[jeffbr13]

It's "programme" in British-English for everything except "computer program" (in my experience). Probably because most programmer-culture is centred in North America.

I imagine that it's simply some NYT writer(s) using the British-English spelling, rather than a wider cultural trend, unless somebody is aware of any other examples?

[DanBC]

One of the articles is about the World Food Programme, so maybe that's it?

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/06/business/international/fun...

EDIT: Another is quoting a report from 1856

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/20/arts/music/bar-and-bathroo...