MAHA Moms Turn Against Trump, and More States Rush to Limit Transgender Rights

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:00:10 +0000)

Plus, your Friday news quiz.

U.S. Economy Grew Modestly at End of 2025

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:05:21 +0000)

Gross domestic product expanded at a 1.4 percent annual rate in the last quarter of the year, hit by the effects of the government shutdown.

Can an A.I. Productivity Boom Clear a Path for More Rate Cuts? Trump’s Fed Pick Thinks So.

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 13:47:16 +0000)

As Federal Reserve chair, Kevin M. Warsh may face a tough task persuading his colleagues to lower borrowing costs because of potential productivity gains.

Mixed Signals Churn Stock Market Despite Recent Highs

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:04:27 +0000)

Major indexes have mostly been treading water for months, as investors’ exuberance for artificial intelligence wears off.

Trump Has a Head-Spinning Day, but Republicans Want Him to Focus

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 01:26:41 +0000)

President Trump’s advisers want him to lock down a message on the economy that will resonate ahead of the midterms. But Mr. Trump is never one to stay on message.

Trump Says He Will Release Files on Aliens and U.F.O.s

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 04:05:11 +0000)

President Trump had lashed out at former President Barack Obama earlier Thursday for telling a podcaster that aliens were real.

With ‘Tremendous’ Deals at Stake, Trump Is Bringing Russia in From the Cold

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 01:15:17 +0000)

Since President Trump took office more than a year ago, the Kremlin has dangled possible investments in front of the famously transactional leader. The message is starting to resonate with investors.

A New U.S. Blockade Is Strangling Cuba

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:03:37 +0000)

An analysis of ship movements shows that the Trump administration is isolating the island at one of its most vulnerable moments.

Venezuela Passes Amnesty Bill Denounced by Some as ‘Unjust’

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 03:17:43 +0000)

The bill may bring the release of hundreds of political prisoners. But many critics say the legislation, passed after major pressure from the Trump administration, raises concerns.

Former Prince Andrew’s Arrest Upends Royal Family’s Effort to Move Past His Scandal

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:16:06 +0000)

King Charles III’s family, long rocked by infighting and grievous losses, is facing what could be the gravest threat to its moral authority in more than a generation.

British Police Search Mansion Used by Former Prince Andrew

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 13:26:02 +0000)

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who is being investigated on suspicion of misconduct in public office, was released after an arrest that plunged the British royal family into crisis.

How The Times Made Judgment Calls on Covering the Arrest

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 03:58:27 +0000)

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, then released hours later. Two Times reporters explain how they are covering the unprecedented moment.

A Royal Arrest

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:54:51 +0000)

We look at the case of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

What Curling Tells Us About the Mystery of Ice

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:00:11 +0000)

Scientists are still discovering new theories on why ice is slippery. Our meteorologist Judson Jones and multimedia editor Joel Eastwood go curling to see how these theories could help Olympians achieve gold medals.

Head of Russia’s Antidoping Agency Was Involved in 2014 Doping Scheme, Whistle-Blower Claims

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:00:43 +0000)

The accusation surfaced as Russia tries to re-establish its Olympics eligibility.

Two Sisters Died in Tahoe Area Avalanche During Trek With Friends

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 04:29:22 +0000)

Families and friends of the women, many from the Bay Area, confirmed their identities. The women went on regular trips to the Tahoe region and were experienced skiers, the families said.

Was Anyone at Fault in Sierra Nevada Avalanche Deaths?

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:04:18 +0000)

Few laws govern backcountry skiing in California. Experts say that people engage in the sport at their own risk, but guides have responsibilities to keep clients safe.

Why the United States Is Seeing an Ongoing Tourism Slump

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:39:16 +0000)

Last year, the U.S. was the only major destination to see a decline in international travelers. With increased scrutiny at the border, ICE violence and unpredictable policies, the new year isn’t looking better.

Ukrainian Women Tell Their Stories of Sexual Violence by Russian Soldiers

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:01:12 +0000)

Hundreds of Ukrainian women and girls have reported sexual violence by Russian troops during the four-year war in Ukraine.

Eric Dane, McSteamy on ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ Dies at 53 After Battling ALS

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:27:10 +0000)

His breakout role came in 2006 as the handsome Dr. Mark Sloan, nicknamed McSteamy, the head of plastic surgery at a Seattle hospital. He died 10 months after announcing his A.L.S. diagnosis.

Last Group of Striking N.Y.C. Nurses Reaches Tentative Deal With Hospital

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 13:47:39 +0000)

The agreement with NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia hospital will still need to be ratified by rank-and-file members.

South Texas Democrats Will Steer Party’s Direction, Left or Center

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:00:58 +0000)

Like many Democratic primaries, the fight for the right to challenge a Republican House member in the Rio Grande Valley comes down to a choice, shift left or choose the party’s favorite for November.

Long Before ‘The Pitt,’ There Was the Freedom House

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:57:45 +0000)

Freedom House Ambulance Service in Pittsburgh, a pioneer in emergency care, was largely forgotten. Now, members of Congress want to honor it.

He Was a Climate Activist. One Day, the F.B.I. Came Knocking.

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 08:00:06 +0000)

As the Trump administration cracks down on climate change activism, members of environmental groups like Extinction Rebellion fear they are being targeted.

The 2028 Democratic Presidential Contenders, Ranked by Nate Silver

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:02:27 +0000)

On the lookout for electoral overperformers.

Who Has the Power in Trump’s White House?

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:09:30 +0000)

The Atlantic staff writers Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer explain how Trump’s White House works.

Stephen Colbert Balks at Trump’s Board of Peace

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 07:19:15 +0000)

“The Late Show” host called the group “kind of like the U.N., except instead of passing binding resolutions, you pass a greasy bag of money to Donald Trump.”

Another Winter Storm Could Hit the Northeast This Weekend

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:30:05 +0000)

There’s a lot of hype, but not a lot of certainty among forecasters yet. Here are three scenarios to watch.

How China Is Stoking Fear About Travel to Japan

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:15:17 +0000)

From earthquake warnings to bear attack alerts, Beijing is deploying a campaign of exaggeration and disinformation to punish Tokyo’s support for Taiwan.

A Makeup Ban in Syria for Women in Government and Public Sector Stirs Outrage

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:00:18 +0000)

A provincial governor wants to prohibit women in government and public sector jobs from wearing makeup, stirring outrage and many, many memes.

An Enemy’s Fall Frees Up South Korea’s Leader. Now Comes the Tough Part.

(Fri, 20 Feb 2026 08:53:03 +0000)

President Lee Jae Myung gained legitimacy from his predecessor’s conviction​. But South Korea’s political polarization is caustic, and could get worse.