Today's Headlines: U.S. Intelligence Shows Iran Retains Substantial Missile Capabilities
Trump’s Shrinking Ambitions on China
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The New York Times
Today's Headlines
May 13, 2026, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

U.S. Intelligence Shows Iran Retains Substantial Missile Capabilities

Secret new assessments say Iran has operational access to 30 of its 33 missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that its military remains far stronger than President Trump has asserted.

Trump’s Shrinking Ambitions on China

The president came into office planning harsher trade moves on China than on the rest of the world. Here’s why he’s had to scale them back.

In Heated Exchanges, Kash Patel Denies Lying and Excessive Drinking

The remarks, at a hearing ostensibly about the coming budget for law enforcement agencies, veered from sedate exchanges about operational matters to ugly personal confrontations.

World

Britain Has Had 5 Leaders in a Decade. Is It About to Get Another?

The promise of Keir Starmer’s Labour Party in 2024 was renewed stability — but that now appears to be under threat.

The Lecturer and Philosopher King: Xi Jinping Behind Closed Doors

Encounters with other world leaders reveal a side of China’s leader that the public rarely sees, and offer clues to how he will approach President Trump in Beijing.

Princess of Wales to Make First Official Trip Abroad Since Cancer Diagnosis

Catherine will visit Reggio Emilia, an Italian city celebrated for its approach to early childhood education.

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U.S.

As Becerra Rises in Polls, He Draws Fire for Trying to Direct Interview

“This is not a ‘gotcha’ piece, right?” the leading Democratic candidate for California governor asked a television reporter before an interview.

Nebraska Democrats Nominate Ex-Legislator for Governor’s Race

Democrats face an uphill fight as they seek to unseat Gov. Jim Pillen, who is running for another term in the solidly Republican state.

In San Francisco, the Tents of Homeless People Are Disappearing

Mayor Daniel Lurie and city leaders have enforced bans on camping and moved people off sidewalks to reduce visible homelessness. Critics say too many homeless people are housed in jail.

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Politics

4 Takeaways From Tuesday’s Primaries in Nebraska and West Virginia

Democrats in Nebraska appear headed toward the Senate matchup they want, while their primary for a key House district was too close to call.

Europe Tries a Trumpian Tactic With Trump: No Apologies

Stuck with the fallout from America’s war in Iran, European leaders have criticized the president publicly. When he’s been angered, they haven’t backed down.

A Racist Remark About Jeffries Sets Off Democratic Anger in Virginia

Representative Jen Kiggans, a Republican in a tough re-election fight, faced criticism after she agreed with comments by a local radio host that included a racist line about Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic minority leader.

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Business

Inflation Accelerates After Weeks of War in Iran

The Consumer Price Index rose 3.8% in April from a year earlier as higher energy costs replaced tariffs as the driver of higher prices for Americans.

How China Could Wield Its Control of Rare Earths Against Trump

A central question hanging over the summit this week is whether China will agree to extend a temporary postponement of even tougher rare-earth export controls.

Streaming, Toilet Paper, Underwear: Subscription Fatigue Is Setting In

As companies look to build cash flow and loyalty, everything from heated car seats to earthworm deliveries can become a recurring charge on your credit card.

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Technology

Will Trump and Xi Try to Slow the A.I. Arms Race?

The leaders of both countries are expected to discuss the risks from artificial intelligence, but neither country is willing to be the first to slow down.

Musk Lawyer’s Question for Sam Altman on the Stand: Are You Trustworthy?

Mr. Altman, the C.E.O. of OpenAI, said on Tuesday that he worried Elon Musk wanted control of the A.I. lab.

Anthropic in Talks to Raise Funding at a $950 Billion Valuation

The start-up, which recently released a powerful A.I. model called Mythos and is separately battling with the Pentagon, was previously valued at $380 billion.

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New York

Tossed Cigarette Sparked Deadly Manhattan Fire, Prosecutors Say

Victor Arias, 29, was charged with starting a blaze that killed three people after prosecutors said he tossed a cigarette into a pile of cardboard boxes in the lobby of his apartment building.

How Mamdani and Hochul Are Solving New York City’s Budget Crisis

A generous influx of state resources from Gov. Kathy Hochul and a new tax on luxury second homes will help Mayor Zohran Mamdani balance a $125 billion budget.

N.Y.C. Hospital Is Subpoenaed Over Trans Youth Health Care

The action, initiated by the U.S. attorney’s office in North Texas, could set up a showdown between NYU Langone and the Justice Department.

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Arts

That Wig, Those Splits: Broadway Scene Stealers, Tonys Edition

Here are some of the brilliant moments our writers can’t shake from this year’s batch of Tony-nominated productions.