A powerful Iranian general, Ahmad Vahidi, has come out of hiding as Tehran prepares for the multi-day funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Vahidi is involved in Iran’s tough stance on ending the ongoing war with the United States and is connected to Khamenei’s successor, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who remains hidden after being wounded in the same attack.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, died in an Israeli airstrike.
Tehran is holding a multi-day funeral for Khamenei starting Saturday.
General Ahmad Vahidi, leader in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, emerged from hiding and attended funeral planning meetings.
Vahidi has not been publicly seen since early February, before the current Iran war began.
Vahidi is a key figure in Iran’s negotiations over ending the war with the United States.
Khamenei’s successor, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, remains in hiding due to injuries from the February airstrikes.
Funeral ceremonies included traditional Shiite practices and symbolic flags from religious shrines.
Mourners included families of those who died in previous conflicts with Iran.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith said the U.S. Justice Department struggles to do its work because some judges do not trust prosecutors. He expressed concern about protecting the law and future elections under President Trump's administration.
Key Facts
Jack Smith is a special counsel who charged President Trump after his first term.
Smith said the Justice Department faces challenges due to judges’ distrust of prosecutors.
He warned of an “attack on the rule of law” in the U.S. under President Trump.
Smith is worried about the fairness and security of future elections.
He accused the current administration of using the Justice Department for political purposes.
Smith’s comments highlight tensions between the Justice Department and the judicial system.
His role involves investigating legal matters related to President Trump’s actions.
The situation raises questions about how the justice system functions during this presidency.
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A large wildfire called the Aspen Acres Fire is burning in southern Colorado, covering over 55,000 acres and destroying more than 180 buildings, including homes. Authorities have ordered evacuations in several areas, and the fire is not yet contained. Strong winds and dry conditions are making the fire spread faster.
Key Facts
The Aspen Acres Fire started on Monday and has burned 55,405 acres so far.
It has destroyed over 180 structures; the number of homes destroyed is not yet known.
The fire is mainly burning in Pueblo and Custer counties in southern Colorado.
It is the top firefighting priority in the United States right now.
Strong winds and no rain are causing the fire to grow quickly.
Evacuations are in place for areas including Beulah, Rye, San Isabel, and parts of Fremont County.
Local businesses, like Three Sisters Tavern & Grill, are helping evacuees and first responders with food, water, and support.
Investigators say the fire was caused by human actions but details are still being looked into.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed President Trump's $1.4 billion earnings from cryptocurrency ventures and said there is no conflict of interest. He also talked about the U.S. economy's challenges from the Iran war, including higher gas prices and inflation, but expressed hope for improvement soon.
Key Facts
President Trump has earned about $1.4 billion from cryptocurrency since starting his second term.
His crypto earnings include the $TRUMP meme coin and a company called World Liberty Financial.
Some Democrats say President Trump's crypto income could conflict with his policies, but Bessent disagrees.
Inflation rose to 4.2% in May, driven partly by higher gas prices due to the Iran war's impact on oil shipping.
Gas prices peaked above $4.50 per gallon but have fallen to around $3.83 recently.
The U.S. added 57,000 jobs in June, but wage growth at 3.5% is still below inflation.
Bessent expects gas prices to drop further and real wages to rise soon.
He believes the stock market’s recent gains show confidence that economic conditions will improve.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent talked about topics including money given in stocks for President Trump’s accounts, President Trump’s $1.4 billion earnings from cryptocurrency, and the war in Iran. The interview was with CBS News reporter Kelly O’Grady.
Key Facts
Scott Bessent is the current U.S. Treasury Secretary.
He discussed stock donations made to President Trump’s accounts.
President Trump earned $1.4 billion from cryptocurrency investments.
The interview also covered the ongoing war in Iran.
The discussion was part of a CBS News exclusive interview.
Kelly O’Grady was the CBS News reporter conducting the interview.
The interview is available to watch on CBS News platforms.
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A group of Democratic governors asked the U.S. Postal Service to stop a new rule connected to President Donald Trump’s executive order. The order aimed to create federal lists of eligible voters and limit who could get mail-in ballots, but a judge blocked the order as unconstitutional. The governors said the rule would make voting harder and harm election fairness.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in March to create federal voter lists and restrict mail ballots.
The Postal Service proposed a rule in May to carry out this order.
A federal judge blocked the order, ruling it unconstitutional because only states and Congress can set election rules.
Nine Democratic governors, including from California and New York, wrote to the Postal Service asking to withdraw the rule.
They said the rule would complicate voting and wrongly stop many eligible voters from getting ballots.
Postal workers’ union leaders said it is not their job to check voter eligibility, only to deliver mail.
The governors cited the court’s blocking of the order as a main reason to stop the Postal Service rule.
This is the second Trump executive order about election oversight that courts have blocked.
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Indonesian forces found the body of an American pilot killed in an attack by separatist rebels in Papua. The rebels oppose Indonesian control over the region and targeted the plane, claiming it broke their ban on civilian flights in their area.
Key Facts
American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin was shot dead after landing in Papua’s Yahukimo regency.
Rebels from the Free Papua Movement attacked the plane, burned it, and raised their independence flag.
The plane carried seven indigenous Papuan civilians who were not harmed.
Rebels said they banned civilian flights used by the Indonesian military; the military denied this.
The conflict in Papua has lasted over 60 years, with frequent violence between rebels and Indonesian forces.
Rebels demand international talks to resolve the conflict and blame Indonesia, the U.S., the Netherlands, and the UN for not addressing the problems.
Previous attacks on foreign pilots in the Papua region have resulted in abductions and deaths.
Papua was integrated into Indonesia in 1969 after a disputed UN-backed vote, which led to ongoing tensions.
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A 52-year-old man holding a Tibetan flag died after setting himself on fire in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York. Police responded quickly, took him to the hospital, but he later died from his injuries. Authorities are investigating but have not shared the reason behind his act.
Key Facts
The man was 52 years old and was carrying a Tibetan flag during the incident.
He set himself on fire outside the United Nations building in New York around 6:30 p.m.
Police found him with severe burns and took him to the hospital where he died.
Officials have not disclosed the motive for his self-immolation.
The man’s identity has not been released because his family has not been notified.
The incident happened after all scheduled meetings at the UN had ended for the day.
Tibet is a region claimed by China since the 13th century and governed by the Chinese Communist Party since 1951.
Many Tibetans say they were independent for most of their history and claim the Chinese government wants to control their land and culture.
China does not recognize the Tibetan government-in-exile or talks with the Dalai Lama’s representatives since 2010.
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Residents of U.S. Pacific territories are preparing for Typhoon Bavi, which may become a powerful super typhoon soon. These areas are still recovering from a very strong storm, Typhoon Sinlaku, that caused severe damage earlier this year.
Key Facts
Typhoon Bavi was 760 miles east of Guam on July 3, 2026, with winds of 80 mph.
It is expected to strengthen into a super typhoon with winds over 150 mph by Sunday night or Monday.
A super typhoon is as strong as a high-end Category 4 or Category 5 hurricane.
The Northern Mariana Islands are still recovering from Typhoon Sinlaku, which hit in April and caused major damage.
Some people in the region are still living in tents because their homes were destroyed by Sinlaku.
Residents are preparing by boarding up windows and storing gasoline.
The storm could affect Guam and nearby islands, which have large U.S. military bases.
El Nino, a natural climate pattern, is increasing hurricane activity in the Pacific and may lead to more extreme storms.
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New South Wales (NSW) has found a suspected first case of the deadly H5 bird flu in a giant petrel bird near Hawks Nest on the east coast of Australia. If confirmed by further tests, this would be the first detection of the highly dangerous H5N1 strain on Australia’s east coast, following earlier cases in Western and South Australia.
Key Facts
A giant petrel found near Hawks Nest, NSW, tested positive for H5 influenza in initial lab tests.
Final tests by the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness will confirm if it is the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain.
There have been five confirmed cases of H5 bird flu in Australia since June—four in Western Australia and one in South Australia.
These cases were detected in migratory sub-antarctic birds, not poultry.
NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said no poultry or other wild birds in NSW have tested positive so far.
The NSW government has set up surveillance and a coordination center for bird flu detection and response.
The bird flu strain has caused serious damage to wild birds and poultry worldwide.
NSW is cooperating with federal and other state governments to monitor and manage the situation.
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Dr. Volodymyr Yermolenko, a Ukrainian philosopher and president of PEN Ukraine, said the war in Ukraine affects the future of Europe, not just the conflict between armies. He explained that Ukraine is using smart tactics and technology to fight, and that support from European countries is important to protect the whole continent.
Key Facts
The war in Ukraine is seen as a struggle that could affect Europe’s future.
Russia has recently carried out missile attacks on Kyiv, targeting civilian areas.
Dr. Yermolenko says these attacks show Russia’s military problems, not success.
Ukraine uses asymmetric warfare, which means using flexible and clever tactics rather than direct battles.
Ukraine innovates with technology and relies on its citizens to help in the fight.
Europe’s support for Ukraine is seen as a way to protect itself, not just help a friend.
The interview took place shortly after a major missile attack on Kyiv.
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Monaco authorities identified a suspect in a parcel bombing that seriously injured three people, including a sanctioned Ukraine-born businessman. An international arrest warrant and an Interpol Red Notice have been issued as the investigation continues.
Key Facts
A parcel bomb exploded in the lobby of a residential building in Monaco on June 30, 2026.
Three people were injured: a couple and a 13-year-old child.
The main target was Vadym Yermolaiev, a wealthy businessman born in Ukraine and now a Cypriot citizen.
Yermolaiev has been under sanctions since 2023 for his business activities in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia.
The suspect is believed to be a woman disguised as a man, seen on CCTV wearing a black fisherman's hat.
Monaco's police worked with international agencies to quickly identify the suspect.
A judicial investigation for attempted murder and other charges is underway.
The injured adults were in serious condition but one no longer faces life-threatening injuries as of the latest update.
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More than 100 passengers and around 23 crew members on the Ruby Princess cruise ship got sick with suspected norovirus during a trip from San Francisco to Alaska and Canada. The ship was docked in San Francisco for cleaning, and the sick people were isolated to stop the virus from spreading.
Key Facts
Over 100 passengers and about 23 crew members fell ill with suspected norovirus on the Ruby Princess.
The ship left San Francisco on June 12 and was due to return on July 2.
There were 3,032 passengers and 1,144 crew members on board.
The outbreak was reported after more than 3% of passengers showed symptoms.
Norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhea and spreads through tiny particles that enter the mouth.
Infected people and crew were isolated during the ship’s cleaning.
The Ruby Princess is the third Princess Cruises ship hit by a norovirus outbreak this year.
Health officials advise washing hands with soap and water to prevent infection.
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A strong explosion occurred at an apartment building in Tacoma while firefighters were checking smoke coming from an electrical room. Flames and debris were seen, but no one was hurt.
Key Facts
The explosion happened in a residential apartment building in Tacoma.
Firefighters were investigating smoke from an electrical room at the time.
Flames and debris flew toward the firefighters during the blast.
No injuries were reported from the explosion.
The event was caught on dramatic video footage.
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The start time for fireworks on the National Mall on July 4 has been delayed due to extremely hot weather expected in Washington, D.C. Organizers want to keep people safe while President Donald Trump will still give a long speech during the celebration.
Key Facts
The fireworks event on the National Mall is part of the July 4 celebration called "Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks."
Temperatures are forecasted to reach 107 degrees Fahrenheit, which is very hot.
Due to the heat, event organizers have delayed entry to the Mall.
Extreme heat presents health risks such as heat exhaustion.
Despite the heat, President Donald Trump plans to deliver a lengthy speech at the event.
The event marks 250 years since the founding of the United States.
Officials are taking precautions to protect attendees from the dangerous weather conditions.
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A new art exhibit at Goldman Sachs in New York shows portraits of all 47 U.S. presidents alongside quotes that reflect their times or personalities. Artist Salvatore Catalano created each portrait with a unique style inspired by the president’s own words. The exhibit will stay in New York through August before moving to Washington, D.C.
Key Facts
The exhibit features portraits of all 47 American presidencies served by 45 men.
Artist Salvatore Catalano used quotes from each president to shape the style of their portrait.
Examples of quotes include George Washington’s farewell address and President Trump’s second inaugural speech.
The portraits are framed by two American flags: the 13-star Betsy Ross flag and the modern 50-star flag.
The exhibit is on display in Goldman Sachs’ global headquarters lobby in New York City.
It will remain in New York through August and then move to Washington, D.C.
Catalano aimed to bring color and life to the list of presidents by revealing lesser-known insights.
The exhibit highlights the history of the U.S. through art and presidential words.
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One year ago, a severe flood hit Camp Mystic in Texas. The flood caused the deaths of 25 girls, two counselors, and the camp's executive director. Families are still seeking answers about the tragedy.
Key Facts
The flood happened at Camp Mystic, which is a camp for young girls in Texas.
The flood was caused by fast-moving river water that overwhelmed the camp.
A total of 28 people died: 25 campers, 2 counselors, and the camp's executive director.
The tragedy occurred one year ago from the current date.
Families of the victims are asking for more information and improvements to prevent future disasters.
CBS News covered the story with reporter Jason Allen.
The event remains an important topic for Texas communities and safety officials.
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The Supreme Court recently supported state laws that stop transgender girls and women from competing in school sports for girls and women. A legal expert explained some of the constitutional rules involved in this case.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports.
The case focused on whether these bans are allowed under the Constitution.
The decision affects participation rules in school sports for transgender students.
CBS News legal expert Jessica Levinson provided explanations on the constitutional questions.
The ruling shows how courts interpret laws about gender and sports participation.
This decision impacts policies on transgender rights in education and athletics.
The case highlights ongoing debates about fairness and inclusion in sports.
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The inquest into the death of Noah Donohoe in Belfast has been paused until later this year. The coroner stopped the process because several jurors had planned holidays, and the jury had not reached a unanimous decision after several days of deliberation.
Key Facts
Noah Donohoe died in June 2020 in north Belfast.
The inquest began in late January and has lasted over five months.
Ten jurors (eight men and two women) have been involved in the case.
After three days of discussion, the jury could not agree on a verdict.
Four jurors had planned holidays soon, reducing the number available.
The minimum number of jurors needed to continue is seven.
The coroner, Mr Justice Rooney, praised the jury's dedication and said it was best to pause the inquest.
The inquest will resume around August or September to allow a full jury to continue.
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Job growth in the United States slowed down in June, and the number of new jobs created was less than expected. The Labor Department reported this slowdown in hiring.
Key Facts
Hiring growth decreased in June compared to previous months.
The number of new jobs added was below what experts predicted.
The information comes from the U.S. Labor Department.
Slower job growth can affect economic conditions and workers' opportunities.
CBS News reported on this data through their producer Emily Pandise.
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