Today's Headlines: Zohran Mamdani Is Sworn In as Mayor of New York City
Trump Vetoes 2 Bills, Drawing Accusations of Retaliation
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The New York Times
Today's Headlines

January 1, 2026, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

Zohran Mamdani Is Sworn In as Mayor of New York City

Zohran Mamdani officially took office as mayor after the New Year’s Eve ball drop, in a private ceremony held at a shuttered relic of the city’s subway.

Trump Abandons Efforts to Deploy National Guard to 3 Major Cities

The troops had nearly no presence in two of the cities, Portland and Chicago. But the decision signaled a retreat, at least for now, in one of the president’s most audacious attempts to test his power.

Coast Guard Searches for Survivors After More Boat Strikes

The U.S. military attacked a convoy of three boats in the eastern Pacific on Tuesday, and two more on Wednesday, as part of the Trump administration’s campaign against people suspected of drug trafficking.

World

Suicide Bomber in Syria Kills Security Officer in New Year’s Eve Attack

The attacker likely had links to the Islamic State and was possibly targeting a Christian church in the center of Aleppo, according to a government spokesman.

Venezuela Detains Americans Amid Growing U.S. Pressure

The number of American citizens held in Venezuela has grown since the start of the U.S. military and economic campaign against President Nicolás Maduro.

Most of Iran Shuts Down as Government Grapples With Protests and Economy

Amid mounting street protests, businesses, universities and government offices stayed closed Wednesday under government orders, in 21 of 31 provinces, including Tehran.

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U.S.

Appeals Court Orders End to Trump’s Command of California National Guard

The ruling is a win for Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has vigorously opposed President Trump’s moves to control California’s National Guard since the summer.

Georgia Judge Dismisses Racketeering Charges Against ‘Cop City’ Activists

Dozens of protesters had been indicted after the state attorney general said that their movement amounted to a violent criminal enterprise.

Federal Judge Blocks Trump Move to Revoke Deportation Protection for Thousands of Migrants

The ruling found that the administration’s cancellation of the protections for migrants from Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua was illegal.

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Politics

In Hearing Transcript, Jack Smith Defends Decision to Indict Trump

The former special counsel accused President Trump of “exploiting” violence on Jan. 6, 2021, according to an interview released by House Republicans.

Trump Vetoes 2 Bills, Drawing Accusations of Retaliation

The president said he blocked the bills to save taxpayers’ money. But he has grievances against a tribe in Florida and officials in Colorado.

In Chief Justice’s Annual Report, a History Lesson and Embrace of Independence

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. did not directly address the tensions between the Trump administration and federal judges who have blocked the president’s agenda.

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Business

How Japanese Scallops Became a Pawn in Diplomatic Tensions With China

Beijing is using a ban on the humble mollusk to punish Japan over its apparent willingness to defend Taiwan.

Stocks Overcame a Long List of Worries to Gain in 2025. A.I. Helped a Lot.

The S&P 500 gained 16.4 percent this year. But dependence on artificial intelligence remains a risk for 2026.

Inside China’s Six-Decade Campaign to Dominate Rare Earths

From Deng Xiaoping to Xi Jinping, generations of Communist Party bosses and military leaders invested in a strategic but heavily polluting industry.

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New York

Revelers Crowd Into Times Square to Ring in 2026

The New Year’s Eve celebration drew spectators from around the world to New York City, despite cold and blustery weather.

Historic Snowstorm Blankets Syracuse Just in Time for the New Year

Syracuse, N.Y., has received nearly twice its usual monthly amount of snow in December.

Mamdani Reverses Call to End Mayoral Control of Public Schools

The mayor-elect’s turnaround came as he selected Kamar Samuels to lead New York City’s school system at a precarious moment.

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Arts

The Top Movies of 2025, According to Times Readers

We asked you to vote on the best films of the year. The results ranged from big box office hits to small art-house indies.

The Best Movies and TV Shows Coming to Netflix in January

The first month of 2026 includes the latest Harlan Coben adaptation and the return of “Bridgerton.”

T Magazine’s Most-Read Art and Culture Features From 2025

A look at Japan’s microseasons, a retrospective on Gen X and more: These were readers’ 15 favorite stories.

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Food

Hoppin’ John, Coconut Saag and Golden Potato and Greens Soup

Lively, lovely recipes to kick off the new year.

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Science