Today's Headlines: Katie Zacharia Is Ousted After 5 Days as White House Press Secretary
Trump Signs Order Exempting Russia From Sanctions Law
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The New York Times
Today's Headlines
October 17, 2026, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

Katie Zacharia Is Ousted After 5 Days as White House Press Secretary

Her abrupt departure came after she was shadowed by questions about how she had presented her legal career and handled her first press briefing.

Trump Signs Order Exempting Russia From Sanctions Law

The sanctions were part of a measure that was named after Senator Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who died in July.

How a Teacher and a Dad Stopped the Slaughter in Bend

The city of Bend, Ore., is praising those who worked to stop the gunman at Silver Rail Elementary School. The authorities are searching for answers.

World

Uncertainty Over Pope’s Health Fuels Familiar Debate Over Vatican’s Candor

By announcing his lung condition himself, Leo has been more forthcoming than many popes. But mysteries remain, prompting scrutiny of papal statements for hidden meaning.

Israeli Settlers Attack Palestinians and Washington Post Journalist in West Bank

In the latest surge of violence, settlers targeted Palestinians during the olive harvest, a cultural touchstone and economic lifeline in the Israeli-occupied area.

The 53-Year-Old in a Suit Who’s the Face of France’s Youth Protests

Bally Bagayoko, the mayor of a working-class suburb near Paris, has been a regular presence at student demonstrations, prompting both applause and condemnation.

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U.S.

M.I.T. Scientist Wins $6 Million in Sexual Harassment Defamation Suit

David Sabatini, once a prominent scientist at M.I.T., sued a former colleague who accused him of inappropriate behavior. A jury found in his favor.

Slain Teacher Loved Work, Volleyball and the Underdog, Her Family Says

Megan Lambert graduated from high school in the district where she taught. She died in a classroom with Rhoam Summer and two other children when a shooter attacked.

After Roller Coaster Death, Critics Call for Federal Oversight

Regulation of amusement parks is left to the states, and deaths are rare. But some say stronger rules are needed.

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Politics

Ilhan Omar’s Sister’s Phone Was Seized Before Search of Lawmaker’s Home

A criminal investigation into the lawmaker’s immigration process advanced after federal investigators reviewed family text messages from a seized phone.

Russia Appears to Step Up Efforts to Influence U.S. Voters

One campaign has created social media posts focusing on U.S. support for Israel to sow discord ahead of the midterm elections.

Young Voters Say They Are Turning Their Backs on Trump and His Party

One of the biggest surprises of 2024 was the swing of young voters, particularly men, away from Democrats to Donald Trump. Now they are swinging back.

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Business

U.S. Budget Deficit Nears $2 Trillion, a Reality Check for Trump’s Cost Cutting

Higher interest rates are inflating borrowing costs as the Trump administration spends on the Iran war and tariff refunds.

With Layoffs and a Firing, Netflix Hurries to Rewrite Its Narrative

Despite strong revenues and profits, the streaming service cut 1,000 jobs and jettisoned its chief content officer. Drops in the stock price and viewer engagement are to blame.

Foul Play? Racy Baseball Postseason Ads Are Drawing Pushback.

Commercials with Sydney Sweeney promoting a gambling platform and Megan Fox endorsing male enhancement have rankled fans, and even athletes. Who is in charge?

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Technology

Meta Withdraws $25 Million From Its Midterms Push

The company outlined a $65 million budget last year when it embarked on an effort to elect state politicians friendly to the A.I. industry.

Why One of the World’s Greatest Mathematicians Is on a ‘War Footing’

The Fields Medalist Terence Tao is on the front lines of a debate about artificial intelligence and the future of his field.

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New York

Cornell Trustees Present a United Front Amid Crisis

While the powerful board appeared to back campus administration, some students protested against the backdrop of homecoming weekend.

Man Charged in Rape and Fentanyl Death of College Student

The student was attending the Fashion Institute of Technology, when a man, according to prosecutors, provided her and her roommate with fentanyl in a dorm room.

Queens Woman Accused of Killing 5-Year-Old Daughter

It was not clear what happened at the home of the girl, Fabiana Cabello, but a relative said she was a friendly child who helped her great-grandmother and hugged strangers.

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Arts

Judge Dismisses Child Sexual Abuse Charges Against Timothy Busfield

Prosecutors in New Mexico had secured an indictment of the actor and director on charges he made sexual contact with a child actor. He had pleaded not guilty.

As Big Money Flees London’s Art Scene, Young Galleries Sharpen Their Edge

Tax reforms and Paris’s rise have taken a toll. But low-budget, risk-taking dealers are still creating buzz at the Frieze London fair and beyond.

Five International Movies to Stream Now

This month’s picks include a French seaside comedy, a true-crime docudrama from Mexico, a mordant satire from Iran and more.

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Books

When Dining Took to the Streets in New York City

Penny Hardy photographed the restaurant sheds that cropped up across the city in 2020. Only a fraction of them remain today.