What Is Elon Musk’s Job? Even as the billionaire tech executive Elon Musk is seemingly everywhere in Washington, his role remains murky.

The Escalating Feud Between Trump and Ukraine’s Leader Also, Microsoft said it created a new state of matter. Here’s the latest at the end of Wednesday.

So, You Want to Get Rid of the Penny. Do You Have a Plan for the Nickel? President Trump’s plan to eliminate the penny could save the government money, but there’s no guarantee.

Missouri Clinics Resume Abortions Abortion opponents had tried to block, or severely limit, the procedure, against the will of voters who in November enshrined abortion rights in the state constitution.

S.S. United States, Historic 20th Century Ocean Liner, Sets Out for Final Voyage The S.S. United States, the largest passenger ship ever built in America, left Philadelphia under tow on Wednesday, eventually to be sunk off the Gulf Coast.

Trump Says Federal Government Should ‘Take Over’ Washington D.C President Trump said the federal government should control the nation’s capital. Democrats and most local residents have long argued that Washington, D.C., should be a state.

Clean Energy Was Lifting Manufacturing. Now Investment Is in Jeopardy. With the Trump administration reversing support for low-carbon power, the business case for making wind, solar and electric vehicle parts gets weaker.

The New ‘Captain America’ Movie Isn’t Great. But Don’t Call Him a D.E.I. Hire. Anthony Mackie picks up the shield at a potentially awkward time. But there’s one way Disney can do right by him and the next generation of Marvel stars.

Chinese Embassy Plan in London Sets Off Opposition Britain appears ready to approve what would be the largest diplomatic outpost in Europe, but neighbors and activists fear tapped phone lines and suppressed protests.

Tom Friedman on Just How Far Trump Could Push the World The president wants to create a revolution abroad. This Opinion columnist would love to see a plan.

Thanks to Trump, Saudi Arabia Gets a Big Week in Diplomacy Riyadh is hosting U.S., Russian and Arab officials for high-stakes talks on Ukraine and Gaza, more proof of its regional clout and warm relations with President Trump.

Bucha, Site of Massacre, Feels Sting of Trump Shift on Ukraine Residents of a Ukrainian suburb that was the site of notorious attacks on civilians after Russia invaded are alarmed by President Trump’s warm words for Moscow.

Nearly One in 10 U.S. Adults Identifies as L.G.B.T.Q., Survey Finds New data shows a rapid increase in recent years, driven by the young. The Trump administration has recently been rolling back L.G.B.T.Q. initiatives.

Trump Blames Ukraine, and More Americans Identify as L.G.B.T.Q. Plus, please don’t ski down the volcano.

Trump Signs Executive Order Ending Federal Funds for Undocumented Migrants President Trump’s executive order also directed federal departments and agencies to ensure that federal funds do not encourage people to come to the United States illegally.

Congestion Pricing’s Biggest Booster Prepares to Take On the White House Janno Lieber, head of the M.T.A., has helped steered the tolling program through lawsuits and a last-minute pause. He now will face off with President Trump.

Delta Offers $30,000 to Passengers on Plane That Crashed in Toronto The airline said it told the 76 passengers who had been on the plane, which crashed and flipped over on Monday, that the offer came with “no strings attached.”

China Uses Public Shaming to Motivate State Workers Local governments are handing out “snail awards” to underperforming employees. But, for many, doing as little as possible seems like the safest bet.

An Opening for China, Made in America Trump’s long and growing list of shortsighted actions in Latin America has created an opening there for America’s adversaries, most notably China.

Hamas Hands Bodies of 4 Hostages Back to Israel All four had been abducted during the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023. An Israeli woman and her two young children were said to be among them.