Today's Headlines: Vaccine Makers Curtail Research and Cut Jobs
Los Angeles Mayor Says Chairman of 2028 Olympics Should Resign
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The New York Times
Today's Headlines

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

Top News

Vaccine Makers Curtail Research and Cut Jobs

Federal policies under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that are hostile to vaccines have “sent a chill through the entire industry,” one scientist said.

Los Angeles Mayor Says Chairman of 2028 Olympics Should Resign

The chairman, Casey Wasserman, has faced criticism ever since his name surfaced in the Epstein files. Mayor Karen Bass is the latest official to call on him to step down.

U.S. and Iran Gear Up for Nuclear Talks Amid Rising Tensions

President Trump has called on Iran to reach an immediate accord or else face the threat of a possible U.S. attack.

World

In Iran, Slain Protesters’ Memorials Will Test State Crackdown

Ceremonies commemorating the 40 days after protesters were killed are planned this week, challenging the authorities’ ability to restrain them.

Ukraine and Russia Are Holding Peace Talks, but Expectations Are Low

Both sides described previous U.S.-mediated negotiations as productive, although they did not appear to address sticking points like territory and security guarantees.

Questions Swirl Around Russian Figure Skater in Her Olympic Debut

Adeliia Petrosian, 18, has the résumé of a medal contender — and ties to coaches and a skater who were at the center of a doping scandal at the last Winter Games.

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U.S.

Teacher Killed in Crash After Man Fled in Car From ICE, Police Say

The man, who federal officials said had entered the United States illegally, was arrested and charged with first-degree homicide after the crash in Savannah, Ga., according to the county police.

2 Killed in Shooting at High School Hockey Game in Rhode Island

The shooter was also dead, apparently by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the authorities said. The shooting, which the police described as a “targeted event,” happened at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.

Progress in Guthrie Case Is Fitful as Search Enters Its Third Week

Late-night bursts of activity have yielded few visible results as investigators hunt for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of a “Today” show host. The sheriff said Monday that her children and their spouses are not suspects.

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Politics

After First Big Overseas Trip, Ocasio-Cortez Expresses Frustrations

The congresswoman argued in an interview that presidential speculation, which included scrutiny of her slip-ups, had overshadowed her anti-authoritarian message at the Munich Security Conference.

Judge Orders Trump Administration to Restore Displays About Slavery at Washington’s House

The judge said the government did not have the power to erase or alter historical truths after the administration took down displays about slavery at the President’s House Site in Philadelphia.

Tom Pritzker, Citing Epstein Connection, Steps Down as Hyatt’s Executive Chairman

The member of a prominent and wealthy family, Mr. Pritzker was in regular contact with the financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

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Business

Anderson Cooper to Leave ‘60 Minutes’ on CBS

Mr. Cooper said in a statement that he was leaving as a correspondent for the show to focus on his CNN program and spend more time with his children.

The Quiet Architect of Trump’s Global Trade War

Jamieson Greer, a low-key lawyer from a working-class background, is rewriting the rules of the global economy at the president’s behest.

How a Trump Tax Break Rescued Horse Racing

Owners spent nearly $1.5 billion last year on racehorses, a big increase over 2024. A new tax provision allows them to immediately deduct the full cost of the purchase.

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New York

Columbia Punishes 2 Who Helped Epstein’s Girlfriend Enter Dental College

The release of documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein has sent ripples through the worlds of business, politics and academia, including at Columbia, where he helped his girlfriend gain entry.

New York Needs Lifeguards. Would These Teens Make the Cut?

To qualify for a job patrolling the city’s beaches and pools, candidates must swim 50 yards in 50 seconds or less.

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Arts

Why an A.I. Video of Tom Cruise Battling Brad Pitt Spooked Hollywood

A 15-second clip created by an artificial intelligence tool owned by the Chinese technology company ByteDance appears more cinematic than anything so far.

Nobody Watched People the Way Frederick Wiseman Did

For more than 50 years, the influential documentarian found inspiration in filming the ways his ordinary subjects lived their lives.

Robert Duvall: A Life in Pictures

The actor, who had a knack for embodying a wealth of varied characters, had a sprawling and celebrated career.

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Food

Dinner Is Being Recorded, Whether You Know It or Not

As Meta smart glasses capture scenes in restaurants for social media, service workers and customers are becoming captive participants.

Dumpling Week Is Back. These Five Recipes Will Get You Cooking.

Our annual tribute to one of everyone’s favorite foods returns, with all-new ways to get you pinching and pleating.

How to Host an Unforgettable Dumpling Party

Four expert tips turn prep work into a major part of the fun.