Discussions among a group of lawyers with allegiance to the president were closely held. Some senior White House officials were said to have felt blindsided as the agreement took shape.

© Jason Andrew for The New York Times

U.S. companies skirted at least $40 billion in taxes since the beginning of 2025 thanks to schemes in places like Malta, Bermuda and Cyprus.

© Susan Wright for The New York Times

Gov. Kathy Hochul used the state budget as a vehicle for policy initiatives, including a new second-home tax and a push to make the state less hospitable to immigration agents.

© Cindy Schultz for The New York Times