Today's Newspaper — July 5, 2026
America marked its 250th birthday amid extreme weather and political division, with President Trump delivering a contentious Independence Day address. Meanwhile, Iran mourns its slain Supreme Leader, a super typhoon threatens Guam, and Ukraine strikes Russian oil infrastructure as global tensions simmer.
United States
America's 250th Birthday Marked by Storms and Political Clash
Independence Day celebrations across the US were disrupted by extreme weather, including a fire on the Brooklyn Bridge during fireworks. President Trump delivered a politically charged speech at Mount Rushmore that departed from tradition, while Democratic leaders Gavin Newsom and Wes Moore criticized his record as a betrayal of American ideals.
Trump Administration Rolls Back Gun and Anti-Discrimination Regulations
The Trump administration has scaled back dozens of gun regulations and abandoned federal discrimination cases, reversing decades-old protections. Critics argue the moves weaken public safety and civil rights enforcement, while proponents say regulations are returning to pre-Biden levels.
Nearly a Million Investors Lost $3.8 Billion on Trump Memecoin
A cryptocurrency analytics report reveals that most retail investors who purchased the Trump memecoin lost money, with losses totaling $3.8 billion across nearly a million investors, though sophisticated traders fared better.
Record-Breaking Heatwave Sweeps US as Fourth of July Weekend Begins
The United States is experiencing record-breaking temperatures during the Independence Day holiday weekend, adding to the extreme weather disrupting celebrations nationwide.
World
Iran Continues Mourning Slain Supreme Leader Amid Succession Questions
On the second day of public mourning for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in February, mourners chanted 'Revenge' at funeral prayers. There remains no public sign of his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, raising questions about the succession.
Super Typhoon Bavi Threatens Guam With Extreme Winds and Waves
Evacuations are underway in Guam as super typhoon Bavi approaches, forecast to bring winds exceeding 160 mph and waves nearly 11 meters high when it makes landfall on Monday.
Ukraine Strikes Major Oil Terminal in Russian St. Petersburg
Ukrainian forces hit a key oil terminal in Russia's St. Petersburg, with President Zelensky describing it as critical infrastructure that generates revenue for Russia's war effort.
Pastor Freed From Chinese Prison After Trump's Direct Appeal
Jin Mingri, founder of the Zion Church and a prominent underground church figure, was released from Chinese prison weeks after President Trump raised his case directly with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a meeting.
France's Marine Le Pen Awaits Verdict on EU Funds Misuse Appeal
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen is appealing a guilty verdict for misusing EU funds, with the decision potentially determining her future in the presidential race.
Pope Calls for Greater European Action on Migrants at Lampedusa
Pope Francis visited the Italian island of Lampedusa, paying tribute to migrants who lost their lives at sea and urging Europe to do more to address the migration crisis.
Sudan's El Obeid Faces Intensifying Drone Strikes in Ongoing Conflict
The besieged Sudanese city of El Obeid has become a key battleground between the armed forces and the paramilitary RSF, with recent drone attacks on schools and fuel stations killing more than 20 people, including students.
China Promotes Two New Generals After Anti-Corruption Military Purge
China's military promoted two new generals following an anti-corruption purge that thinned ranks, believed to be an effort to ensure military loyalty to the Communist Party and leader Xi Jinping.
UK Axes Education Programme for 1 Million Girls Across Africa, Asia, Middle East
The British government has withdrawn the Strengthening Higher Education for Female Empowerment programme just two years after announcing it, citing aid cuts. The scheme aimed to keep 1 million girls in school across three continents.
Science & Environment
Europe Smashes Temperature Records as Climate Crisis Accelerates
Temperature records were broken across Europe in June, with scientists warning this signals a dangerous new climate normal. A new heatwave is forecast to peak at 34°C with week-long health alerts issued.
Archaeologists Uncover Well-Preserved Byzantine City in Egypt's Western Desert
Excavations in Egypt's Dakhla oasis have revealed a fourth-century Byzantine city with residential and religious structures, including a basilica-style church. Artifacts such as coins and pottery fragments provide insights into daily life and economic activities of the era.
Martian Rock Contains Unexplained Carbon Deposits
A rock discovered on Mars contains significant carbon deposits, with scientists uncertain whether biological or other processes explain the finding, opening new questions about the planet's history.
Welsh Scientist Restores Peatland to Combat Climate Change
A scientist known as 'The Bogfather' is leading efforts to restore peatland ecosystems, drawing on a childhood fascination with bogs to help address climate change through natural carbon sequestration.
Wind Turbine Blade Recycling Becomes Critical as Thousands Reach End of Life
Thousands of tonnes of non-recyclable wind turbine blades are reaching the end of their operational lives, prompting efforts to develop sustainable products from the materials and reduce waste.
Health & Society
Board Game Teaches Children to Prevent Schistosomiasis Infection
A new educational board game called 'Schisto & Ladders' teaches children how to prevent schistosomiasis, a parasitic worm disease spread through contaminated water that causes debilitating symptoms and disproportionately affects children.
Loss of Smell Linked to Brain Health Problems, Scientists Warn
Disturbances in the sense of smell are often linked to underlying brain health issues, according to scientific research highlighting the critical role of olfaction in neurological function.
Sports & Culture
Former Chess Champion Kramnik Banned Over Cheating Accusations
Former Russian world chess champion Kramnik has been banned following remarks in which he accused other players, including the late Daniel Naroditsky, of cheating.
Cape Verde's Historic World Cup Debut Ends After Nearly Upsetting Argentina
Cape Verde's inaugural World Cup campaign concluded without a match victory, yet the African team's debut performance was deemed unforgettable after pushing Argentina to the brink.