Judge Bars ICE From Making Immigration Arrests at Courts in New York
Judge P. Kevin Castel largely barred ICE from making arrests in New York immigration courts, halting a Trump‑era policy that saw agents detaining migrants inside federal courthouses. The ruling follows a Manhattan U.S. attorney’s admission that the policy relied on a mistaken DHS memo. Immigrant‑advocacy groups argued the practice violated constitutional rights and deterred court attendance. Federal officials had defended the arrests as a safer environment for agents.
China Indicates Tariffs Were Discussed at Trump Summit
China’s Ministry of Commerce announced that the United States and China reached a preliminary agreement to reduce tariffs on a select group of products, directly contradicting President Trump’s earlier claim that tariffs were not discussed at the summit. The two...
As Powell Steps Down, the Fed Confronts ‘Regime Change’
Jerome Powell is stepping down as Federal Reserve chair after an eight‑year tenure, making way for Kevin M. Warsh, a Trump‑backed candidate who promises a "regime change" at the central bank. Warsh argues the Fed’s pandemic‑era policies sparked the worst...
How Jerome Powell Managed a Chaotic Era
Jerome Powell’s tenure as Federal Reserve chair, spanning the COVID‑19 pandemic, the Russia‑Ukraine war, and a surge in inflation, is examined in a new New York Times video. The piece highlights his aggressive rate‑hiking cycle—11 hikes that lifted the federal...
Will Trump and Xi Try to Slow the A.I. Arms Race?
President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet in Beijing this week, marking the first high‑level discussion on managing artificial‑intelligence risks. Both nations are accelerating AI‑driven weapons programs, from autonomous drones to AI‑guided cyber attacks. U.S....
Trump’s Shrinking Ambitions on China
President Trump, campaigning in 2024 on a hard‑line China trade agenda, promised tariffs of 60% and removal of WTO‑based preferences. A year into his second term, his approach has softened, with higher overall U.S. tariffs but similar levies applied to...
U.S. Intelligence Shows Iran Retains Substantial Missile Capabilities
U.S. intelligence assessments released in May 2026 show Iran still commands roughly 70 percent of its pre‑war missile stockpile and has operational access to 30 of the 33 launch sites along the Strait of Hormuz, directly contradicting President Trump’s public claims...
How the U.S. Is Trying to Ensure the Dollar’s Dominance During Economic Turmoil
The Trump administration is negotiating new dollar currency‑swap lines with Gulf and Asian partners to reinforce the greenback’s reserve‑currency status amid rising use of the renminbi and crypto for oil trade. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is leading talks with the...
Modi Urges Indians to Buy Less Gold and Skip Foreign Trips as Iran War Strains Economy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to cut spending on fuel, fertilizer, travel and gold to conserve foreign‑exchange reserves as the Iran war drives up oil costs. He warned that the rupee has lost about 10% of its value in...
The Best New York City Neighborhoods for Restaurants
The New York Times critic highlights three NYC neighborhoods where restaurants are redefining the city’s culinary map. In Queens, Elmhurst’s dense corridor of Thai, Indonesian and Taiwanese spots includes three eateries on the paper’s 100‑best list and a $15 banana‑leaf lunch at...
A List of 100 Best Restaurants? For These Marathon Eaters, It’s a Dare.
Jewelry designer Ellen Hunter set out in 2017 to eat at every Michelin‑starred restaurant in New York City, a list that then numbered 72. She completed the challenge in two years and now tracks each new star addition annually, documenting...
As Trump Heads to Beijing, China Is ‘Locked and Loaded’ for a Fight
President Trump and Xi Jinping are meeting in Beijing amid escalating economic tensions between the United States and China. Beijing has recently deployed a new legal framework to counter U.S. sanctions, blocked Meta’s purchase of a Chinese AI startup, and...
The Top Restaurant Trends in New York City for 2026
New York’s dining scene in 2026 is defined by hyper‑competitive reservation drops, mood‑setting dim lighting, and immersive bathroom experiences. Chefs are swapping traditional caviar for deep‑sea “status shrimp,” while soft‑serve and oversized desserts dominate dessert menus. Restaurants now text guests...
Trump Administration Is Considering Pausing the Federal Gas Tax to Lower Prices, Energy Secretary Says
Energy Secretary Chris Wright told NBC’s Meet the Press that the Trump administration is open to temporarily pausing the federal gasoline tax. The pause would reduce the 18‑cent per‑gallon federal levy on gasoline and the 24‑cent levy on diesel, potentially...
What to Do About the White House Correspondents Dinner After an Attack?
A gunman breached the Washington Hilton security checkpoint on April 25, forcing the abrupt shutdown of the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner attended by 2,570 guests. President Trump vowed to reschedule the event within 30 days, targeting a May 25 deadline,...
How China May Have Sought to Recruit a House Aide to Spy on the U.S.
Chinese intelligence operatives, posing as a Singapore‑based consultant named Chris Chen, offered a House committee aide $10,000 for routine updates on U.S. policy toward China. The aide reported the approach to the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party,...
Long Overlooked, Caspian Sea Provides Strategic Trade Route for Iran
Israeli jets struck Iran’s Bandar Anzali naval hub on the Caspian Sea, underscoring the waterway’s rising strategic importance. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively blocked by U.S. forces, Iran and its ally Russia have turned to the Caspian as a...
Taiwan’s Plastic Habit Collides With Shortages Caused by a Faraway War
Taiwan’s plastic sector is scrambling for feedstock after the Iran war disrupted petrochemical shipments from the Persian Gulf. Formosa Petrochemical, the island’s largest producer, imports two‑thirds of its naphtha from the Middle East, but tankers stopped arriving in early March,...
China’s Exports and Imports Set Records in April Amid High Energy Costs
China’s exports and imports both hit all‑time highs in April 2026, driven by a surge in electric‑vehicle shipments and higher energy costs. The month recorded an $84.8 billion trade surplus, keeping the cumulative 2025 surplus on track for a third consecutive...
How China’s Leader Lost Faith in His Generals
Xi Jinping’s 13‑year drive to modernize the People’s Liberation Army has turned into a sweeping purge of senior commanders, shrinking a legislative meeting from about 40 generals to a handful. The campaign, framed as a fight against corruption and “divided...
How Energy Prices Are Driving Demand for Solar Panels and Heat Pumps
Europe is experiencing a second energy crisis in under five years, spurred by a Middle‑East war that halted most fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Natural‑gas prices have surged roughly 40%, prompting households and businesses to accelerate adoption of...
Trump Reversed Hormuz Plan After Saudis Denied Airspace Access
President Donald Trump announced a U.S. naval escort for commercial tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to deny U.S. overflight rights and access to Saudi bases. Within 24 hours, intense diplomatic exchanges led...
Court Rules Against Trump’s 10% Tariff
A federal panel of the Court of International Trade ruled that President Trump’s 10 percent tariff on most U.S. imports violates trade law, imposing new limits on the president’s authority to impose across‑the‑board duties. The split decision finds the administration misused...
U.S. Debt Hits a Concerning Milestone, and Experts Say Trump’s Policies Could Worsen It
The U.S. Treasury reported that federal debt reached $31.26 trillion in March, slightly surpassing the nation’s nominal GDP of $31.21 trillion. This marks the first time the debt‑to‑GDP ratio has exceeded 100 percent since World War II, echoing the brief pandemic surge. Economists warn...
Why Stocks and Bonds Are Responding Differently to the Iran War
The U.S. equity market has surged to fresh highs even as the Iran war pushes oil prices and inflation upward, while the bond market has slipped under the same pressures. Stocks—both domestic and international—have rebounded strongly since the March dip,...
Attack on French Cargo Ship Highlights Continued Risks in Strait of Hormuz
A French‑flagged CMA CGM container ship, the San Antonio, was hit by an Iranian projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, injuring eight crew members. The United States’ Project Freedom, a naval escort program, and the shipping company disagree on whether the vessel...
Obama Talks Trump, Mamdani, Aliens and More in Colbert Interview
Former President Barack Obama appeared on Stephen Colbert’s Late Show, delivering a veiled critique of President Trump while urging Democrats to ditch academic jargon and speak in plain English. He praised New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani as a model communicator and warned...
Iran’s Oil Sector and Economy Are Under Pressure as U.S. Blockade Bites
The United States’ naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, imposed on April 13, has halted all Iranian oil tankers, straining the country’s export pipeline and filling on‑shore and offshore storage to near capacity. Iran, which produces roughly four million barrels...
Why Is Gas So Much More Expensive in Some States Than Others?
Gasoline prices have surged about 50% since the Iran‑Israel conflict began, with the national average reaching $4.54 per gallon on May 6, 2026. California leads with $6.16 per gallon, while Oklahoma sits at $3.96, illustrating stark regional gaps. The price swing reflects...
U.S. Military Strikes Boat in Caribbean, Killing 2
The U.S. Southern Command announced an aerial kinetic strike on a boat in the Caribbean Sea, killing two men. The attack brings the death toll from the Trump‑era anti‑drug boat campaign to at least 187. Since the operation began in...
Taiwan Could Learn From Ukraine. Informally, Connections Are Growing.
An informal network of Taiwanese volunteers, defense firms, and Ukrainian drone specialists is quietly linking the two nations despite the absence of official diplomatic or military ties. The group shares battlefield‑tested drone tactics, hardware insights, and operational lessons learned on...
As Oil Prices Stay High, China Doubles Down on Wind Power
China is accelerating its wind‑power rollout as oil prices surge amid the Iran conflict, installing enough capacity last year to equal three times the rest of the world combined. Chinese turbine makers now dominate the global market, holding all six...
Our 15 Favorite Looks at the 2026 Met Gala
The 2026 Met Gala embraced the theme “Fashion is art,” turning the museum’s steps into a living canvas. A moss‑covered trompe‑l’oeil carpet and Monet‑inspired backdrop set the stage for daring ensembles, from fake nipples to bubbling accessories. Celebrities used the...
Oil Prices Edge Down While Stock Futures Inch Up
Oil prices slipped modestly on Sunday as investors weighed ongoing U.S.-Iran diplomatic uncertainty. President Trump said he was reviewing Iran’s peace proposal but expressed doubt it would be acceptable. He also hinted the United States would use “best efforts” to...
Why Are Africans Fighting in Russia’s War in Ukraine?
Thousands of young African men have been recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine, many lured by promises of work and later coerced into military contracts. Russia faces a severe manpower shortage after losing about 1.2 million soldiers, wounded or missing,...
Trump Says U.S. Will Help Stranded Ships Leave Strait of Hormuz
President Trump announced "Project Freedom," a U.S. effort to guide stranded vessels out of the Iran‑blocked Strait of Hormuz starting Monday. The plan, outlined in a brief social‑media post, promises coordination rather than direct escort, using guided‑missile destroyers, over 100...
Inquiry Into Fed Chair Jerome Powell Could Be Resurrected, Jeanine Pirro Says
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro indicated on Sunday that the Justice Department could revive its criminal inquiry into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, which was halted last month. The probe centered on alleged misconduct surrounding a renovation of the Fed’s headquarters amid President...
In a Reversal, Doctors From Countries Under Trump’s Travel Ban Are Allowed to Stay in U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security has lifted the travel‑ban restriction on physicians from the 39 countries targeted by the Trump administration, allowing visa extensions, work permits and green cards to be processed again. The change was announced quietly on the...
Blanche Says Others Who Post ‘86 47’ Message Won’t Be Charged Like Comey
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department will not charge anyone else who posts the “86 47” message, contrasting the indictment of former FBI director James B. Comey. Comey was charged for an Instagram photo of seashells spelling “86 47,” which prosecutors...
Trump Says He Is Reviewing Iran’s Latest Offer but Doubts It Is Acceptable
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he is reviewing Iran’s latest cease‑fire proposal but doubts it will be acceptable, noting he has only seen the concept, not the full wording. He previously said he was not satisfied with...
U.S. Fast-Tracks Arms Deals Valued at $8.6 Billion to Mideast Partners
The Trump administration has fast‑tracked more than $8.6 billion in emergency arms sales to Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait amid the ongoing U.S.–Israeli war with Iran. The package includes Patriot missile interceptors worth over $4 billion for Qatar, an...
U.S. to Withdraw 5,000 Troops From Germany. But Thousands Will Remain.
The Pentagon announced a drawdown of 5,000 troops from Germany, cutting the U.S. footprint to pre‑2022 levels while still leaving more than 36,000 active‑duty personnel on German soil. Germany remains the largest overseas U.S. base after Japan, hosting five of...
Obamacare Enrollment Drops Sharply as Costs Rise
Enrollment in the Affordable Care Act marketplaces has plunged sharply after Congress let the enhanced subsidies lapse at the end of 2025. Industry analysts estimate a 20% drop, taking coverage from roughly 24 million to about 19 million, with some forecasts suggesting...
As Iran War Reaches 60-Day Mark, Republicans in Congress Grow Impatient With Trump
Republican leaders in Congress are growing impatient with President Trump’s handling of the 60‑day Iran war. While they have publicly backed the operation, senators such as Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski are moving to force a vote on authorizing or...
Trump ‘Not Satisfied’ With Iran’s Proposal on Ending War
Iran’s state news agency said Tehran sent a new peace proposal to end the war with the United States through Pakistani mediators, but the content remains undisclosed. President Donald Trump responded that he was “not satisfied” with the offer, offering...
Israel Said to Have Helped Defend Emirates in Iran War With Iron Dome
Israel deployed its Iron Dome missile‑defense system to the United Arab Emirates amid Iran's retaliatory missile attacks on Gulf states. Israeli soldiers operated the mobile batteries, providing the first instance of the system being sent to an Arab nation. The deployment...
After Prison, a Financial Titan Plots an Unlikely Comeback
Bill McGlashan, the former private‑equity heavyweight who recently served time in prison, is spearheading a new venture called Oath. The startup produces a white powder of diverse microscopic organisms that, when applied to crops such as coffee and soybeans, aims...
Hegseth Cites Falsehood to Defend His Firing of Senior Officers
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a House Armed Services Committee hearing that President Barack Obama had removed 197 general officers, a figure the Pentagon has repeatedly identified as false. The number originated from an unsigned 2018 editorial that cited Breitbart’s...
Takeaways From Hegseth’s Testimony on Iran War and His Tenure
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the House Armed Services Committee about Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. war in Iran. He highlighted a $25 billion price tag, 14 U.S. service members killed, and defended the mission while attacking critics. The hearing also exposed...
Supreme Court Strikes Down Louisiana Map, Another Blow to Voting Rights Act
The U.S. Supreme Court voted 6‑3 to strike down Louisiana's newly drawn majority‑Black congressional district, ruling that the map violated the Constitution's Equal Protection Clause. The conservative majority, led by Justice Samuel Alito, argued that demographic shifts make race‑based districting...