The World: Five stories you might have missed

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nytimes.com July 3, 2026 Here are some standout stories from this week, curated by The World editors and personalized for you. Baz Ratner/Associated Press Vatican Excommunicates Breakaway Group, in Biggest Schism in 156 Years The move against the Society of St. Pius X followed its defiance of Pope Leo XIV by consecrating new bishops against his wishes. By Elisabetta Povoledo The Prom Went On in Kyiv, but Masha’s Date Danced Alone Masha Polska, 15, was an avid dancer who had been dreaming of a star turn in the group waltz. That was not to be. By Siobhán O’Grady, Liubov Sholudko and Oksana Parafeniuk Noriko Hayashi for The New York Times A Mayor Is Taking Maternity Leave in Japan. Some Men Are Furious. Shoko Kawata is the first mayor to take maternity leave in Japan’s history. Her decision has prompted debate about gender discrimination in the work force. By Javier C. Hernández and Kiuko Notoya Adriana Loureiro Fernandez for The New York Times After the Earth Stopped Shaking What one aerial image of a collapsed building tells us about the aftermath of an earthquake in La Guaira, Venezuela. By Adriana Loureiro Fernandez Hubert Hayaud for The New York Times Who Speaks for the Trees? A Tiny Quebec Town. Terrasse-Vaudreuil has adopted a resolution to protect trees, which its mayor called “indispensable allies,” as living beings. By Ephrat Livni Host: Katrin Bennhold Editor: Alicia Wittmeyer News Editors: Desiree Ibekwe, Carole Landry Associate Staff Editor: Parin Behrooz Photo Editor: Eli Cohen Deputy International Editor: Adam Pasick If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for The World from The New York Times. To stop receiving The World, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018