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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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The United States has been celebrating with fireworks for 250 years, especially on the Fourth of July. Fireworks are made and used across the country to mark this tradition and important events.
Key Facts
Fireworks have been used in the U.S. for 250 years to celebrate special occasions.
The Fourth of July is a key holiday where fireworks are a major part of the celebrations.
Fireworks light up the skies in many cities across the country during these celebrations.
The article highlights famous locations such as New York City, Washington, DC, and Philadelphia where fireworks displays are prominent.
The 250th anniversary celebrations include parades and other traditional events alongside fireworks.
Fireworks are part of a long-standing American tradition connected to patriotism and national pride.
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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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A family in Edinburgh found over 100 antique silver items in their attic that were sold at auction for nearly £60,000, much higher than the estimated £23,000. The items dated from the early 1700s to the early 1900s and included a variety of silverware and decorative pieces.
Key Facts
The antique silver collection was discovered in dusty wooden chests in a family attic in Edinburgh.
The collection contained items from the early 1700s to the early 1900s.
The auction took place at Elmwood's auctioneers in London.
The items sold for £59,761, exceeding the estimated value of £23,000.
The most expensive item was a set of Danish vintage cutlery, which sold for £5,200.
Other pieces included an Edwardian jewellery box, an Imperial Russian tankard, and a Victorian silver shaving brush.
The family had kept the collection hidden for nearly a century and discovered it while clearing their mother’s home.
Auction officials noted strong interest due to the collection’s rarity, quality, and the story behind its discovery.
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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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Some architects warn that the U.S. risks losing its historic buildings because many are demolished instead of preserved or repurposed. They say that saving and updating old buildings can protect the country’s architectural history and culture while supporting sustainability.
Key Facts
The U.S. is celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2024.
Many historic American buildings have been demolished to make way for new developments.
Architect Gordon Gill emphasizes keeping and refreshing existing buildings for sustainability.
Debates over preserving or demolishing old buildings date back to the late 1700s and 1800s.
Some historic buildings, like Mount Vernon, were saved, while others, like John Hancock’s house, were torn down.
Adaptive reuse projects, such as converting the Flatiron Building into residences, show growing interest in preservation.
Financial reasons often drive the preference to demolish and rebuild rather than retrofit old buildings.
The construction industry’s focus on fast growth and new development has fostered a culture of disposable buildings.
Experts warn that demolition-first approaches risk losing important parts of America’s historical story.
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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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President Donald Trump posted images comparing Democratic politicians Jon Ossoff and James Talarico to fictional characters in an online message. Ossoff is currently leading in the Georgia Senate race, while Talarico is competing in a tight Texas Senate race. Both Democrats have criticized President Trump on various issues during their campaigns.
Key Facts
President Trump shared side-by-side images of Jon Ossoff with Pee-wee Herman and James Talarico with Alfred E. Neuman on social media.
Jon Ossoff, a Georgia Senator, leads his Republican opponent Mike Collins by 13 points in recent polls.
James Talarico is the Democratic nominee for the 2026 Texas Senate race, facing Republican Ken Paxton in a close contest.
Ossoff has criticized President Trump's policies on inflation, tariffs, and the cost of living.
Trump insulted Ossoff using nicknames and endorsed his opponent Collins publicly.
Ossoff has raised over $60 million for his campaign, whereas Collins raised under $5 million.
Trump has also insulted Talarico in posts, calling him a "fraud" and making false claims about him.
Both Ossoff and Talarico have downplayed President Trump's personal attacks during their campaigns.
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Britain aims to get nearly all its electricity from clean sources by 2030, but there are many challenges slowing progress. While more renewable projects have been approved recently, experts say reaching the goal will be difficult and may take longer than expected.
Key Facts
The goal is to produce 95% of electricity from zero-carbon sources by 2030.
Labour approved renewable energy projects twice as fast as the previous Conservative government in their last two years.
Many projects faced long delays, but a new system is speeding up grid connections for renewables.
Over 700 renewable projects have been given connection dates before 2030, covering more than half the needed capacity.
Experts warn that perfect execution of complex projects is needed to meet the target, which is unlikely given real-world difficulties.
Current estimates suggest reaching 83% clean electricity by 2030, possibly reaching 95% by 2035.
Gas still provides about 27% of electricity to balance supply when wind or solar power is low.
Transitioning to renewable energy will reduce reliance on gas, helping lower carbon emissions and protect consumers from high gas prices.
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A group of 20 Labour MPs and the Fabian Society want water companies to help pay for reopening old outdoor public swimming pools called lidos in the UK. They hope new laws will require water companies to fund safe outdoor swimming places to benefit local communities.
Key Facts
Lidos are outdoor public pools built in the UK mainly in the 1930s, used for swimming and relaxation.
Many lidos closed or were demolished by the 1980s, with only about one-third remaining by 1990.
Some lidos still face closure today, but local groups and politicians have worked to save and reopen them.
Labour MP Andrew Pakes leads a campaign for water companies to financially support lidos through new water legislation.
The Fabian Society’s report suggests water companies should help ensure public access to safe outdoor swimming spots.
The new law might require water companies to work with local councils to build, repair, or maintain lidos and swimming lakes.
Outdoor swimming is becoming more popular due to rising temperatures.
MPs including Cabinet Office minister Anna Turley support the campaign to reopen lidos in their areas.
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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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Newsweek has created an interactive tool that lets Americans imagine rewriting parts of the U.S. Constitution as the country celebrates its 250th birthday. The tool shows original sections of the Constitution and offers alternative versions based on real legal and political debates, inviting users to decide what changes they would make.
Key Facts
The U.S. Constitution was written to last but also to be changed when needed.
Newsweek’s interactive lets users review and choose to keep or rewrite key constitutional amendments.
The exercise covers topics like free speech, gun rights, privacy, elections, and presidential powers.
Many Americans support constitutional changes, such as a right to health care and balanced budgets.
Some proposals have mixed support, like requiring photo ID to vote and banning flag burning.
Changing the Constitution is difficult, needing two-thirds approval in Congress and three-fourths of states.
The last amendment was ratified in 1992, delaying congressional pay changes until after elections.
This interactive helps people understand the challenges of making constitutional changes and what could realistically gain approval.
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Many stores will be open on July 4, 2026, allowing people to shop for holiday needs like food and party supplies. However, some stores will close early or have different hours, so shoppers should check local schedules before visiting.
Key Facts
July 4, 2026, falls on a Saturday, causing some stores to adjust hours for the weekend holiday.
Costco warehouses in the U.S. will be closed on Independence Day.
Home Depot will be open but most locations will close by 8 p.m.
Publix offers special holiday catering options and lists store and pharmacy hours separately.
Kroger and H-E-B will have regular store hours, but their pharmacy or clinic hours may vary.
Lowe's and Target stores are open, but hours depend on the specific location, so checking ahead is advised.
Some store hours are affected by local rules, especially for pharmacies and liquor sections.
Wegmans grocery stores generally stay open from 6 a.m. to midnight, but their pharmacies will be closed on July 4.
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The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library will open in Medora, North Dakota, on July 4, 2026, America's 250th birthday. The library aims to educate people about Roosevelt's legacy and promote civic engagement during a time of political division and declining historical knowledge.
Key Facts
The Roosevelt Presidential Library will open over the Semiquincentennial weekend (July 4, 2026) in Medora, North Dakota.
The library is located near the Little Missouri River in the Badlands, an area important to Roosevelt’s early life.
Presidential libraries serve as educational centers that preserve documents, artifacts, and personal stories about U.S. presidents.
There are about 200 presidential history-related sites across the U.S., including museums, birthplaces, and historic homes.
These sites offer exhibitions, lectures, teacher training, and public programs to encourage learning about leadership and citizenship.
Theodore Roosevelt is known for his “Square Deal” policies, conservation efforts protecting millions of acres, and the 1906 Antiquities Act.
The library seeks to restore thoughtful civic engagement and improve Americans’ understanding of government and history.
The White House Historical Association also works to preserve presidential history and promote informed patriotism.
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England’s soccer match against Mexico in the FIFA World Cup will start at 1 a.m. in the UK, leading many fans to stay up very late. This could cause problems for work on Monday, as some people might call in sick or arrive late. Employers are discussing how to handle possible absences and whether to allow flexible work arrangements.
Key Facts
The England vs. Mexico World Cup match starts at 1 a.m. UK time on Monday.
British pubs can stay open until 5 a.m. during the match to accommodate fans.
About 27% of fans said they might call in sick or be late after the game.
Employers have seen increased holiday requests during England’s earlier matches.
Workplace experts say companies are not required to make special rules but may choose to offer flexibility.
Planning ahead and allowing flexibility can improve employee morale and reduce absence.
Some fans plan to watch the game live despite the early start and expect less sleep before Monday.
The scheduling of the match was not changed despite a storm warning in Mexico City.
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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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