Today's Headlines: New Round of U.S.-Iran Talks Set to Start in Switzerland
Trump, Claiming Vandalism, Says Reflecting Pool Will Likely Need to Be Drained
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The New York Times
Today's Headlines
June 21, 2026, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

Mideast Live Updates: New Round of U.S.-Iran Talks Set to Start in Switzerland

Vice President JD Vance was expected to meet with Iranian negotiators. But the conflict in Lebanon threatens efforts to reach a broader peace and keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

Trump, Claiming Vandalism, Says Reflecting Pool Will Likely Need to Be Drained

The pool has taken on clouds of algae after a hasty renovation. A three-time Olympian was charged with destroying government property after he says he touched one of the strands of blue paint peeling off the pool’s bottom.

These 8 Americans Shaped History. We Just Don’t Agree on How.

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, The Times consulted scholars across the country to identify historical figures who influenced the United States — and whose legacies remain debated.

World

Britain Is Set to Test How Far Charisma Can Shift Electoral Dynamics

The governing Labour Party may oust Prime Minister Keir Starmer in favor of the more popular Andy Burnham — who will still face all the same challenges.

Luxury Kushner Project Collides With Albanian Discontent

Protests in Albania against plans for a luxury tourist site have become a cause célèbre for opponents of President Trump and his family. But the politics are local.

​A 175-Year-Old Shipwreck, Lots of Booze and an Island’s Quest to Survive

A South Korean island is reviving a long‑forgotten episode involving a French whaler as a wine festival, in an effort to stay relevant.

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U.S.

What We Know About the Los Angeles Warehouse Fire

The fire began in a cold-storage facility in the Boyle Heights neighborhood and was still burning on Saturday, prompting a local emergency declaration.

‘Agonizing for Everyone’: After IVF Mix-up, Birthing Couple Keeps Baby

One Florida couple discovered the baby they birthed did not come from their embryo, but they will retain custody in an agreement with the biological couple.

Can a Seller of Yesterday’s News Avoid Becoming It? A Newsstand in D.C. Tries.

The Newsroom, overflowing with magazines and newspapers on mismatched shelves, has endured as a symbol of a different Washington.

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Politics

No End in Sight for U.S. Military Mission Along Border With Mexico

The patrols have helped push cartels and smugglers into more remote areas. But analysts have voiced concerns that the border missions will distract from training, drain resources and undermine readiness.

Disability Groups Fear RFK Jr.’s New Special Education Role

Alienated by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s claims about autism, advocates for disabled students are sounding the alarm about the Trump administration's shifting special education programs to his department.

Arizona Democrat’s Tough Past Fuels Pitch for a Key House Seat

JoAnna Mendoza, a Democrat challenging Representative Juan Ciscomani in a tossup district, is leaning into her painful and unique life story to appeal to voters.

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Business

Mines, Logistics and Deep Uncertainty Threaten a Middle East Oil Rebound

More oil is getting out of the Persian Gulf, but the region’s producers are looking for signs that it is safe as they ramp up plans for alternative routes.

Good News: Egg Prices Are Down. Bad News: They’re Hurting Farmers.

An oversupply of hens has lowered wholesale egg prices. But consumers may not reap the full benefits because of producer contracts and higher costs.

The Giant Test Kitchen Where Cooks Battle A.I. Slop

People Inc., the home of Food & Wine and Southern Living, publishes more food content than anyone else. It’s pushing back against the bots with recipes from its culinary hub.

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New York

A 1973 Knicks Championship Banner and a Childhood Friendship Endure

Two retired New York City Sanitation Department workers, friends since grade school, dusted off a celebratory banner they carried in 1973, the last time the Knicks won a championship.

Former Gotti Associate Turned Councilman Arrested in Loan Scheme

John Alite, a borough council member in Englishtown, N.J., since 2025, had in recent years established himself as a man who learned from his mistakes.

The Remains of 3 People Are Found in Foreclosed House After Its Sale

The house in Connecticut had not been inspected before a winning bid was made at an auction, according to court records. The buyer discovered the bodies after entering the premises.

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Arts

Dad Movies for the Ages

What is it about a certain kind of film that appeals to fathers? Our writer took a stab at defining Dad Cinema and rounding up its greatest hits.

The Newest Wing in the City’s Oldest Museum Celebrates Democracy

The New York Historical’s expansive Tang Wing highlights the role of protest for America’s 250th anniversary.

‘Obsession’ Is a Surprise Blockbuster. Who Gets the Profits?

As the breakout horror hit crosses $300 million at the global box office, its art director set off a debate about just compensation for crew members.

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Books

Why Is It So Bad to Let A.I. Do My Thinking for Me?

In “The Reverse Centaur’s Guide to Life After AI,” the renowned tech critic Cory Doctorow tries to find a good way to coexist with artificial intelligence.

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Well