America's 250th birthday marked by politics and heat
As the United States approaches its 250th Independence Day, celebrations are complicated by extreme heat disrupting outdoor events and political divisions over the festivities. Some federal employees express frustration with the celebrations after a year of sweeping government overhaul. Even the official birthday cake has become a subject of political debate.
Iran has begun a multi-day funeral procession for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the ongoing war. Massive crowds gathered in Tehran as the country sends a defiant message to the Trump administration. The funeral is seen as a major display of national mobilization and political solidarity.
The death toll from Venezuela's devastating earthquakes has climbed to 2,595 as rescue operations shift to recovery efforts. International rescue teams including crews from Los Angeles have joined the search. Survivors still hope to find live victims beneath the rubble, but the window for rescue is narrowing.
Police are hunting a Ukrainian suspect believed to have carried out a parcel bombing in Monaco that reportedly targeted a Russia-linked tycoon. The suspect was allegedly disguised as a man during the attack. Interpol has issued an international wanted notice as the investigation spreads across multiple countries.
A severe heat dome is bringing extreme temperatures across North America, Europe, and China. France recorded a 30% surge in deaths during its hottest week of a record-breaking June heatwave. Scientists warn that extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.