Today's Headlines: Emergency Food, TB Tests and H.I.V. Drugs: Vital Health Aid Remains Frozen Despite Court Ruling
With Coffins and Taunts, Hamas Hands Dead Hostages to Israel
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The New York Times
Today's Headlines

February 21, 2025, 4:10 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

Emergency Food, TB Tests and H.I.V. Drugs: Vital Health Aid Remains Frozen Despite Court Ruling

The Trump administration appears to be flouting a judge’s order pausing the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D.

With Coffins and Taunts, Hamas Hands Dead Hostages to Israel

Hamas said it handed over four hostages to Israel in a display a senior U.N. official called “abhorrent and cruel.” Israel later said only three bodies belonged to captives.

Trump Dismantles Government Fight Against Foreign Influence Operations

Dozens of employees who had been working to fight foreign interference in U.S. elections have been reassigned or forced out, according to current and former officials.

Editors’ Picks

Being George Clooney Is Harder Than It Looks

He is making his Broadway debut with a stage version of his 2005 movie “Good Night, and Good Luck.” He’s ready, but also terrified.

Opinion | Thomas Friedman on Trump’s Desire to Be President for Life

The president wants to create a revolution abroad. This Opinion columnist would love to see a plan.

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World

Bucha Has a Question: Does Trump Remember the Russian Massacre?

Residents of a Ukrainian suburb that was the site of notorious attacks on civilians after Russia invaded are alarmed by President Trump’s warm words for Moscow.

Promised Closure, Israel Awakes to New Shock in Bibas Family Tragedy

Hamas released what it said were the remains of Shiri Bibas and her two young children. But none of the returned bodies were a match for Ms. Bibas, according to the Israeli military.

Multiple Bus Explosions in Israel Put Country on Terrorism Alert

The attempted attacks on Thursday, which injured no one but shut down buses and trains across the country, came amid Israel’s ongoing raids in the West Bank and as its cease-fire with Hamas in Gaza nears its end.

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U.S.

Trump Administration Abruptly Clears Out Migrants It Sent to Guantánamo

A transfer operation on Thursday repatriated 177 Venezuelans via a handoff in Honduras, while one migrant was brought back to U.S. soil.

Trump Cuts Protections for Haitians, Putting Them on Track for Deportation

The decision is the latest in President Trump’s sweeping crackdown on immigrants, including people whom the Biden administration had authorized to remain in the country.

Former N.F.L. Player Is Arrested After Protest Over MAGA Plaque

Chris Kluwe, a former punter for the Vikings, was arrested after speaking at a City Council meeting in Huntington Beach, Calif.

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Politics

McConnell Announces He Won’t Seek Re-election

The former Senate Republican leader had been widely expected to retire at the end of his term. He made it official on his 83rd birthday, after a recent run of opposing President Trump’s nominees.

Senate Confirms Patel as Next F.B.I. Director

The vote puts Kash Patel in charge of the country’s premier law enforcement agency.

What 11 Black Voters Think About Trump’s Actions in His First Month

Many Black Americans were frustrated by the Trump administration’s targeting of D.E.I. programs. But others embraced the speed at which he moved.

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Business

Does Elon Musk Still Care About Selling Cars?

Mr. Musk, one of President Trump’s main advisers, has not outlined a plan to reverse falling sales at the electric car company of which he is chief executive.

Why Trump’s Clean Energy Rollbacks Could Derail a Factory Boom

With the Trump administration reversing support for low-carbon power, the business case for making wind, solar and electric vehicle parts gets weaker.

Walmart Racks Up Sales Record but Sees Slower Growth Ahead

The retail giant continues to attract shoppers from across the income spectrum, but faces headwinds from stubborn inflation and the risk of tariffs.

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Technology

A.I. Is Changing How Silicon Valley Builds Start-Ups

Tech start-ups typically raised huge sums to hire armies of workers and grow fast. Now artificial intelligence tools are making workers more productive and spurring tales of “tiny team” success.

A.I. Is Prompting an Evolution, Not Extinction, for Coders

A.I. tools from Microsoft and other companies are helping write code, placing software engineers at the forefront of the technology’s potential to disrupt the work force.

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Arts

Why Did It Take a Fire for the World to Learn of Altadena’s Black Arts Legacy?

As Frieze Los Angeles shines a spotlight on art in the city, one community, long facing institutional apathy, calls for marking its memories in the public mind.

Barnes & Noble Widow to Auction $250 Million Art Collection

Louise Riggio is downsizing her Manhattan apartment, which means selling more than 30 works by artists including Mondrian, Magritte and Picasso.

Brooklyn Academy of Music President Steps Down

In the latest leadership shake-up, Gina Duncan will leave when her contract expires in June, after three years in the job.

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