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Welcome back, we hope you had a lovely weekend. In the news today: Trump celebrates the World Cup as a U.S. victory as he presents the trophy to the winner, Spain; Troy Jackson gains momentum to replace Graham Platner as the Democrats’ Senate candidate in Maine; and the U.S. bombing of Iran expands as Tehran retaliates. Also, a record-breaking weekend for women at Wisconsin’s Lumberjack World Championships.
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino hold the trophy as Spain teammates celebrate at the conclusion of the World Cup championship final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Trump presented the World Cup trophy to Spain. But to him, the real victor just might be the US
President Donald Trump stood alongside Spain, which won the tournament with a 1-0 victory over Argentina, as they jumped up and down and gold confetti shot out of a cannon. Later, speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Trump said he took pride in the country’s success as a host, adding that “all over the world, people have come and they love our country.” Read more.
Why this matters:
- The Trump administration was under considerable pressure to pull off a successful World Cup tournament because the U.S. will soon host the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
- The White House faced warnings from human rights groups, and the tournament confronted backlash over high ticket prices. Trump also created controversy with a phone call he made to FIFA President Gianni Infantino earlier this month in which he asked for a review of a controversial referee call in Team USA’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- The U.S. faced broader tensions with its World Cup co-hosts of Canada and Mexico. Still, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the final at Trump’s request, in a sign that soccer can overcome some geopolitical tensions.
Related coverage →
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Troy Jackson gains momentum in Democrats’ race for Maine’s US Senate seat
The former state legislator moved into a strong position to replace Graham Platner after several of his opponents dropped out Sunday. Read more.
What to know:
- The Democrats have been scrambling to pick a new candidate since Platner withdrew from the race after a woman accused him of sexual assault, which he denied.
- Over the weekend Jackson’s campaign touted they had secured hundreds of delegates who had promised to back him at the convention, including all of their preferred delegates for Maine’s most populous county, Cumberland. His strength caused many of his opponents to withdraw. A nominating convention will meet July 25 to select a new candidate to face Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in November.
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JD and Usha Vance welcome a baby boy, the first child born to a sitting VP in more than 150 years
Mullin pushes states to comply with election demands, echoing Trump’s claims about midterm risks
US bombing of Iran expands as American troops killed and Tehran retaliates against the Gulf states
The United States conducted a new round of airstrikes early Monday, now into their ninth straight night, targeting Iran after announcing the death of another American service member. Iran responded by launching an attack targeting Bahrain, the home of the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, and Kuwait. Read more.
Why this matters:
- The latest attacks again showed how, step by step, the U.S. and Iran have inched closer to all-out war as last month’s interim deal meant to permanently end the fighting has crumbled and shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has largely stalled. Both sides have targeted civilian infrastructure relied on by millions of people.
- Meanwhile, benchmark Brent crude rose Monday above $90 a barrel, further fueling a global energy crisis sparked by the conflict. An average gallon of regular gasoline in the U.S. also rose to $4, a key metric for Americans that puts more pressure on their wallets ahead of midterm elections this fall.
Related coverage →
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US gas prices hit an average of $4 a gallon
US military identifies 2 soldiers killed in Iranian attack on Jordan as from Texas and Hawaii
In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, too much cash is breaking the economy
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Kate Witkowski, left, and Erin Lavoie compete in the Jill and Jill event during the Lumberjack World Championships, Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Hayward, Wis. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)
Axes, saws and three world records
Three women’s world records were set at Wisconsin’s Lumberjack World Championships, where competitors chopped and log-rolled their way through a weekend of full powered timber sports. Competitors geared up with custom-built chain saws, sharpened axes and single buck saws, some of which can cost upwards of $400 to sharpen. While women have competed since the event’s debut in 1960, the events they participate in have expanded significantly. Read more about the winners here.
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