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Iran begins public mourning for Ayatollah killed in February

Iran begins public mourning for Ayatollah killed in February

July 03, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

Iran has started public mourning and funeral events for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, its former Supreme Leader, who was killed in February in strikes by the United States and Israel. The funeral will take place in Tehran and then in Mashhad, with millions expected to attend, while Tehran will have traffic and office closures during the ceremonies.

Key Facts

  • Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s former Supreme Leader, was killed in strikes by the US and Israel in February.
  • Public mourning and funeral ceremonies have begun several months after his death.
  • His body will lie in state at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla for three days before burial in Mashhad.
  • Officials expect up to 20 million people to attend the funeral events.
  • Tehran will close offices and restrict traffic in the city center during the ceremonies.
  • The airspace over Tehran will be partially closed from Friday and fully closed on Monday.
  • The body will be taken to the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala before burial.
  • International representatives, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, are expected to attend.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories
The far-right Alternative for Germany is buoyant as it eyes a slice of power in regional elections

The far-right Alternative for Germany is buoyant as it eyes a slice of power in regional elections

July 03, 2026 • AP News

Summary

The far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) is preparing for a convention to elect leaders and is gaining support, especially in eastern Germany. It performed strongly in recent elections and hopes to win majorities in upcoming regional votes, aiming for significant political power in the east.

Key Facts

  • AfD is a far-right nationalist party in Germany.
  • It holds leadership elections every two years and is expected to re-elect co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla.
  • In the last national election, AfD was the strongest opposition party and the leading party in eastern Germany.
  • Recent polls show AfD gaining support, potentially leading some regions.
  • AfD aims to win over 40% of the vote in the state election on September 6 in Saxony-Anhalt.
  • Another state election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is coming soon, where AfD also expects good results.
  • Mainstream German parties refuse to work with AfD, maintaining a political "firewall" against it.
  • Winning control of a state government would give AfD power over important areas like education and security.
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AP News
Ali Khamenei’s six-day funeral expected to draw millions in Iran

Ali Khamenei’s six-day funeral expected to draw millions in Iran

July 03, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Iran is holding a six-day funeral ceremony for its supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who died in a US-Israeli attack in February. The event is planned to show national unity and resistance and will take place mainly in Tehran and Mashhad, with some parts of the ceremony also held in Shia cities in Iraq.

Key Facts

  • Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader for 36 years, was killed in a US-Israeli attack in February.
  • The funeral ceremony will last six days, starting Saturday in Tehran and ending Thursday with burial in Mashhad.
  • Millions of Iranians are expected to attend, making it the largest event in Iran since the 1979 revolution.
  • The funeral aims to send political and religious messages of resistance to the world.
  • Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, was seriously injured in the same attack and is not expected to attend.
  • A ceremony for foreign leaders will precede the public funeral, with about 30 countries expected to send representatives; no European or US leaders were invited.
  • Iran’s officials have criticized European countries for their stance on the US-Israeli attacks.
  • The funeral will be held at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla mosque, a site used for major state religious events.
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Guardian World
Are Europe’s extreme summers the new normal? What the science says

Are Europe’s extreme summers the new normal? What the science says

July 03, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Europe experienced record-breaking heatwaves this summer, with temperatures reaching as high as 44°C (111.2°F) in some areas. Scientists say this extreme heat is becoming normal due to global warming, as Europe is warming about twice as fast as the global average. These hot summers are expected to happen more often in the future and may lead to more health problems and environmental damage.

Key Facts

  • Temperatures reached 40°C (104°F) in Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland, and 44°C (111.2°F) in a town in France.
  • Last summer’s heatwave caused around 2,300 climate-related deaths across 12 European countries.
  • Heatwaves in Europe are now tens to hundreds of times more likely than 50 years ago.
  • Europe has warmed roughly twice as fast as the rest of the world since the 1980s.
  • A "heat dome," or a high-pressure system, traps heat over an area and leads to extreme temperatures.
  • Effects of past pollution are causing current warming, and some damage, like shrinking Alpine glaciers, is permanent.
  • Scientists say future summers could be as hot as this or hotter unless greenhouse gas emissions are reduced.
  • Europe is likely to experience more severe warming compared to the global average in the coming decades.
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Al Jazeera
Gannet colonies could take 15 years to recover from bird flu

Gannet colonies could take 15 years to recover from bird flu

July 03, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

The bird flu outbreak in 2022 caused a large number of deaths among gannets, seabirds that live in big colonies in the UK. Two major colonies, one on Bass Rock in Scotland and another on Grassholm in Wales, lost many adult birds and will take about 15 to 20 years to recover fully.

Key Facts

  • The 2022 bird flu was identified as the H5N1 virus.
  • Gannets on Bass Rock and Grassholm saw adult deaths increase by four times during the outbreak.
  • Bass Rock’s gannet colony decreased in size by 26%, and Grassholm’s colony fell by 38%.
  • These colonies are among the largest in the world for northern gannets.
  • The bird flu virus was first found in gannets at Bass Rock in June 2022 and Grassholm in July 2022.
  • Adult breeding gannets are important because they help the population grow, so their loss affects long-term recovery.
  • The study suggests updating the gannet’s conservation status from "least concern" to reflect the current threat.
  • Bass Rock was recently bought by the conservation group RSPB Scotland, ending 320 years of private ownership.
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BBC Top Stories
I was 'slam dunk' for SNP leadership until revealing gay marriage views - Forbes

I was 'slam dunk' for SNP leadership until revealing gay marriage views - Forbes

July 03, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Kate Forbes, a former Scottish National Party (SNP) minister, said she was likely to win the SNP leadership in 2023 until she shared her personal views on gay marriage, which were based on her Christian faith. Despite losing to Humza Yousaf, she said she gained public respect for standing by her beliefs and faced criticism within her party for speaking at a conference with right-wing figures.

Key Facts

  • Kate Forbes was considered a strong candidate ("slam dunk") for SNP leadership in 2023.
  • She lost the leadership contest to Humza Yousaf.
  • Forbes revealed she would have voted against same-sex marriage but would not try to repeal the law.
  • She is a member of the Free Church of Scotland and expressed conservative views on issues like families and abortion.
  • Forbes said she was advised to hide her views but chose to be honest, which earned her public support.
  • Some SNP members disagreed with her speaking at a conference alongside right-wing politicians like Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson.
  • The conference discussion noted she faced unfair treatment because of her Christian beliefs.
  • Forbes said she received thousands of messages supporting her right to express her conscience, even when people disagreed with her views.
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BBC Top Stories
Robotic elephants draw crowds and controversy in some of India’s Hindu temples

Robotic elephants draw crowds and controversy in some of India’s Hindu temples

July 03, 2026 • AP News

Summary

In southern India, robotic elephants are being used in Hindu temples to replace live elephants in rituals and festivals. Animal welfare groups support this change, while some traditionalists oppose it because elephants are considered sacred and an important part of the ceremonies.

Key Facts

  • Robotic elephants are life-size models made of fiberglass, iron, and rubber.
  • These robots can move parts like ears, tails, heads, and trunks, and can even squirt water.
  • The robotic elephants cost about $6,000 each and weigh much less than real elephants.
  • Around 40 robotic elephants have been donated to temples by animal welfare groups like PETA.
  • The real elephants are considered sacred in Hinduism and have a major role in temple festivals.
  • Traditional festivals in Kerala, such as the Thrissur Pooram, feature about 100 live elephants dressed in decoration.
  • The creator of the robotic elephants, Prasanth Prakashan, says the robots do not yet walk but he is working on it.
  • The use of robotic elephants seeks to prevent animal abuse and dangers posed by live elephants during festivals.
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AP News
Latin Mass, but faithful to the pope: A Minnesota church shows a different way during schism crisis

Latin Mass, but faithful to the pope: A Minnesota church shows a different way during schism crisis

July 03, 2026 • AP News

Summary

A church in St. Paul, Minnesota, called the Church of Saint Agnes, continues to offer traditional Latin Mass while being loyal to Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican. This comes as Pope Leo XIV recently condemned a traditionalist group, the Society of St. Pius X, for breaking away from the Catholic Church by rejecting modern reforms and consecrating bishops without approval.

Key Facts

  • The Church of Saint Agnes holds both Latin and English Masses in a diverse neighborhood in St. Paul, Minnesota.
  • The church supports maintaining Catholic traditions while staying in full communion with Pope Leo XIV.
  • Since the Second Vatican Council over 60 years ago, the Catholic Church has modernized its worship practices, but some groups prefer the old Latin Rite.
  • The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) is a group that rejects these reforms and only celebrates the old Latin Mass.
  • Pope Leo XIV excommunicated SSPX bishops and priests after they appointed new bishops without Vatican approval.
  • The Church of Saint Agnes is not affiliated with SSPX and has official permission to celebrate Mass in Latin.
  • Father John Ubel, the pastor at Saint Agnes, preaches about balancing tradition with loyalty to the Vatican.
  • The recent schism highlights divisions within the Catholic Church between modern reformers and traditionalists.
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AP News
A push to identify bodies as deaths multiply in Venezuela after twin earthquakes

A push to identify bodies as deaths multiply in Venezuela after twin earthquakes

July 03, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Two strong earthquakes hit La Guaira, Venezuela, on June 24, 2026, killing at least 2,295 people. Rescue and forensic teams are working hard to find, identify, and store the bodies, while many families struggle to claim their loved ones.

Key Facts

  • The earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and struck back-to-back.
  • La Guaira, on Venezuela’s northern coast, was the hardest-hit area.
  • Over 2,295 people have died, and thousands remain missing.
  • Emergency teams face challenges collecting and identifying bodies.
  • Families often identify bodies by tattoos, scars, or clothes due to changes after death.
  • Funeral costs are high, and some families cannot afford them.
  • The local government is helping by giving free burial spaces to some families.
  • Forensic workers like Joel Mirabal have been working nonstop for days.
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AP News
‘Ridiculous’ for US to maintain current Nato support, Trump warns ahead of alliance summit

‘Ridiculous’ for US to maintain current Nato support, Trump warns ahead of alliance summit

July 03, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

President Donald Trump criticized the United States' relationship with NATO as unfair and one-sided ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara. He said European countries have not supported the US enough, especially regarding the war in Iran, and wants Europe to take more responsibility for its own defense.

Key Facts

  • President Trump called it "ridiculous" for the US to keep supporting NATO without fair help from other members.
  • He posted on Truth Social that NATO countries “were not there for us” and that the relationship is not fair to the US.
  • Several European countries have limited the use of their military bases by the US because of the war in Iran.
  • Trump wants Europe to lead its own defense, and the US has begun reducing some military commitments in Europe.
  • NATO members agreed last year to increase defense spending to 5% of their GDP by 2035 under US pressure.
  • US Secretary of State said Trump is unhappy with NATO allies for not joining more actively in operations against Iran.
  • Senator Marco Rubio said the tensions will be discussed at the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8.
  • NATO was formed in 1949 and is seen as a US-led alliance that helped maintain security in Europe during the Cold War and after.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Delcy Rodriguez responds to public anger at government response

Delcy Rodriguez responds to public anger at government response

July 03, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez of Venezuela reported that 80% of the buildings that collapsed during recent earthquakes were privately built. She also confirmed that over 2,500 people have died and rescue efforts are ongoing.

Key Facts

  • Two earthquakes recently struck Venezuela.
  • About 80% of collapsed buildings were built by private developers.
  • More than 2,500 people have died because of the earthquakes.
  • Search and rescue teams are still working to find survivors.
  • The government is responding to public concerns about its disaster handling.
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Al Jazeera
Hosepipe ban for Hampshire and Isle of Wight

Hosepipe ban for Hampshire and Isle of Wight

July 03, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A hosepipe ban will start on 10 July for about one million people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to save water. The ban follows very low river levels and dry weather, and may last until autumn unless there is heavy rain.

Key Facts

  • The hosepipe ban affects customers of Southern Water in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
  • It begins on 10 July but people are encouraged to stop using hosepipes immediately.
  • The River Test, the main water source, is at critically low levels due to dry weather and a heatwave.
  • This is the second year in a row the ban has been introduced by Southern Water.
  • Hosepipes use about 1,000 litres of water per hour, roughly one person's weekly water use.
  • Some customers with special health or mobility needs are exempt from the ban.
  • Southern Water plans a new reservoir by 2040 to reduce pressure on rivers.
  • The reduction in water leaks this year equals 27 million litres a day saved.
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BBC Top Stories
Spyware used against MEP investigating Pegasus abuses, report finds

Spyware used against MEP investigating Pegasus abuses, report finds

July 03, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A member of the European Parliament, Stelios Kouloglou, was repeatedly targeted with spyware made by NSO Group while investigating the misuse of this software in Europe. Researchers from Citizen Lab found signs that the attacks were related to past hacking campaigns against journalists but could not identify which government was responsible.

Key Facts

  • Stelios Kouloglou, a Greek MEP and journalist, was targeted by Pegasus spyware during his work on a European parliamentary committee investigating spyware abuses.
  • The spyware used was made by NSO Group, an Israeli company that sells it to governments for security purposes.
  • Kouloglou’s phone was first infected in October 2022 during an intense period of committee activity, and again in March 2023 as the committee was finalizing its report.
  • The committee investigating Pegasus abuses is called Pega and was created in March 2022 after the Pegasus Project exposed government spying on journalists and activists.
  • Citizen Lab could not identify which government used the spyware against Kouloglou but noted similarities to previous attacks on Russian and Belarusian journalists living in Europe.
  • Kouloglou was hacked while hospitalized and in contact with another journalist who was also targeted by spyware in Greece.
  • This is the first time a member of the Pega committee has been confirmed as a spyware target.
  • Experts warn that other European politicians may be unknowingly hacked with spyware.
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Guardian World
Steam railway that travels through the Swiss Alps celebrates its 100th anniversary

Steam railway that travels through the Swiss Alps celebrates its 100th anniversary

July 03, 2026 • AP News

Summary

The historic Furka steam railway in the Swiss Alps is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Volunteers restored this mountain railway after it closed in the 1980s, and it now runs as a tourist attraction through scenic Alpine landscapes during the summer.

Key Facts

  • The Furka Pass is one of Switzerland’s highest Alpine passes at 2,431 meters (7,976 feet).
  • The steam railway first operated a continuous journey over the pass on July 3, 1926.
  • It provided an important rail link between the regions of Uri and Valais in central Switzerland.
  • In the early 1980s, the route was closed after a tunnel diverted rail traffic away from the mountain pass.
  • Hundreds of volunteers restored the line and steam trains, reopening it as a heritage railway starting in 1992.
  • The current 18-kilometer (11-mile) track runs between Realp and Oberwald stations and operates in summer for tourists.
  • Steam trains use vintage carriages, and volunteers with special skills drive the locomotives.
  • Tourists enjoy views of rivers, Alpine meadows, pastures, and snow patches on the journey.
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AP News
Khamenei’s coffin readied as Iran prepares for seven-day funeral

Khamenei’s coffin readied as Iran prepares for seven-day funeral

July 03, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Iran has started funeral events for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The coffin will travel across the country before being buried in his hometown of Mashhad on July 9.

Key Facts

  • Iran is holding a seven-day funeral ceremony for Ali Khamenei.
  • The funeral events will begin in Tehran.
  • The coffin will move through various parts of Iran during the ceremonies.
  • Ali Khamenei was a Supreme Leader of Iran.
  • The final burial will take place in Mashhad, Khamenei’s hometown.
  • The burial is scheduled for July 9.
  • This marks a significant event in Iran’s political and religious life.
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Al Jazeera
From poutine to barbecue, local cuisines give World Cup fans another reason to cheer

From poutine to barbecue, local cuisines give World Cup fans another reason to cheer

July 03, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Fans attending the 2026 World Cup are enjoying local foods in the host cities across North America. Visitors are trying well-known fast food and regional dishes, appreciating the variety and flavors of American and Canadian cuisine.

Key Facts

  • World Cup fans traveled from many countries to North America for the soccer tournament.
  • Visitors are tasting local foods like lobster rolls in Boston, barbecue in Kansas City, and poutine in Toronto.
  • Some fans are trying popular American fast-food chains that they cannot find at home, such as Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out Burger.
  • Scottish fan Gary Bishop described poutine as a delicious dish with chips, gravy, and cheese.
  • Restaurant owners in host cities have seen increased customers and excitement because of the World Cup.
  • Fans from places like Scotland, Brazil, and England have gathered around local food spots during the tournament.
  • Some food chains are using the World Cup to attract more customers.
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AP News
Trump’s ties to Erdogan sold him on this year’s NATO summit. Turkey may win big in other ways

Trump’s ties to Erdogan sold him on this year’s NATO summit. Turkey may win big in other ways

July 03, 2026 • AP News

Summary

President Donald Trump has accepted an invitation to the NATO summit in Turkey, largely due to his close relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Trump praised Erdogan and suggested that the U.S. might soon approve sales of advanced military equipment, like F-35 jets, to Turkey despite previous restrictions.

Key Facts

  • President Trump often criticized other NATO leaders but praised Turkish President Erdogan as a “hell of a leader” and a good friend.
  • Erdogan personally invited Trump to attend the NATO summit in Ankara, emphasizing the importance of U.S. participation.
  • Trump’s attendance is seen as helping to avoid problems within NATO caused by his previous threats to reduce U.S. forces in Europe.
  • The U.S. and other NATO members have long disagreed on defense spending, with Trump pressing allies to increase it.
  • Turkey has been barred from receiving F-35 fighter jets because of its close ties with Russia.
  • Trump hinted he might announce progress on selling jet engines or F-35 jets to Turkey during the summit.
  • Experts note Trump tends to have better relations with leaders like Erdogan, who are considered strongmen and not traditional allies.
  • Erdogan avoided engaging closely with President Biden but is relying on his ties with Trump.
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AP News
Putin shrugs off fuel shortages in Russia as he ramps up attacks on Ukraine

Putin shrugs off fuel shortages in Russia as he ramps up attacks on Ukraine

July 03, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Russian President Vladimir Putin downplayed the impact of fuel shortages in Russia caused by repeated Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries. Despite the damage to Russia’s fuel industry and continued fighting, Putin insists the war will go on until his goals are met.

Key Facts

  • Since March, Ukraine has launched over 50 attacks on Russian and Crimea energy facilities.
  • These attacks have cut about one-third of Russia’s oil refining capacity.
  • Gasoline production in Russia has dropped roughly 17%, leading to fuel rationing and long lines at gas stations.
  • Crimea faces the worst fuel shortages, with gasoline sales to individuals stopped completely.
  • Russian military launched a large 11-hour attack on Kyiv, killing at least 21 people.
  • Putin described the Ukrainian attacks as attempts to distract from Ukraine’s battlefield losses.
  • He considers the fuel shortages “not critical” and rejected ceasefire suggestions.
  • Repairs to damaged refineries, including one in Moscow hit twice, will take months to complete.
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AP News
Australian officials ask fans to respect the privacy of Neil, a 1-ton seal who respects nothing

Australian officials ask fans to respect the privacy of Neil, a 1-ton seal who respects nothing

July 03, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Neil is a 1,000 kg (2,200 pound) elephant seal who returns every six months to southern Tasmania, Australia, where he causes property damage and disrupts local areas. Officials warn that his growing social media fame is causing crowds that might jeopardize both Neil’s safety and the public.

Key Facts

  • Neil is a 5-year-old male elephant seal, weighing about 1,000 kg (2,200 pounds).
  • He visits southern Tasmania’s beaches twice a year after feeding at sea.
  • Neil has damaged traffic bollards, signs, fences, and cars during his visits.
  • He often rests in places like roads, which can stop traffic in towns.
  • Neil has a TikTok following of 1.4 million people, more than double Tasmania’s human population.
  • Experts say Neil’s behavior is normal as he practices for fights he would have with other seals in the wild.
  • Officials are concerned that Neil’s popularity leads to risky human-seal encounters.
  • Tasmania’s Department of Natural Resources asks fans to respect Neil’s space to keep everyone safe.
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AP News
A fairytale at MSG: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding set to take place

A fairytale at MSG: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding set to take place

July 03, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Singer Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce are planning to get married on July 2, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The wedding event is expected to start at 5 p.m. and last until 4 a.m. the next day, with security and preparations underway at the venue.

Key Facts

  • Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding is scheduled for July 2, 2026.
  • The wedding location is Madison Square Garden, a large arena in New York City.
  • The event is planned to start at 5 p.m. and could last until 4 a.m. the following morning.
  • A smaller rehearsal dinner is expected to take place on the night before the wedding.
  • Security is tight, and the venue is being prepared with tents and special setups.
  • Madison Square Garden’s windowless design helps provide privacy for the event.
  • The wedding is a major topic among fans and the public due to the couple’s high profile.
  • New York City Police are involved in security but have not officially confirmed the wedding location.
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