could have information about Austin Tice.

Inside a Huge Spending Deal: Disaster Money, a Football Stadium and More

The mammoth year-end federal funding measure congressional leaders agreed on does far more than just keep the government running. It is stuffed with all manner of policy and other changes.

Defense Bill Orders Military to Take New Action on Brain Injury

Mandates in the annual appropriations act, passed on Wednesday, call for the Pentagon to track and mitigate risks to troops’ brains from firing their own weapons.

Ivy League Agrees to Let Football Teams Compete in the Postseason Next Year

The conference’s eight schools will be able to participate in the Football Championship Subdivision’s 24-team playoff.

Senate Clears Defense Bill Denying Transgender Care to Minors

The annual defense bill directing $895 billion toward the Pentagon and other military programs would deny transgender health coverage to minors. It now heads to President Biden’s desk.

‘Murder Hornet’ Has Been Eradicated From the U.S., Officials Say

The hornet was discovered in a corner of Washington State. Five years later, a massive mobilization has eliminated the invasive species, at least for now.

Prisoner’s Self-Portraits of C.I.A. Torture Surface From Sealed Court Record

“This is what his nightmares are all about,” said a lawyer for a now-confessed war criminal who spent years at Guantánamo Bay.

Supreme Court Fast-Tracks TikTok Case in Face of Jan. 19 Deadline

The company and its Chinese parent invoked the First Amendment in urging the justices to step in before a deadline to sell or be shut down.

House Panel Is Said to Have Voted to Release the Gaetz Report

Lawmakers agreed the report would come out after the House has completed legislative business for the year and once they have left Washington to return to their districts.

Two Dead in Small Plane Crash in Hawaii

The plane, which was reportedly on a training flight with a cargo carrier, could be seen veering away from a highway before it crashed into a vacant building.

Dashcam Video Shows Honolulu Plane Crash

A small plane crashed near the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, killing two people, officials said.

New Watchdog Group Seeks Records About Efficiency Department’s Talks With Agencies

State Democracy Defenders Fund, founded by a former ethics official from the Obama Administration, asked 16 federal agencies if they had heard from Elon Musk’s budget-cutting group.

Rayful Edmond, Drug Lord Who Stoked D.C.’s Crack Cocaine Epidemic, Dies at 60

He rose to prominence in the 1980s, spending lavishly and befriending athletes, as the city was wracked by murders tied to the drug trade. He later became an informant.

2024 Was the Most Intense Year for Tornadoes in a Decade

The year brought not only an increase in volume, but severe storms in the U.S. also caused $46 billion in damage, among the highest costs on record.

Pentagon Repatriates Malaysian Prisoners Who Pleaded Guilty to War Crimes

The prisoners were airlifted from Guantánamo Bay in a secret operation nearly a year after they admitted to serving as foot soldiers for the accused Indonesian terrorist leader Hambali.

U.S. Agrees to Pay $116 Million to Settle Sexual Abuse Claims at California Prison

Lawyers for the victims said it was the largest deal of its kind reached with the federal Bureau of Prisons.

Trump Picks Herschel Walker to Be Ambassador to the Bahamas

The president-elect tapped the former football star for the job two years after a failed run for a Senate seat in Georgia.

House Republicans Call for Liz Cheney to Be Investigated Over Jan. 6 Committee Role

Ms. Cheney defended her work on the select committee in a detailed statement, and called the report “a malicious and cowardly assault on the truth.”

Biden Administration Running Out of Time to Send Allocated Aid to Ukraine

Senior officials discussed U.S. plans to announce additional support for Ukraine, and spoke about casualties among North Korean troops sent to help Russia.

Sherrod Brown Signs Off in the Senate. For Now.

Ohio’s senior Democratic senator told colleagues that despite his defeat, he was not done with politics just yet.

George Santos, Disgraced Former Congressman, Still Wants Your Attention

After his lies and expulsion from Congress, and before his sentencing in February, George Santos chases the limelight with a party and a podcast.

National Archivist Rejects Bid to Certify the Equal Rights Amendment

With President Biden under pressure to add an amendment explicitly guaranteeing sex equality to the Constitution, Colleen Shogan said she could not legally certify it.

Gun Violence at Schools Has Risen Since the Pandemic

But mass shootings remain a rare occurrence. Only a small fraction of the nation’s nearly 130,000 schools report gun incidents each year.

Democratic Donors Will Gather to Plot Ways Forward Under Trump

The liberal group American Bridge is planning to bring donors together early next year in Palm Beach, Fla., as the Democratic big-money universe debates what it can do better in 2026 and 2028.

Jim Leach, Iowa Republican Who Extolled Moderation, Dies at 82

During his 30 years in Congress, he resisted his party’s rightward tilt. He endorsed Barack Obama in 2008 and became a Democrat in 2022.

Trump Sues The Des Moines Register, Escalating Threats Against the Media

President-elect Donald J. Trump has said he would use his power to punish people he claims have wronged him. Those goals are now coming into focus.

Suit Accuses Georgetown, Penn and M.I.T. of Admissions Based on Wealth

The schools were accused of giving special treatment to wealthy students who might not otherwise have been admitted.

A Weary Biden Heads for the Exit

Still stinging from the election, President Biden is pushing for his final priorities but has largely absented himself from the national conversation about Donald Trump after warning repeatedly that he was a threat to American democracy.

U.S. Releases Kenyan Prisoner Held for Nearly 18 Years Without Charges

The detainee was approved for transfer from Guantánamo Bay three years ago as the Biden administration tried to empty the wartime prison.

With Trump Ascendant, Even Ukraine’s Allies in Congress Rethink Aid

Reality has set in on Capitol Hill that with President-elect Donald J. Trump poised to take office, the era of U.S. military support for Ukraine is coming to an end.

Armed Services Committee Democrats call the allegations against Hegseth disqualifying.

A group of Democrats told President-elect Donald J. Trump’s chief of staff that his pick to lead the Pentagon is unfit because he faces charges of sexual misconduct and opposes women serving in combat.

New U.S. Vehicles Must Have Rear Seatbelt Alarms by Late 2027

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed an existing rule to expand and enhance seatbelt warning requirements.

Elon Musk Met With Nigel Farage at Mar-a-Lago

The British politician shared an image on social media that showed him at Donald Trump’s Florida resort with the tech billionaire.

Families at a Tightknit Wisconsin School Wonder How a Shooting Occurred

Officials in Wisconsin gave little new information on Tuesday about a shooting that left a student and a teacher dead and six others injured.

For Years, U.S. Collected Tips About Austin Tice’s Disappearance in Syria

Nongovernmental workers and journalists have scoured prisons for clues about his fate in the absence of an official American presence in the country.

Ocasio-Cortez Loses Vote to Be the Top Democrat on the Oversight Panel

The New York progressive’s defeat was a counterpoint to generational change in the Democratic ranks, as House members chose younger members for top posts on other committees.

Richard W. Murphy, Roving Diplomat in World Hot Spots, Dies at 95

As a State Department Arabist, he served as ambassador to three Arab countries and helped broker the end of a 15-year civil war in Lebanon.

Tech Entrepreneur Convicted of Second-Degree Murder in Death of Cash App Founder

Nima Momeni, 40, was convicted by a San Francisco jury in the fatal stabbing of Bob Lee, a well-known tech executive.

Harris Urges Young People to ‘Stay in the Fight’

In her first major speech since conceding defeat, Vice President Kamala Harris expressed optimism for the nation’s future to young voters.

‘Stay in the Fight’: Harris Urges Young Voters Not to Give Up on Politics

In her first major speech since her election loss, Vice President Kamala Harris suggested she did not intend to fade into the background in the years ahead.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s Health Secretary Pick, Lines Up Support From Receptive Senators

He is expected to meet this week with more than 20 senators, many of them receptive to his case to run the Health and Human Services Department.

After Trump’s Victory, Republicans Trust the Election System Again

Surveys taken since Donald Trump’s win show a resurgent faith among the president-elect’s supporters, and little Democratic appetite for conspiracy theories.

‘No Place to Hide’: Trapped on the Border, Immigrants Fear Deportation

Undocumented immigrants whose children or spouses are U.S. citizens are feeling particularly vulnerable to President-elect Donald J. Trump’s threats to push them out.

Confidence in U.S. Courts Plummets to Rate Far Below Peer Nations

Very few countries have experienced similar declines, typically in the wake of wrenching turmoil. Experts called the data, from a new Gallup poll, stunning and worrisome.

Officials Release Names of Victims in Wisconsin School Shooting

The police in Madison, Wis., were working to establish a motive for the attack, which left a 14-year-old student and 42-year-old teacher dead and six others injured.

15-Year-Old Girl Identified as the Shooter in a Wisconsin School

Natalie Rupnow was identified by the police as the shooter in the attack at Abundant Life Christian School. Investigators are still trying to piece together what led up to the shooting.

Abundant Life’s Precautions ‘Helped Keep Students Safe,’ Official Says

Training and precautions taken by the Christian school in Wisconsin may have prevented the shooter from harming even more people, officials said.

Justice Dept. Charges 2 Men in Deadly Drone Attack on U.S. Soldiers

The men are accused of supplying key parts in Iranian drones that killed three U.S. service members and injured dozens of others at an American military base in Jordan.

Sirens, Then an Excruciating Wait for School Families

It would be hours before any details emerged about Monday’s shooting at Abundant Life Christian School, including that the shooter was a student at the school.

Florida Man Is Sentenced to Death for Killing 5 Women in a Bank in 2019

The man, Zephen Xaver, 27, will have his case automatically appealed to the Florida Supreme Court.

Biden Administration Takes First Step to Retaliate Against China Over Hack

The Commerce Department is banning the few remaining operations of China Telecom in the United States, a move that appears unlikely to deter Beijing from conducting sophisticated cyberoperations.

Trump Meets the Press

Reflecting on how much has changed, and hasn’t, for Donald Trump since he first became president.

An Offhand Remark by Trump Gives a Glimpse Into His Worldview

“The first term, everybody was fighting me,” the president-elect said. “In this term, everybody wants to be my friend.”

‘Every person in that building is a victim,’ Madison’s police chief says.

Chief Shon F. Barnes said schools “should be a refuge for students in our community.”

A student and a teacher died in the shooting, the police say.

The Ordinary Explanations Behind the Mysterious Lights in the Skies

As tips roll in, most reported incidents involve piloted planes and hobby drones, not foreign spying or secret programs, officials say.

The shooting was the 323rd at elementary or secondary schools this year.

Black Student Enrollment at Harvard Law Drops by More Than Half

After a Supreme Court decision ended race-based admissions, some law schools saw a decline in Black and Hispanic students entering this fall. Harvard appeared to have the steepest drop.

Young Republicans Gather, Ready to Make America Vengeful Again

At a gala on Wall Street for the New York Young Republican Club, attendees were looking forward to retribution from the next Trump era, and musing on another run in 2028.

Fact-Checking Trump’s First Post-Election News Conference

The president-elect made inaccurate claims about a small-business survey, the federal budget, autism rates and pesticide use, among other claims.

TikTok Asks Supreme Court to Block Law Banning Its U.S. Operations

The company and its Chinese parent invoked the First Amendment in urging the justices to step in before a Jan. 19 deadline to sell or be shut down.

Japan’s SoftBank Makes Big Investment Pledge Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration. Again.

The technology company plans to invest $100 billion in U.S. projects, echoing the multibillion-dollar pledge it made after Donald J. Trump’s first election victory in 2016.

The school, founded in 1978, serves grades K-12 and relies on the Bible.

Read the Letter

Adeel Mangi, who would have been the first Muslim American federal appellate court judge, wrote an angry letter to President Biden describing bigotry he faced in the confirmation process.

Blocked Muslim Judicial Nominee Decries Senate ‘Smear Campaign’

Adeel Mangi, who would have been the first Muslim American federal appellate court judge, wrote an angry letter to President Biden describing bigotry he faced in the confirmation process.

Emergency workers were mobilized quickly, dispatch audio indicates.

Hegseth’s Guard Left the Army After the Beating of a Civilian During Training

John Hasenbein, who has escorted Donald J. Trump’s pick for defense secretary to meetings on Capitol Hill, said he was unjustly prosecuted for the 2019 episode.

Several Killed in Wisconsin School Shooting, Including Juvenile Suspect

The police responded to a shooting at a private Christian school in Madison, Wis., on Monday.

Here’s the latest on the shooting.

At least five others were injured in the shooting at the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, which has about 390 children in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Trump Holds Forth on Vaccines, the Media and Drones

President-elect Donald J. Trump announced a $100 billion investment from SoftBank, a Japanese company, then jumped from one topic to another in his first news conference since the election.

Sudden Loss of Undocumented Workers Threw Tech Supplier Into Upheaval

Jabil says it required “herculean efforts” to replace employees from a staffing agency. Other businesses are bracing for “an enforcement storm” under President-elect Trump.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s Health Secretary Pick, Meets With Lawmakers

Mr. Kennedy has begun meeting with Republican senators to build support for his confirmation, which could be imperiled by his anti-vaccine stance.

A Constitutional Convention? Some Democrats Fear It’s Coming.

Some Republicans have said that a constitutional convention is overdue. Many Democratic-led states have rescinded their long-ago calls for one, and California will soon consider whether to do the same.

Netanyahu Tells Trump Israel Must ‘Complete Its Victory’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said he told President-elect Donald J. Trump that the country had delivered “a tough blow” against Hamas and Hezbollah.

Seeking Relief From Brain Injury, Some Veterans Turn to Psychedelics

Unable to find effective treatments at home, veterans with brain-injury symptoms are going abroad for psychedelics like ibogaine that are illegal in the U.S.

Colonel Found Guilty of Sexual Harassment in Trial Seen as a Milestone

The conviction is considered one of the first of its kind since Congress required the military to change how its legal system addresses sexual assault and harassment.

Man Gets 100 Years in Prison for His Role in 2020 Shooting Spree

The rampage on Thanksgiving Day killed one person and injured several others in Nevada and Arizona.

Jury Awards Woman $34 Million for Wrongful Conviction

Kirstin Blaise Lobato sued the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and two detectives after she spent nearly 16 years in prison for a murder she did not commit.

Read the email from Revere’s principal

The email the principal of Revere High School sent to parents about the June 2023 cafeteria fight.

Graham Says Hegseth Plans to Release Accuser From Confidential Agreement

Senator Lindsey Graham said that Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s defense secretary pick, promised to release his accuser from a settlement that his lawyer has said was already breached.

The Alienation of Jaime Cachua

His friends and family members in Rome, Ga., voted to support mass deportation. Now he’s scrambling to stay in the country.

Saving Christmas in North Carolina, One Tree at a Time, After Hurricane Helene

The storm upended the Christmas tree industry in the state’s western region. Now, farmers and residents are eager for the comfort of the season’s rituals.

Trump Names Richard Grenell for ‘Special Missions’ Role

A combative loyalist and the president-elect’s former ambassador to Germany, Mr. Grenell had hoped to be secretary of state.

Devin Nunes, Pugnacious Trump Loyalist, to Lead Espionage Advisory Board

As chair of the House Intelligence Committee, he attacked the Russia inquiry and Donald J. Trump’s first impeachment. Now, Mr. Nunes runs Mr. Trump’s social media company.

Trump Says He Supports an End to Daylight Saving Time

President-elect Donald J. Trump said on social media that the time change is “inconvenient” and that the Republican Party would try to put an end to it.

Strong Storm Brings a Rarity in San Francisco: A Tornado Warning

Less than two weeks after a tsunami warning, residents were jolted awake before 6 a.m. to consider a new potential disaster scenario.

No Evidence Drones in Northeast Are a Threat, Officials Say

Numerous sightings of flying objects in recent weeks have raised alarm, but federal law enforcement officials say that at least some were manned aircraft, such as airplanes or helicopters.

Robert Fernandez, Who Survived Pearl Harbor as a Teen, Dies at 100

He was a 17-year-old sailor aboard the U.S.S. Curtiss when Japanese forces attacked. He said he had joined the Navy to see the world.

Trump Brings Hegseth to Watch Army-Navy Game

President-elect Donald J. Trump made a public show of support for his choice to lead the Defense Department.

Thanks to a Prank, Sculptures Make Googly Eyes at Oregon Residents

The eyes were attached to eight installations, to the delight of residents. City officials, who lamented the cost of repairs, were less amused.

Personal Data of Rhode Island Residents Breached in Large Cyberattack

An “international cybercriminal group” harvested the personal data of potentially hundreds of thousands of people from the state’s social services and health insurance systems, officials said.

Pelosi Has Hip Replacement Surgery After Fall

The former speaker of the House “is well on the mend,” her spokesman said. She fell while in Luxembourg as part of a congressional delegation to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.

Trump’s Transition Business Largely Happens After Night Falls

At his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, the president-elect has been hosting diplomatic dinners, announcing cabinet picks and firing off texts to his aides — all after the sun goes down.

Why Democrats Lost More Seats in Vermont Than Any Other State

Even though Kamala Harris easily won the state, voters ousted more than two dozen Democratic legislators, who they felt had not addressed an affordability crisis.

A.T.F. Braces for a Likely Rollback of Its Gun-Control Efforts

President-elect Donald J. Trump is almost certain to choose a gun-rights advocate as director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives or to simply leave the job vacant.

To Dial Down Campus Tensions, Colleges Teach the Art of Conversation

Dialogue is an essential part of college. As anger over the war in the Middle East has brought upheaval to campuses, it has also become a key way schools try to reduce conflict.

Supreme Court to Hear Catholic Charity’s Bid for Tax Exemption

The justices agreed to hear an appeal from a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that the charity’s activities were insufficiently religious to qualify.

The Texas Millennial Trying to Rebrand the Democrats

“We can’t bring a policy book to a gunfight,” said Representative Greg Casar of Texas, the incoming chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Trump Ordered to Sit for Deposition in ABC News Defamation Suit

The deposition, if it is held as scheduled next week, will take place even as the president-elect is in the throes of defending cabinet nominees and putting together his administration.

Tell Us: What’s Your Favorite Movie About Politics?

Share your pick with the On Politics newsletter.

Texas Attorney General Sues New York Doctor for Mailing Abortion Pills

The lawsuit appeared to be among the first attempts to stop doctors from mailing the medication to states that ban abortions.

McConnell Defends Polio Vaccine, an Apparent Warning to Kennedy

“Efforts to undermine public confidence in proven cures are not just uninformed — they’re dangerous,” said the Republican leader, who is a polio survivor.

Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to California Tailpipe Emissions Limits

The justices agreed to decide whether industry groups have suffered the sort of injury that gave them standing to sue over an unusual waiver.

A top House Democrat demands that Trump picks undergo F.B.I. vetting.

Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, also asked the Trump transition team to disclose any contacts it has had with private companies vetting personnel.

Patel Distorts Justice Dept. Benghazi Inquiry, Inflating His Role

Donald J. Trump’s pick to be the next F.B.I. director has both exaggerated his importance in the government’s criminal inquiry into the 2012 attack and misleadingly distorted its conduct and results.

U.S. Considered Border Buoys Months Before Texas Put Them In

Border officials explored using floating barriers from Texas to California in 2022. The effort could help pave the way for their deployment under President-elect Donald J. Trump.

A Very Senatorial Goodbye: Nostalgia, Legacy and Gratitude, Live on C-SPAN

The farewell address is a Senate ritual that reflects the culture of the chamber, which prizes tradition, individual relationships, lofty debates and long-winded speeches.

Most Americans Say They Have Good Health Insurance, Polls Show

Many have encountered problems with their coverage, but the recent rage on social media is only part of the picture of Americans’ views on health care.

Pelosi Hospitalized in Luxembourg After Falling

A person familiar with the incident said the former House speaker, 84, had tripped going down stairs at a palace. People close to her said she had fractured her hip in the fall.

Gillibrand Presses Biden to Amend the Constitution to Enshrine Sex Equality

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York is leading the charge for Democrats to persuade President Biden to adopt the Equal Rights Amendment, which would invite a Supreme Court battle.

Harris to Deliver Speech Urging Young People to Stay Civically Engaged

Vice President Kamala Harris, who has kept a relatively low profile since she lost the election, will speak in Maryland on Tuesday.

Daniel Penny, Newly Acquitted, Will Join Vance and Trump at Army-Navy Game

Vice President-elect JD Vance said he invited Mr. Penny, a former Marine who had been charged in the death of a man he placed in a chokehold in a New York City subway car.

Democrats Argue That the 2024 Election Actually Had Its Bright Spots

Some leaders have begun to put a sunnier spin on the November outcome by pointing to down-ballot victories — a possible sign that Democrats may not tear down their party after all.

How Hegseth Salvaged His Secretary of Defense Nomination

The president-elect became convinced that letting Pete Hegseth fail would set off a feeding frenzy among senators. What followed was a MAGA swarm that helped salvage his bid, at least for now.

In a Growing Utah City, Residents Are Turning Against Their Mayor

Residents voted to rein in a mayor who they say has a penchant for secrecy and is overly deferential to developers.

U.S. Charges Ex-Syrian Prison Official With Torture

The indictment was the second time in a week that the Justice Department announced that it had charged top Syrian officials with human rights abuses.

Humpback Whale Sets Record for How Far It Traveled

The adult male swam more than 8,000 miles from South America to Africa, most likely in search of a mate, researchers said.

For Those Granted Clemency by White House, a Moment to Celebrate and Plan

Among those whose sentences were commuted was Rebecca Parrett, an Arizona woman who now hopes to travel to meet her great-grandchildren for the first time.

Why Wray’s Resignation May Signal a Shift in F.B.I. Tradition

Mr. Wray’s voluntary departure could usher in a new era at the nation’s premier law enforcement agency, one in which the job of director changes with the administration.

Trump Backs Dockworkers in Dispute Over Automation

The president-elect’s intervention could help the longshoremen’s union win concessions and avoid the resumption of a strike on East and Gulf Coast ports.

Under Trump, Voice of America Journalists Fear Politicization

Donald J. Trump’s choice of Kari Lake to lead Voice of America goes against recent efforts to shield the federally funded news organization from politicization.

Dolores Madrigal, Plaintiff in Landmark Sterilization Case, Dies at 90

She was among hundreds of women who said they were coerced into sterilization at a California hospital in the 1970s. The lawsuit led to state and national reforms.

D.E.I. Official at University of Michigan Is Fired Over Antisemitism Claim, Lawyer Says

The official, an administrator of multicultural programs, was accused of making antisemitic remarks in a conversation. Her lawyer said that the school fired her this week, and vowed to sue.

Air Force Academy Sued Over Race-Based Admissions Policy

The lawsuit was the latest in a series by a prominent anti-affirmative action group that is seeking to overturn the use of racial preferences in the nation’s military academies.

Clarke Reed, Who Helped the G.O.P. Conquer the South, Dies at 96

He built Mississippi’s Republican Party into a conservative powerhouse, making himself a regional power broker in the process.

Enslaved People’s Graves Discovered at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage

The burial ground at the former American president’s home in Nashville is the latest to be discovered at a presidential site.

The Stock Market and TV: Trump’s Most Durable Guardrails

The curbs on President-elect Donald J. Trump’s impulses are mostly gone, but the old standbys are still in effect, people close to him say.

Louisville and Justice Dept. Reach Deal on Federal Oversight of Police

The agreement comes after the Justice Department documented excessive use of force, illegal searches and car stops and widespread discrimination against Black people and those with mental illnesses.

What Do You Expect From a Second Trump Presidency?

We want to hear how you imagine the next four years will unfold for you and your loved ones.

When a Glock Isn’t a Glock: The History of the Pistol Found With Luigi Mangione

Part of the gun that the police believe was used to kill the C.E.O. of UnitedHealthcare was made by a 3D printer using a popular design found online.

Months Before C.E.O.’s Killing, the Suspect Went Silent. Where Was He?

New details are emerging about Luigi Mangione’s growing impatience with “a capitalist society” and his search for refuge in the mountains of Japan.

Incoming West Virginia Lawmaker Is Accused of Making Terroristic Threats

Joseph de Soto, 61, was elected last month to represent the 91st District, but he was arrested before he was sworn in.

Democrats Ask That Trump Cabinet Picks Produce Communications With Epshteyn

The two top Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee said prospective nominees should be prepared to testify about any discussions with Boris Epshteyn about their selections.

Patel’s Warm Senate Welcome Reflects the G.O.P.’s Turn Against the F.B.I.

Senate Republicans have largely embraced President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick to run the bureau, demonstrating that his anti-F.B.I. stance is now party orthodoxy.

F.B.I. Didn’t Instruct Informants to Encourage Violence at Capitol, Report Says

The review acknowledged that several informants were in Washington on Jan. 6, but said that only a handful were collecting information for the F.B.I. that day, contrary to conspiracy theories.

F.A.A. Administrator Will Resign Before Trump Takes Office

Mike Whitaker, who runs the Federal Aviation Administration, is leaving the leadership position after serving only one year of a five-year term.

Prosecutors in Three States Press Ahead with Election Interference Cases

The cases, which stem from efforts to keep Donald J. Trump in office after his 2020 loss, are proceeding even as Mr. Trump prepares to return to the White House.

Minnesota and New Jersey Sue Glock Over Lethal Add-On for Guns

The two suits claim the company’s leaders have known for decades that significant design characteristics of the weapon make it susceptible to conversion to a machine gun.

Defying Veto Threat, House Approves Measure Adding 66 New U.S. Judges

President Biden and House Democrats objected to the bipartisan measure that would immediately give President-elect Donald J. Trump about two dozen new judicial seats to fill.

Musk’s Foundation Gave Away Less Money Than Required in 2023

Private foundations must donate 5 percent of their assets every year. Elon Musk’s enormous charity missed that standard for three consecutive years.

How U.S. Firms Battled a Government Crackdown to Keep Tech Sales to China

An intense struggle has unfolded in Washington between companies and officials over where to draw the line on selling technology to China.

Victor Brombert, Princeton Scholar With a Secret Army Past, Dies at 101

As a Jewish teen, he fled the Nazis for America — then landed at D-Day and swept across Europe in a unit that gathered intelligence. Its work was hidden for decades.

Ex-F.B.I. Informant Agrees to Plead Guilty to Lying About Bidens

Alexander Smirnov’s deal with the special counsel overseeing the investigation into Hunter Biden could lead to 48 to 72 months in prison, though a federal judge would need to review the deal.

Trump Says His 1st Acts Will Include Deportations and Jan. 6 Pardons

In a wide-ranging Time magazine interview, President-elect Donald J. Trump said he might supporting getting rid of some childhood vaccines if data shows links to autism.

Donald Trump Is Time Magazine’s Person of the Year

Mr. Trump also received the title in 2016, after his first presidential election victory. He has had a tempestuous relationship with the publication.

Biden Commutes the Sentences of 1,500 Americans, a Record for One Day

Most of those being granted clemency had been placed in home confinement during the pandemic. Some Republicans have tried to push legislation that would have forced those people to return to prison.

New Federal Rule Limits Overdraft Fees at Large Banks

It is unclear whether the rule, which could help save Americans billions in fees each year, will remain in place after President-elect Donald J. Trump returns to office.

This is what 4 of Trump’s agency picks think of the departments they would lead.

Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Kash Patel have been fierce critics of the agencies they are in line to oversee.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Cabinet Picks

Linda Qiu, a New York Times reporter, fact-checks some claims by three of President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks: Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Power, Intimidation and the Resurrection of Trump’s Support for Hegseth

The president-elect became convinced that letting Pete Hegseth fail would set off a feeding frenzy among senators. What followed was a MAGA swarm that helped salvage his bid, at least for now.

Trump Chooses Kari Lake to Lead Voice of America

Ms. Lake, a former TV news anchor turned right-wing firebrand who has called journalists “monsters,” would be in charge of a federally funded news outlet with a huge global audience.

YoungBoy Never Broke Again Is Sentenced to Nearly 2 Years in Federal Gun Case

The rapper, whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden, admitted to possessing guns as a felon in Louisiana. He faced a maximum sentence of 25 years.

Trump Considers Kennedy’s Daughter-in-Law for C.I.A. Deputy Director

Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, a former C.I.A. officer who is married to the son of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., raised alarms for publishing a book about her work at the agency without going through a review process.

Dean of Students at Massachusetts School Charged With Conspiring to Traffic Cocaine

Federal prosecutors said Lavante Wiggins of Pittsfield High School and another man had conspired to traffic “large quantities” of the drug in western Massachusetts.

Health Insurance Workers Fearful Amid Public Anger After Slaying of C.E.O.

Employees at UnitedHealthcare and other companies described being anxious after an outpouring of online vitriol.

N.C. Elections Board Rejects G.O.P. Effort to Toss 60,000 Ballots

The ruling comes in a dispute over a State Supreme Court race that the Democratic incumbent won by 734 votes.

Promoter of ‘Stop the Steal’ Is Choice for Management and Budget Staff Chief

President-elect Donald J. Trump selected Ed Martin, a Missouri Republican with a long track record as an anti-abortion activist, for a top position in the agency that administers the budget.

Why Trump Soured on F.B.I. Director Christopher Wray

By the time Donald J. Trump left the White House, he was eager to fire Mr. Wray, but he held back. His antipathy only heightened in the years after his presidency.

What Is Extradition? Can Fighting It Help the Midtown Shooting Suspect?

Under the Constitution, states are obliged to hand over other states’ fugitives if requested. But the process can be challenged in court. Here’s what to know.

So Much Losing

President-elect Donald Trump is stocking his administration with people who have lost elections.

Wray draws praise for his work from Democrats, and praise for quitting from Republicans.

House Passes Defense Bill Denying Transgender Health Coverage for Minors

The $895 billion measure was approved over the opposition of most Democrats, who rejected a provision inserted by Republicans to deny the coverage to the minor children of military personnel.

North Carolina G.O.P. Brushes Aside Democratic Governor to Expand Power

After cloaking a bill that strips key powers from Democrats as hurricane aid, the state’s Republican-controlled legislature overrode a veto from Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, to pass it into law.

Biden’s Top Aides Race to Middle East as Militias Wield Power in Syria

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken plans to hold meetings in Jordan and Turkey. Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, is visiting Israel.

New Jersey Politician Fakes Spotify Wrapped to Show All Springsteen Songs

Representative Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat who is running for governor, may well be a huge fan of the Boss. But his Spotify Wrapped was not real.

Colleges Warn Foreign Students to Get to Campus Before Trump Takes Office

Harvard, Penn and U.S.C. were among the universities and colleges that issued advisories in anticipation of possible travel bans.

Hunt Continues for U.S. Journalist Who Disappeared in Syria

The U.S. has identified prisons of interest as it searches for clues about Austin Tice, who was abducted in 2012 and whose fate remains unknown.

Here’s what Kash Patel has said he would do to the F.B.I.

Trump Wants Mass Deportations. He Will Need Jails and Sanctuary Cities to Help.

Immigration experts say the Trump administration would need cooperation from local law enforcement to deport millions of people.

Man Who Leaped Over Bench to Attack Nevada Judge Gets Decades in Prison

A courtroom video recorded Deobra Redden as he ran up and attacked Judge Mary Kay Holthus at his sentencing hearing.

Supreme Court Allows Biden Plan to Address Toxic Coal Ash

The court’s order was provisional, rejecting a request from a Kentucky electric utility to block the plan while an appeals court considers its challenge.

Far-Right Militias Seek Role in Trump Deportation Plan

The incoming administration said it would not rely on outside groups to carry out its plan to deport millions of immigrants, but militias have a long record of inserting themselves into patrolling the border.

This Ohio-Hating Michigan Democrat Has Thoughts on Why Her Party Lost

Kristen McDonald Rivet won a tough House race in a heavily white, working-class area even as many Democrats in such places lost. In an interview, she warned against a “tone-deaf” economic message.

Collins Grills Hegseth but Remains Undecided on His Bid for Defense Secretary

Senator Susan Collins, Republican of Maine, said she questioned President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon on the misconduct allegations against him and other topics.

Christopher Wray Says He’ll Step Down as F.B.I. Director

President-elect Donald J. Trump had already signaled his intention to replace Mr. Wray with a longtime loyalist, Kash Patel.

Wisconsin Man Who Faked Kayaking Death and Fled U.S. Is in Custody

Ryan Borgwardt returned to the United States on his own after staging his own drowning death and fleeing the country, the authorities said.

Malibu Fire Reminds Residents of the Perils of Living in Paradise

Flames threatened residential areas and forced thousands to flee, as firefighters fought to contain the Franklin fire.

Supreme Court Won’t Decide Nvidia Securities Fraud Case After All

In an unsigned order, the justices dismissed the case against the tech giant as “improvidently granted,” meaning they had concluded that it had been a mistake to take it up.

Who Set the Stage for al-Assad’s Ouster? There Are Different Answers in the U.S. and Israel.

President Biden says he weakened Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, laying the groundwork for Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the Syrian leader would still be in power had he listened to American advice.

Storm Aid vs. Partisan Power: A Showdown Looms in North Carolina

As Republicans try to muscle through a bill that is nominally dedicated to hurricane relief but in fact erodes Democrats’ influence, residents of the areas hit hardest say they urgently need help.

Biden Administration Looks to Reinforce U.S.-China Ties Ahead of Trump’s Return

Senior Treasury officials are holding a final round of talks with a new round of economic volatility on the horizon.

The Prominent Maryland Family of the Suspect in the C.E.O. Killing

Until the arrest this week of Luigi Mangione, the family was best known for building a business that has made them a force in local politics and charity.

Georgia Man Charged With 1985 Murders of Couple in Church

Erik Sparre was arrested earlier this week, more than two decades after Dennis Perry was wrongly sent to prison for the crime.

Panic at Pepperdine University in Malibu as Wildfires Threaten City

No structures were damaged and no one was injured, but students spent a frantic night sheltering in place as thousands of nearby residents evacuated.

Trump’s Record on Syria: Airstrikes and Troop Moves in a Land of ‘Sand and Death’

The president-elect faces hard choices about the country’s post-Assad future. His vows not to get involved might be hard to keep.

Many Evacuated, but Some Malibu Residents Broke Out the Hoses

Thousands of people were told to flee their homes in Malibu, Calif., as the Franklin fire approached. But a few stayed behind, using garden hoses to protect their property and themselves.

Biden Says Trump’s Tax Cuts and Tariffs Would Be ‘a Major Mistake’

The president also said his successor would face blowback from the Republican Party if he tried to unwind the Biden agenda.

The White House says no decision has been made on blocking the U.S. Steel takeover.

White House Threatens Biden Veto of Bipartisan Bill to Add New Judges

The legislation would create more than 60 new federal court seats over the next decade, giving the Trump White House a first shot at filling dozens of new vacancies.

Hate Crime Charges Dropped Against Most Salisbury U. Students Who Were Arrested

Hate crime charges against at least 12 of the 15 Maryland students accused of assaulting a person because of his sexual orientation have been dismissed, court records show. They still face misdemeanor counts.

Fund-Raiser Who Pocketed Money Meant for Sick Kids and Vets Gets 10 Years in Prison

Richard Zeitlin, a telemarketing kingpin who kept 80 percent of the donations raised for charities, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in September.

U.S. Transfers $20 Billion Loan to Ukraine Backed by Russian Assets

The economic lifeline ensures that Ukraine will have economic support after President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office.

Debate Over Hegseth’s Fitness Highlights a Gender Divide in the Senate

As many of the Senate’s Republican men dismiss allegations against President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon, only a small group of G.O.P. women have voiced even a hint of skepticism.

Dick Van Dyke and Cher Flee Their Malibu Homes as Franklin Fire Burns

Mr. Van Dyke, who turns 99 on Friday, said that he and his wife, Arlene, had fled their home with their pets as the Franklin fire threatened their community.

McConnell Sprained Wrist During a Fall but Is ‘Fine’

Senator Mitch McConnell, the minority leader who sustained a concussion in a fall last year, was cleared to resume his work schedule, according to his office.

Eric Trump Promises the ‘Most Pro-Crypto President’ in History

Speaking at a Middle East conference, President-elect Donald J. Trump’s son said his family had embraced cryptocurrency because some banks stopped doing business with them after Jan. 6.

Police in Worcester, Mass., Engaged in Sexual Misconduct, Justice Dept. Says

The agency found that the Police Department used excessive force and allowed undercover officers to have sexual contact with women suspected of being prostitutes.

Read the Justice Department’s Report

A two-year investigation by the agency found patterns of “outrageous” conduct by the police in Worcester, Mass., including excessive use of force and sexual contact between undercover officers and women suspected of prostitution.

Supreme Court Poised to Curb Scope of Environmental Reviews

Several justices indicated that a federal agency had complied with a federal law by issuing a 3,600-page report on the impact of a proposed railway in Utah.

Pepperdine Students Huddled in Library as Malibu Fire Raged Outside

About 3,000 people sheltered on the university’s campus in Malibu, Calif., overnight on Monday. Some of them watched the flames through the windows of a library.

Resist Trump? On Immigration, Top Democrats See Room for Compromise.

In interviews, a range of Democratic governors expressed some defiance toward the president-elect’s expected crackdown, but also showed a surprising willingness to work with him.

Review Finds Trump-Era Hunt for Leaks Extended Deep Into Congress

The inspector general also concluded that the department failed to follow some of its own rules when it came to seizing reporters’ communications records.

Firefighters Combat Wind-Driven Brush Fire in Malibu Canyon

The fast-moving blaze has burned more than 2,700 acres and forced evacuations along the California coastline north of Los Angeles.

On Issue After Issue, Trump Promises the Moon. No Word on the Rocket.

The president-elect has made some of the most expansive campaign pledges in history. Some supporters fear that his bravado could undermine his ambitions.

Kennedy’s War on Corn Syrup Brings a Health Crusade to Trump Country

When Donald J. Trump said Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could “go wild” on health, he might not have expected his pick for health secretary doing battle against the president-elect’s own voters.

At ‘Tax Prom,’ Washington Prepares for More Tax Cuts

Republican control of Washington and a tax bill next year have corporate America excited — and on edge.

Here’s what to know about the fire.

The Franklin fire started late Monday night and had burned more than 1,800 acres by early Tuesday morning, as large parts of Southern California braced for dangerous wildfire conditions.

Trump Picks Strident Supporter for Civil Rights Post at Justice Dept.

Harmeet K. Dhillon has been a conservative activist so devoted to the president-elect that she was willing to attack not only Democrats but also fellow Republicans.

Leader of Polygamist Sect in Arizona Gets 50 Years in Child Sex Ring Case

Samuel R. Bateman, 48, of Colorado City, Ariz., who claimed to have more than 20 “wives” including 10 “brides” under 18, pleaded guilty in April to two felony conspiracy charges.

Map: 5.7-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Nevada

View the location of the quake’s epicenter and shake area.

Moderate Earthquake Rattles Reno and Lake Tahoe

Preliminary estimates showed that the quake had a magnitude of 5.8, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

A Test for the System

Donald Trump will take office with weakened checks on his power.

Syrian Military Officials Charged With War Crimes as Government Falls

The officials, Jamil Hassan and Abdul Salam Mahmoud, ran an infamous prison in Damascus and “sought to terrify, intimidate and repress any opposition, or perceived opposition, to the regime,” according to the indictment.

Ernst, Under MAGA Pressure, Signals Backing for Hegseth’s Pentagon Bid

Senator Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican who is facing re-election in 2026, appeared less skeptical after President-elect Donald Trump’s supporters threatened her with political retribution.

Trump Tests Ethical Boundaries With Branded Merch. (And All Sales Are Final.)

Everything around President-elect Donald J. Trump has become something to monetize, including a moment of comity with Jill Biden at Notre-Dame over the weekend.

Can Trump End Birthright Citizenship? Not Easily.

The president-elect has revived his wish to do away with automatic citizenship for anyone born in the United States. The Constitution stands in his way.

Senator Grassley joins Trump in attacking the F.B.I. director.

U.S. Scrambles to Navigate Perils of a New Syria

The Biden administration is relying on Turkey to convey messages to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which toppled Bashar al-Assad but is designated by the U.S. as a terrorist organization.

Why Chinese Americans Have Shifted Rightward

A growing number of Chinese Americans, especially naturalized immigrants, say Democrats have become too lenient on crime and homelessness.

Trump Says He Would Let ‘Dreamers’ Stay. But He Once Tried to Gut the Program.

President-elect Donald J. Trump’s stance on the immigrants who were brought to the country illegally as children is filled with contradictions.

How Old Is Too Old to Be President? Democrats Still Don’t Want to Say.

At a gathering of Democratic governors, many were reluctant to discuss the issue that sank President Biden’s campaign: age. Others are ready for a Gen X president.

Supreme Court Turns Down Cases on Admissions, Gender Identity and Guns

Conservative justices voiced objections and concerns about the court’s failures to take up a series of cases on major social controversies.

After N.R.A.’s Supreme Court Win, a Dispute Over Key Facts

The Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of the N.R.A. in May hinged on a secret meeting involving a New York regulator. The participants say it didn’t happen.

Activists Call on Biden to Clear Death Row Before Trump Takes Office

The series of open letters from human rights activists and former corrections officials aligned with a larger push from Democrats for sweeping clemency action for those in prison.

Who Is Alina Habba, the Lawyer Trump Picked to Serve as Counselor to the President?

Ms. Habba, who has advised the president-elect on legal matters in recent years, offered fiery defenses of him during his civil fraud trial in New York.

Lara Trump to Step Down as R.N.C. Co-Chair Amid Florida Senate Speculation

The daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald J. Trump, Ms. Trump gave no indication of her next move. Senator Marco Rubio’s seat would become open if he’s confirmed as secretary of state.

This Race Was Decided by 734 Votes. The G.O.P. Wants to Disqualify 60,000 Ballots.

One of the closest state elections in North Carolina history now hinges on the latest power struggle between state Republicans and Democrats — and a voter form dating back 20 years.

A Century-Old Law’s Aftershocks Are Still Felt at the Supreme Court

In 1925, Congress let the justices choose the cases they would decide. That change “continues to prompt political contention and crisis,” a scholar argues.

Trump Picks Former Ambassador to Mexico for Deputy Secretary of State

Christopher Landau is a longtime lawyer and the son of a veteran U.S. diplomat who served as ambassador to three nations in Latin America.

Threatened With Jail, Cheney Condemns Trump’s ‘Assault on the Rule of Law’

Liz Cheney, the former Republican representative, said President-elect Donald J. Trump “lied about” the bipartisan House committee that investigated his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack.

With Assad Gone, a Brutal Dictatorship Ends. But the New Risks Are Huge.

The overthrow of the Assad government could mean Russia’s bases in Syria are closed and Iran’s pathway to Hezbollah is cut off. Now Iran, newly vulnerable, will have to decide between negotiation and the bomb.

Judge Pauses Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against Trump’s Education Secretary Pick

Linda McMahon is accused of failing to stop abuse in the 1980s within W.W.E., which she led at the time. The suit is on hold pending a ruling over a state law related to such cases.

Biden Weighs Approach to Rebels in Syria Amid Secret Message Exchange

President Biden faces the challenge of deciding how to engage the main armed group that toppled President Bashar al-Assad, even though it remains designated a terrorist organization by the United States.

Trump Suggests Kennedy Will Examine Debunked Link Between Vaccines and Autism

The president-elect has promoted the theory for more than a decade and said on Sunday that he was “open to anything” to address a nationwide rise in autism.

Fact-Checking Trump on ‘Meet the Press’: Tariffs, Immigration and More

The president-elect repeated several false and inaccurate claims on a range of topics that were staples of his 2024 campaign.

Trump Signals an Aggressive Opening, Threatening ‘Jail’ for Cheney and Others

In his first sit-down broadcast network interview since winning re-election, President-elect Donald J. Trump vowed to pardon Capitol attackers and to try to end automatic citizenship for children of immigrants.

Trump Says He Does Not Have Plans to Replace Fed Chair

Donald J. Trump, the president-elect, said he doesn’t “see it” when asked if he would try to oust the head of America’s central bank.

Commerce Dept. Is on the Front Lines of China Policy

The department has confronted the challenge of China by restricting key exports, a policy that is likely to continue in the Trump administration.

Did Trump Drain Democrats’ Energy? These Races Will Be the First Test.

As Democrats try to fire up their fatigued base, two contests for the Virginia legislature will serve as the first measure of partisan enthusiasm since Donald J. Trump’s victory.

Top-Gun Navy Pilots Fly at the Extremes. Their Brains May Suffer.

A confidential Navy program is studying whether intense fighter jet operations can cause devastating brain injuries in flight crews.

‘Wizard of Oz’ Ruby Slippers Sell at Auction for a Record $28 Million

The slippers, worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz,” were stolen from the museum that bears her name in 2005 before investigators recovered them in 2018.

Want a Job in the Trump Administration? Be Prepared for the Loyalty Test.

Applicants for government posts, including inside the Pentagon and the intelligence agencies, say they have been asked about their thoughts on Jan. 6 and who they believe won the 2020 election.

2 Indianapolis Officers Are Acquitted of Manslaughter in 2022 Death

Herman Whitfield III had told officers “I’m dying” and that he couldn’t breathe after one of the officers deployed a Taser, according to body camera footage.

Akron Police Face Questions After Officer Fatally Shoots Teenager

The Ohio city’s mayor and the family of the 15-year-old, Jazmir Tucker, raised concerns about how officers handled the incident.

Louisiana Constitutional Amendment Election Results

Get live results and maps from the 2024 Louisiana elections on constitutional amendments.

Louisiana Amendment 4 Election Results: Property Tax Sales Administration

Get live results and maps from the 2024 Louisiana general election.

Louisiana Amendment 2 Election Results: Waiting Period for Concurrence on Appropriations

Get live results and maps from the 2024 Louisiana general election.

Louisiana Amendment 3 Election Results: Extend Sessions for Appropriations

Get live results and maps from the 2024 Louisiana general election.

Louisiana Amendment 1 Election Results: Expand Judiciary Commission

Get live results and maps from the 2024 Louisiana general election.

How Alarmed Harris Staffers Went Rogue to Reach Black and Latino Voters

Worried that the campaign was neglecting voters of color in Philadelphia and other battleground cities, organizers secretly gathered at a Dunkin’ Donuts and elsewhere to get out the vote.

A Mississippi Teacher Created a School in an Empty Storefront. Students Showed Up.

The desks came out of a dumpster, and the computers are hand-me-downs. But students say Abundance Academy is a haven from bullying and crowded classes.

On These Apps, the Dark Promise of Mothers Sexually Abusing Children

Smartphone apps downloaded from Apple and Google can allow parents and other abusers to connect with pedophiles who pay to watch — and direct — criminal behavior.

Fighting Over a ‘Flawless’ Campaign

Leaders of the Trump and Harris campaigns met this week to talk tactics. It wasn’t pretty.

The Silicon Valley Billionaires Steering Trump’s Transition

The involvement of wealthy investors has made this presidential transition one of the most potentially conflict-ridden in modern history.

Iran Makes ‘Dramatic’ Leap to Produce Near-Bomb-Grade Fuel, but to What End?

The United Nations chief inspector says production has quadrupled. But it is not clear whether Iran is trying to touch off a crisis or gather bargaining chips for negotiations with the United States.

Musk Cost-Cutting Effort Is Being Guided by Health Entrepreneur

The inclusion of Brad Smith in Trump’s efficiency panel suggests that the team is preparing to focus particularly on the nation’s health care system.

Man Who Kidnapped Woman From Bloomberg’s Colorado Ranch Gets 22 Years in Prison

Joseph Beecher was intent on killing the media mogul and inquired about his family before taking a housekeeper hostage, officials said.

As Jan. 6 Criminal Cases Against Trump Fizzle, Civil Cases Plod Ahead

Donald J. Trump has successfully defeated or impeded many legal challenges against him over the storming of the Capitol, but eight lawsuits on the matter remain in the courts.

Californians Know About Earthquakes, but Tsunamis Are a Different Story

Northern California cities and residents seemed unsure on Thursday about the best response to an official tsunami warning that went out to five million Californians.

A Second Trump Term Is Set to Scramble Trade Alliances

Europe’s new pact with South America, its largest deal to date, could be a sign of how countries will diversify trade relationships as Donald Trump threatens tariffs.

Barbara Bowman Dies at 96; Visionary Educator for Preschoolers

She devoted her career to teaching teachers how to prepare the youngest and most vulnerable children to fulfill their potential.

A Frustrated Teacher Started Her Own School, and Students Showed Up

A Frustrated Teacher Started Her Own School, and Students Showed Up

Texas House Speaker, Targeted by the Right, Drops Bid for Another Term

In the long-running war inside the Texas G.O.P., Dade Phelan survived a primary against a Trump-backed novice. But his increasingly conservative caucus turned against him.

How Much Did Trump, Biden and Harris Raise? A Stunning $4.7 Billion.

That figure, which includes totals from the three presidential contenders’ main allied groups, emerged in the final federal filings of a staggeringly expensive campaign.

Air Force Not Ready to Stop Buying Human-Piloted Jets

Elon Musk has mocked the Air Force for continuing to purchase expensive traditional fighter jets instead of drones. But military officials say human pilots are still needed.

Woman Who Fell Into Sinkhole Is Found Dead

After searching since Tuesday, the authorities in Unity Township, Pa., on Friday found the body of Elizabeth Pollard, 64, who disappeared while searching for her cat.

Boston City Councilor Indicted on Federal Charges

The council member, Tania Fernandes Anderson, was arrested on public corruption charges involving an alleged kickback.

Federal Judge Upholds Racial Preferences in Naval Academy Admissions

A group that successfully challenged affirmative action at the Supreme Court had also sued the military academies. But, the judge said, “the U.S. Naval Academy is distinct from a civilian university.”

The Consumer Bureau Is Likely Here to Stay, but Big Changes Await

Republicans are unlikely to abolish the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, but they will drastically rework its rules and activities.

Melania Trump Credits Barron Trump With Helping His Father Win

“He was very vocal” in advising his father on appearing with media personalities popular with young people, Melania Trump said on the morning show “Fox & Friends.”

Trump’s Allies Go Global: ‘Make Argentina Great Again’

At its international conferences, CPAC is giving a stage to right-wing politicians and hunting for ideas for use back home.

Tim Walz Says He Was ‘a Little Surprised’ Trump Won

In his first interviews since the election, Kamala Harris’s running mate told Minnesota television stations that he had thought the country would embrace the Democratic ticket’s positive message.

Trump Defends His Imperiled Pick for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth

The post amounted to a public dare to Republican senators, a number of whom have expressed private concerns about Mr. Hegseth, to vote against Mr. Trump’s wishes.

Why Wouldn’t ChatGPT Say This Dead Professor’s Name?

A bizarre saga in which users noticed the chatbot refused to say “David Mayer” raised questions about privacy and A.I., with few clear answers.

He Promised Huge Tax Refunds. Now Trump Wants Him to Lead the I.R.S.

Since leaving Congress in 2023, Billy Long has peddled a pandemic-era tax credit that the I.R.S. has warned is a magnet for fraud.

Trump Claims a ‘Historic’ Mandate. Polls Show Americans Have Mixed Feelings.

The public may have more nuanced views on issues like tariffs and mass deportations than it might seem at first blush.

How Navy Pilots are Harmed by Their Own Planes

For decades, the Navy has stated that brain injuries have mostly occurred during accidents or leisure activities. But now, a confidential new program is studying whether intense fighter jet operations can cause brain injuries as devastating as those from repeated blast exposure.

Fire at Baltimore Lumberyard Closes Highway and Schools

No one was injured or evacuated in the fire, which was made more challenging by the wind, the authorities said.

Trump Names 2 Officials to Help Carry Out Immigration Crackdown

The president-elect picked Rodney S. Scott, an outspoken Border Patrol chief from his first term, to run Customs and Border Protection. And he chose Caleb Vitello to head Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Trump Picks Former Senator and Election Denier to Be Ambassador to China

David Perdue would serve in the role at a time when the U.S.-China relationship is considered to be the most consequential in the world.

Elon Musk Backed Trump With Over $250 Million, Fueling the Unusual ‘RBG PAC’

The enormous spending from the world’s richest man quietly fueled allied groups and was revealed only now, as Mr. Musk plays a key role in the presidential transition.

Trump Names Top Silicon Valley Conservative to Oversee Crypto and A.I.

David Sacks, a venture capitalist who hosts a hit podcast, has generally called for a looser hand in regulating both emerging technologies.

In First Post-Election Speech, Obama Calls for ‘Forging Alliances and Building Coalitions’

“Purity tests are not a recipe for long-term success,” the former president said in the speech in Chicago.

What We Know About the 7.0 Earthquake That Struck Northern California

State and local officials were working to assess the full scope of the damage, but early reports appeared to show that the quake did not cause major destruction.

Tsunami Warning in San Francisco ‘Felt Like a Science Fiction Movie’

Many Bay Area residents raced away from the ocean after a jolting cellphone alert warned, “You are in danger.” Others raced toward it.

Why Was a Tsunami Warning Issued, and Then Canceled? A Forecaster Explains.

The warning was sent in response to a 7.0-magnitude that struck off the coast of Northern California. A tsunami warning coordinator described the process.

House Blocks Release of Ethics Report on Gaetz as Republicans Close Ranks

In largely party-line votes, the House turned back two measures that would have forced the Ethics Committee to make public the results of its investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use.

Head of Secret Service and Congressman Get Into Shouting Match at Hearing

The agency’s acting director took offense when a Texas representative questioned him about where he was standing in a photo commemorating the Sept. 11 attacks.

Elon and Vivek’s DOGE Goes to Congress

The tycoons in charge of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s amorphous government efficiency initiative made the rounds on Capitol Hill, bashing debt but revealing little about how they will tackle it.

Biden Team Considers Blanket Pardons Before Trump’s Promised ‘Retribution’

White House officials believe President-elect Donald J. Trump’s selection of partisan warriors for top law enforcement jobs indicates that he will pursue revenge against his perceived enemies.

‘Like a violent elevator ride’: Residents closest to the epicenter describe the quake.

‘You Are Out of Line’: Acting Secret Service Director Clashes With Congressman

A congressional hearing on Thursday erupted into a shouting match. Ronald L. Rowe Jr., the acting Secret Service director, accused Representative Pat Fallon, Republican of Texas, of politicizing a 9/11 memorial event.

Kindergartners Are ‘Critical but Stable’ After California School Shooting

Two boys were rushed to hospitals on Wednesday after they were shot by a gunman on their rural school campus in Northern California. The authorities say the suspect had a history of crimes and mental illness.

Senate G.O.P. Super PAC Chief Follows McConnell and Steps Down

Steven J. Law’s departure represents a changing of the guard for the super PAC and coincides with a new leader for Senate Republicans.

U.S. Is Closing California Prison Plagued by Sexual Abuse

The Bureau of Prisons said in a memo that it was grappling with “a very difficult budget situation along with significant repair and maintenance backlogs.”

The quake occurred where 3 major tectonic plates meet under the Pacific Ocean.

Defiant Hegseth Fights to Keep Pentagon Bid Alive, as Votes Remain Uncertain

Donald J. Trump’s choice to lead the Pentagon said he would try to earn every vote so long as he remained the president-elect’s pick, despite continued concern among Republican senators about his past conduct.

Former Proud Boys Leader Testifies in Defense of Officer Accused of Aiding Him

Enrique Tarrio appeared in court for the first time since being sentenced to 22 years in prison for seditious conspiracy over his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Here’s How Earthquakes Are Measured

What does “moment magnitude” mean, and how do scientists determine the strength of a rupture in the earth?

Tsunami warnings were briefly in effect for hundreds of miles along the California and Oregon coast.

What to Do When There’s a Tsunami Warning

Tsunamis can’t be predicted, but there are steps you can take to stay safe.

Memphis Says It Will Not Yet Agree to Federal Oversight of Police Department

The city’s mayor reiterated his reluctance to enter a consent decree after the Justice Department found a pattern of discrimination and excessive force by its officers.

Texas Man Who Killed and Dismembered 3 Is Sentenced to Death

Jason Alan Thornburg, who lured his victims to a motel room, told the police he was “being called to commit sacrifices,” according to an arrest warrant.

Map: 7.0-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Northern California

View the location of the quake’s epicenter and shake area.

Justice Neil Gorsuch Recuses From Case That Could Benefit Colorado Billionaire

The justice had been under pressure to step aside from the matter because of his myriad ties to Philip Anschutz, an oil and gas magnate.

7.0 Quake Rattles Northern California, Prompting a Brief Tsunami Warning

The epicenter was in remote spot offshore. So the earthquake, while powerful, caused limited damage.

Federal Judge Rejects Boeing’s Guilty Plea Related to 737 Max Crashes

The agreement, opposed by some victims’ families, would have required the aviation company to pay a fine of up to $487 million and invest in additional safety measures.

University of Michigan Ends Required Diversity Statements

The school, a bastion of D.E.I., will no longer require the statements in hiring decisions and is considering a broader shift in its policies.

Peter B. Teeley, Who Coined the Term ‘Voodoo Economics,’ Dies at 84

As press secretary for George H.W. Bush, he came up with the expression to attack Ronald Reagan’s economic plan. The term took on a life of its own.

Senator Joni Ernst holds out on Hegseth as his candidacy teeters.

The Iowa Republican indicated that her private meeting on Wednesday with President-elect Donald J. Trump’s choice to serve as secretary of defense failed to persuade her he was worthy of confirmation.

Trump’s Threats Over the Dollar Could Accelerate Push for Alternatives

President-elect Donald J. Trump threatened to impose tariffs on countries that seek to replace the dollar in trade or undermine its global reserve currency status.

Pete Hegseth and His ‘Battle Cry’ for a New Christian Crusade

The veteran picked to lead the Defense Department has praised the brutal religious military campaigns of the past and has called for a Christian approach to governing.

How Trump Targeted Undecided Voters Without Breaking the Bank

The Trump team had a huge financial disadvantage. It made up for it with a strategy that allowed it to narrow the focus of its ad dollars.

Trump Organization Plans an Ethics Policy Without Banning Foreign Deals

The family business of President-elect Donald J. Trump is expected to announce some restrictions on transactions but is not likely to accept as many limitations as it did eight years ago.

Pam Bondi’s Journey From Traditional Republican to Warrior for Trump

The president-elect’s choice for attorney general is known for her charm and fealty to him.

Trump Picks Banking Executive to Lead Social Security Administration

Frank Bisignano has spent his career at major Wall Street banks. He has a long history of political giving, mainly to Republicans.

Pete Hegseth faces questions about his leadership style after troubles in past workplaces.

Read the Justice Department’s Report

The agency released the results of its investigation into the Memphis Police Department, finding that the department used excessive force, treated Black people more harshly than white people, and mistreated people with mental health issues.

Trump Selects Kelly Loeffler, a Top Donor, to Head the Small Business Administration

During a brief stint as a senator from Georgia, she became a fervent supporter of the president-elect’s agenda near the end of his first term.

A Harris Ally Says Biden Broke a Promise

An interview with Senator Laphonza Butler, Democrat of California, during her final week in the Senate.

Memphis Police Used Excessive Force and Discriminated Against Black Residents, Justice Dept. Finds

The Police Department has been under scrutiny since Tyre Nichols’s death last year. The report noted that children in particular had experienced “aggressive and frightening encounters with officers.”

Pete Hegseth’s Troubles at Work Raise Questions About Leadership

President-elect Donald J. Trump’s choice for defense secretary led two nonprofits into debt, and episodes of drinking continued into his days as a Fox News personality.

Trump Picks Ex-Congressman Who Hawked Tax Credits to Lead I.R.S.

Billy Long served six terms as a representative from Missouri. Since then, he has helped businesses claim a pandemic-era tax credit that has been riddled with fraud and cost the government billions more than anticipated.

Gunman Shoots 2 Kindergartners at Rural Christian School in Targeted Attack

The gunman at the Feather River Adventist School in Oroville, Calif., later died of what appeared to have been a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the authorities said.

How Kash Patel, Trump’s F.B.I. Pick, Plans to Reshape the Bureau

Donald Trump’s pick to lead the F.B.I. has called for firing the agency’s top officials, shutting down its Washington headquarters and has vowed to investigate the president-elect’s political adversaries.

Outside the Supreme Court, America’s culture wars play out.

Trump Has ‘Lost Faith’ in N.R.A., Says Gun Group Official

In a new letter, an N.R.A. vice president said the troubled group needed to rebuild trust with Donald J. Trump and his inner circle.

Hannah Kobayashi Is ‘Found Safe,’ Weeks After She Was Reported Missing

The search drew national attention after she flew from Maui to Los Angeles and did not board a connecting flight to New York last month. Her family said that she had been found safe.

Mike Johnson’s Newest Headache: The Smallest House Majority in History

The Republican speaker held on to control of the House, but will preside over an even smaller majority at a time when President-elect Donald J. Trump will need his help to achieve major agenda items.

Durbin Urges Settlement for Accused 9/11 Plotters

Senator Richard J. Durbin wants Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III to accept a plea deal with the man accused of planning the attacks, a deal that Mr. Austin had revoked.

Russian General Calls U.S. Chairman of Joint Chiefs

In a highly unusual call, the two men “discussed a number of global and regional security issues, to include the ongoing conflict in Ukraine,” a spokesman said.

Read Representative Jerrold Nadler’s Letter

Mr. Nadler told his Democratic colleagues that he planned to step down as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee next term.

Nadler to Relinquish Democrats’ Top Judiciary Post, Bowing to Calls for Change

Democrats’ longtime leader on the panel faced a challenge from Representative Jamie Raskin, and pressure from colleagues who wanted a younger, more strategic figure at the helm.

A meeting with Senator Joni Ernst is a pivotal test for Hegseth.

The Iowa Republican, a veteran who has worked to address sexual assault in the military, has signaled she is skeptical of the would-be defense secretary.

Detroit’s Mayor, a Democrat, Will Run for Michigan Governor as an Independent

Mike Duggan is shedding the label of his longtime party to seek the state’s highest office, as the term-limited Gretchen Whitmer departs in early 2027.

Pardon Backlash Reflects Fraught Breakup Between Democrats and Biden

The criticism of the president’s pardon of his son from within his own party underscores how far gone his relationship with Democrats in Congress already was.

The judge in Hunter Biden’s tax case rejects President Biden’s claims of a political prosecution.

U.S. Students Posted Dire Math Declines on an International Test

On the test, American fourth and eighth graders posted results similar to scores from 1995. It was a sign of notable stagnation, even as other countries saw improvements.

Supreme Court Decision Could Affect Other Trans Rights Cases

The ruling could set a precedent for several challenges to state laws regarding sports participation, bathroom use and health care for adults.

Trump to Nominate Gail Slater to Lead Justice Department’s Antitrust Efforts

If confirmed as assistant attorney general for the antitrust division, she would inherit lawsuits to break up Google’s search monopoly and ad tech dominance, as well as a case accusing Apple of making it hard for consumers to switch software and hardware.

Trump Replaces His White House Counsel Before He Even Started the Job

The change reflects a renewed focus on who fills key legal posts with direct access to the incoming president, and particularly on a role that was crucial in the first Trump term.

What Happens to the Case if the Trump Administration Switches Sides?

Since the federal government brought the challenge, the change in administration could affect its future before the Supreme Court.

Justice Gorsuch, who wrote a 2020 opinion on transgender rights, was silent on Wednesday.

Trump’s Trade Adviser Pick, a China Hawk, Was Jailed Over Jan. 6.

Mr. Navarro was a thorn in the side of Wall Street and a loyalist in Mr. Trump’s first term.

What happens next? The court will probably not issue a decision until June.

Bans on medical care affect thousands of young trans people, one estimate says.

The estimate was included in court documents as the Supreme Court considers a challenge to a Tennessee law that prohibits some medical treatments for transgender minors.

Matt Rice, Tennessee’s solicitor general, is defending the state’s ban on gender affirming care.

Mr. Rice, who was once a clerk for Justice Clarence Thomas, is expected to argue that the ban does not violate constitutional rights.

Justice Thomas is a reliable vote against transgender rights.

Chase Strangio, the first openly transgender lawyer to argue before the Supreme Court, is speaking against the ban.

On the Border, Texas Shows Trump the Way

The incoming Trump administration’s new border czar said that Texas provided a “model” for border enforcement. State officials have offered to be a staging ground for mass deportations.

Pete Hegseth’s Mother Defends Her Son’s Character on Fox Show

The mother of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s choice to be defense secretary appeared on the network where her son worked to say that he was a changed man.

A 2020 decision protecting transgender workers is a major precedent.

Justice Alito is a committed opponent of transgender rights.

Justices’ past comments on bathrooms, sports and dress codes offer hints about where they stand on transgender issues.

As allegations pile up, key Republican senators hesitate on Hegseth.

While G.O.P. senators initially backed Trump’s pick for Pentagon chief, some now say charges of drunkenness and harassment are concerning, suggesting he might not have the votes to be confirmed.

How do medical guidelines factor into the case?

Here Is What Led to Tennessee’s Ban on Gender-Affirming Care

Vanderbilt University Medical Center announced the opening of a new transgender care clinic in 2018. Years later, conservatives called for an investigation.

These 26 States Have Restricted Gender-Transition Treatments for Minors Since 2021

Transgender minors and their parents, guardians and doctors have challenged bans in 18 states, with mixed results.

What is ‘heightened scrutiny,’ and why does it matter?

As Hegseth Vows to Fight, Trump Considers DeSantis for Defense Secretary

The president-elect appeared to be having serious conversations about picking Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida as Pete Hegseth, the current selection, dismissed the allegations against him.

University of Michigan Weighs Changes to Its Diversity Program

The school is one of higher education’s biggest supporters of D.E.I. Now it’s considering a new approach as critics question the program’s success and impact on campus life.

Supreme Court Inclined to Uphold Tennessee Law on Transgender Care

The justices heard arguments on Wednesday over whether Tennessee can ban some medical treatments for transgender youth. More than 20 other states have similar laws.

For Families of Transgender Children, Tennessee’s Ban Forces Hard Choices

The Supreme Court is hearing a legal challenge on Wednesday to the state’s ban on several forms of medical care for transgender youth.

California Democrat Flips Seat in the Last House Race to Be Called

Adam Gray, a former state lawmaker, defeated Representative John Duarte, a Republican, in a reversal of their 2022 race.

How Pardoning Hunter Complicates Biden’s Legacy

President Biden is facing criticism for pardoning his son Hunter after insisting he would not. Peter Baker, the chief White House correspondent for The New York Times, explains how the decision will shape the outgoing president’s place in history.

Trump Donors Who Give at Least $1 Million or Raise $2 Million Get Inaugural Access

Perks being offered to the top donors to the president-elect’s inaugural committee include dinners with Melania Trump and the next vice president, JD Vance.

Montana Lawmakers Reject Bid to Restrict Bathroom Use for Trans Legislators

The proposal would have effectively barred transgender women from using the State Capitol restroom for female lawmakers. Some Republicans joined Democrats in voting it down.

Retired Louisiana Priest Pleads Guilty to Rape and Kidnapping Charges

Lawrence Hecker, who was indicted last year on charges related to a sexual assault in the 1970s, pleaded guilty on Tuesday just before jury selection for his trial was set to begin.

Trump’s Pick to Lead D.E.A. Withdraws, Citing ‘Gravity’ of Job

The announcement by Chad Chronister, a Florida sheriff with virtually no experience in the kinds of complex international investigations the agency handles, comes just three days after his selection.

Republican Lawmakers in Georgia Press Case for Fani Willis Testimony

Ms. Willis, who charged Mr. Trump in connection with his efforts to cling to power after the 2020 election, came under scrutiny over her relationship with a lawyer she hired to lead the case.

Morton I. Abramowitz, Diplomat Who Made Refugees a Priority, Dies at 91

As ambassador to Thailand and Turkey, and later as president of the Carnegie Endowment, he pushed for making human rights central to foreign policy.

Woman Who May Have Fallen Into Sinkhole Is Likely Dead, Authorities Say

The state police in Pennsylvania said there were no signs of life, as they searched for the 64-year-old woman, who went missing while looking for her cat.

Trump Team Signs Agreement to Allow F.B.I. Background Checks for Nominees

President-elect Donald J. Trump let weeks pass before signing the agreement as his team considered using private investigators instead.

Indiana Man Looks Out of His Window and Finds 2 Babies Left in a Ditch

Robert Deane was waiting for a package when he discovered 4- and 5-month-old girls in car seats abandoned in the cold across the street from his house.

Justice Dept.’s Apolitical Tradition Is Challenged by 2 Presidents

The post-Watergate norm that political leaders should steer clear of criminal cases is being tested from opposite ends of the political spectrum.

Antidoping Agency Froze Out Investigators Who Warned About China

The World Anti-Doping Agency’s investigative unit highlighted intelligence about Chinese athletes possibly using a banned medication, but was kept out of the loop when 23 swimmers tested positive for it.

Martial Law in South Korea Tests Biden and a Key U.S. Alliance

The Biden administration has hailed South Korea as a model democracy and bolstered military ties as it relies on the country as a bulwark against North Korea, China and Russia.

Senate Confirms General’s Promotion After Republican Senator Lifts Hold

Lt. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue commanded U.S. troops in the final days of the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Why Republicans Might Oppose Trump’s Push to Undo Biden’s Triumphs

President Biden wants to make it more difficult for President-elect Donald J. Trump to repeal his signature legislation, which sent money flowing to Republican districts nationwide.

Bloomberg Says Kennedy Would Be ‘Beyond Dangerous’ as Health Secretary

Michael R. Bloomberg, the former New York City mayor and a public health advocate, is asking Senate Republicans to persuade President-elect Donald J. Trump to “rethink” Kennedy’s nomination.

Project 2025, Mar-a-Lago and Fox News: What Connects Trump’s New Staff Picks

See the links between more than 60 figures the president-elect wants for cabinet and other senior positions: billionaires, lobbyists, Fox personalities and more.

Supreme Court Returns to a Culture War Battleground: Transgender Rights

On Wednesday, the justices will hear the marquee case of the term, a challenge to a Tennessee law banning several forms of medical care for transgender youths.

Inside the Supreme Court Ethics Debate: Who Judges the Justices?

In private meetings and memos, the justices made new rules for themselves — then split on whether they could, or should, be enforced.

One City’s Attempt to Change How Domestic Violence Is Tackled

San Antonio has long had a high rate of family violence. An unusual court is trying to intervene before the violence turns deadly.

Trump Says He Will Block Acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japanese Firm

The announcement reiterated sentiments the president-elect expressed on the campaign trail, and further imperiled a deal that had already run into widespread political opposition.

After Biden Pardons His Son, Prison Inmates Hope They’re Next

President Biden has pardoned people convicted of some marijuana offenses, but advocates for prisoners say he has been slow to grant other requests.

Trump to Attend Notre-Dame Cathedral Reopening in Paris

The trip will be Donald J. Trump’s first foreign trip since last month’s election and offers a sign that global leaders are turning the page on the Biden presidency.

U.S. Coast Guard Suspends Search for 5 People Missing in Alaska Waters

The Coast Guard received a mayday call from a fishing boat on Sunday just after midnight. Search crews looked for its passengers for almost 24 hours.

U.S. Sending $725 Million in Arms to Ukraine, Including More Land Mines

The package, the largest since April, comes amid deep concerns in Ukraine that the Trump administration may cut off aid. The president-elect has vowed to end the war quickly, but has not said how.

Pardoning Hunter Complicates the Legacy That Biden Envisioned

President Biden is facing criticism for absolving his son after insisting he would not and, according to some critics in his own party, paving the way for Donald Trump’s return to office.

For U.K. Ambassador, Trump Picks Billionaire Who Supported His Rivals

Warren Stephens, an investment banker, gave $2 million in 2016 to a group aiming to block Donald J. Trump’s political rise. More recently, he backed Asa Hutchinson, Chris Christie, Mike Pence and Nikki Haley before donating to the Trump campaign.

How Biden Changed His Mind on Pardoning Hunter: ‘Time to End All of This’

The threat of a retribution-focused Trump administration and his son’s looming sentencings prompted the president to abandon a promise not to get involved in Hunter Biden’s legal problems.

Broad Pardon for Hunter Biden Troubles Experts

President Biden granted blanket clemency to stop his son from being prosecuted by the Trump administration for his foreign business. Experts reached for historical parallels.

Kash Patel Has Plan to Remake the F.B.I. Into a Tool of Trump

President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the F.B.I. has called for firing the agency’s top officials, shutting down its Washington headquarters and prosecuting journalists.

Biden the Father vs. Biden the Institutionalist

A tension between parenthood and politics has defined the Biden presidency.

Ex-Kansas Police Detective Found Dead on First Day of His Trial

Roger Golubski, who had been accused of raping and terrorizing Black women, was found dead on his back porch on Monday as his federal trial was set to begin.

Were Hunter Biden’s Prosecutions a Result of Political Pressure? A Look at the Facts.

The gun case federal prosecutors brought against Hunter Biden was relatively rare, but the tax charges he pleaded guilty to may have been less unusual.

Wisconsin Judge Strikes Down Limits on Public Sector Unions

The 2011 law stripped most government workers in the state of collective bargaining rights and set off protests that lasted weeks.

Democrats Sharply Criticize Biden’s Pardon of His Son

Lawmakers in the president’s own party, many of them moderates, said his decision to pardon his son was selfish and would further damage Americans’ waning faith in democracy and the rule of law.

Judge Steps Aside in ‘Shaken Baby’ Death Penalty Case in Texas

The judge who issued a death warrant for Robert Roberson voluntarily recused herself, adding the latest legal complication to a case that has drawn national scrutiny.

Raskin Hopes to Lead House Democrats’ Resistance to Trump

The Maryland representative is challenging the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, which he promised to make the “the headquarters of congressional opposition to authoritarianism.”

Supreme Court Hears Case on Flavored Vapes Popular With Teenagers

The question for the justices was whether the Food and Drug Administration had acted lawfully in rejecting applications from makers of flavored liquids used in e-cigarettes.

Director of ‘2000 Mules’ Acknowledges the Conspiratorial Film Was Flawed

The director, Dinesh D’Souza, who is facing a lawsuit over the documentary, admitted that an analysis used to make claims about election fraud that were later debunked had been faulty.

What you may have missed over the holiday weekend.

California Lawmakers Propose $25 Million Fund to Litigate Trump Administration

The state’s Democratic leaders had announced within days of the election that they would begin to meet early this month on plans to defend California’s liberal policies.

Trump’s choice of Kash Patel to lead the F.B.I. draws some early Republican support.

Trump’s pick to lead the D.E.A. has limited experience with international investigations.

The Trump team isn’t legally bound to adhere to the transition promises it has made.

Inside a Secret Plan to Bring Uyghurs Trapped in China to the United States

On Thanksgiving eve, U.S. diplomats reunited family members who had not seen each other in years because of China’s harsh policies on the ethnic group.

Schumer Presses for F.B.I. Checks and Senate Consideration of Trump Nominees

In a letter, the Democratic leader said members of his party would work with Republicans to consider the president-elect’s nominees — but asserted they should undergo traditional Senate vetting.

Trump Doubles Down on Defiance After the Collapse of the Matt Gaetz Selection

President-elect Donald J. Trump’s decision to install Kash Patel as F.B.I. director indicates that he remains undaunted by Washington resistance as he appoints ideological warriors, conspiracy theorists and even relatives.