Today's Headlines: Lebanon Emerges as Weak Link in U.S.-Iran Deal to End War

June 20, 2026, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

World

Lebanon Cease-Fire Bolsters U.S.-Iran Truce, After a Shaky Start

Talks on a long-term peace deal were set to begin on Friday, but Iran pulled out, citing Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Hours later, diplomats say, Israel and Hezbollah agreed to halt fighting there.

Moscow Refinery Blast May Have Been Caused by Friendly Fire, Video Suggests

Footage shows a Russian air defense missile traveling toward a fuel silo, which erupts in an explosion around the time of its arrival.

‘God Is Cape Verdean’: Tiny Nation on a High After a Sensational World Cup Debut

Cape Verde’s veteran goalkeeper, Vozinha, is keeping the archipelago nation’s hopes outsized after his performance against soccer giant Spain.

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U.S.

Memo by Rubio Approved Detention of Immigrant Who Criticized Trump Ally

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Beto Coral’s criticism of a presidential candidate in his home country of Colombia undermined U.S. foreign policy.

Ruling in Missouri Restores Access to Medication Abortions

The court found that dozens of state laws undermined a state constitutional amendment that guaranteed reproductive rights. The state vowed to appeal the finding.

‘Just a Great Soccer City’: Spurned in 1994, Seattle Is Now a World Cup Draw

Seattle has become a leading American soccer city with successful professional franchises and a devoted fan base.

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Politics

Trump Shifts Stance in South Carolina After Losses in Governor’s Races

On Friday the president made the unusual move of endorsing both candidates in the Republican runoff for South Carolina governor, after initially supporting one of them.

A New Air Force One, via Qatar, Nears Its First Presidential Flight

President Trump showed off the new red, white and blue Boeing 747, a gift from Qatar that prompted a storm of criticism from lawmakers, before a flyover on July 4.

‘A Literal Coverup’: What Is the Kennedy Center Hiding Behind Those Tarps?

The arts center says it pulled President Trump’s name from the building front. But the result remains hidden by tarps, prompting questions and speculation.

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Business

For India, the Return of Iranian Oil Cannot Come Soon Enough

After months of shortages and uncertainty, India sees an opportunity to restore a once-crucial energy relationship.

A Town With Wyeth Ties Plans a Comeback From Disaster

A new rescuer — Colby College, bankrolled by a construction magnate — will vastly change not just the economics of Port Clyde, Maine, but also its cultural and physical fabric.

Amazon’s Movie Arm Abandons Film About OpenAI

The company, which invested $50 billion in the artificial intelligence start-up this year, will let the team behind the film, “Artificial,” try to sell the project to another studio.

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New York

A Viral Knicks Moment, Brought to You by a Prediction Market

What do a Jalen Brunson look-alike contest, a buzzy catchphrase and a dancing robot outside Madison Square Garden have in common?

A Local Train System Is on a World Stage, and Everyone’s a Critic

NJ Transit has so far carried tens of thousands of fans to and from World Cup games in New Jersey without major problems, but many regular riders remain wary.

The (Very) Manhattan Moms Whose Sons Are Running for Congress

In a high-profile Democratic House primary, there’s a fair chance that would-be voters may have been sweet-talked by the proud mothers of leading candidates.

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