Today's Newspaper — July 5, 2026

Iran's succession in limbo as Khamenei's son stays hidden

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in February, was mourned for a second day with crowds chanting 'Revenge,' but his designated successor, son Mojtaba Khamenei, has not appeared in public since the attack that killed his father at the onset of the US-Israel war.

Super typhoon Bavi forces evacuations in Guam

The storm is forecast to bring winds exceeding 160 mph and waves nearly 11 meters high when it makes landfall on Monday, prompting immediate evacuations across the island.

Sudan's El Obeid faces intensifying drone strikes

The besieged city has become a key battleground between Sudan's armed forces and the RSF paramilitary group, with recent drone attacks on schools and fuel stations killing more than 20 people, including students.

Nigeria reports nationals killed in South Africa amid anti-migrant violence

Nigeria's government said one of its nationals was reportedly killed by police officers using 'gruesome interrogation techniques,' as anti-migrant attacks rise in the region.

Marine Le Pen appeals conviction in French presidential bid

The far-right leader is fighting a guilty verdict for misusing EU funds, with the appeal outcome likely to determine her eligibility to run in the presidential race.

Chinese pastor freed after Trump's direct plea to Xi

Jin Mingri, founder of the Zion Church underground congregation detained in October, was released less than two months after President Trump raised his case during talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

UK axes education programme for 1 million girls globally

The Strengthening Higher Education for Female Empowerment scheme, aimed at keeping girls in school across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, was withdrawn after just two years due to government aid cuts.

America marks 250th birthday amid storms and political speeches

Independence Day celebrations were disrupted by extreme weather nationwide, yet Americans found ways to celebrate. President Trump delivered a speech at Mount Rushmore that mixed American history with political messaging, including praise for his Iran war and warnings about communism.

Brooklyn Bridge briefly catches fire during Fourth of July fireworks

A fire ignited by Fourth of July fireworks on the iconic bridge was extinguished shortly after 10 p.m., with no injuries reported.

Trump administration rolls back gun regulations

The administration has rolled back dozens of gun safety rules, with critics saying it weakens public safety while proponents argue regulations are reverting to pre-Biden levels.

Federal agencies abandon discrimination cases at Trump's direction

President Trump has directed federal agencies to scale back anti-discrimination regulations dating back decades, with agencies complying with the order.

Nearly 1 million investors lost $3.8 billion on Trump memecoin

A cryptocurrency analytics report shows that most retail investors who bought the Trump crypto coin lost money, while sophisticated traders fared better.

Paul Pelosi involved in hit-and-run incident

The husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was involved in a hit-and-run in California that left a parked car with major damage, according to authorities.

OPEC Plus pledges more oil production despite falling prices

The cartel decided to increase output even as oil prices decline, following eased pressure from U.S.-Iran peace talks to end the war, though broader market and political volatility persists.

Canada approves major oil pipeline with C$150 billion investment

The Canadian and Alberta governments will proceed with a major new oil pipeline after pledging C$150 billion to address concerns from British Columbia and First Nations, including port expansion and whale protections.

Europe's climate records shattered as heatwave intensifies

Temperature records were smashed in June across Europe, with scientists warning this marks a new climate normal. A new heatwave is forecast to peak at 34°C with week-long health alerts issued.

Mystery space debris washes up on Australian beach

Six pieces of space debris were discovered on Forrest Beach in Queensland, with officials searching for their origins.

Earth's first crust melted from cosmic bombardment, not just internal heat

Scientists studying the Hadean period found that impacts from cosmic bombardment, in addition to Earth's interior heat, may have melted the planet's earliest crust, accounting for previously unexplained thermal energy.

Wind turbine blades pose recycling challenge as thousands reach end of life

Thousands of tonnes of non-recyclable wind turbine blades are coming to the end of their operational lives, creating a sustainability challenge for the renewable energy industry.

Welsh scientist restores peatland to combat climate change

A scientist known as 'The Bogfather' is leveraging childhood fascination with bogs to restore peatland ecosystems as a climate change mitigation strategy.

Chemical accidents spike as Trump administration weakens safety rules

Injuries and deaths from chemical accidents have increased by nearly 50 percent in recent years as the Trump administration proposes weakening workplace safety regulations.

California law standardizes food 'sell by' dates to cut waste

A new California law clarifies food label 'use by' dates to reduce consumer confusion and food waste, standardizing labeling across the state.

Pennsylvania communities unite against proposed data center expansion

Proposals to build six data centers in the small community of Archbald, Pennsylvania, have galvanized strangers to protest together, with similar concerns emerging across the state.

Cape Verde celebrates footballers' stunning World Cup run

Tens of thousands of fans formed an ocean of blue outside the airport in the capital city of Praia to welcome home the national team after their impressive World Cup performance.

Women break into Kenya's construction industry with nonprofit support

Women make up just 3 percent of construction workers in Kenya, but a nonprofit organization is offering training and pathways to help women enter and advance in the male-dominated field.

Board game teaches children to prevent parasitic worm disease

A new educational board game called 'Schisto & Ladders' teaches children about schistosomiasis, a debilitating disease spread by parasitic worms via contaminated water, using gameplay to convey prevention strategies.

Loss of smell linked to broader brain health problems

Disturbances in the sense of smell are often connected to underlying issues with brain health, making olfactory changes a potential indicator of neurological concerns.

Martian rock contains unexpected carbon deposits

A rock discovered on Mars contains significant carbon deposits, with scientists uncertain whether biological processes or other explanations account for the finding.