Today's Headlines: Voters Are Deeply Skeptical About the Health of American Democracy

Behind the Tactical Gains Against Iran, a Longer-Term Worry

View in browser October 28, 2024, 4:10 a.m. Eastern time Top News Voters Are Deeply Skeptical About the Health of American Democracy Nearly half say it does not do a good job representing the people, and three-quarters say it is under threat, according to a Times/Siena poll. Behind the Tactical Gains Against Iran, a Longer-Term Worry Experts inside and outside the Biden administration fear that Iran may conclude it has only one defense left: racing for an atomic weapon. Advisers Propose That Trump Give Security Clearances Without F.B.I. Vetting A memo circulating in Donald Trump's orbit says that if elected he should use private firms to check appointees' backgrounds and give them immediate access to classified secrets after taking office. Editors' Picks Their Son's Death Was Devastating. Then Politics Made It Worse. After Aiden Clark was killed in a school bus accident in Springfield, Ohio, his death inspired conspiracy theories, campaign lies and anti-immigrant hate. Now his family is the latest target. Opinion | Nevertheless, Ted Cruz Persists Many voters see the Texas senator as their unapologetic fighter. World Measured Comments From Israel and Iran on New Round of Strikes Israel's prime minister said Israeli airstrikes on Iran had achieved their goals, and Iranian officials did not threaten retaliation. Japan's Long-Governing Party Loses Its Majority The Japanese electorate appeared to punish the Liberal Democrats, leaving it unclear whether the party would be forced to expand its coalition to stay in power. Living on a Volcano's Edge, Italians Practice for Disaster The Italian authorities carried out a drill of their plan to save a half-million people from toxic fumes, deadly quakes or a full eruption. Vesuvius isn't the volcano they're worried about. See more world news U.S. This Town Has More Faith in Football Than Politics. Can Walz Make a Difference? In Aliquippa, Pa., residents have long believed more in their high school football team than in many politicians. Can combining the two make a difference? California Governor Proposes $750 Million in Annual Film Tax Credits Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to more than double the amount the state offers in incentives, which would make its program one of the nation's most generous. Book Bans Live on in School District Now Run by Democrats Democrats swept a school board election in Bucks County after Republicans instituted book bans and other changes. But the right-wing "parental rights" movement has left an indelible mark. See more U.S. news Politics Barricades and Bulletproof Glass: A County Prepares for Election Day With the specter of political violence looming, the Department of Homeland Security has advised hundreds of communities on election safety. Luzerne County, Pa., is at the center of the unrest. Beyoncé? Springsteen? Trump Fans Feel Both Anger and A-List Envy Kamala Harris has many celebrities campaigning for her. It has uncorked complicated feelings for Donald Trump and his supporters. Amid Talk of Fascism, Trump's Threats and Language Evoke a Grim Past Plenty of presidents have been called dictators by their political opponents, but none until now has been publicly accused of being a "fascist" by his own handpicked advisers. See more political news Business Mr. Bezos Went to Washington. But He Never Arrived. The billionaire made splashy purchases of The Washington Post and a mansion in Washington. But his status as a power player in the nation's capital was never realized. For Investors, What if This Time Is Different? Disregarding politics has worked brilliantly in the United States for a century. But market history offers comfort only up to a point, our columnist says. China Tightens Its Hold on Minerals Needed to Make Computer Chips Already the dominant producer of rare minerals, Beijing is using export restrictions and its power over state-owned companies to further control access. See more business news Arts Hear a Chopin Waltz Unearthed After Nearly 200 Years An unknown work in the composer's hand has emerged in a New York museum, the first such find in more than a half century. The pianist Lang Lang plays it here. The Satanic Panic That Never Goes Away New movies and TV shows are revisiting a "weird corner" of the '80s — and offering lessons for today. New-York Historical Society Gets a New Name and a New Wing The museum will now be called the New York Historical and will name a new Wing for American Democracy after two major benefactors, H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang and Oscar L. Tang. See more arts news New York Donald Trump Will Never Be Done With New York Sunday's rally at Madison Square Garden, the self-styled "world's most famous arena," is a remarkable gambit, even by the former president's standards — and a show of force. Removing Moss and Grime From Gravestones, She Reveals Forgotten History As she scrubs centuries' worth of dirt and mold off gravestones, Katie DeRaddo tells her TikTok followers the stories of those buried beneath them. Susan B. Anthony Was Arrested for Voting. Now Her Home Is a Poll Site. The home in Rochester, N.Y., now a museum celebrating the women's suffrage movement, is serving as a polling place for early voters. See more New York news Fashion & Style T-shirts for the Female Gaze A handful of small brands founded by women are gaining recognition for their takes on a wardrobe staple. Michelle Obama's Plain Words in a Plain Suit Who needs a slogan tee when your outfit can say it all? Nobody Walks in L.A.? Don't Tell These Baseball Fans. Anticipating the mess of traffic and parking at Dodger Stadium, many of the people who attended the first two games of the World Series found creative ways to get there. See more fashion news Obituaries David Harris, Actor in the Cult Classic 'The Warriors,' Dies at 75 He played Cochise, a member of the Warriors gang who navigated a panoply of costumed aggressors in New York City. Tom Jarriel, Globetrotting ABC News Reporter, Is Dead at 89 In his 37 years at the network, he was a White House correspondent, weekend anchor and correspondent for "20/20." He won 19 Emmy Awards. Claire Daly, Master of the Baritone Saxophone, Dies at 66 She was celebrated for both her playing and her love of the jazz community. "My life in music," she said recently, "is the smartest thing I've done." Mimi Hines, a Replacement Star in 'Funny Girl,' Dies at 91 She was best known as half of a comedy team with her husband, Phil Ford, until her hall-filling voice earned her raves in a role made famous by Barbra Streisand. See more Obituaries Opinion David French Four Lessons From Nine Years of Being 'Never Trump' What do I wish my 2024 self could travel back and say to 2015 me? Guest Essay Two Billionaires, Two Newspapers, Two Acts of Self-Sabotage The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times have made a terrible decision on presidential endorsements. Guest Essay No One Told Me This Would Happen to My Body in My 40s The decline in strength and increase in injuries is little recognized and far too infrequently discussed. Guest Essay What Football Can Teach Politics Dwight Eisenhower learned leadership in an early job as a football coach. His success as president offers a few important lessons. Guest Essay Joseph J. Ellis: The Ideals of the Founders Are on the Ballot If Trump is president on July 4, 2026, the celebration will become a eulogy, for we will be honoring the corpse of the American republic. See more Opinion 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. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018