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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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Venezuela experienced two strong earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, which caused many deaths and injuries. Foreign rescue teams are helping local workers recover victims, while families search for missing loved ones amid uncertainty about the total number of casualties.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes hit Venezuela last week with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
The coastal town of La Guaira was the hardest hit, with many buildings destroyed.
Authorities reported 2,645 people have died because of the earthquakes.
More than 12,000 people were injured in the disaster.
Foreign rescue workers are assisting with recovery efforts.
Families are struggling to find their missing relatives.
The exact death toll is still uncertain and may change as rescuers continue their work.
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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce held their wedding ceremony at Madison Square Garden in New York City, attended by many famous celebrities and sports players. Fans gathered outside the venue, but no official photos from inside have been shared.
Key Facts
The wedding took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Around 1,000 guests attended, including Selena Gomez, Camila Cabello, Hugh Grant, and others.
Fans waited outside despite hot weather to celebrate the couple.
Police officers were present to manage the crowd around the stadium.
The wedding announcement was displayed outside the stadium, reading "JUST&T MARRIED!"
Some celebrities seen arriving or leaving include Gigi Hadid, Bradley Cooper, Jason Sudeikis, and Jessica Alba.
No official images from inside the ceremony have been released.
The event generated wide excitement and media coverage.
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The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party held a national convention in Erfurt to elect its leaders, while thousands of protesters clashed with police outside. The party aims to keep its current leaders in place and increase its influence, especially in upcoming state elections.
Key Facts
The AfD party met in Erfurt, Germany, on July 4, 2026, to choose its leaders.
Current leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla have led the party for four years and seek to extend their terms.
Thousands of protesters gathered outside the convention, leading to clashes with police in riot gear.
The convention’s timing coincides with the 100-year anniversary of a Nazi Party meeting in the area, which has caused controversy.
AfD is Germany’s largest opposition party and remains politically divisive.
The party benefits from public dissatisfaction with the current government’s efforts to reform the economy.
AfD hopes to win over 40% of votes in a September 6, 2026, state election in Saxony-Anhalt, potentially gaining significant power.
Other mainstream parties refuse to cooperate with AfD, creating a political “firewall” against it.
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The UK government has ended a major education program called SHEFE, which aimed to help 1 million girls access higher education in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Critics say this move, along with other aid cuts, reduces opportunities for women and girls worldwide and weakens the UK's support for their education and safety.
Key Facts
SHEFE was a UK government-funded program with a £45 million budget to support girls’ higher education overseas.
The program was canceled just two years after it started, with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) withdrawing its tender.
Educating girls reduces child marriage rates and violence against women, and helps women earn more money.
Other UK aid programs for education in countries like South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have also been cut.
The UK Home Office blocked new student visas from countries including Afghanistan, Sudan, Myanmar, and Cameroon.
The FCDO’s Girls’ Education Department lost more than half its funding recently.
Organizations warn these funding cuts could undo progress on gender equality and women’s safety worldwide.
Public opinion in the UK favors protecting aid programs that help women and girls despite budget cuts.
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Slovakia is holding a referendum on whether to stop lifelong payments to Prime Minister Robert Fico and other leaders after they leave office. Voters will also decide if two government offices that investigate major crimes and corruption should be reopened.
Key Facts
The referendum comes after a petition signed by over 350,000 Slovak citizens, which is the legal minimum to trigger a vote.
Lifelong payments are a monthly salary to former leaders who served at least two terms; this was extended to Fico and others after a 2024 assassination attempt on Fico.
The two offices up for potential reopening are the special prosecutor’s office and the National Criminal Agency, both dealing with serious crimes.
Earlier in 2024, Fico’s government closed these offices, causing protests in Slovakia and criticism from other countries.
Only one previous Slovak referendum, in 2003 on EU membership, passed; others failed due to low voter turnout.
Polls suggest this referendum may not meet the necessary 50% voter turnout.
Fico, a pro-Russian leader returning to power in 2023, has faced protests and corruption accusations involving his party.
Fico said he will not participate in the referendum vote.
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Pope Leo XIV visited the Italian island of Lampedusa on July 4 to pray for migrants who died trying to reach Europe for a better life. His visit highlighted the importance of treating migrants with dignity and reminded the United States of its immigrant roots.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV spent July 4 on Lampedusa, an island near Africa that is a main entry point to Europe for migrants.
Lampedusa is known for many migrant shipwrecks, with tens of thousands of deaths in the Mediterranean since 2014.
The Pope held a Mass and prayed at a migrant cemetery on the island.
He sent a letter to Americans emphasizing respect for all human life, including immigrants.
Pope Leo XIV is the first U.S.-born pope and has criticized President Trump’s immigration policies.
The island symbolizes Europe’s challenge of managing immigration while helping refugees.
Migrants often risk dangerous trips from Libya or Tunisia to reach Lampedusa.
The International Organization of Migration records many missing migrants in the Mediterranean, but the true number of casualties is likely higher.
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Keiko Fujimori has been declared the winner of Peru’s presidential election, narrowly beating Roberto Sánchez by less than 50,000 votes nearly a month after the vote. Fujimori, who has run for president three times before, will take office on July 28 and plans to focus on fighting organized crime.
Key Facts
Keiko Fujimori won 50.135% of the vote in the June 7 runoff election.
Roberto Sánchez received 49.865% of the vote and has challenged the result, claiming election irregularities.
Fujimori is the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, who was jailed for human rights abuses.
She has promised a military crackdown on organized crime and to expel undocumented immigrants involved in crimes.
This is her fourth attempt to become president; she lost narrowly in 2011, 2016, and 2021.
Fujimori’s victory marks a shift toward right-wing leadership in Peru and Latin America.
Similar right-wing leaders have recently been elected in Colombia, El Salvador, and Ecuador.
The presidential inauguration is scheduled for July 28.
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