Today's Headlines: Hegseth Ordered a Lethal Attack but Not the Killing of Survivors, Officials Say
Trump’s Crackdown in Wake of Shooting Blocks Legal Pathways for Migrants
View in browser
The New York Times
Today's Headlines

December 2, 2025, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

Hegseth Ordered a Lethal Attack but Not the Killing of Survivors, Officials Say

Amid talk of war crimes, the details and precise sequence of a Sept. 2 attack on a boat in the Caribbean are facing intensifying scrutiny.

Trump’s Crackdown in Wake of Shooting Blocks Legal Pathways for Migrants

The new measures represent some of the most significant changes to immigration policy since President Trump returned to the White House.

Putin to Meet With Trump’s Envoy as U.S. Pushes for Ukraine Deal

In Moscow, Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy, is expected to present President Vladimir V. Putin with a revised proposal to end the war in Ukraine.

World

Hong Kong Contractors Used Unsafe Netting at Fire Site, Officials Say

Investigators say contractors wrapped the buildings in substandard scaffolding netting and then sought to hide it from inspectors. The toll from the fire rose to 151.

Son of El Chapo Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping Father’s Former Cartel Partner

Joaquín Guzmán López admitted to having the once-untouchable drug kingpin Ismael Zambada García abducted and flown to the United States, among a sweeping set of other crimes.

Trump Becomes the Wild Card in Razor-Thin Honduras Election

President Trump warned that if his favored candidate didn’t win, the United States would “not be throwing good money after bad” at the country.

See more world news

U.S.

Memo From Trump’s Doctor Cites ‘Excellent’ Scan but Offers Little Clarity

While the president said he had a M.R.I. exam, a physician’s memo released by the White House was less specific.

This Year, a Smaller Red-and-Green Christmas at the White House

The White House is decorated in a classic red-and-green Christmas theme. But with the East Wing reduced to rubble, there are fewer decorations this year.

Winter Storm Is Expected to Bring Snow and Rain to Much of the Northeast

Whether snow falls in major cities Tuesday will depend on the nor’easter’s path.

See more U.S. news

Politics

As Trump Deepens Immigration Crackdown, Even Long-Held Exceptions Disappear

President Trump’s latest changes to the immigration system affect communities that traditionally have been considered special cases.

For Trump, Hegseth’s Take-No-Prisoners Approach Is a Growing Liability

Investigations are mounting into the legality of strikes that have killed scores of people in the waters off Venezuela.

Trump Administration Fires 8 Immigration Judges in New York

The firings, part of a nationwide effort, felt “like a Monday afternoon massacre,” said one judge who lost her job last month.

See more political news

Business

A Surprise When Your Package Arrives: You Have to Pay the Tariff

The end of a tariff exemption on goods worth $800 or less has left some U.S. shoppers with an extra shipping bill that must be paid before delivery.

To Avoid Tariffs, U.K. Agrees to Trump’s Demand to Pay More for Drugs

President Trump has complained that wealthy countries like Britain pay too little for drugs, leading America to bear much of the burden of the costs of medicines.

Apple’s A.I. Chief, Who Failed to Deliver a Smarter Siri, Is Retiring

John Giannandrea, hired from Google, is leaving after the release of a new Siri was postponed. Apple has fallen behind rivals in efforts to develop A.I. products.

See more business news

New York

The Transgender Cancer Patient and What She Heard on Tape

Jennifer Capasso had endured multiple tumors. She wondered what might be said during her next cancer surgery. So, she hit record on her phone.

Gaming Board Recommends All 3 Bids for New York City Casino Licenses

The board recommended that the state’s gaming commission award licenses to Bally’s, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Resorts World New York City. The commission is expected to follow the recommendations.

Starbucks to Pay $39 Million in Landmark N.Y.C. Labor Law Settlement

Starbucks agreed to the settlement after failing to give workers stable schedules. Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect, joined striking Starbucks workers in Brooklyn.

See more New York news

Arts

Jafar Panahi, Who Filmed in Secret in Iran, Wins Big at the Gotham Awards

He won best director, original screenplay and international feature for “It Was Just an Accident.” Best feature went to “One Battle After Another.”

Three Art World Heavyweights Join Forces to Form New Gallery

Pace, Di Donna and David Schrader of Sotheby’s are collaborating on an Upper East Side space that will focus on secondary market sales.

Olivia Nuzzi’s Memoir Is Self-Serious and Altogether Disappointing

“American Canto,” published amid a scandal over the journalist’s alleged romantic entanglements with politicians she covered, offers many scenes but little sense.

See more arts news

Food

The Stew That Takes Me Back Home to Lagos

Ọbẹ̀ onírù, also known as ofàdà stew or designer stew, is open to adaptation, but always tastes of comfort.

Welcome to Cookie Week!

New York Times Cooking’s annual tradition — in which we share our finest holiday cookie recipes and videos — is here, and I’m thrilled to share mine!