Today's Headlines: Trump Said He Wouldn’t Touch the East Wing. Then He Tore It All Down.
Mamdani Plans to Keep Tisch as Police Commissioner if Elected
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The New York Times
Today's Headlines

October 23, 2025, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

Trump Is Wasting No Time in Tearing Down the East Wing

President Trump initially said the ballroom construction would not dismantle parts of the White House. His officials now say it is cheaper and more structurally sound to simply demolish the East Wing.

7 Takeaways From the Final N.Y.C. Mayoral Debate

Zohran Mamdani, Andrew M. Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa continued attacking one another, with Mr. Mamdani and Mr. Cuomo the main targets.

How China Raced Ahead of the U.S. on Nuclear Power

The United States was once the undisputed leader in atomic energy. Now it is trying to catch up.

World

Trump Imposes Sanctions on Russian Oil Companies as His Frustration With Putin Mounts

The sanctions are among the most significant measures that the United States has taken against the Russian energy sector since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.

The Submarines That Smuggle Cocaine Across Oceans and Seas

A display of confiscated vessels at a naval base in Ecuador offers a peek at why drug smuggling is so hard to stop.

Can a Beach Really Be Evil? Ask the Sun-Seekers in Good Sahel.

The sea looks the same. So does the sand. But in Egypt, two beach communities not far from each other have decidedly different ideas about fun.

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U.S.

From the Roosevelts to the Kennedys: A Look Back at the White House East Wing

The East Wing has been a base for the first lady, an entryway for social functions and an emergency bunker.

Trump Said Black Chicagoans Wanted His ‘Blitz.’ Many Disagree.

Six weeks into the federal crackdown in Chicago, the attack on crime that the president promised hasn’t happened, and many in the city’s Black population haven’t been won over.

University of Virginia Makes Deal With White House to Halt Investigations

The Justice Department had been scrutinizing one of the nation’s premier public universities over accusations of civil rights violations.

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Politics

As Shutdown Drags and Trump Flexes, Congress Cedes Its Relevance

“It’s like we have given up,” one Republican lawmaker said.

Trump Administration Cuts Cyberdefense Even as Threats Grow

China has penetrated networks that control infrastructure systems and has hacked telecommunications companies.

Pelosi Says Police May Arrest Federal Agents Who Violate California Law

The San Francisco district attorney said in an interview that she came up with the strategy after seeing federal agents repeatedly roughing up people in Los Angeles and Chicago.

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Business

Pentagon Announces ‘Next Generation’ Press Corps

The Defense Department said that dozens of new reporters had agreed to sign the Pentagon’s rules on reporting, which have been rejected by many major news organizations.

Three Offers in One Month: Paramount’s Secret Pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery

A letter from Paramount’s chief executive, David Ellison, to Warner Bros.’ board of directors reveals weeks of talks between the companies.

Why Weren’t the Jewels Stolen From the Louvre Insured?

Thieves snatched jewelry valued at more than $100 million, but the museum will not be compensated for the loss.

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New York

N.Y.C. Mayoral Candidates Trade Zingers in Final Debate

The candidates sparred over their policies, personalities and how they would deal with President Trump in the second and final debate of the mayoral campaign.

Mamdani Plans to Keep Tisch as Police Commissioner if Elected

Zohran Mamdani’s intention to retain Jessica Tisch is likely to placate powerful New Yorkers who have lobbied Mr. Mamdani to keep her.

Cuomo Joins Adams at Knicks Game. Is an Endorsement in the Cards?

Former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and Mayor Eric Adams looked like the best of friends as they sat together at Madison Square Garden right after the debate.


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Arts

Misty Copeland Will Take Her Final Bow

The famed ballerina retires from her career with the American Ballet Theater after one final performance on Wednesday night.

Five Rising Contemporary Artists You Should Know

With exhibitions featuring copper-wire sculptures, burned canvases, ghostly nighttime paintings and more, here are the people to put on your radar this season.

Answer 4 Questions. Leave With a Movie for Halloween.

Whether you’re in the mood for new chills or classic thrills, we’ve got a killer pick for you.

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Food

This Salmon Dinner Is Brilliant and Beautiful

Yewande Komolafe nestles crisp-skinned fillets into a mix of green beans and red pepper.

The Dessert That Changed My Life

These unforgettable poached pears set a food writer on her trajectory.

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Science