It is not only classical musicians who are being stunted by the search for perfection. It is harming many aspects of our lives and sectors of our society.

© Rory Doyle for The New York Times

I needed to stop thinking that I knew more than the author and give in to whatever ride they had spent years planning.

Andriy Yermak had ensured internal discipline in Ukraine’s wartime politics. He also led the country’s peace negotiations, which now must go on without him.

© Tyler Hicks/The New York Times

As the year comes to a close, we want to know your highly specific, idiosyncratic bests of 2025.

The upcoming election in Honduras shows how politicians must balance cooperation with the Trump administration with their obligation to undocumented citizens in the United States who may be deported.

© Daniele Volpe for The New York Times

Segev Kalfon said he endured physical abuse and mind games during 738 days in the hands of Hamas. Now, he asks why it took so long for Israel to bring him home.

© Avishag Shaar-Yashuv for The New York Times

President Trump’s ever-growing vision has caused tension with contractors. His architect has taken a step back as the president personally manages the project.

© Doug Mills/The New York Times

Prosecutors say members of the Somali diaspora, a group with growing political power, were largely responsible. President Trump has drawn national attention to the scandal amid his crackdown on immigration.

© Ben Brewer for The New York Times

Even if a peace can be reached, it won’t be easy to solve the problem of Ukrainian civilians languishing in Russian jails. This is one prisoner’s story.

© Emile Ducke for The New York Times

The new law seeks to prevent retailers from ripping off consumers by using artificial intelligence and their personal data to charge them higher prices.

© Desiree Rios for The New York Times

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian said his team deserves to be in the College Football Playoff after upsetting Texas A&M on Friday night.

© Getty Images

© Getty Images

Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana were keen to put on a united front at the Your Party conference in Liverpool

© AFP via Getty Images

The African Union has suspended Guinea-Bissau following a military coup, emphasizing its zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes

© ASSOCIATED PRESS

Families of Mexico’s disappeared gathered at a cathedral near Mexico City to craft Christmas ornaments bearing the faces of their missing loved ones

© Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

Recall is the latest affecting cheese products

© Getty/iStock

Company has been hit by multiple recalls in recent days

© AFP/Getty

Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s right-hand man, was embroiled in a corruption scandal and faced public backlash

© REUTERS

Israeli fire has killed two Palestinian children in the southern Gaza Strip, according to a hospital

© Copyright 2025, The Associated Press. All rights reserved

More than 1.2 million households and 3.6 million people have been affected by floods triggered by heavy rains

Kardashian recently revealed she suffered a small brain aneurysm

© Disney

A veteran BBC newsreader struggled to contain his laughter over a Christmas tree innuendo he made during a live broadcast.

© BBC Look North

© PA Wire