Today's Headlines: Trump Targets Not Just Georgia’s Vote, but Also Trust in Elections
Once the Centerpiece of Celebration, a Faded Declaration Recedes
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The New York Times
Today's Headlines
July 4, 2026, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

Trump Targets Not Just Georgia’s Vote, but Also Trust in Elections

The president has sent 260 F.B.I. analysts to Georgia, repeating his baseless claims of fraud in 2020. But critics say the intention is to undermine overall confidence in the electoral process.

Once the Centerpiece of Celebration, a Faded Declaration Recedes

Sunlight and abuse have taken a toll on the document, encased in bulletproof glass. But the Trump administration “hasn’t put much emphasis on it,” a former archivist notes.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Are Married at Star-Studded M.S.G. Bash

Adam Sandler officiated the ceremony. The bride and groom both wore Dior. And up to 1,000 of the couple’s closest (and most famous) friends celebrated inside the New York arena.

World

Funeral Procession for Khamenei Will Visit 5 Cities in Iran and Iraq

After lying in state in Tehran, Mr. Khamenei’s body will be taken to some of the holiest sites in Shiite Islam during a four-day procession that is expected to draw millions.

Australia Tried to Push Back on China. China Pushed Harder.

Relations between Beijing and Canberra have improved over the past four years, but China’s ambassador is now warning of a ‘Cold War mentality.”

In Battlefield Visit, Putin Vows to Take More of Ukraine

The Russian leader denounced Ukraine’s “imaginary achievements” on the battlefield of late, calling its leaders “play actors.”

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U.S.

A Nation Unites for a Day of Grand 250th Celebrations

From large events in the biggest cities to small-town gatherings to backyard barbecues, a divided America is finding many ways to salute itself.

How the Heat Is Upending Plans for America’s 250th Birthday

Parades in Washington and Philadelphia were canceled, and the Great American State Fair on the National Mall closed for several hours.

At the L.A. Warehouse Fire, First It Was the Smoke. Now It’s the Smell.

Rotting food — millions of pounds of it — remains in an L.A. cold-storage facility damaged in a fire. Residents say the cleanup hasn’t been fast enough.

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Politics

Trump Takes Stock of Other Presidencies, Shedding Light on His Own

In his second term, the president has increasingly mused about his predecessors, comparing himself with some and distancing from the failures of others.

At Mount Rushmore, Trump Veers From Patriotism to ‘Communism’

On the eve of July 4, President Trump extolled the nation’s founders while branding his opponents as “communists” in what seemed to be a warm-up for November.

Trump Pardons Violators of the Clean Air Act and a Major Donor

The president used his clemency power to further undermine environmental laws and to help a political supporter who pleaded guilty in a fraud involving Jack Abramoff.

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Business

The Hottest Stock Markets Lead to the Biggest Losses

Investor enthusiasm culminated in some of the worst cases of wealth destruction in the last 100 years, a long-running study shows.

Will Late-Night TV Work on YouTube?

Julian Shapiro-Barnum, best known for a social media series called “Recess Therapy,” has started an online-only late-night show.

Why One Global Shipping Choke Point Isn’t a Blueprint for Another

The Strait of Malacca may be a model for how Oman and Iran could collect fees in the Strait of Hormuz, but the differences between the waterways are vast.

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Technology

Microsoft Disclosure Provides Rare Glimpse of Tax Haven Tactics

Other U.S. companies will soon need to provide similar reports as a new European directive takes effect.

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New York

Swimmer Is Injured at Jones Beach in Possible Shark Attack

The swimmer was treated for a minor foot injury after being bitten by “unknown marine life,” New York State officials said.

Sewage Spills Into Hudson River After Power Failure at Treatment Plant

The spill, at a plant just north of New York City, continued from Thursday night to Friday afternoon. It was not expected to affect the city’s Fourth of July celebrations.

Mamdani Says Blind Patriotism Ignores the Nation’s Flaws and Inequality

In a nearly 13-minute address, Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York highlighted the nation’s diversity and criticized those who would deprive immigrants of freedom.

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Arts

What Is the Definitive Movie About America?

Ten writers on the films that get at the hopes, dreams, heartbreak and hilarity of the U.S.A. as it turns 250.

5 Songs to Get You Moving This Summer

Summer has officially begun, and it’s time to be out dancing. From K-pop to house to electro, our critic Jon Caramanica has songs to get you started.

A Return to the Familiar at Lincoln Center’s New Dance Festival

While it was good to see again Rachid Ouramdane’s moving duet from a decade ago, Akram Khan’s new piece was unconvincing.

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Books

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