Today's Headlines: Trump Heralds Economic and Border Policies While Deriding Democrats
Pentagon Gives A.I. Company an Ultimatum
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The New York Times
Today's Headlines

February 25, 2026, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

In Combative State of the Union, Trump Heralds Economic and Border Policies

The president derided Democrats and said the United States was “winning.” In the Democratic response, Gov. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia accused the president of sowing fear.

Pentagon Gives A.I. Company an Ultimatum

Anthropic insists on limits on how its technology is used and could be labeled a supply chain risk if it fails to accept the military’s demands.

Mexico Is Caught Between Trump and the Cartels

President Trump has demanded President Claudia Sheinbaum confront the cartels. The killing of El Mencho suggests it might be working — but could come at a cost.

World

In Windsor, Some See Family Drama in the Andrew Accusations

“Her children have let her down,” said one woman, referring to Queen Elizabeth II. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s fall from grace drew strong reactions from some. Others said they just did not care.

A Hero the Taliban Didn’t Expect

A triumph in indoor soccer has turned Alireza Ahmadi, 17, and other players from the Hazara minority, long marginalized in Afghanistan, into national heroes.

What to Know About the Cartels Operating in Mexico

Other criminal groups in Mexico may try to take advantage of the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, who ran the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

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U.S.

Judge Dismisses Minnesota Gun Case as Prosecutors Struggle With Resignations

A judge took the unusual step of dropping the case over a speedy trial violation by the U.S. attorney’s office in Minnesota, which has been flooded with immigration-related cases.

Mr. Clean, the Bald, Broad-Shouldered Cleaning Mascot, Retires

The character became the face of a household cleaner in 1958. It’s not clear what the brand plans for its next mascot.

Providence, R.I., Is Used to Snow. But Not 36 Inches in a Day.

A day after the city got a record-breaking amount of snow, some residents clung to the magic. Others were gearing up for endless shoveling.

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Politics

Fact-Checking Trump’s State of the Union Speech

Kash Patel’s Olympics Schedule Left Plenty of Time for Leisure

An itinerary for Mr. Patel’s trip provides more granular detail, including long segments of personal time that suggest he was not immensely oversubscribed by official duties.

House Narrowly Rejects Air Safety Bill After Pentagon Opposition

A move to swiftly pass the bill failed by a single vote. It would have required aircraft to carry technology that officials said might have prevented a midair collision near Washington last year.

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Business

Abu Dhabi’s State Oil Company Looks Beyond Oil

Having reshaped the company, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber wants to expand internationally, particularly in natural gas, chemicals and renewables.

Court Rules Against Justice Dept. Search of Reporter’s Computers

The judge said the court itself would search the devices, which were seized from a Washington Post reporter’s home last month.

Paramount Raises Its Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery

Warner Bros. Discovery said Paramount’s new offer of $31 a share could lead to a “superior proposal” to the deal it signed with Netflix.

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Technology

How Jeffrey Epstein Ingratiated Himself With Top Microsoft Executives

For more than two decades, the convicted sex offender developed a network at the tech giant, making him privy to succession discussions and other business.

Wayve, an A.I. Driverless Car Start-Up in Europe, Raises $1.2 Billion

The London-based company is building a system that uses artificial intelligence to power autonomous vehicles.

Senate Democrat Opens Inquiry Into Iran Transactions on Binance

Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut sent a letter to Binance asking about the flow of $1.7 billion from accounts on the crypto exchange to Iranian entities.

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New York

Leader of Columbia Brain Institute Quits Over Friendship With Epstein

The Nobel laureate Richard Axel is not accused of wrongdoing but called his association with Jeffrey Epstein a “serious error in judgment.”

Huge Snowball Fight in New York Escalates After Police Arrive

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said officers had been attacked at Washington Square Park. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the episode looked like a snowball fight, not a crime.

After Being Shoved in Front of a Train, He Has Returned to the Subway

Joseph Lynskey was determined to overcome his fear and reclaim his life as a New Yorker who enjoys the city in full. On Tuesday, he filed a lawsuit against the city and the M.T.A.

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Arts

‘Heated Rivalry’ Author Says Parkinson’s Symptoms Are Worsening and Delays Book

Rachel Reid told fans that the disease’s progression was slowing her writing and that a much-anticipated follow-up book would be pushed back.

6 (More) Albums I’m Looking Forward to in 2026

Hear anticipated new music from Lana Del Rey, Grace Ives, Yaya Bey and more.