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Millions of people are attending funeral ceremonies in Tehran for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died after a US-Israeli attack in February. The week-long event includes multiple cities and has drawn international delegations, highlighting its importance for Iran and the wider region.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, was killed in a US-Israeli attack in February.
Millions of mourners are expected to attend a week of funeral ceremonies starting in Tehran.
The funeral events are held in several cities: Tehran, Qom, Iraq, and Mashhad.
Several family members of Khamenei who died in the attack, including his granddaughter, are also being honored.
More than 5,000 schools and many classrooms were opened to host visitors coming to Tehran.
Delegations from over 100 countries attended initial ceremonies for foreign guests.
The funeral timing coincides with the first 10 days of Muharram, an important Muslim month, and the US Independence Day.
Analysts say the timing shows Iran’s focus on religious symbolism and signals that Iran’s leadership will maintain its current policies after Khamenei’s son takes over.
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Keir Starmer said Labour should win the next election under his likely successor, Andy Burnham, based on the work done during Starmer’s time as prime minister. Starmer emphasized his achievements in addressing child poverty, improving the NHS, stabilizing the economy, and rebuilding trust in the Labour party. He also stated he plans to support the new prime minister and remain a member of parliament until the next election.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer announced he will quit as prime minister but praised Andy Burnham as his likely successor.
Starmer highlighted Labour’s 2024 general election win and efforts on child poverty and NHS waiting times.
He said his government had stabilized the economy over the past two years.
Starmer claimed to have helped end antisemitism within Labour and restored public trust in defense and immigration policies.
He stressed that the next prime minister will need to handle both global and domestic issues.
Starmer confirmed he will stay in parliament until the next election and denied immediate plans for other roles like Nato secretary general.
He described his decision to resign as deeply personal after spending time with his family.
Starmer joked about Burnham’s support for the wrong football team but said they have no personal animosity.
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Susan Alexander, a retiree from Vermont, researched her family history and uncovered stories linked to the Battle of Gettysburg, including a love story between a Union soldier and a local nurse. Her ancestor, Bill Thompson, was wounded at Gettysburg and cared for by nurse Margaret Slonaker; they later married and built a family.
Key Facts
Susan Alexander grew up near Gettysburg and developed a lifelong connection to the area.
She began researching her family tree in the 1970s after moving to Los Angeles.
Alexander used genealogy centers, historical societies, libraries, and online tools like MyHeritage for her research.
Bill Thompson, an English-born soldier in the Union Army, was wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg.
Nurse Margaret Slonaker cared for Thompson during the battle’s aftermath when many local citizens helped wounded soldiers.
Thompson and Slonaker fell in love during the war and married in 1866 after the fighting ended.
Thompson adopted Slonaker’s son, who was Alexander’s great-grandfather.
The couple settled in Pennsylvania and raised a family after the Civil War.
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The article explores what might have happened if America had lost the Revolutionary War in 1776. Historians think the United States likely would have eventually gained independence later, but the country’s borders and history might look very different today.
Key Facts
George Washington’s victory at the Battle of Trenton helped boost the American fight for independence.
If America had lost the war, the Declaration of Independence would not have created a new country in 1776.
British colonies around the world, like Australia, Canada, India, and Pakistan, gained independence after different timelines.
Historians believe America would still have become independent eventually despite losing the war.
The United States’ large and rich land would attract immigrants and growth, increasing pressure on Britain to grant independence.
Winning the war allowed America to expand rapidly westward with purchases and land acquisitions like the Louisiana Purchase and Texas annexation.
Without winning, the American map might have been divided among French, Spanish, British, or Russian control.
The article highlights how history’s “what if” questions show how close events are connected and influence the present world.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin is facing unusual public criticism within Russia due to challenges caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Problems like fuel shortages, rising prices, attacks on energy sites and cities, and growing military losses are leading some notable people to blame the government.
Key Facts
The war in Ukraine has lasted more than four years.
Russia is experiencing fuel shortages and increasing inflation.
Attacks have targeted Russian energy infrastructure and some cities.
Military casualties for Russia are increasing.
These difficulties are causing public criticism of President Putin inside Russia.
Prominent Russian figures are starting to blame the government for these problems.
This criticism is rare in Russia, where public dissent is usually limited.
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The Malian army reported that rebel groups attacked several towns in northern Mali, including the cities of Gao and Sévaré. The Azawad Liberation Front said it is launching a new attack aimed at capturing the town of Anefis.
Key Facts
Rebel attacks targeted multiple towns in northern Mali on Saturday.
Major cities hit included Gao and Sévaré.
The Azawad Liberation Front announced a new offensive.
The offensive focuses on taking control of the town Anefis.
Mali has a history of fighting militants linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State.
There is also a continuing separatist rebellion in northern Mali.
The information comes from the Malian army and a rebel group spokesperson.
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Large crowds gathered in Tehran to honor the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the first day of his funeral ceremonies. The six-day event is expected to draw millions of people across Iran and Iraq as Khamenei’s body lies in state before burial in Mashhad.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s former supreme leader, was killed in joint US and Israeli strikes in February.
His funeral ceremonies are taking place over six days, starting in Tehran and continuing in other cities including Qom, Najaf, and Mashhad.
Authorities expect 15 to 20 million people to attend the funeral events in Iran and Iraq.
Khamenei’s body lies in the Grand Mosalla mosque in Tehran for three days alongside family members killed in the strikes.
The burial will take place at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, a major religious pilgrimage site.
Mourners chanted slogans against the US and vowed to seek revenge for Khamenei’s death.
President Donald Trump acknowledged the funeral and commented on peace talks between the US and Iran.
Khamenei was succeeded by his son, Mojtaba, who has not appeared publicly since taking leadership.
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A six-day funeral has started in Tehran for the former Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike in February. Thousands of mourners gathered at the Grand Mosalla mosque, expressing grief and political messages of resistance.
Key Facts
The funeral for Ali Khamenei began at the Grand Mosalla mosque in central Tehran.
Khamenei was killed in a US and Israeli airstrike in February during a war.
Thousands of people, some traveling long distances, attended the event early in the morning.
The large-scale funeral is planned to last six days and may attract up to 30 million attendees.
Khamenei’s body will also be taken through important Shia cities in Iraq, including Karbala and Najaf.
The event includes mourning rituals, speeches, and items showing support for resistance against Western countries.
The new supreme leader, Khamenei’s son Mojtaba, has not made public appearances since being chosen.
Journalists were advised against speaking with mourners, but many willingly shared their views comparing Khamenei to President Trump.
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People on a Disney cruise ship in Alaska started celebrating the July 4th holiday as part of the events marking America's 250th anniversary. The celebrations are happening along the Alaskan coast and include various festivities related to this national milestone.
Key Facts
Guests on the Disney Wonder cruise ship in Alaska began celebrating July 4th.
The celebrations are part of America's 250th anniversary events.
The cruise is sailing along the Alaskan coast.
This marks 250 years since the founding of the United States.
Various festivities are planned across the country for this occasion.
The events highlight national traditions and historical milestones.
The celebrations are receiving media coverage and live streaming.
The 250th anniversary is also known as the semiquincentennial.
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Thousands of people gathered in Tehran to attend the funeral ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Many important Iranian officials and foreign guests also came to pay their respects.
Key Facts
The funeral ceremonies took place in Tehran, the capital of Iran.
Thousands of mourners attended the public procession for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Top Iranian officials participated in the ceremonies.
Foreign dignitaries also attended to show their respect.
The event was a large public gathering to honor the late leader.
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A pregnant woman named Sasha Sabrina Azeez found out she was expecting twins and also discovered a large cyst on her ovary during an ultrasound. The cyst was a rare and cancerous tumor, which led to surgery during pregnancy and later chemotherapy after giving birth prematurely to her twins at 29 weeks.
Key Facts
Sasha Sabrina Azeez learned she was pregnant with twins in April 2024.
During the first ultrasound, doctors found a 9 cm cyst on her ovary, which grew to 19 cm.
She underwent a six-hour surgery at 20 weeks pregnant to remove the cyst, which was an immature teratoma (a rare tumor from germ cells).
The tumor was cancerous, and she needed further treatment after giving birth.
Azeez had an early delivery of twins via surgery at 29 weeks; the babies weighed about 2 pounds 5 ounces each.
The twins were cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
After birth, Azeez had another surgery to remove cancerous tissue and started chemotherapy.
She completed chemotherapy in late December 2024, marking the end of a difficult period.
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Andy Burnham is set to become the 59th British prime minister in about two weeks. While the current leader still holds power, Burnham is preparing to take over by meeting officials, planning policies, and organizing his team behind the scenes.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham will become the next British prime minister soon.
He has not fought a general election or published a full policy plan yet.
He plans a "No 10 North" office in Manchester, where he will spend part of the week.
Burnham supports tax cuts for pubs and small businesses, funded by taxes on large online companies.
He aims to expand public control of utilities.
Burnham has met with MPs and unions to prepare for leadership.
He is currently choosing his cabinet team but won't announce it until after taking office.
A formal handover process with government officials has started to aid the transition.
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Armed fighters attacked five towns across Mali on a Saturday morning, targeting military and government positions, including a prison. The attacks occurred mainly in northern and central regions, with ongoing fighting reported, especially in the towns of Anefis and Gao.
Key Facts
Attacks took place in Aguelhok, Anefis, Gao, Sevare, and Kenieroba.
The assault began around 5 a.m. local time with gunfire, rockets, explosions, and aircraft activity.
Anefis and Aguelhok are the last northern towns where the Malian army still has a presence in the Kidal region.
The Azawad Liberation Front, a Tuareg-led group, confirmed it attacked Anefis.
Government and Russian troops are deployed in some northern towns to counter insurgents.
A prison in Kenieroba was also attacked during the assaults.
These attacks follow previous rebel actions in April, including an attack on Bamako airport and killing the defence minister.
Fighting is still ongoing in several areas, and the Malian army continues to resist armed groups.
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The article looks back at the key figures and events around the year 1776, when the United States declared independence from Britain. It highlights the struggles and actions of people like George Washington, King George III, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin during the Revolutionary War period.
Key Facts
In 1776, a group of men signed the Declaration of Independence, committing treason against Britain.
George Washington led the Continental Army through difficult times but won a surprise victory at Trenton in December 1776.
King George III was unaware of the Declaration of Independence on the exact day it was signed because news traveled slowly across the Atlantic.
British Prime Minister Lord North oversaw policies that angered the American colonies but often wanted to resign from his position.
Thomas Jefferson wrote most of the Declaration of Independence at age 33 but had parts of his text, including a criticism of the slave trade, removed.
Benjamin Franklin, at 70, was famous worldwide and helped convince France to support the American cause.
John Adams strongly pushed for independence and famously anticipated July 2 as the important date, though the Declaration was actually adopted on July 4.
Abigail Adams was a significant figure, advising and supporting the revolutionary cause.
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This article explains that the common story about American independence is simplified and partly inaccurate. The Declaration of Independence was a carefully crafted document meant to persuade others, not just a list of absolute facts. The image of King George III as a cruel tyrant is also challenged by historical documents showing he was a serious monarch dealing with complex issues.
Key Facts
The Declaration of Independence was written to convince people of the colonies’ right to separate, not just to state facts.
The document lists many complaints against the king and Parliament but was one-sided and selective.
Only some of the grievances in the Declaration blamed King George III directly; others targeted the British Parliament.
King George III was not the cruel tyrant often portrayed but a constitutional monarch managing war and government.
New historical evidence, including documents from the Georgian Papers Programme, shows the king opposed harsh measures like the Stamp Act repeal.
The popular story of independence simplifies and dramatizes events more than historical records support.
The Declaration combined moral arguments with political advocacy to gain support at home and abroad.
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The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen promised a strong response to any threats against Saudi Arabia or Yemen’s sovereignty following warnings from the Houthi group. This comes after an Iranian civilian plane landed in the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, which the Yemeni government and coalition condemned as a violation of sovereignty.
Key Facts
The Saudi-led coalition supports Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
The coalition vowed to use strong force against any attacks on Saudi Arabia or attempts to violate Yemen’s sovereignty.
The Houthi group threatened to respond with attacks on Saudi airports and key sites after an Iranian civilian plane landed in Sanaa.
The Iranian plane was carrying over 200 patients and a Houthi delegation traveling for the funeral of Iran’s former supreme leader.
The Yemeni government condemned the Iranian flight as illegal and called for international sanctions against groups arming the Houthis.
The Houthis are aligned with Iran and accused of causing economic problems and instability in Yemen.
The conflict started in 2015 when the Houthis took control of Sanaa and ousted the Yemeni government.
The UN describes the war in Yemen as a severe humanitarian crisis causing widespread displacement and damage.
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China’s military promoted two new generals after several leaders were removed due to an anti-corruption campaign. The changes aim to strengthen the military’s loyalty to China’s Communist Party and its leader, Xi Jinping.
Key Facts
Two new generals, Zhang Shuguang and Wang Gang, were promoted by Xi Jinping, who leads both China and its military.
Zhang Shuguang was also named head of the military’s top anti-corruption investigation team.
The Central Military Commission, China’s highest military body, has been reduced from seven members to two because of ongoing corruption investigations.
Xi Jinping chairs the Central Military Commission, and its only current members besides him are Vice Chair Zhang Shengmin and Xi himself.
Two former vice chairs, including the military’s top general, were removed during the anti-corruption purge.
The military expects to name a new Central Military Commission next fall when the current commission’s term ends.
The promotions may help fill open positions on this commission.
The anti-corruption campaign is part of efforts to ensure the military’s loyalty to the Communist Party and Xi Jinping.
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Insurgents attacked five locations in Mali early Saturday, including a prison in Kenieroba and towns where government and Russian forces are based. The attacks happened about two months after the defense minister was killed in earlier violence.
Key Facts
Insurgents attacked five places in Mali around 4:00 am local time.
The towns attacked include Gao, Anefis, Sevare, and Kenieroba.
Kenieroba prison was one of the attack sites.
Some attacks targeted areas with government and Russian fighters.
The armed groups include jihadists and separatist Tuareg fighters.
The fighting follows earlier attacks that killed Mali’s defense minister.
The statement about the attacks came from the Mali army.
This is an ongoing story with updates expected.
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Funeral ceremonies began in Tehran for Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Authorities expect about 15 million people to attend, including participants from neighboring Iraq.
Key Facts
The funeral events started at a large prayer complex in Tehran.
Ceremonies include the national anthem, religious speeches, and readings from the Koran.
Iranian officials estimate 15 million people will attend the funeral.
The funeral will also be held in neighboring Iraq.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was Iran’s former Supreme Leader.
The ceremonies are planned to last for a week.
The report was given by France 24’s correspondent Reza Sayah.
The event is taking place amid regional political tensions.
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Pope Leo XIV visited the Italian island of Lampedusa on July 4 to honor migrants who have died trying to reach Europe. He prayed at a migrant cemetery and held a Mass for new arrivals, highlighting the ongoing migration challenges Europe faces.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV spent July 4 on Lampedusa, a key entry point for migrants to Europe.
He prayed at a cemetery where many migrants who died trying to reach Europe are buried.
The pope held a solemn Mass for recent migrants arriving on the island.
This visit took place while the United States celebrated its 250th Independence Day.
Pope Leo XIV has previously disagreed with President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
Lampedusa is central to Europe’s migration debate due to its location near North Africa.
The pope’s visit was meant to symbolize compassion and raise awareness about migrant deaths.
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