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The Short List

Tue Jul 7 2026

Phaedra Trethan | National Correspondent

@wordsbyphaedra

👋🏼 Hi there! I'm Phaedra Trethan. I was not invited to Taylor and Travis' wedding, but apparently I'm in pretty good company. 😆

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In Tuesday's news:

•	The World Cup dream is over for the U.S. as the men's national team fell to Belgium in a disappointing 4-1 loss. ⚽
•	Sen. Mitch McConnell's hospitalization, and the lack of information about it, is raising questions about his ability to return to office.
•	President Donald Trump is meeting with leaders of other NATO nations in Turkey. Why money is top of mind for Trump.

But first: This earthquake survivor's cry for help and gesture of thanks to rescuers will melt your heart. Check out our Video of the Day. 🐶 ❤️‍🩹

It's over for the U.S. ⚽ 😔

It was a disappointing end for the U.S. men, whose World Cup hopes went up in smoke in Seattle. The Americans fell to Belgium in a flat, lifeless 4-1 loss in the round of 16 ‒ the same round where it's lost in its last three World Cup appearances. Belgium took the lead just nine minutes in amid a dreadful start for the U.S. Malik Tillman equalized in the 31st minute off a deflected free kick, but the Belgians retook the lead just two minutes later.

•	Trump's intervention with FIFA raised eyebrows, but it's not the first time the president has weighed in on a sporting event. Should he maybe... not? 🤔
•	Columnist Nancy Armour writes that the U.S. men's team is stuck in the same place it's been for years.
•	The World Cup goes on. Check out all our coverage here, including videos, photo galleries, scores, stats and more.

Matt Freese of the United States shows dejection after the team's 4-1 loss to Belgium on Monday in Seattle, Washington.

Carl Recine, Getty Images

Mitch McConnell mystery

Where ‒ and how ‒ is Mitch McConnell? According to his office, the 84-year-old, hospitalized since mid-June, is improving. But the former Senate majority leader's staff hasn't said much else to indicate what he's being treated for, what his prognosis is, or his condition. Audio from an emergency call to the Kentucky senator's DC home indicated an unconscious person, and, minutes later, someone in "cardiac arrest." Though he's not running for reelection at the end of his term this year, his continued presence (or absence) could have implications for each party's hopes to control Congress after the midterms.

•	Watch: What to know about Mitch McConnell's health issues.
•	Congressional aides told USA TODAY that McConnell has spoken with his Hill colleagues by phone from the hospital.
•	McConnell isn't the only public figure whose health has been the subject of speculation. Experts warn that might not be a good thing.
•	Democrats are pressuring Graham Platner to drop out of the race to represent Maine in the Senate amid new and disturbing allegations.

Senator Mitch McConnell remains hospitalized after three weeks. USA TODAY's Melina Khan reports what we know and don't know.

Getty Images

Real quick

•	A building at risk of collapse forced the evacuation of an area of Midtown Manhattan. USA TODAY's Amethyst Martinez was near the building with buckling floors.
•	An Idaho woman who said her twins died after being vaccinated has been charged with their murders.
•	An elderly Texas couple are facing federal drug charges after authorities say they were caught towing more than 300 pounds of cocaine.
•	A former assistant coach is facing hazing, reckless endangerment and other charges after a Bucknell football player's death.

Trump and NATO spending 💵

Trump received a warm welcome in Turkey for the NATO summit that began Tuesday, but the president and many members of his administration have long been critical of the alliance, saying the U.S. shoulders a disproportionate amount of the security and financial burden. We took a look at how the U.S. stacks up against other NATO nations.

•	Trump says he'll lift sanctions on Turkey, and then sell them U.S. fighter jets. It might not be that easy.
•	Photos: Trump in Turkey for the NATO summit. 📸

Ottoman guards prepare for the arrival of U.S. President Donald Trump on July 7, 2026 in Ankara, Turkey. Leaders from NATO's 32 countries, plus NATO allies like Ukraine, gathered in the Turkish capital to discuss a range of issues involving spending targets, defense industrial production, and support for Ukraine, among other topics.

Burak Kara, Getty Images

Friends + money = headaches 💰🤬

It was a great trip: Friends, fun, drinks, food, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But now that it's over, that credit card bill beckons ‒ so you beckon your friends, in the form of Venmo requests, to cover their share of the costs.

But a study of Gen Z consumers found that more than three-quarters of those who paid upfront for a group expense never got repaid in full. As more people are spending on experiences (many because they can't afford a house or a family), group outings can turn into tough conversations among friends when it's time to pay up.

•	It's expensive to buy a house. But that's not the only thing holding back first-time buyers. 🏡

A break from the news

•	When I was a kid, my grandfather built little houses for his chihuahuas, ChiChi and Gomez, complete with little windows and shutters. Still, he never built anything like this.
•	I'm a big fan of ancient Greek literature, so I'm looking forward to seeing Christopher Nolan's adaptation of "The Odyssey." Early reviews are making me even more anxious to see it. 🍿
•	Is there anyone out there who thinks hot dogs are good for you? What to know about the summertime staple. 🌭

Phaedra Trethan is a national correspondent at USA TODAY. She'd love to hear from readers about The Short List, story ideas from across the nation and your favorite summertime food. (I wait all year for Jersey tomatoes and sweet corn from my favorite farmstand.) Email her at ptrethan@usatoday.com.