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Trump’s ‘Secret Mission’ to Ferry Oil Past Iran Was Widely Disclosed

A U.S. military official said the president’s seemingly dramatic announcement on Wednesday referred to a previously reported effort to shepherd commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

© Reuters

Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, seen from Oman on Wednesday.
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Mace Defeat Heralds an Exodus of Rabble-Rousers From Congress

The Republican congresswoman from South Carolina, who made enemies on both sides of the political aisle, is just one of several flashy lawmakers to be leaving Capitol Hill.

© Eric Lee for The New York Times

Representative Nancy Mace, Republican of South Carolina, at the Capitol earlier this year.
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Mamdani’s Nosebleed Knicks Ticket and the Benefits of Being Mayor

Mayor Zohran Mamdani paid roughly $1,000 for a standing-room-only ticket to Game 3 of the N.B.A. finals, using access to house tickets not available to regular fans.

© Vincent Alban for The New York Times

Mayor Zohran Mamdani attended the Knicks’ Game 3 loss in the N.B.A. finals with some former colleagues in the State Legislature.
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FISA Surveillance Law May Expire After Trump Picks Bill Pulte for Intel Post

Republicans are struggling to extend a powerful surveillance authority set to lapse this weekend after President Trump alienated lawmakers with his choice of acting spy chief.

© Eric Lee/The New York Times

President Trump last week named Bill Pulte, a confidant without any national security experience, as acting director of national intelligence.
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Trump Says He’s ‘Not Looking to Renew’ Canada-Mexico Trade Deal

The president’s comments come at a crucial moment in talks among the three countries over the renewal of their free-trade agreement.

© Kenny Holston/The New York Times

Prime Minister Mark Carney with President Trump at the Group of 7 summit last year in Kananaskis, Canada.
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Strict Security Around MSG Is Back for Knicks Game 4

Several blocks around Madison Square Garden will be closed to most people Wednesday afternoon. The city approved a ticketed watch party, though it was unclear whether it would take place.

© Vincent Alban for The New York Times

The Knicks face the San Antonio Spurs in the N.B.A. finals. Fan celebrations outside Madison Square Garden have at times been rowdy or violent.
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Bill Gates Says Epstein Tried to Use His Extramarital Affairs Against Him

The billionaire philanthropist testified on Wednesday in a closed-door congressional hearing about the Justice Department’s investigation of Jeffrey Epstein.

© Pete Marovich for The New York Times

Revelations about Bill Gates’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein came to light after Mr. Epstein was arrested in 2019.
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Trump Shrugs Off High Prices Amid Iran War and Says ‘I Love the Inflation’

As inflation outpaces workers’ wages, the Trump administration insists that its agenda is working.

© Doug Mills/The New York Times

Speaking at a bill signing on Wednesday, President Trump predicted that inflation would recede quickly, once the Iran conflict concludes.“ It’s going to come down like a rock.”
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Investors Feed A.I. Firms’ Voracious Appetite for New Money

In the race to dominate the artificial intelligence industry, companies like SpaceX and Alphabet are borrowing cash and raising equity from investors at the fastest pace in decades.

© Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The amount of cash needed for A.I. development is thought to be so enormous that already cash-rich companies are looking for more money.
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Antonio Gracias, Elon Musk’s Friend, Is Set to Reap Billions From SpaceX’s IPO

Antonio Gracias, an investor who has built a $65 billion stake in the company, exemplifies the economic upside of being Mr. Musk’s ally.

© Jim Vondruska for The New York Times

Antonio Gracias, left, and Elon Musk at a political event in Green Bay, Wis., last spring. Mr. Gracias and his private equity firm control a $65 billion stake in SpaceX.
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Hegseth Visits Guantánamo Bay Amid U.S. Tensions With Cuba

The trip comes as the Trump administration pushes for political and economic changes on the island.

© Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times

The Pentagon said the purpose of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to the base at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, was “to engage with troops.”
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