Today's Headlines: Platner’s Democratic Support Evaporates After Sexual Assault Allegation
World Cup Loss Is a Gut Punch, but Does Not Dim Soccer’s Future in U.S.
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The New York Times
Today's Headlines
July 7, 2026, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

Platner’s Democratic Support Evaporates After Sexual Assault Allegation

Graham Platner, the Democratic Senate candidate in Maine, called the allegation false but said he would “reflect” on his political path forward, as many allies rescinded their endorsements.

U.S. Loss Is a Gut Punch, but a Bright Future Remains for Soccer Here

While the team failed to meet the hopes of many fans, this World Cup highlighted the game’s decades-long climb into the national consciousness. What comes next?

In NATO’s Next Act, Can Europe Play the Leading Role?

The focus at a leaders’ summit in Turkey this week will be on building a new model for the alliance, as President Trump pushes to do less and pressures others do more.

World

Joining a Human Tide of Mourners Flowing Through Tehran’s Streets

After days of public mourning ceremonies in the Iranian capital, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s coffin arrived in Tehran’s Azadi Square. This is what I saw covering the miles-long procession on Monday.

A Long-Awaited Verdict for Marine Le Pen Could Reshape France’s Politics

A court will decide on Tuesday whether to uphold Ms. Le Pen’s embezzlement conviction. If it does, the far-right leader will probably be barred from running for the presidency next year.

China Tests Long-Range Ballistic Missile in the Pacific, Angering Neighbors

China’s firing of a submarine-launched missile came as Australia secured more defense deals with Pacific Island nations. Countries expressed concern about the test.

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U.S.

New Videos of Charlie Kirk’s Killing Emerge in Court, but Few Can Watch

On Day 1 of what is expected to be a weeklong hearing, prosecutors played videos of the shooting for a judge, but they were graphic and kept from public view. Erika Kirk and Donald Trump Jr. were in court.

Decline of Ph.D. Admissions Could Imperil a ‘Generation of New Talent’

Some of the nation’s top research universities are shrinking doctoral programs because of uncertain federal funding.

‘Excited but Shocked’: U.S. Soccer Fans Struggle With Trump’s FIFA Call

Americans wrestled with definitions of fairness, after the president intervened in the World Cup to reinstate a star player.

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Politics

McConnell Has Been Hospitalized for 3 Weeks, and Aides Won’t Say Why

Senator Mitch McConnell was admitted to the hospital on June 14, and his office has provided few updates about his condition. Here’s what we know.

Who Might Replace Platner if He Drops Out? Here’s What Could Happen.

Graham Platner can be replaced on the ballot if he withdraws in the next week. If he does, Maine Democrats would face an uncertain two-week race to choose a replacement.

Michigan Democrats Face a Stark Choice Between a Progressive and a Moderate

The state’s important Senate primary just became a head-to-head battle between Abdul El-Sayed, an outspoken left-wing candidate, and Haley Stevens, a moderate backed by party leaders.

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Business

Samsung Made More Profit Last Quarter Than the Last Two Years Combined

The A.I. boom has propelled the South Korean tech giant’s earnings, but its shares sank as investors had even loftier expectations.

Alibaba’s A.I. Is a Hit, but Hard to Turn Into a Moneymaker

The Chinese company’s models have won over developers worldwide, but they are open source — so they can be used and modified freely.

Bath & Body Works Is on a Quest for Another Billion-Dollar Scent

“Japanese Cherry Blossom” has brought in $1.5 billion over the last 20 years. Can the company’s close-knit network of suppliers come up with the next big thing and improve sales?

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Technology

American A.I. Companies Say Chinese Copycats Are Quickly Catching Up

U.S. companies complain that competitors in China are unfairly copying their A.I. systems using a technique that has been around for years.

Xbox Hits Reset Button, Laying Off Thousands and Dropping Game Studios

The layoffs were part of wider cuts at Microsoft, as the company prioritizes spending on artificial intelligence.

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New York

Death Toll From Oppressive Heat in New Jersey May Be as High as 29

In New York City, emergency rooms last week logged the highest number of patients treated for heat-related illnesses in years.

Detective Struck by Friendly Fire in Brooklyn Shooting, Police Say

The police had first said the detective, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, was shot by a man in the street early Sunday. On Monday, they said that in fact another officer accidentally shot him.

An Email. A Knock at the Door. A Suit Alleges a Threat to Free Speech.

A man sent a scathing note to an immigration official after two demonstrators were killed. A lawsuit says agents who came to his house were trying to intimidate him.

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Arts

Inside Trump’s Ideological Fight With the Smithsonian

Publicly and behind the scenes, the president continues to try to impose his own views of American history and culture, presenting an ongoing challenge to Lonnie Bunch, the institution’s leader.

Madonna Returns to the Dance Floor With Focus

On “Confessions II,” a successor to her hit 2005 album “Confessions on a Dance Floor,” the pop superstar gives new energy to her origin story and shines light on the troubles she’s danced away.

Natural Bedfellows: Frida Kahlo’s and Tracey Emin’s Parallel Blockbusters

In concurrent hit shows at Tate Modern, the artists’ shared preoccupations become clear.