Today's News Digest — July 5, 2026

Iran's Leadership in Flux as Khamenei Funeral Unfolds

Iran held a state funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with his son Mojtaba absent from public view since an attack at the outbreak of the US-Israel war. The government is using the funeral to project strength amid significant uncertainty for the nation.

Super Typhoon Bavi Bears Down on Pacific U.S. Territories

Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are evacuating ahead of Super Typhoon Bavi, forecast to bring winds exceeding 160 mph and waves nearly 11 meters high when it makes landfall Monday. Experts warn the storm could produce winds over 180 miles per hour.

Sudan's El Obeid Pummeled by Drone Strikes

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.

France's Le Pen Awaits Verdict on EU Funds Misuse

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.

Pastor Released from Chinese Prison After Trump Intervention

A pastor from a prominent underground church detained in China since October was released weeks after President Trump raised the case during a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

National Guard Shoots Armed Man in Memphis

National Guard troops fatally shot an armed man in downtown Memphis in the early morning hours of July 5. State investigators are handling the case.

America Celebrates 250th Birthday Amid Storms and Disruptions

Independence Day celebrations were canceled nationwide due to severe weather, and the Brooklyn Bridge briefly caught fire. Despite disruptions, Americans found numerous ways to mark the nation's 250th anniversary.

Trump Administration Rolls Back Gun and Discrimination Regulations

The Trump administration has rolled back dozens of gun regulations and is abandoning federal discrimination cases, scaling back anti-discrimination rules dating back decades. Critics say the moves weaken public safety; proponents argue they restore pre-Biden standards.

White House Attacks Smithsonian Museum Over 'Political Activism'

A scathing White House report released on July 4 criticizes the National Museum of American History for downplaying the founders' role while emphasizing social justice.

California Law Standardizes Food Label Dates to Cut Waste

A new California law clarifies 'sell by' and 'use by' dates on food packaging to reduce consumer confusion and decrease the tons of food wasted annually.

Paul Pelosi Involved in Hit-and-Run in California

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

FIFA Lifts Balogun's Ban in Unprecedented Move

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee suspended U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's one-game red card ban for a probationary period of one year, allowing him to play against Belgium. The reversal is highly unusual and the first since 1962 that FIFA has allowed a player to appear when they would have been suspended, following Trump's request to FIFA.

Cape Verde Celebrates Stunning World Cup Run

Tens of thousands of fans formed an ocean of blue outside the airport in Praia to welcome home Cape Verde's footballers after their impressive World Cup performance.

Record Heatwaves Sweep US and Europe

Record-breaking temperatures hit the US during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, while Europe faces another heatwave expected to peak at 34°C with a week-long health alert issued. Scientists warn these records signal the climate changes ahead.

Chemical Accidents Rise as Safety Rules Weaken

Chemical accidents that injured or killed people increased by nearly 50 percent in recent years as the Trump administration proposes weakening safety regulations.

Archaeologists Uncover Byzantine City in Egyptian Desert

Archaeologists discovered a well-preserved fourth-century Byzantine city in Egypt's Dakhla oasis, with residential and religious structures including a basilica-style church. The find reveals details of daily life, urban development, and economic activities.

Mystery Space Debris Washes Up on Australian Beach

Six pieces of space debris were discovered on Forrest Beach in Queensland, Australia. Officials are investigating the origins of the mysterious objects.

Martian Rock Contains Unexplained Carbon Deposits

A Martian rock contains significant carbon deposits, and scientists are uncertain of the cause. While biology could explain the find, other potential explanations are being investigated.

Canadian Pipeline Advances After C$150 Billion Investment Pledge

The Canadian and Alberta governments will move forward on 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.

Pennsylvania Communities Unite Against Data Center Proposals

Proposals to build six data centers in the small community of Archbald, Pennsylvania, have brought strangers together to protest the plans, with similar opposition emerging elsewhere in the state.

Women Breaking Into Kenya's Male-Dominated Construction Industry

Women make up just 3 percent of construction workers in Kenya, but a nonprofit group is offering them pathways into the industry and opportunities to advance.

Delta Plane Hit by Firework During Chicago Landing

A Delta aircraft carrying 52 passengers and six crew members was struck by a firework while landing in Chicago. No injuries were reported.