Politics & World Affairs — July 7, 2026

Senate Democrats urge Platner withdrawal. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and DSCC Chair Kirsten Gillibrand called on Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to withdraw after a woman accused him of sexual assault in 2021.

The Hill · Read more →

BBC exposes Russian prison officials. A BBC investigation named the men running Russian detention centers in occupied Ukraine, where former prisoners allege systematic torture and call for international prosecution of those responsible.

BBC World · Read more →

Ukrainian drones strike Omsk refinery. Ukrainian drones hit Russia's largest oil refinery in Omsk, about 1,700 miles from Ukraine, in the war's longest-range drone attack, as Zelensky pressed NATO for more air defense.

CNBC Top News · Read more →

Trump weighs Turkey F-35 return. President Trump is expected to offer Turkey a path back into the F-35 fighter program at the NATO summit, a move facing pushback from Republicans and Israel.

Reuters · Read more →

NATO summit opens in Ankara. NATO leaders unveiled arms deals worth tens of billions as President Trump arrived in Ankara; Axios reported he remains angry at allies who denied basing rights during the Iran campaign.

Axios · Read more →

French court rules on Le Pen. A French appeals court rules today on whether to uphold Marine Le Pen's embezzlement conviction, which could bar the National Rally leader from the 2027 presidential race.

BBC World · Read more →