A wooden boat carrying students sank in central Congo’s Kasai province, killing at least 20 people. The boat went down near the meeting point of the Sankuru and Kasai rivers, and many survivors escaped.
Key Facts
The boat was carrying students returning from state exams.
The accident occurred in Kasai province, central Congo.
The boat sank while entering the confluence (where two rivers meet) of the Sankuru and Kasai rivers.
At least 20 people died, and 80 survivors were reported.
Witnesses said over 200 people were on the boat.
Boating accidents are common in Congo due to overcrowded boats, poor safety rules, and limited infrastructure.
Officials and local groups blame negligence by boat owners focusing on money over safety.
The sinking happened on a Friday.
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In Armenia, a drag performance scene exists but faces strong opposition including threats and social rejection. Despite difficulties, this community is growing and attracting both locals and foreigners, reflecting changing politics and society as Armenia moves closer to the European Union.
Key Facts
Armenia is located where Europe, Asia, and the Middle East meet.
Drag shows are common and accepted in much of the European Union but remain secret and risky in Armenia.
Drag performers in Armenia face violence, discrimination, police pressure, and family rejection.
There is a small but active drag community that draws local and international attention.
This community challenges very conservative social and religious traditions in Armenia.
Armenia is strengthening political ties with the European Union and moving away from Moscow’s influence.
Many Russians fleeing the war in Ukraine have moved to Armenia, affecting its society.
A documentary supported by the Pulitzer Center explores this hidden drag culture in Armenia.
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The United States is celebrating 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. The holiday is marked by traditional festivities, official ceremonies, and speeches highlighting the country’s history and current challenges.
Key Facts
The Declaration of Independence was adopted 250 years ago and is a key document in U.S. history.
It states that governments get their power from the people and that everyone has rights to life, liberty, and happiness.
Celebrations include parades, fireworks, barbecues, military flyovers, and patriotic events.
This year’s events face a heatwave in the eastern U.S. but continue as planned.
Fireworks were held over Mount Rushmore, showing faces of important U.S. presidents.
President Donald Trump spoke about ideological threats to the country and emphasized American exceptionalism.
Pope Leo and New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani also gave speeches reflecting on America’s values and future.
Historian Curtis Young discussed the importance of the Declaration’s legacy and America’s current moment.
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Tens of thousands of people marched in London for the annual LGBT+ Pride parade, with Mayor Sadiq Khan joining the event. The parade highlighted ongoing issues like long waits for gender-affirming healthcare, hate crimes, and the loss of LGBTQ+ safe spaces.
Key Facts
Over 35,000 people from about 600 groups participated in the Pride parade in central London.
The march went from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall via Piccadilly.
NHS waiting times for gender-affirming care can exceed four years in some areas.
There is no full legal ban yet on conversion therapy, despite a government promise in 2018.
Since 2006, 58% of London’s LGBTQ+ venues have closed.
More than 18,000 hate crimes related to sexual orientation were reported to police in 2025.
London’s first official Pride march was in 1972, inspired by the 1969 Stonewall protests in New York.
Some activists criticize recent events for allowing companies to use Pride for profit without strong support for LGBTQ+ rights, and for lacking diversity. Some groups have distanced themselves from the event due to concerns about sponsors’ links to the arms trade and the war in Gaza.
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ABC News correspondent Martha Raddatz reported from Pearl Harbor, a historic site important to the U.S. Navy. The report highlighted the Navy’s long history and the legacy of the Pearl Harbor attack.
Key Facts
The report was covered by ABC News chief foreign correspondent Martha Raddatz.
Pearl Harbor is recognized as sacred ground in U.S. Navy history.
The focus was on the lasting impact and memory of the Pearl Harbor event.
The coverage was part of multiple stories connected to U.S. military and history.
The report aired around July 4, 2026, tying into national celebrations.
Other military-related stories and tributes were also featured by ABC News around the same time.
The Navy’s role in U.S. history was emphasized through this special coverage.
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Ukraine launched a large drone attack on Russia, targeting oil facilities and military sites near St. Petersburg. Russia claims hundreds of drones were used, with some hitting Moscow, while Ukraine continues to strengthen its long-range drone strikes inside Russia.
Key Facts
Ukraine used around 400-500 drones in a recent attack on Russia.
The main targets were oil infrastructure in St. Petersburg’s port and military sites near the Kronstadt naval base.
Smoke and damage were seen at an oil facility, according to videos released by Ukraine.
Russian regions are facing fuel shortages due to Ukrainian attacks on infrastructure.
Ukraine is also targeting supply lines to Crimea, causing fuel shortages and curfews there.
Russia says it seized the city of Kostiantynivka in eastern Ukraine, but this claim is uncertain.
Russian advances have been slow and costly, with high casualties reported.
President Vladimir Putin made a rare public appearance in a military uniform amid the ongoing conflict.
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This Fourth of July, many areas in the U.S. face a high risk of wildfires due to dry conditions and heat. Fireworks, which often cause fires, have led some places to ban personal use and replace shows with safer options like drone displays.
Key Facts
In 2023, fireworks caused around 32,000 fires in the U.S.
The U.S. is experiencing moderate to severe drought in many regions during July 2026.
Wildfire risk is higher because of dry vegetation and heat waves, which make conditions more likely for fires to start and spread.
In the first half of 2026, the U.S. had more wildfires than any first half-year in the past decade.
Some areas, including parts of Colorado, canceled professional fireworks shows due to fire danger.
From 1992 to 2020, about 15,000 fires were started on July Fourth alone, mostly caused by humans.
Fireworks-related injuries reached nearly 9,700 in 2023, with one-third involving children.
Fire safety groups recommend watching professional fireworks shows instead of using personal fireworks to reduce fire risk and injuries.
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The Mt Olive Pickle Company withdrew from the Great American State Fair in Washington DC after a Confederate flag appeared in a video at the North Carolina booth. The company said it did not know the flag would be shown and decided to pull out due to its values supporting human dignity and freedom.
Key Facts
Mt Olive Pickle Company is the leading US pickle brand and is based in eastern North Carolina.
The company joined the North Carolina exhibit as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration.
A video showing a Confederate flag for a few seconds was played at the North Carolina booth without the company’s knowledge.
The Confederate flag is linked to the southern states that supported slavery before losing the Civil War.
Spevco, another company at the booth, said it did not create or approve the video with the flag.
The video was removed after the controversy.
North Carolina did not fly that version of the Confederate flag while it was in the Confederacy.
The Great American State Fair has faced low attendance, high heat, and some states not participating for budget reasons.
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Five mothers who lost their sons while they were serving in the military gathered to honor their memory on July 4, 2026. They formed a close group to make sure that all soldiers who have served are remembered.
Key Facts
The mothers are called Gold Star moms, a term for mothers who lost children in military service.
They lost their sons while the sons were on active duty in the armed forces.
These mothers have created a sisterhood to support each other and keep the memory of soldiers alive.
The tribute took place on July 4, 2026, a day when the United States celebrates Independence Day.
The group’s goal is to ensure that the sacrifices of soldiers are never forgotten by the public.
The event was part of larger July 4 celebrations that include various tributes and patriotic activities.
The term "Gold Star" is traditionally used in the U.S. military to honor fallen service members.
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ABC News reporter Elizabeth Schulze visited the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota. She spoke with Roosevelt's descendants about his life and the lasting impact he made on the United States.
Key Facts
The report took place at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota.
Elizabeth Schulze from ABC News conducted the interview.
Two of Roosevelt’s ancestors participated in the discussion.
The focus was on Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy and contributions.
The coverage was part of ABC News' programs marking July 4, 2026, and America’s 250th anniversary.
Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States and is known for his progressive policies and conservation efforts.
The article included references to other July 4 celebrations and U.S. historical themes.
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On the 250th anniversary of the United States, "Good Morning America" anchors Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Michael Strahan shared stories about their families' histories and experiences in America. Each anchor reflected on the role their ancestors played in shaping their lives and the importance of remembering family heritage.
Key Facts
The U.S. celebrated its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.
Robin Roberts’ father, Lawrence Roberts, was a Tuskegee Airman, a group of African American military pilots in World War II.
Robin’s family values education highly; her mother was the first in her family to graduate college and served on a State Board of Education.
George Stephanopoulos’ family came from Greece, with ancestors involved in protests against Nazi occupation and working as missionaries and laborers in the U.S.
Stephanopoulos’ grandfather served Greek immigrant communities across the western U.S. as a priest.
The anchors emphasized the importance of preserving family history to understand personal and national identity.
The article highlighted diverse American family stories linked to the nation’s long history.
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German police had clashes with protesters outside a meeting of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Erfurt. The event happened on the 100th anniversary of an important Nazi Party meeting nearby, which the AfD denies any connection to.
Key Facts
The AfD is a far-right political party in Germany.
The party held its national convention in the city of Erfurt.
Protests occurred outside the convention, leading to scuffles with police.
The meeting date marked 100 years since a Nazi Party meeting in the same area.
The AfD rejects any links to the Nazi Party.
Police were involved to control the situation around the event.
The event and protests attracted media attention due to the anniversary coincidence.
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A heatwave is affecting much of the eastern United States during the July Fourth weekend, with many areas under extreme heat warnings. Data from the Census Bureau shows big differences in air-conditioning access across states, with Alaska having the least and southern states having the most.
Key Facts
Alaska has the highest share of homes without air conditioning, at 93 percent.
Nearly half of Hawaii households also lack air conditioning.
States in the Northwest and Northeast have many homes without air conditioning, such as Vermont (over 25%) and Washington (over 33%).
Southeast states like Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana have less than 1 percent of homes without air conditioning.
Almost 90 percent of U.S. households used air conditioning in 2020, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
The Midwest and South have the highest air-conditioning use rates, over 90 percent.
The western U.S. has lower air-conditioning use, around 73 percent overall, with only 49 percent in coastal marine climate areas.
Extreme heat warnings are active in several states in the eastern U.S., with temperatures 10 to 20 degrees above normal.
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Tens of thousands of people in France marched in multiple cities to demand a strong law to fight sexual violence. The protests were sparked by the rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl named Lyhanna, whose case revealed failures in the justice system to protect children and properly investigate past abuse accusations.
Key Facts
Lyhanna, an 11-year-old girl, was raped and murdered in May 2026 in Fleurance, southwestern France.
The main suspect had two previous accusations of child rape that were dropped or not pursued.
Protests took place in about 110 French cities, including a major march in Paris with around 100,000 participants.
Demonstrators called for a comprehensive law covering prevention of sexual violence and support for victims.
Many rape complaints in France, about 94%, are dismissed without court action.
The Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin apologized for failures but did not resign.
President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern about public trust in institutions due to these failures.
A government report found limited staff and resources to properly investigate child abuse allegations.
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The Supreme Court often makes decisions where all or almost all justices agree. Judges from different political views frequently work together on cases.
Key Facts
The court usually reaches decisions with all or almost all justices in agreement.
Justices from different political backgrounds often vote together.
The court is not dominated by one political party.
Cross-partisan voting means judges don’t always follow political lines.
Unanimous or near-unanimous rulings are common in the Supreme Court.
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A group called Patriot Front, known for white nationalist beliefs, marched in Washington, D.C., on July 4 during the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations. The group wore matching clothes, carried American and Confederate flags, and was closely monitored by police, but no arrests were made.
Key Facts
Patriot Front is a white nationalist group that says America belongs only to people descended from European settlers.
The group marched near Union Station and other parts of Washington, D.C., wearing navy-blue shirts, tan caps, and face coverings.
They carried American flags, Confederate flags, and banners during the march.
The march happened during large Independence Day events celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
Police tracked the group’s movements and emphasized protecting free speech and public safety.
Patriot Front formed in 2017 after splitting from another extremist group following a violent rally in Charlottesville.
The group is known for sudden, organized demonstrations called flash marches.
In recent years, Patriot Front has held similar marches in Washington, D.C., and nearby areas, drawing attention from officials and the public.
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New York City’s luxury housing market continues growing despite a new tax on expensive second homes. The tax targets non-primary residences worth over $5 million to help fund housing projects, but sales of high-end properties have actually increased recently.
Key Facts
Mayor Zohran Mamdani introduced a new tax starting July 1 on second homes valued above $5 million in NYC.
The tax aims to raise about $500 million yearly to support housing initiatives.
Sales of Manhattan luxury homes over $20 million rose 25% compared to last year.
Homes priced between $10 million and $20 million saw a 38.6% increase in activity.
Condo sales in the $10-$20 million range went up by 54.5%, and over $20 million condos rose 33.3%.
Mourners have gathered in Tehran to pay respects to former Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose body lies in state at the Grand Mosalla mosque. The funeral is planned for next Thursday in Khamenei’s hometown of Mashhad, with authorities expecting millions to attend.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the former supreme leader of Iran.
He died more than four months ago due to strikes by the US and Israel at the start of a war.
His body is currently at the Grand Mosalla mosque in Tehran, where people are mourning.
The burial ceremony will take place next Thursday in Mashhad, his hometown.
Iranian officials expect millions of people to join the funeral events.
The BBC correspondent reporting from Tehran must follow strict rules, including not sharing material with the BBC’s Persian Service.
These restrictions apply to all international media working in Iran.
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The new Supergirl movie from Warner Bros., part of the DC Universe’s reboot, received mixed reviews and had a weak box office opening. The film tells a simpler story about Kara Zor-El/Supergirl teaming up to save her space dog, with Jason Momoa appearing briefly as a bounty hunter.
Key Facts
Supergirl is part of the DC Universe "Gods and Monsters" chapter, following last year’s Superman movie.
The script was written by Ana Nogueira, and the film was directed by Craig Gillespie.
The story is based on the "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow" comic miniseries, inspired by the 1968 Western, True Grit.
The movie shows Kara Zor-El as a rebellious young woman who is reluctant to be a superhero.
Kara teams up with a young girl, Ruthye, to find an antidote to save her poisoned space dog, Krypto.
Jason Momoa appears briefly as the bounty hunter Lobo, a character not in the original comic story.
The film struggled at the box office partly because many viewers prefer to watch superhero movies on streaming platforms instead of theaters.
The movie received mixed reviews but was described as a decent, entertaining film though not great.
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President Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked to meet him at the White House, possibly next week after Trump returns from a NATO summit. The leaders have had a complicated relationship, with recent disagreements over Israel's actions and U.S.-Iran talks, but they agreed to meet soon.
Key Facts
Netanyahu requested a meeting with President Trump at the White House.
The meeting could happen after Trump returns from the NATO summit on July 7-8, possibly the week after.
Netanyahu congratulated the U.S. on its 250th Independence Day during a recent call with Trump.
Trump and Netanyahu have had tensions recently, including Trump criticizing Netanyahu’s actions in Lebanon.
Trump signed an agreement last month to extend a ceasefire with Iran and start new nuclear talks.
Netanyahu values Israel’s close relationship with the U.S., especially ahead of Israel’s October elections.
Trump said Iran paused talks after the funeral of their former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Despite conflicts, both sides have kept a temporary pause on fighting to continue negotiations.
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