Today's Headlines: Justice Department to Investigate Epstein Ties, but Not to Trump
Trump Escalates Pressure on Venezuela, but Endgame Is Unclear
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The New York Times
Today's Headlines

November 15, 2025, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

Justice Department to Investigate Epstein Ties, but Not to Trump

President Trump ordered the Justice Department to investigate the dealings of Democrats with Jeffrey Epstein, after a week in which his own relationship with the convicted sex offender was in the spotlight.

Trump Escalates Pressure on Venezuela, but Endgame Is Unclear

President Trump’s aides have provided conflicting accounts of what, exactly, they are seeking to achieve, as America’s largest aircraft carrier heads toward the Caribbean region.

The Strategic Uncoupling of Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander

Mr. Lander, the New York City comptroller, campaigned with Mr. Mamdani and once hoped to join him in City Hall. Now he is eyeing a congressional seat.

World

Fuel Tanker Diverted in Strait of Hormuz, Raising Fears of Iranian Seizure

The ship, which was flying a Marshall Islands flag, was bound for Singapore when it lost contact with its managers and appeared headed toward Iran.

Kenyan Workers Get Abused Abroad. The President’s Family and Allies Profit.

President William Ruto’s government acts as an arm of an industry whose leaders compare women to dogs and blame them for their own abuse, a Times investigation found.

Russia Pummels Kyiv and Tries to Plunge Ukraine Into Darkness

A strike that killed six was the latest in a series of aerial assaults, many of which have targeted the power grid in an effort to deprive Ukrainians of energy as winter looms.

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U.S.

Judge Orders Trump Not to Threaten University of California’s Funding

An extraordinary rebuke to the federal government’s campaign against elite schools, the ruling could upend settlement talks with the university system.

San Francisco Mayor Has First Major Error With Embarrassing Appointment

Mayor Daniel Lurie has enjoyed strong approval ratings this year, but residents were dismayed after he appointed a city supervisor who quickly resigned after revelations emerged.

A Tiny West Wing Office Is Big on Trump Messaging

The Oval Office study has become a room for Trump merchandise.

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Politics

Trump Cuts Ties With Marjorie Taylor Greene, Calling Her ‘Wacky’

The rupture exposed the divides within President Trump’s MAGA base over the Epstein files and more.

Flight Cuts Imposed During Shutdown Will Be Reduced by Half

The leaders of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Transportation said they would continue monitoring air traffic controller staffing, which has been improving since the shutdown ended.

Trump Pulls Nominee for Top I.R.S. Lawyer

President Trump’s announcement came after the nominee, Donald L. Korb, came under fire from the far-right activist Laura Loomer on social media.

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Business

Housing Official Who Attacked Democrats Invokes a Disputed Family Legacy

The Trump nominee Bill Pulte has called out a Fed governor and New York’s attorney general for issues with their mortgage documents. Some leaders of the family’s home-building business bristle at how he has enhanced his reputation.

Disney and YouTube TV End Blackout

After a 15-day standoff, a deal cleared the way for YouTube TV to resume carrying ESPN, ABC and other Disney-owned channels.

Trump Administration Lifts Some Food Tariffs in Effort to Ease Prices

It is walking back levies on imports including beef and coffee in what critics say is an admission that tariffs raised prices in the first place.

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Arts

Want to Buy a Work of Art at Auction? Here’s What to Know.

A step-by-step guide to navigating this oft-misunderstood part of the market, with tips on getting what you want without experiencing buyer’s remorse.

‘The Seat of Our Pants’ Review: Songs for the World’s End

Ruthie Ann Miles, Shuler Hensley and Micaela Diamond lead a dream-team cast in Ethan Lipton’s musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s “The Skin of Our Teeth.”

How to Keep Opera Alive? Start Talent Young and Broaden the Stage.

A youth orchestra program for musicians as young as 8 is part of Paris Opera’s effort to widen access to the art form and secure its future.

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New York

Seneca Soldier and Statesman Can Finally Add Lawyer to His Legacy

Ely Samuel Parker, a Native American who served as an aide to Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War, was kept from practicing law during his lifetime.

ICE Scouted Site to Hold Immigrant Detainees in New York City

Federal officials explored the possibility of using a Coast Guard facility on Staten Island. The effort appears to be part of a plan to expand President Trump’s immigration crackdown.

A.I.G. Parts Ways With Incoming President Before He Assumes Role

John Neal’s withdrawal from the insurer comes as the company grapples with another high-profile departure.

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Food

How Should I Store Potatoes?

They’re an anchor of the Thanksgiving table — here’s how to buy them, then keep them for as long as possible.

These Spiced Cookies Are an Autumnal Twist on Malawian Flavors

Mbatata, a creamy variety of sweet potato, provides a comforting base for these perfectly dunkable treats.