Today's Headlines: 10-Day Cease-Fire Between Israel and Lebanon Goes Into Effect

April 17, 2026, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

World

Mandelson Became Britain’s Ambassador to U.S. Despite Failing Security Vetting

Britain’s foreign office overruled vetting officials in granting Peter Mandelson, a friend of Jeffrey Epstein, the highest level of security clearance, the government said.

Trump Deported Them. A Costa Rican Mountain Town Took Them In.

In a cloud forest village, a network of residents, foreigners and pacifist Quakers offered a precarious yet vital sanctuary for families expelled by the U.S. government.

Why China Won’t Lean Hard on Iran

Despite the economic risks from the war, Beijing will likely stick to a hands-off approach. It is wary of being entangled in a conflict it opposed and has little sway over.

See more world news

U.S.

ICE Arrests 85-Year-Old French Widow Who Married Her G.I. Sweetheart

After Marie-Thérèse Ross-Mahé’s husband died, an inheritance battle exploded. Her stepson then used his influence to have her arrested, an Alabama probate judge said.

Trump to Pick Ousted FEMA Head to Lead Agency Again

Cameron Hamilton is a former Navy SEAL who ran unsuccessfully for Congress.

Analilia Mejia, a Progressive Democrat, Wins Mikie Sherrill’s House Seat

Ms. Mejia, who helped run Sen. Bernie Sanders’s presidential campaign, beat her Republican opponent, Joe Hathaway, to win a seat Ms. Sherrill vacated after she was elected governor of New Jersey.

See more U.S. news

Politics

Jesus Memes, Threats and a War in Iran: A Portrait of Trump Under Pressure

President Trump has lashed out at enemies, allies and even the pope, and made it harder for Republicans to keep the focus on economic issues in a midterm election year.

Hegseth Again Threatens Attacks on Iran’s Civilian Infrastructure

The U.S. blockade of shipments through the Strait of Hormuz would last “for as long as it takes,” the defense secretary said.

White House Declines to Offer Congress an Estimate of Iran War Cost

Russell T. Vought, the White House budget director, said the fluctuating nature of the U.S.-Israeli war made it difficult to pinpoint expenses.

See more political news

Business

Pentagon Seeks Help From Ford and G.M.

Concerned about the slow pace and high cost of weapons production, Pentagon officials have begun talks with General Motors and Ford Motor about producing certain parts.

Reed Hastings to Step Down as Netflix Chair

The co-founder of the streaming giant will leave its board in June, the company said.

NPR Receives $113 Million From 2 Gifts

The donations, from the philanthropist Connie Ballmer and an anonymous donor, will support the network’s long-term strategy.

See more business news

New York

Mamdani’s Tax Return: $1,600 From Rapping and $131,000 From Politics

In their 2025 joint tax return, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, reported a combined income of roughly $145,000, including about $10,000 that she earned from art work.