Today's Headlines: Vance’s Defense of Iran Deal Rests on Vague and Misleading Claims
Firm Tied to Trump Donor Got No-Bid Contract to Clean Reflecting Pool
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The New York Times
Today's Headlines
June 19, 2026, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

Vance’s Defense of Iran Deal Rests on Vague and Misleading Claims

The vice president said the United States had leverage to dictate the outcome of the next round of negotiations. But he claimed incorrectly that Iran got no new benefit from the lifting of oil sanctions.

Firm Tied to Trump Donor Got No-Bid Contract to Clean Reflecting Pool

A White House spokeswoman said the president was not involved in selecting Greenwater Services, the business owned by a trust led by John J. Cafaro.

Here’s the latest.

Andy Burnham,

World

What Does It All Mean? Once a Year, French Students Try to Explain.

The high school philosophy exam is a rite of passage for French students. This year included questions about Friedrich Nietzsche’s 1878 book, “Human, All Too Human.”

Who Is Andy Burnham, the Man Who Could Be Britain’s Next Prime Minister?

Charismatic, northern and exuding a relaxed optimism, Mr. Burnham is a contrast to Keir Starmer. His allies hope he could mend Labour’s relationship with voters.

The Major Oak, Ancient Tree of Robin Hood Legend, Has Died

The Major Oak in the Sherwood Forest was between 800 and 1,200 years old. It succumbed to a combination of over-tourism, climate change and misguided efforts to save it.

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U.S.

Scores Fall Ill at Air Force Base After Hegseth Makes Flu Vaccine Optional

The defense secretary described the vaccine requirement, which he lifted in April, as an “absurd, overreaching” mandate.

Presidents Line Up for Obama’s Long-Awaited Center in Chicago

Thursday’s opening drew four former presidents, as well as Bruce Springsteen, Bono and Jennifer Hudson. Chicago has seen years of planning and legal fights.

A President Using Super Glue and Irked About Epstein: Takeaways From a New Trump Book

The book by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan of The New York Times, “Regime Change,” reveals a host of details and surprising exchanges as President Trump pushed to drastically expand his power.

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Politics

Vance Delays Trip to Switzerland for Direct Talks on Iran Deal

Mr. Vance said earlier at a press briefing that he did not know if he would travel to Switzerland on Friday for the talks, where he was initially expected for a signing ceremony.

Trump Redirects Millions From Secret Service Amid White House Construction

The White House insists that private donations are paying for a new ballroom, but the administration is using taxpayer money for a series of security upgrades.

James Talarico Attacks Ken Paxton Over Handling of Child Sex Abuse Case

The case, which resulted in a short jail sentence despite years of alleged abuse, has drawn outcry in Texas. So have the attempts to politicize it.

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Business

The Washington Outlet NOTUS Won’t Be ‘The Star’ After All

The publication is abandoning a planned rebranding after resolving a trademark dispute with the new publisher of The Washington Star.

Penske Media Is Buying What’s Left of Vox Media

The deal will put online publications like Popsugar and Eater under the same roof as Rolling Stone and Variety.

Education Dept. Lowers Student Loan Rates for Borrowers in Auto Pay

The department, citing high defaults, is reducing interest rates by up to one percentage point for two years if borrowers pay automatically.

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Technology

Amazon Retaliated Against Workers Who Supported Regulating Data Centers, Complaint Says

The employees encouraged limits on the complexes in a series of hearings in the tech giant’s hometown, Seattle.

Apple to Buy Computer Chips From Intel, Trump Says

While neither company has publicly discussed the deal, it would be a big break for Intel, which sold a 10 percent stake to the U.S. government last year.

Tech Workers Maxed Out Their A.I. Use. Now They’re Trying to Minimize It.

Artificial intelligence is expensive to use, many companies discovered. That has led to a new era of saving costs.

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New York

Knicks in Five. The City Is Alive.

New York City found a reason to party on Thursday, cheering, crying and climbing around Broadway to celebrate the Knicks’ N.B.A. championship.

Central Park Rides Halted After Fatal Fall From Horse-Drawn Carriage

An 18-year-old was ejected after a carriage horse bolted on Wednesday as the driver took a photograph. It was unclear how long the voluntary shutdown might last.

Mangione Withdraws Emotional Disturbance Defense in New York Case

Luigi Mangione would have avoided the charge of second-degree murder if he were to convince a jury that strong emotions led to a “profound loss of self-control.”

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Arts

Mariska Hargitay: Special Broadway Unit (With an Assist From Jalen Brunson)

The “Law & Order: SVU” actress “was really scared” about starring in “Every Brilliant Thing.” Who does she look to for inspiration? The Knicks, of course.

While Knicks Fans Celebrate, a New York Artist Fumes

After the Knicks promoted Gavin Snider’s watercolor painting in the wake of their N.B.A. title, one of the most famous artists on social media posted an uncannily similar work.