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Iran held funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after his death in airstrikes during conflict with the U.S. and Israel. President Donald Trump made public comments about the funeral, suggesting a temporary pause in tensions. Iranian officials warned against any military attacks during the events and increased security around the ceremonies.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died in airstrikes linked to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran.
Iran scheduled a multi-day funeral from July 4 to July 9, with large crowds and foreign officials expected.
President Trump said the U.S. gave Iran a “week off” during the funeral as a sign of goodwill.
Trump also noted that many top Iranian leaders were gathered at the funeral but said the U.S. would not attack to keep negotiation options open.
Iran warned the U.S. and Israel against military actions during the funeral, promising harsh retaliation for any threats.
Iranian security was tightened for the funeral processions to prevent attacks or disruptions.
Talks between the U.S. and Iran are expected to resume after the funeral ceremonies end.
Iranian officials expressed concern about possible attacks on the funeral because of the high number of leaders present.
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Large crowds gathered in Tehran to attend the first day of funeral ceremonies for Iran's former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The ceremonies will last six days and take place in several locations in Iran and Iraq before he is buried in Mashhad.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's former supreme leader, has died.
He was killed in joint US-Israeli airstrikes at the start of a war.
Funeral ceremonies began in Tehran with many mourners present.
Ceremonies will continue for six days across Iran and neighboring Iraq.
He will be buried in his hometown, Mashhad, on Thursday.
Iranian state media are covering the events.
International reporters face restrictions on how their coverage can be used in Iran.
The BBC’s correspondent is reporting from Tehran with usage limits on her material.
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Ringo Starr, the drummer of The Beatles, is preparing to celebrate his 86th birthday on July 7 with his annual Peace & Love event. He invites people worldwide to join by sharing the phrase "Peace and Love" on social media or thinking it at noon on his birthday.
Key Facts
Ringo Starr has held a Peace & Love birthday celebration every year since 2008.
He encourages fans to post “Peace and Love” at noon on July 7 wherever they are.
People are asked to use the hashtag #PeaceandLove and tag Starr’s social media accounts.
Starr’s Facebook page shares videos of Peace & Love events from around the world.
Past celebrations have included many celebrities and musicians.
In 2025, Beverly Hills declared July 7 as Ringo Starr Day.
Starr continues to make music because he loves it, not for fame or trends.
The birthday event promotes spreading peace and positive feelings globally.
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A fast wildfire started near Thessaloniki, Greece’s second biggest city, on Saturday evening. Authorities asked people in three nearby suburbs to leave as fire burned businesses and smoke covered parts of the city.
Key Facts
The fire began around 8:30 p.m. local time in a mountainous area north of Thessaloniki.
It spread quickly from the hills to the plains, mainly burning brush and some businesses.
People in Anthoupoli, Filothei, and Galini suburbs were told to evacuate by text message.
Flames and explosions were visible and audible from Thessaloniki due to burning flammable materials.
About 115 firefighters, 38 fire trucks, and some volunteers are fighting the fire.
Firefighting planes were used briefly but had to stop as it got dark.
Strong winds are making it harder to control the fire.
Other small fires were reported near Thessaloniki, including in Halkidiki and Kilkis areas.
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Iran held the second day of funeral events for its late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Despite very hot weather, many people came to pay their respects, with helpers providing water sprays and cold drinks to those attending.
Key Facts
Iran is holding funeral processions for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The events are on their second day.
Many supporters turned out to attend despite high temperatures.
Water misters were set up at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla Hall to cool people.
Volunteers gave out cold drinks to help mourners stay refreshed.
The funeral gatherings show strong public participation.
The heatwave made attendance challenging but did not stop the crowds.
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Archaeologists in Egypt discovered a well-preserved Byzantine-era city in the Dakhla oasis, including homes, streets, and a church from the fourth century. They also found ancient tombs and artifacts near Alexandria at the Marina el-Alamein archaeological site, shedding light on life during Roman and Byzantine times.
Key Facts
The Byzantine city was found in Egypt’s western desert, in the Dakhla oasis.
The city includes a basilica-style church, houses, streets, watchtowers, and defensive walls.
Archaeologists found bread ovens, tools, coins with portraits of Byzantine emperors, and pottery with ancient writings.
Some gold coins date to the reign of Roman emperor Constantius II (337-361 AD).
Around 200 pottery fragments called ostraca had inscriptions about business and daily activities.
At Marina el-Alamein near Alexandria, 18 tombs were uncovered, adding to a total of 48 found there.
Tomb finds included rock-cut chambers, a granite sarcophagus, pottery, and gold pieces placed in the mouths of the dead as part of burial customs.
Marina el-Alamein is believed to be the ancient Greco-Roman port city of Leukaspis from the second to fourth centuries.
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Tens of thousands of people gathered in Tehran to attend funeral ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike in February 2026. Representatives from Iran-backed groups Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis from Yemen also attended the ceremonies, showing their connection to Iran’s “axis of resistance” network.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, was killed at age 86 in a US-Israeli strike on February 28, 2026.
Tens of thousands of mourners attended his funeral at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla Mosque.
Officials from Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthi movement, all supported by Iran, participated in the funeral events.
Iran supports these groups as part of its alliance called the “axis of resistance,” which opposes Israel.
The Hezbollah delegation was led by senior official Mohammed Fneish.
The Hamas delegation was led by the head of its political bureau, Mohammed Darwish.
Other groups present included Islamic Jihad and senior Houthi members.
Following ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei’s body will be moved to Shiite religious cities in Iraq and other locations in Iran for further rituals.
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Nearly 3,000 people have died in Venezuela after two strong earthquakes hit the country on June 24, 2026. Rescue teams are ending their search for survivors while tens of thousands of people are still missing.
Key Facts
The earthquakes had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
The death toll reached 2,954 as of July 4, 2026.
Tens of thousands of people remain missing, with the UN estimating up to 50,000 unaccounted for.
The area hardest hit was La Guaira, a coastal region north of Caracas.
Rescue efforts usually focus on the first 72 hours after a quake; some survivors were found after this time.
International teams, including those from the US and South America, are ending their rescue operations.
The earthquakes caused about $6.7 billion in damage, around 6% of Venezuela’s annual economic output.
Many Venezuelans criticized their government for a slow response, although officials say thousands of troops and workers were sent to help.
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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has asked the United States to continue supporting Lebanon after a new agreement between Lebanon and Israel, which was helped by the US. The deal aims to end conflict in southern Lebanon, but fighting and attacks are still happening in the area.
Key Facts
President Aoun sent a message to President Donald Trump, asking the US to stand by Lebanon’s rights, institutions, army, and people.
Lebanon and Israel signed a US-backed agreement to try to end conflict with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
The deal includes steps for Hezbollah to disarm, Israel to gradually leave southern Lebanon, and the Lebanese army to take control in some areas.
Hezbollah rejected the agreement because it does not set a date for Israel’s withdrawal.
Fighting began on March 2 after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel; Israel responded with air and ground attacks in southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reports more than 4,300 people killed and over 12,000 wounded since March 2.
Around 400,000 displaced people have returned to southern Lebanon, with plans to help more return or relocate through housing and rent aid.
Israeli forces reported killing an armed fighter in southern Lebanon during recent clashes.
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Scientists warn that Norfolk Island’s coral reefs face serious threats from disease, pollution, a developing El Niño weather pattern, and a government-approved dredging project. These factors combined could cause permanent damage to the unique coral species found around the island.
Key Facts
Norfolk Island’s corals are threatened by a disease that causes white spots, killing coral flesh and leaving behind white skeletons.
Pollution from cattle farming, land clearing, and wastewater is worsening coral disease and algae outbreaks.
The island’s reefs have shown a threefold increase in diseased corals since March, with 30% to 50% affected over five years.
The developing El Niño could raise water temperatures, risking coral bleaching and death.
The federal government approved a plan in April 2025 to dredge a nearby shipping channel to improve port access, which may harm the reefs.
Norfolk Island is a remote Australian territory located 1,600 km northeast of Sydney, with reefs around three bays.
Local residents and scientists emphasize the coral reefs’ ecological and economic importance for tourism and the island community.
Researchers believe many coral species on Norfolk Island have not yet been formally identified by science.
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Kelsey Pfendler, an American rower, completed a solo, record-breaking trip rowing from California to Hawaii in under 44 days. She set new speed records for both women and men on this 2,400-mile ocean crossing.
Key Facts
Pfendler launched from Monterey, California, and arrived in Honolulu after nearly 1.5 months at sea.
She aimed to be the first American woman, youngest woman, and fastest person to row solo across the mid-Pacific.
Her 21-foot rowboat is named Lily.
Pfendler broke previous records: the female record of 86 days and the male record of 52 days.
Her journey was followed by hundreds of thousands on social media where she shared daily videos.
She detailed challenges like blistered hands, sleeping difficulties, and dealing with weather and ocean currents.
Pfendler has worked as a Grand Canyon raft guide since age 18.
She hopes her achievement inspires others to face their own tough challenges.
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Ukrainian attacks have damaged about one-third of Russia’s oil refining, leading to fuel shortages in Russia. This has caused Moscow to limit fuel exports and sales in many regions, but President Putin says the war in Ukraine will continue until Russia’s goals are reached.
Key Facts
Ukrainian attacks disrupted one-third of Russia’s oil refining capacity.
This disruption caused fuel shortages in Russia.
Moscow extended bans on petrol exports.
Fuel sales are restricted in over 40 Russian regions and Crimea.
President Putin says the strikes are not critical.
Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine, including a recent large strike on Kyiv.
The war between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing for nearly five years.
Experts discuss whether economic pressure could push Russia towards peace talks.
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A wooden boat carrying students returning from exams sank in central Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in at least 20 deaths. The boat went down near the joining point of the Sankuru and Kasai rivers, and many passengers survived the accident.
Key Facts
The boat was carrying students returning from state exams.
The accident occurred in Kasai province at the meeting point of the Sankuru and Kasai rivers.
At least 20 people died, and around 80 survived according to local officials.
A witness said there were more than 200 people on the boat.
Boat accidents are common in the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to overcrowding and poor safety standards.
Poor safety rules and lack of infrastructure in remote areas contribute to many deaths in boat accidents.
Local leaders criticized boat owners for prioritizing money over people’s safety.
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David Muir, ABC's news anchor, traveled to the Grand Canyon in Arizona and Redwood National and State Parks in California to highlight the natural beauty and Native American tribes connected to these lands. This visit is part of ABC's 24-hour "Disney Celebrates America" program marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Key Facts
The Grand Canyon has rock formations nearly 2 billion years old and has been home to indigenous people for at least 12,000 years.
The Grand Canyon National Park works to educate visitors about the Native tribes who care for the land.
The Havasupai Tribe, whose name means "People of the Blue-Green Water," live at the base of the Grand Canyon and work to protect its environment.
There are 11 federally recognized tribes connected to the Grand Canyon with deep ancestral ties and consider the land sacred.
Redwood trees in Northern California grow up to 380 feet tall and can be over 2,000 years old, making them older than the United States.
The Redwood forests are ancestral lands of the Yurok Tribe, California’s largest Native tribe.
The special broadcast by ABC runs across multiple platforms from the night of July 3 through July 4 to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
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Ukraine launched a large drone attack on St Petersburg, Russia, targeting an oil terminal and nearby port facilities. The attack caused minor damage and no casualties, while Ukraine says the strikes aim to hurt Russia’s war funding. Fighting also continues in eastern Ukraine, with both sides reporting conflicting control over key areas.
Key Facts
Ukraine used drones to attack St Petersburg’s oil terminal and port areas overnight.
St Petersburg and Leningrad regional governors reported no casualties and limited damage.
Around 72 drones were shot down over the region during the attack.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called the strikes part of “long-range sanctions” on Russia.
Russia’s President Putin said the attacks on energy sites were not critical.
Ukraine denied Russian claims of capturing the city of Kostiantynivka in eastern Ukraine.
Fighting continues in Donetsk and Kharkiv regions with both Russian and Ukrainian forces claiming gains.
Drone attacks also killed one person each in Russia’s Bryansk region and Crimea.
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Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s security council, said that Iran’s power to block ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz is like having a nuclear weapon. He made this statement in a video after attending the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Key Facts
Dmitry Medvedev is the deputy chairman of Russia’s security council.
He compared Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz to holding a nuclear weapon.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway where many ships pass through.
Iran has the ability to disrupt or block traffic in this important shipping route.
Medvedev made his statement in a video posted on social media.
He had just returned from attending the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The comment emphasizes the strategic importance of Iran’s position in the region.
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President Donald Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might visit the White House as soon as next week. This would be Netanyahu’s first visit since the US and Israel began their conflict with Iran. Despite some public disagreements, Trump said their relationship remains good.
Key Facts
Netanyahu has requested a meeting with President Trump, possibly soon after Trump returns from a NATO summit.
The US and Israel are allies, with the US providing Israel significant military aid, including $38 billion over ten years starting in 2016.
The US and Israel have been involved in wars against Iran during Trump’s second term, with conflicts starting in June 2025 and February 2026.
There is public criticism of Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict, including concerns over sending troops without Congress approval.
Polls show a majority of Americans think the war against Iran is not worth it and feel the US supports Israel too much.
Trump criticized Netanyahu’s attacks on Lebanon and reportedly called him “f***ing crazy” during a phone call about the situation there.
The US and Iran agreed to a memorandum in June to suspend hostilities, but fighting has continued, including Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
Trump administration defends the conflict as a way to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons, which Iran denies.
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Turkey’s President Erdogan said Middle East peace needs support from nearby countries and warned that Israel should not be allowed to ruin the recent U.S.-Iran agreement. He criticized Israel’s government for trying to damage the deal and urged for calm in the region.
Key Facts
President Erdogan spoke in Istanbul with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Erdogan said lasting peace needs the support and actions of regional countries.
He accused Israel of trying to “dynamite” the U.S.-Iran deal.
The U.S. and Iran recently held indirect talks in Qatar to work on the agreement.
The deal includes a 60-day ceasefire, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear program terms, and steps toward ending the conflict.
Iran plans to set up a communication channel with the U.S. to report violations of the agreement.
Despite the deal, both the U.S. and Iran launched attacks last week, showing disagreement over the deal’s terms.
Erdogan has condemned Israel’s recent military actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.
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The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party reelected its leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla at its national convention in Erfurt, despite large protests outside. Tens of thousands demonstrated against the party, which is Germany’s biggest opposition group and has risen in popularity, especially in the eastern part of the country.
Key Facts
Alice Weidel was reelected with 81% of the vote, and Tino Chrupalla with 70%.
The AfD has led the opposition party list since the February 2025 national election, with over 20% of the vote.
Around 31,000 people protested, holding signs against the AfD and calling for diversity.
Some protesters and police clashed, though most demonstrations were peaceful.
The AfD’s convention coincided with the 100-year anniversary of a Nazi meeting, a point of controversy.
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency classified AfD as a right-wing extremist group but suspended the label due to legal challenges.
Mainstream parties refuse to work with AfD, keeping a political “firewall” against far-right influence.
The AfD appeals to voters unhappy with the current government and seeks to capitalize on economic frustrations.
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Alexis de Tocqueville described "liberty of action" as the freedom to act and make choices in daily life. This idea remains important today as people join together to help their communities by being kind and connected.
Key Facts
"Liberty of action" means having the freedom to make choices and take actions.
Alexis de Tocqueville introduced this idea in his work.
It is about individuals acting freely in their daily lives.
The concept is still relevant in modern society.
People use this freedom to improve their communities.
Acts of kindness and building connections are examples of this liberty.
Community involvement shows how this idea works today.
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