Today's Headlines: In Dropping Reflecting Pool Case, Pirro Draws Trump’s Wrath
As Cease-Fire Teetered, Iran Plotted a Wider War With Aid of Its Proxies
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The New York Times
Today's Headlines
August 2, 2026, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

In Dropping Reflecting Pool Case, Pirro Draws Trump’s Wrath

Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney in Washington, blamed shoddy construction, contradicting President Trump’s pet theory. Mr. Trump said he disagreed “100%” with her.

Trump Says He Is Canceling Strikes on Iran, Pending a Rapid Deal

President Trump said he agreed to requests from Iran and other Middle Eastern countries to cancel planned attacks, citing what he said was progress in reaching the “perimeters of a deal” with Tehran.

‘Where’s Mitch?’ Kentucky Political Picnic Takes Place Without McConnell

Senator Mitch McConnell’s ongoing hospitalization meant he missed his final chance to attend the signature western Kentucky event while in office.

World

Israel Bombards Gaza, Days After Trump Announced Deal to Advance Cease-Fire

Palestinian officials said at least two people were killed. The deal announced by President Trump calls in part for Hamas to give up its weapons and Israel to stop its attacks in Gaza.

How China Keeps Tabs on Foreigners

An unsecured police dashboard was a rare window into how the authorities track foreigners by collecting and aggregating vast amounts of private data.

As Cease-Fire Teetered, Iran Plotted a Wider War With Aid of Its Proxies

During a fleeting truce, Iranians covertly devised a plan to raise the war’s costs for President Trump if U.S. forces attacked anew.

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U.S.

The Allure and Peril of Riding an Alaskan Wave for Six Miles

The tidal bore that rockets up the Turnagain Arm south of Anchorage can carry a surfer for an hour; it can also kill. Now that the secret is out, how long will authorities allow surfers to catch the wave?

Days After Deadly Shooting, Seattle Tightens Security on Festivities

A recent shooting that killed three people at a food festival in Seattle did not deter crowds from the city’s Seafair Weekend Festival.

At Least 3 Dead and 2 Injured in Shooting at In-N-Out Burger in Idaho, Official Says

A spokesman for Twin Falls cautioned that the number of victims was “expected to be higher.” The police said the shooter was dead.

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Politics

Trump Threatens to Revive $1.8 Billion Fund for Allies Over Blanche Standoff

The president vowed to push for the payout fund if Senate Republicans fail to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, reigniting a dispute over the settlement.

Timeline of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Saga

President Trump vowed to restore the Reflecting Pool, a defining feature of Washington. Months later, it is empty and closed to the public.

Scope of Hacks on U.S. Water Supply Widens as Evidence Points to Iran

Michigan and Minnesota are among at least seven states coping with cyberattacks aimed at disrupting water systems nationwide.

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Business

‘Spider-Man’ Heads for $875 Million Global Opening, Defying Superhero Slump

The movie, the 11th big-budget Spider-Man movie since 2002, was on pace to have one of the biggest domestic first weekends ever.

In Italy, the Knives Are Out for the World’s Oldest Bank

Founded in 1472, Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena has survived wars, pandemics and scandals. But a hostile takeover bid has Tuscans on edge.

Is A.I. ‘Scheming’ Against Us?

Researchers are sounding the alarm on sneaky artificial intelligence models that stray from humans’ directions to do their own thing.

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New York

Baby’s First R-Rated Blockbuster

“The Odyssey” is selling out in all formats at all times of day. Even at morning screenings, which are packed with newborns and parents desperate to feel “normal.”

The Bagpiper’s Endless Quest for a Place to Practice

A tour of New York’s cemeteries, toxic canals and industrial zones where a great Highland bagpipe can drone in peace.

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Arts

A ‘Death of a Salesman,’ Edged in Darkness

Every Broadway production of “Death of a Salesman” has its distinguishing features. Willy Loman’s Chevrolet is a powerful character in the latest production.

14 Off Broadway Shows (and 1 Festival) to Elevate Your August

Bridget Everett, Patti LuPone, Alex Moffat, Ben Folds and Michael R. Jackson are all slated to perform on New York City stages this month.

10 Songs We’re Talking About This Week

Shaboozey teams with Kehlani, Ariana Grande gets meta and Lindsay Lou convenes a team of string-band all-stars.

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Books

Come for the Monsteras, Stay for the Murders

“Plant Lady,” by the Korean novelist Minyoung Kang, imagines an urban haven for women who need an escape from dangerous men.

They’re Making a Horror Film. The Monsters Aren’t Only in the Movie.

In Riley Sager’s “The Unknown,” actresses on a research trip stumble into a paranormal mystery.

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Food