New York Times

1. Trump Follows His Gut. His National Security Advisers Try to Keep Up.

   Decisions come fast, even if contradictions and inconsistencies abound. But without much of a process, there is little preparation for how things can go wrong.

2. Iranian TV and Social Media Project Defiant and Distorted View of the War

   State media and online propagandists are striking a confident posture, despite heavy losses. Some of the content was generated by artificial intelligence.

3. Daines Drops Re-election Bid in Montana, Upending a Senate Race

   The surprise announcement by Senator Steve Daines could give Democrats a slim opening in the Republican-leaning state in their uphill fight to take the Senate majority.

4. Aaron Spencer, Charged With Murder, Appears to Win Republican Nomination for County Sheriff in Arkansas

   Aaron Spencer faces a second-degree murder charge for shooting a man accused of sexually assaulting his daughter. Preliminary results showed him appearing to win the Republican primary.

5. China Sets Economy’s Growth Target Below 5% for First Time in Decades

   The goal, announced at a gathering of Communist Party leaders, was the lowest since 1991 and can offer clues about China’s policymaking plans.