Headlines From The Times

In Maine, Graham Platner is officially suspending his campaign for U.S. Senate after sexual assault allegations against him came to light this week. In an eleven-minute video posted to social media, Platner said his movement will continue, but that he can't carry the torch forward. Under Maine law, a political party can choose a new nominee when one steps aside, meaning Democrats have until July 27th to pick a replacement candidate for the general election in November.

Also, a federal judge ordered President Trump to pay writer E. Jean Carroll the more than $5 million that he owes her. A Manhattan jury awarded Carroll the settlement over three years ago, after Trump was found liable of sexually assaulting and defaming her.

And Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer behind one of the biggest power ballads of all time, has died at 75. Tyler's family said she died unexpectedly at a hospital in Portugal, where she was being treated for an illness. Best known for her 1983 hit "Total Eclipse of the Heart," Tyler's distinct, raspy voice made the song a global phenomenon.

Meanwhile, former Chargers star Marcellus Wiley is denying allegations made by his wife after she filed for divorce & obtained a temporary restraining order. Wiley says the claims are false & plans to fight them through the legal process.

Finally,  a new California bill would allow abused & neglected animals seized in cruelty cases to be placed in foster homes or with rescue groups while criminal cases move through the courts, helping reduce long shelter stays.

Read more at https://LATimes.com

President Trump says the U.S. will let Ukraine manufacture Patriot air defense systems to help counter Russian missile attacks, which killed at least 21 people in Kyiv just days ago. Trump also shifted his tone while meeting with Zelensky, praising the Ukrainian leader as "very effective" in the war.

Meanwhile, the market is down and oil prices are surging after Trump announced the ceasefire deal between the U.S. and Iran is over, following Iran's retaliatory attacks on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump says Iran's civilian infrastructure could be next, after Iran targeted U.S. military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait.

Also, Netflix is expanding beyond movies and TV shows by adding short-form videos from major digital publishers. The new feature launches August 3 and will include celebrity interviews, travel, gardening and more.

Meanwhile, after more than five decades of family fun, Fiesta Village Family Fun Park in Colton is closing for good. Park owners cite rising operating costs & declining attendance as the main reasons behind the closure.

Read more at https://LATimes.com

Just one month after winning Maine's Democratic Senate primary, Graham Platner is facing growing calls to end his campaign. Last night, a woman who dated Platner went on CNN and accused him of raping her in 2021. Platner called those allegations "categorically false" and said he's taking time to reflect on the best path forward for his campaign.

Also, Senator Mitch McConnell is reportedly "continuing his recovery" after being hospitalized more than three weeks ago. Since then, his office hasn't said anything about the condition of his health, or when he's expected to return to the Capitol. The Senate returns from recess next week, but it's unclear if McConnell will be there. In the meantime, his team says he's receiving "excellent care."

Yesterday, Rui Hachimura inked a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, continuing the Los Angeles Lakers free agency refresh. And, Tom Sandoval and ex-girlfriend Victoria Lee Robinson are now accusing each other of abuse as dueling restraining order claims head to court.

Read more at https://LATimes.com

Early Monday, Russia launched a series of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, and the greater region, killing at least 21 people and wounding at least 60 others. Also, as parts of the world bake under extreme summer heat, Southern California is next, as a strengthening El Niño threatens to bring record-high temperatures there over the coming weeks. A heat advisory is in effect from Tuesday to Thursday, as temperatures are expected to climb into the high nineties, even reaching triple digits across inland Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. And, in a rare move, FIFA overturned U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's one-game suspension, clearing him to play in Monday's win-or-go-home match against Belgium. According to multiple outlets, Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino last week, asking him to reverse the call. Read more at https://www.latimes.com

Four House Republicans joined Democrats to pass a resolution for the first time that would limit President Trump's powers over the Iran War. The resolution is symbolically powerful, because it represents a growing divide between GOP lawmakers, especially those concerned about the war's effect on rising gas and food prices here at home. Meanwhile, California's primary election results are still trickling in for the mayoral and gubernatorial races. Incumbent Karen Bass is advancing to the November general election, while Spencer Pratt is leading City Councilmember Nithya Raman in the L.A. mayor's race, though many mail-in ballots remain uncounted. In the governor's race, Republican Steve Hilton is leading and likely to face Democrat Xavier Becerra in the general election.