Today's Headlines: Zelensky Brings Backup to the White House as Trump Aligns More Closely With Putin

Trump's Selective Stance on Justice: Redemption for Some, Scorn for Others

View in browser August 18, 2025, 4:10 a.m. Eastern time Top News Zelensky Brings Backup to the White House as Trump Aligns More Closely With Putin European leaders are joining a trip to Washington to make sure the trans-Atlantic alliance remains intact. Trump's Selective Stance on Justice: Redemption for Some, Scorn for Others President Trump, himself a felon, has shown particular leniency to criminals he seems to identify with — people who are white or wealthy, or who rioted in his name on Jan. 6, 2021. Wildfire Fighters, Unmasked in Toxic Smoke, Are Getting Sick and Dying The U.S. Forest Service has fought decades of efforts to better protect its crews — sending them into smoke without masks or warnings about the risks. Editors' Picks Penn & Teller's Greatest Trick: Making Us Think They're Not Friends As their magic act hits 50 years, they're bigger than ever. They say their secret is not to socialize. But misdirection is also their love language. Opinion | Trump's Domestic Deployments Are Dangerous. For the Military. The nation's most trusted institution must not be reduced to a political tool. World Ukrainians Fleeing Russia's Attacks Say the Alaska Summit Was an Insult Evacuees at a shelter in eastern Ukraine reacted angrily to talk that land that has long been theirs could be given to Russia in exchange for peace. Israel Says Iranian Agents Recruited Dozens of Its Citizens The agents cajoled people into acts of sabotage and even assassination plots. The cases have raised questions about greed, gullibility and loyalty. Air Canada Flight Attendants Say They Will Defy Back-to-Work Order The decision by the union representing the 10,000 workers means that travel chaos will continue for at least a second day. Air Canada said it had suspended its reopening plan until Monday evening. See more world news U.S. Pence Welcomes Trump's D.C. Deployment of National Guard Former Vice President Mike Pence said he wished President Trump "would have done more" on Jan. 6, but supported the recent decision to deploy troops to Washington. North Carolina Confederate Monument Goes Too Far, Lawsuit Says A long battle over the pro-slavery words on a Tyrrell County statue intensifies as the Trump administration reclaims Confederate imagery. Brighty the Burro, Beloved Grand Canyon Statue, Is Rescued From Wildfire The statue was missing an ear and two front legs, but it was mostly intact when crews recovered it from the Dragon Bravo fire. See more U.S. news Politics Trump and Putin Find Common Ground on One Issue: Biden The Alaska summit between the U.S. and Russian leaders showcased their mutual animosity for the former president. Redistricting Push Would Further Divide a Polarized Congress Many state delegations are already under single-party control. New maps could tighten the partisan grip while decreasing the importance of general elections. Trump Administration Minimizes Summit Papers Left in Hotel The papers, laying out the sequence of events and including the phone numbers of several officials, were found around 9 a.m. on Friday and sent to NPR by a guest of the hotel. See more political news Business If You'll Pay $800 for a Credit Card, You're in Demand Credit card companies and airlines are in a race for customers who spend the most money — and that is making it harder for many other customers to score deals and perks. The C.E.O. of Duolingo Wants to Have a Conversation About A.I. The language-learning app with more than 100 million users has embraced artificial intelligence but has also faced consumer backlash for it. He Sold His Likeness. Now His Avatar Is Shilling Supplements on TikTok. Welcome to a new era of commercial work fueled by generative artificial intelligence. See more business news Arts The Secret Weapon of 'Weapons': Amy Madigan The star says her uncanny villain, Aunt Gladys, is actually misunderstood. And her unforgettable appearance? "I just think she looks fab!" Dirty Dishes in the Sink? He'll See You in Court. On the video series "Roommate Court," a comedian passes judgment on New Yorkers' household disagreements. See more arts news New York Gang-Related Attack Kills 3 in Shootout at a Brooklyn Bar Nine others were treated for injuries after the early-morning shooting in the Crown Heights neighborhood, the police said. Sure, These Comics Can Make You Laugh. But Can They Hit a Jump Shot? A weekly pickup basketball game in Manhattan is populated almost entirely by professional funny people from all corners of the comedy landscape — stand-up comedians on their way up, comics past their primes and even industry A-listers. See more New York news Obituaries Terence Stamp, Luminary of 1960s British Cinema, Dies at 87 Known for his "heartbreak blue eyes," he starred in "Billy Budd" and "The Collector," and had a memorable role in "Superman" and "Superman II." Joe Caroff, Who Gave James Bond His Signature 007 Logo, Dies at 103 A quiet giant in graphic design, he created posters for hundreds of movies, including "West Side Story" and "Manhattan." But his work was often unsigned. Dan Tana, Whose Clubby Red-Sauce Restaurant Drew Stars, Dies at 90 Dan Tana's was said to be as central to Hollywood as palm trees and Botox. On a scale of 1 to 10, the people watching was a 10. Even the steak came with pasta. See more Obituaries Opinion Guest Essay China's Biotech Is Cheaper and Faster China's biotechnology sector has established a bright future by focusing not on breakthrough cures and treatments but on speed and efficiency. Finding Beauty in a Bowl of Soup It tethers us to the world, brings us together, asks our bodies to remember a time beyond ourselves. Guest Essay Don't Be a Loser, Gen X Baby It's fine to make room for the next generation. Guest Essay The Insidious Creep of Trump's Speaking Style The fact that we're talking like Donald Trump could mean that we're starting to think like him as well. Guest Essay Farmers Are Turning on MAHA Farmers thought they'd benefit greatly under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s goals for American health. They're not so sure anymore. See more Opinion If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Today's Headlines from The New York Times. To stop receiving Today's Headlines, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. 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