Today's Headlines: Bombs, Bargains and Bluster: Trump’s Iran Approach Sows Confusion

May 29, 2026, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

World

Europe Is Edging Closer to a Trade War With China. Here’s Why.

As cheap goods pour in, threatening the continent’s manufacturing sector, a search for solutions is becoming increasingly urgent.

Why Peter Thiel Is Decamping to the End of the World

The billionaire’s new roots in Argentina are said to be partly motivated by concerns about the future of the United States and shared beliefs with Argentina’s right-wing leader.

The Man Turning the Cockroach Into a Gen-Z Movement in India

Abhijeet Dipke’s “Cockroach Janta Party” has emerged as the unexpected voice of young people feeling let down by the government and struggling to find jobs.

See more world news

U.S.

Blue Origin Rocket Blows Up on Florida Launchpad During Test

The rocket, built by the Jeff Bezos-owned space company, was to carry 48 satellites into space. Blue Origin reported on social media that “all personnel have been accounted for.”

After Explosion, Mourning Mixes With Dread Over a Paper Mill’s Future

The disaster at the mill in Longview, Wash., which took at least eight lives, was greeted with sadness but not surprise by a community that knew cutbacks and other pressures had raised risks.

Suit Says Black Infants Were Subjected to Experimental Vaccine Without Consent

The babies were part of a vaccine trial for a respiratory virus in the 1960s and died shortly after. Their families said they had been unaware of the trial until recently.

See more U.S. news

Politics

A Draft U.S.-Iran Plan Is Said to Be on the Table. Here’s What to Know.

U.S. and Iranian officials say they are closing in on the terms of a preliminary agreement. Yet sticking points, particularly over the Strait of Hormuz, remain.

‘Both Parties Kind of Get It Wrong’: The Young Men Who May Swing the Midterms

Many Gen Z men who voted for Donald Trump are dismayed by his time in office. But they say they are not hearing an appealing pitch from Democrats, either.

Iran, Gas Prices, the Ballroom: Trump Professes Indifference Over Fallout

President Trump has increasingly adopted a posture of nonchalance when pushed on the political consequences of his actions.

See more political news

Business

ABC Accuses Trump Administration of Threatening Its Broadcast Licenses

The TV network slammed the Federal Communications Commission, saying the regulator was targeting its station licenses in a campaign of “unconstitutional retaliation.”

Treasury Prepares to Make Trump the Face of a New $250 Bill

Treasury Secretary Bessent backed the idea, which would require legislation allowing a living person to appear on currency.

Washington Now Has Not 1 but 2 ‘Star’ News Outlets

First, The Star was born. Now, The Washington Star is reborn. Both are hoping to win readers ceded by recent layoffs at The Washington Post.

See more business news

Technology

Anthropic Tops OpenAI to Become the World’s Most Valuable A.I. Start-Up

Anthropic raised $65 billion in new fund-raising that put its value at $900 billion, ahead of OpenAI’s last valuation of $730 billion, as the companies duel for A.I. dominance.

A.I. Is Making Scams Hard to Spot. Here’s How to Protect Yourself.

A criminal could be masquerading as a celebrity, web store or family member asking for your money. Detecting scams requires a new approach.

I Tried to Sell My House With a Chatbot

Over five frantic days, I gambled my family’s life savings on a hunch that A.I. could outperform a real estate agent.

See more technology news

New York

Mamdani Vowed to Back Espaillat. Now He’s Endorsing a D.S.A. Challenger.

The mayor announced his support for Darializa Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist challenging Representative Adriano Espaillat in an Upper Manhattan House primary.