Today's Headlines: After Russian Diesel Deal, Trump Faces New Crisis Over Ukraine
Inside Elon Musk’s $276 Million Midterm Rescue Mission for Republicans
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The New York Times
Today's Headlines
October 13, 2026, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

After Russian Diesel Deal, Trump Faces New Crisis Over Ukraine

President Trump’s surprise decision to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel fuel stunned Ukrainian and European officials, who were meeting with U.S. envoys at an exclusive golf club near Miami.

The Taliban Are Using Europe’s Fear of Migrants to Their Advantage

European nations that condemn the Taliban government for its human rights record are seeking its help to deport refugees back to Afghanistan.

World

NATO Details Plan to Shield Ukraine’s European Allies From Russia

With the Russians intensifying sabotage, arson and cyberattacks against European nations supporting Ukraine, NATO divulged a blueprint, in case of war, to deter the Kremlin.

Macron Dreamed of Reviving France, but His Term Is Ending in Crisis

Nearly a decade after his first election as president, Emmanuel Macron is presiding over a tense country sliding toward the fiscal brink.

This Copper Mine Led to a Civil War. Can Reopening It Fund a New Nation?

Rising demand for copper has fueled interest in Bougainville’s Panguna mine, which has been shut for four decades. Yet some fear a rush to reopen risks return to violence.

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U.S.

How California Is Using A.I. and Cameras to Stop Wildfires

A roving crew of California firefighters is installing cameras in some of the highest, craggiest sites in the state — all to get an early warning of a potentially deadly blaze.

In Grief, a Mother Asks Strangers to ‘Sit Here’ at a Ballgame

Rhenda Strub invited strangers to accompany her to Seattle Mariners games this season to help overcome the loneliness of grieving for her son’s death.

Calls Show How Confusion Delayed Emergency Response for Christa Pike

The first 911 call from inside the prison was made at 8:40 p.m. It took about 30 minutes to verify its authenticity.

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Politics

Democrats Tie Corruption to High Costs in Final Midterms Push

Party leaders are working to connect Washington profiteering and the influence of billionaires and corporate America to affordability, in what they hope will be a potent closing message.

Republicans Promoted a False Rumor That James Talarico Was in Ohio

The Democratic nominee for Senate in Texas spent nine days off the trail with what he and his campaign said was a bad case of the flu. His opponents fueled rumors, including one that spread widely before it was debunked.

Homeland Security Agents Search Home of Rep. Ilhan Omar

The search takes place within the 60-day window of the midterm elections, when the Justice Department has historically avoided such investigative steps related to political candidates.

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Business

I.M.F. Warns Mideast War Will Widen Gap Between Rich and Poor Countries

Persistent conflicts, high energy costs and technological upheavals will slow global growth and raise prices, the organization forecast.

How American Retirees on Different Incomes Rely on Social Security

Social Security funds are on track to run short by 2032, which would mean a reduction in benefits. Here’s how four hypothetical households rely on the program in retirement.

FIFA’s Trump Tower Deal: 7 Years, $4 Million, One Mostly Unused Office

The deal is another sign of how Gianni Infantino, the leader of soccer’s global governing body, has sought closer ties to President Trump.

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Technology

Meta Unveils New Series of Advanced A.I. Models

The new models, Muse Wonder and Muse Wonder Full, are meant to compete with cutting-edge A.I. models from rivals like Anthropic and OpenAI.

What a Year of Free Money Meant: Softer Diapers, Clean Laundry, a Visit to Six Flags

For more than a year, The New York Times followed recipients of universal basic income programs, which Elon Musk and other tech leaders have promoted as a solution to A.I.-fueled job losses.

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New York

Blakeman Launches Graphic Attack on Mamdani in Meeting With Hasidic Jews

While seeking support from Hasidic leaders, the Republican candidate for governor, Bruce Blakeman, said Mayor Zohran Mamdani would not act if riots hit their community.

In Response to Fatal Shooting, Mamdani Unveils N.Y.P.D. Changes

The accountability measures follow the retirement of an officer who was facing a disciplinary trial for excessive force in the death of 19-year-old Win Rozario in 2024.

How a Book Editor Lives on $74,000 in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn

Mo Crist has three family goals, but financing them is a tricky proposition in an expensive city like New York.

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Arts

Russell Brand’s Rape and Sexual Assault Trial: What to Know

The YouTuber, comedian and actor’s trial began on Monday. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.

Shane Gillis Faces Backlash Over ‘S.N.L.’ Monologue

“I’m speechless that something like that can exist on live national television,” the actor Dan Levy said on Instagram in a reaction to the comic’s jokes about women.

The Berlin Philharmonic Is Brilliant. It Could Be Even Better.

At Carnegie Hall, this orchestra gave gobsmacking performances of the classics. If only it could show some of the creativity it has at home.

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Books

We Should Have Been Talking About Barbara Trapido All Along

Her 1982 novel “Brother of the More Famous Jack” is a pocket classic about a young woman who falls in with a raucous family.