Paris – The court of appeal in Paris will issue its verdict on Tuesday regarding Marine Le Pen’s eligibility to run for president in the 2025 French election. Le Pen was convicted in March 2025 of misusing European parliamentary funds and sentenced to two years of home confinement with an electronic tag and five years of ineligibility from public office; the ineligibility clause took effect immediately. The appeal follows four months of deliberation and will decide whether the original sentence is upheld, modified or overturned. Le Pen’s lawyer, Rudolphe Bosselut, argued that the decision carries “dizzying significance” for the presidential race. The state prosecutor requested a reduced sentence of one year with an electronic tag, while Le Pen said any period of ineligibility would prevent her from campaigning freely. If the court imposes a five‑year ban, she would be barred from the ballot; a two‑year ban could allow her to run, as the period would end before the first round on 18 April. A sentence that includes a one‑year travel restriction would, she added, make candidacy impossible. Ten other National Rally officials are also appealing the conviction. If Le Pen is barred, the party is expected to nominate 30‑year‑old Jordan Bardella as its presidential candidate, a choice that polls currently favor but whose experience remains uncertain. Speculation about the political ramifications includes the possibility that Le Pen may remain the party’s figurehead despite a sentence, or that the party could transition leadership to Bardella, potentially altering its appeal across different voter groups. The court may also refer the matter to the Cour de Cassation, whose ruling in January could affect the timeline of any appeal. The outcome will clarify whether Le Pen can stand in the 2025 election or whether the National Rally will proceed with a new candidate, a development that will influence the party’s prospects in the upcoming vote.
Geopolitics, diplomacy, and the stories shaping nations.
Ukrainian military said an overnight drone strike hit a major oil terminal in St Petersburg, Russia's second city, and a naval base of the Russian Baltic Fleet in Kronstadt, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. He described the terminal as key infrastructure that generates revenue for Russia's war effort.
Ukraine has intensified long‑range drone attacks on Russian energy facilities, claiming that nearly 43 % of Russia's oil refining capacity has been disabled, a claim that has not been independently verified. Ukrainian officials say Russian oil and gas installations are legitimate targets because they support the war effort.
Governor Aleksandr Beglov confirmed the terminal was struck during a large drone assault and said no casualties were reported. He reported that 72 drones were shot down over St Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad region and warned residents to stay indoors until the threat was lifted, noting possible disruptions to mobile internet services. The military said the terminal can produce 12.5 million tonnes of petroleum products per year.
Russia has not issued a public comment. President Vladimir Putin signed a law aimed at boosting domestic fuel supplies after acknowledging fuel shortages linked to Ukrainian attacks. Earlier, Putin said Russian forces had secured the town of Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region, a claim the Ukrainian military denied, stating the town remains under Ukrainian control despite isolated infiltrations that are being identified and destroyed. The Russian defence ministry said more than 500 Ukrainian drones and missiles were intercepted overnight and in the morning and warned that attacks on civilian facilities would be responded to. Both sides appear to be seeking advantage before the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey. On the same day, Putin sent a congratulatory note to former U.S. President Donald Trump for the U.S. Independence Day, calling for constructive relations.
The situation remains unresolved as both sides continue to exchange statements and military actions.
Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthi representatives attended the funeral ceremonies for Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday in Tehran, meeting with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Khamenei, who ruled Iran from 1989 until his death at age 86 in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike on February 28, had the final say in major state policies. Tens of thousands gathered at the Grand Mosalla complex to pay respects, and the body lay in state before a procession through central Tehran on Monday. The Hezbollah delegation, led by former minister Mohammed Fneish, included families of members killed or wounded, according to Lebanese media. Hamas said its delegation was headed by political bureau chief Mohammed Darwish and included other bureau members such as Bassem Naim. Palestinian militant leader Ziyad al‑Nakhalah of Islamic Jihad and senior Houthi figure Dhaif Allah al‑Shami also attended, state television reported. Iran has provided long‑term support to Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis and other Shiite groups in Iraq, designating them as terrorist organizations. The funeral included a day of lying in state for Iranian officials and foreign dignitaries, after which Khamenei’s coffin was displayed under glass outdoors alongside those of his daughter, son‑in‑law, daughter‑in‑law and 14‑month‑old granddaughter, all killed in the same airstrike. Authorities plan processions in Tehran, Qom, Najaf, Kerbala and Mashhad, arranging for millions of people with transport, food and lodging. The body will be flown to Iraq for ceremonies at the Shiite holy shrines on Wednesday before returning to Iran for burial. The scale of the gatherings and the attendance of militant leaders underscore Iran’s continued alignment with its regional allies.
Ukrainian drones struck an oil terminal in St. Petersburg on Saturday, according to Russian officials, as Kyiv continues attacks on Russian oil infrastructure. The attacks are part of a pattern of long-range strikes on Russian energy facilities that have raised fuel supply concerns and increased political questions for the Kremlin as its invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year. Governor Alexander Beglov said the attack occurred in the Kirovsky district and that air defenses intercepted 72 drones across the city and surrounding region. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the operation as part of Ukraine’s long-range sanctions, stating that it targeted port oil infrastructure used to finance the war and a military target on the island of Kronstadt. The Kirovsky district had previously been hit in June ahead of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. In the Crimean peninsula, a Ukrainian strike on Saturday killed one person and injured two others, including a child, according to the Moscow-installed governor Sergei Aksyonov. Russian President Vladimir Putin described the strikes as not critical and said the war would continue until his objectives were met, while analysts note that recent Russian advances have been limited. On Friday, Putin visited a military headquarters and announced the capture of Kostyantynivka in Donetsk, describing it as a strategic step toward nearby cities. Russian officials said fighting around Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka had receded and that Russian forces were clearing the city. Zelenskyy denied Russian claims of control over the town, calling them lies. The Kremlin said Putin would meet Zelenskyy only after Kyiv made important consequential decisions. The ongoing attacks have heightened public awareness of the conflict among Russian civilians, though the Kremlin says it can mitigate a fuel crisis. In Belgorod, a Ukrainian drone strike left the city nearly without power, and separate Russian attacks in Zaporizhzhia wounded eight people, including two children.
Hundreds gathered at the Stoned Climbers festival in the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine last week, where participants climbed a 25‑meter granite cliff, swam in a nearby reservoir, and enjoyed stand‑up paddling and live music. Air raid alerts were sent to phones throughout the weekend, though no Russian drones or missiles reached the site.
The volunteer‑run festival, launched in 2023 by about 15 friends who had been climbing together after becoming interested in Yosemite’s climbing culture, attracted more than 500 people this summer, up from roughly 150 at its first event. All proceeds were directed to a fundraising effort supporting Ukraine’s Azov Brigade.
Organizers said the gathering offers a chance to relax and build community during a prolonged conflict. Festival co‑founder Dmytro Isaienko, 39, noted that climbing provides a way of life that includes camping and time outdoors. First‑time climbers, such as 21‑year‑old Liliia Karpach from Lviv, described the experience as both mental and physical exercise. Instructor Andrii Lamei, 24, said climbing helps manage stress and improve confidence. Most Ukrainian men are unable to travel abroad because of wartime travel restrictions, limiting their ability to visit destinations such as Yosemite or Norway’s mountains.
Isaienko hopes the festival demonstrates that new traditions can emerge even as the war continues. Each first‑time climber who reaches the summit is met with applause, reinforcing the sense of a growing community.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged the United States to remain a partner for Lebanon after a US‑backed framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel aimed at ending the conflict with Hezbollah. In a message marking the United States' 250th Independence Day, Aoun said Washington should “keep always standing beside Lebanon’s right and just causes, its institutions, army and people,” and expressed hope that the country could turn the page on war and open a new chapter of peace, stability and prosperity. The United States Embassy in Lebanon posted on X that it stands “with great pride that we stand with the people of Lebanon as they forge a brighter future — one of peace, prosperity and promise long overdue.” The framework agreement, brokered by Washington, calls for the disarmament of Hezbollah, a gradual Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army to the area, beginning with two pilot zones. Hezbollah rejected the deal and said no timetable for Israeli withdrawal was set. Fighting has continued along the border since Hezbollah entered the conflict on March 2 in response to Iranian direction, with Israeli air strikes and a ground operation that have occupied large parts of southern Lebanon. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported 4,303 deaths and 12,202 injuries since March 2. Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayed said authorities were preparing a plan that includes prefabricated housing and rent assistance for residents of the heavily damaged city of Nabatieh, and noted that 400,000 displaced people have returned to southern Lebanon. Israeli media reported an Apache helicopter firing missiles at the town of Majdal Zoun, and a strike in the village of al‑Mansouri that wounded one person. The Israeli military said its troops killed an armed fighter in the security zone near Majdal Zoun after identifying him as a terrorist. The agreement’s implementation remains uncertain as Hezbollah refuses to accept a withdrawal schedule and border exchanges have persisted.
Cameroon is working to register every child's birth after the municipality of Garoua 2 was named a Citizenship Champion by UNICEF and the government in 2024. The civil status law requires birth registration within 90 days, but many families miss the deadline, leading to court procedures after one year. More than 1.5 million primary school pupils, about 30 percent, lack birth certificates, according to the Ministry of Basic Education. UNICEF estimates that only 43.77 percent of births recorded in health facilities in 2023 were officially registered. Without a certificate, children cannot enroll in secondary school, sit public examinations, or obtain a national identity card, civil status officials say. In Tiko, civil status officials have introduced registration services at health facilities and partnered with traditional leaders to reach remote areas, resulting in thousands of new certificates. In Garoua 2, authorities have adopted a digital civil status system that issues certificates within minutes. Since the launch of the My Name campaign in April 2024, officials report that more than 17,000 children have been registered across the country. Challenges remain, including low prioritization of registration in some communities, harmful norms that discourage documentation of girls, and the need for continued engagement with traditional and religious leaders. The program aims to close the registration gap, but officials note that broader community attitudes and administrative reforms will determine its long‑term success.
The United States celebrated its 250th birthday on July 4 with a fireworks display, a flyover of a new Air Force One aircraft, and a rally on the National Mall in Washington tha...
The United States celebrated its 250th birthday on July 4 with a fireworks display, a flyover of a new Air Force One aircraft, and a rally on the National Mall in Washington that featured President Donald Trump. The federal holiday marks the 1776 adoption of the Declaration of Independence, ending British colonial rule. This year's observance was organized under the Freedom 250 banner, separate from the congressionally sanctioned America 250 events. Organizers described the fireworks display as the largest ever in the United States. Trump addressed the crowd before midnight, calling the occasion the start of a "golden age" and urging continued support for the Constitution and the right to bear arms. He referenced opposition to communism and recent legislative proposals. The speech concluded as the fireworks reached a crescendo around 1 a.m. A thunderstorm earlier in the evening forced a temporary evacuation of the mall and delayed the rally. Communities nationwide participated in local gatherings, concerts, and naturalisation ceremonies. In New York City, the annual hot dog‑eating contest saw Joey Chestnut win his 18th title by consuming 66 hot dogs in ten minutes, while Miki Sudo claimed the women's title. At Mount Vernon, Virginia, a ceremony welcomed 150 new citizens from 50 countries. About 400 members of the Patriot Front marched near the Capitol, and power outages affected nearly 750,000 customers in the East and an additional 150,000 in New Jersey due to the heat wave and severe weather. The celebrations highlighted both national pride and political division, while extreme heat and storms disrupted portions of the day, leaving questions about the sustainability of large outdoor events under worsening climate conditions.
Thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran's main mosque on Saturday to attend the funeral rites for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's former supreme leader, who was killed in February during joint United States and Israeli airstrikes. His body lay in state at the Grand Mosalla for three days before being moved to Qom, then to Najaf and Karbala in Iraq, and finally to the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad for burial on Thursday. Authorities anticipate 15 to 20 million attendees across Iran and Iraq during the six‑day procession and the subsequent 40‑day commemorations. Crowds of black‑clad supporters chanted slogans, some calling for retaliation against the United States, while others expressed loyalty to the late leader. Reza, a 37‑year‑old professor, said he attended because he promised to stand by Khamenei until the end, and Arash Rahimi, 40, said the gathering was meant to avenge the supreme leader's death. The state has placed much of central Tehran under lockdown for the weekend. The funeral is expected to be the largest in Iran in terms of population proportion. Whether Mojtaba Khamenei, the new supreme leader, will appear at the ceremony remains unresolved. The events will continue for 40 days with commemorations scheduled until the first anniversary of his burial.
Residents of eastern Congo’s Ituri province are hopeful that a new clinical trial will improve survival in the ongoing Ebola outbreak. The study began in early July. The virus causing this outbreak, identified as Bundibugyo, has no approved specific treatment or vaccine. More than 1,400 cases have been recorded and 438 deaths have been reported, according to the World Health Organization. The trial enrolls confirmed patients at the Evangelical Medical Centre in Bunia and will assess remdesivir, the antibody MBP134, or their combination. Researchers will monitor survival for 28 days after treatment initiation, said WHO research adviser Dr. Vasee Moorthy. Professor Yap Boum, head of emergency response at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, said the study focuses on hospitalized patients. The trial will later include health workers, close contacts and others at high risk. Coordinator Professor Placide Mbala said the trial may continue for three to six months, depending on the outbreak’s trajectory. Audrey Tengetenge, a local resident, said the trial represents a rare source of encouragement. Gladys Munguro, a survivor who was discharged two weeks ago, said she will volunteer in the next phase for high‑risk individuals. Shopkeeper Nelson Dhebi expressed concern that the treatments might cause deaths and suggested that research should first involve elected officials. Mistrust in the community, overcrowded treatment centers, delays in seeking care and insecurity limiting access to conflict‑affected areas have hampered the response, according to health officials. Nearly three‑quarters of Ebola deaths have occurred outside health facilities, said Pierre Akilimali, incident manager at Congo’s National Institute of Public Health. Officials plan to expand the trial to additional sites once safety conditions improve. The trial’s progress will be watched closely to determine whether the experimental therapies can curb the spread and reduce mortality in the region.
The death toll from twin earthquakes in Venezuela rose to nearly 3,000, according to updated official figures released on Saturday, while tens of thousands of people were still reported missing. The 7.2-magnitude and 7.5-magnitude shocks struck on June 24, damaging much of the coastal La Guaira region north of Caracas and flattening numerous residential complexes. Rescue operations, which had been ongoing for ten days, began winding down after search teams reported no new survivors, with U.S., South American and other international teams packing up and leaving the area this weekend. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez said at a ceremony that families were still grieving and that the government had dispatched thousands of troops and officials, while volunteer Francisco Sasquia noted that families had initially dug through rubble before international teams arrived. A Los Angeles County fire department rescue team ended its search after eight days with no sign of life, and teams from Florida and Virginia were preparing to depart. The United Nations estimated the disaster caused about $6.7 billion in damage, roughly six percent of Venezuela's GDP, and damaged Maiquetia International Airport, which reopened partially for humanitarian flights while commercial flights remained suspended. The critical window for survivor rescue, typically 72 hours, had passed, and authorities indicated that recovery of bodies would continue while the government prepared a plan to restore the airport next week.
Pope Leo visited the Italian island of Lampedusa on Saturday, calling on European leaders to strengthen support for migrants and improve integration and conditions in their countries of origin.
Lampedusa, a reception centre for tens of thousands of migrants each year, has struggled with overcrowded facilities and unsafe sea crossings. More than 1,400 people have died or gone missing while attempting the Mediterranean route this year, including 28 children, according to the International Organization for Migration.
The pontiff celebrated Mass on the island, prayed at the graves of migrants who died during the journey, and stood at the Door of Europe memorial. He told gathered Catholics that migration poses a momentous challenge to European societies and said Europe is capable of addressing the crisis through a comprehensive plan that combines immediate relief with long‑term integration and assistance to developing nations.
Kandeh Abdourahman, a migrant who arrived in Lampedusa in 2015 and now works as a cultural mediator with the International Rescue Committee, said the Pope’s visit demonstrated that welcome is an act of humanity rather than merely a word.
The visit comes after the European Union approved tougher migration rules that expand border controls and detention powers, reflecting a broader trend of governments adopting measures intended to deter undocumented migration. Since becoming pope in May 2025, Leo has repeatedly called for greater support for migrants and has criticized anti‑migrant policies, including those of former U.S. President Donald Trump, which he described as inhuman. In a letter marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, he wrote that Catholic teaching obliges the Church to welcome, protect and assist immigrants and to recognize their dignity.
While the Pope’s remarks were delivered during his Mass, the ongoing debate over migration policy continues, with the new EU measures and national actions in Italy and the United Kingdom shaping the framework for future arrivals.
White nationalist group Patriot Front marched in the Washington, DC metropolitan area on July 4. The demonstration took place on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and the group's Telegram channel said it expected more than 400 participants. Video posted on social media showed participants wearing khaki pants, khaki caps and dark shirts, using the metro system and marching through New Carrollton, Maryland, and near the U.S. Capitol. Some carried U.S. flags, drums, shields and Confederate flags. Patriot Front's website calls for people born to this nation of our European race to assert right to cultural independence, and experts at George Washington University's Program on Extremism have described the organization as a fascist group seeking a white ethnostate in the United States. Senator Ed Markey posted on social media urging officials to condemn the march, stating that hatred and bigotry have no place in the nation's capital. Critics have said former President Donald Trump's rhetoric, including his 2017 comment about very bad people and very fine people after the Charlottesville rally, may have emboldened such groups. Trump faced criticism for a 2022 dinner with Nick Fuentes and musician Ye, and for a video posted to his Truth Social account that depicted former President Barack Obama and his wife as apes, later clarified as having been shared by a staffer.
At least 20 people died and 80 were rescued when a wooden boat carrying students sank on the confluence of the Sankusu and Kasai rivers in Kasai province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Friday. The vessel was transporting more than 200 passengers, witnesses said.
The incident occurred as the boat entered the river junction while returning from state examinations, according to local reports. Night-time travel and overcrowded vessels are common in the region, and previous boat accidents have resulted in hundreds of fatalities.
Francois Kabula, administrator of Ilebo territory in Kasai province, said that 80 survivors and 20 bodies had been recovered. Tshikudi Jean, who witnessed the sinking, told the Associated Press that the boat may have carried more than 200 people. Francois Malepo, president of the Ilebo civil society organization, said that shipowners prioritize profit over safety.
Authorities have not yet released a formal investigation into the cause of the sinking, and the lack of adequate safety infrastructure in remote areas continues to raise concerns about river transport safety.
France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in a World Cup 2026 round-of-16 match played on July 4 in Philadelphia before a crowd of 68,324 under temperatures of 38 °C. Kylian Mbappé converted a penalty in the 70th minute after Desire Doue was fouled, giving France the winning goal. The French side dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances, with a shot by Manu Koné deflected wide in the first half and another saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill after the restart. Paraguay, ranked 41st, limited France to long-range attempts and did not register a shot on target until the 90th minute. The match marked Mbappé's seventh World Cup goal, tying him with Lionel Messi for the tournament lead; he now has 19 World Cup goals in 19 appearances, one shy of Messi's record. France will return to Boston before meeting Morocco in the quarter-finals in Foxborough on Thursday. Morocco advanced after a 3-0 win over Canada. The game proceeded without major interruptions despite extreme heat warnings.
Mark Rutte, NATO secretary-general, is working to keep the United States engaged in the alliance ahead of a summit in Turkey, while President Donald Trump has expressed doubts about the partnership. Since assuming office nearly two years ago, Rutte has sought to reassure the United States that European members are meeting defense spending targets. At a recent White House meeting, he presented a chart that listed $1.2 trillion in defense spending by European allies and Canada from 2017 to the present. Trump said he remained disappointed that some allies did not support the United States in the conflict with Iran and stated, “We don’t need their money — we don’t need anything. I just want loyalty.” He added that he might skip the upcoming summit unless it is hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Rutte highlighted that European spending has created tens of thousands of U.S. jobs and generated a backlog of about $300 billion in orders for military equipment. He noted that up to 5,000 U.S. aircraft have taken off from European bases before an April ceasefire, countering claims that NATO does not support U.S. actions. The Pentagon recently announced it would reduce the number of troops, warships, aircraft and drones it would provide if a NATO member were attacked, while Trump has sent mixed signals about future troop levels. Russia has increased drone flights near military bases in several European countries, according to a study released on Thursday, raising concerns about alliance unity. The summit, the first to be hosted by Erdogan, will test whether the alliance can maintain cohesion as Trump demands greater loyalty and European members continue to address security challenges from Russia and China.
A performer at the funeral for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for the death of U.S. President Donald Trump before a crowd of hundreds of thousands in Tehran on Sunday. Poet Mohammad Rasouli asked why Trump remained alive and said the world was no longer a good place for him, drawing cheers from the audience.
Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani led prayers at Tehran's Grand Mosalla, attended by Khamenei's sons Masoud, Meysam and Mostafa, President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Ahmad Vahidi and Quds Force head Esmail Qaani. Iran's new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, was absent, reportedly due to injuries from the airstrike that killed his father.
The funeral, delayed by the ongoing Iran war, coincided with a speech by Donald Trump in Washington commemorating the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. Trump said the United States had "wiped out" Iran's military in Venezuela and Iran, a claim that is part of broader rhetoric about the conflict that began with the 2020 killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
U.S. federal authorities have monitored threats against Trump and other administration officials for years, stemming from that 2020 order. Iranian state media has denied plotting to kill Trump, while hard‑line propaganda footage has suggested he remained a target. The call at the funeral underscores persistent hostility between the two nations, even as Tehran engages in negotiations with the United States over a permanent end to the war and seeks to leverage its control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Talks between Iran and the United States are currently on hold pending the conclusion of the conflict, and it remains unclear whether the remarks will affect future diplomatic efforts.
Drone strikes hit the besieged city of El Obeid in Sudan, killing at least 45 people and injuring 41 others between June 6 and June 28, according to the United Nations human rights office. El Obeid, a city of roughly half a million residents, lies on the front line of the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The city has endured repeated attacks on schools, fuel stations, a power station and a market, raising concerns about civilian casualties and the delivery of essential services. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that 15 drone strikes in the city and surrounding areas caused the casualties. An independent assessment by the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab said damage to electricity generation, fuel storage and the main market was “consistent with intentional bombardment of civilian infrastructure necessary for the sustenance of life.” The lab also noted an increase of more than 700 temporary structures in internally displaced persons camps in the city over one month, indicating a recent influx of vulnerable populations. Aid workers described living under constant threat. Fatima, an aid volunteer whose name was changed for safety, said drone attacks on hospitals and fuel stations had caused blackouts and disrupted communications. She said merchants had raised prices because goods were frequently targeted or looted. Will Davies of Avaaz described the situation as “extremely dire,” while Mohamed Badawi of the African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies called for a ceasefire and safe corridors for civilians. The UN high commissioner for human rights warned that the signs indicated an unfolding human rights catastrophe and urged world leaders to consider preventive measures.
President Donald Trump delivered a speech on July 4 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., during the 250th anniversary of American independence. Stormy weather forced an evacuation of the crowd from the mall several hours before the speech, and a heat wave pushed temperatures to 103°F (39.4°C) in the capital, with 160 million people under extreme weather warnings, according to the National Weather Service. He highlighted veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He said their service was part of the fight against communism. He said the United States had destroyed Tehran's military in recent operations against Iran and Venezuela. He noted that domestic opponents had won recent primary election victories. A Quinnipiac University poll showed 61% of Americans said the nation was not living up to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. Supporters such as Richard Sullivan attended wearing a Freedom 250 shirt. They said the speech made them proud. Masked individuals associated with far‑right groups gathered near Capitol Hill. They chanted Reclaim America and carried flags. Fireworks were scheduled after the speech, with organizers saying the display would be the largest in the world, though weather delays postponed events in New York, Philadelphia and Boston. The anniversary prompted both celebration and reflection, with many Americans facing extreme heat and weather‑related disruptions while political divisions remained evident.
Archaeologists have uncovered a well‑preserved Byzantine‑era settlement in Egypt’s western desert near the Dakhla oasis, revealing residential, religious and public spaces dating from the fourth century.
Excavations identified north‑south and east‑west streets that intersect to form open squares and public areas, according to Hisham el‑Leithy, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
A basilica dating to the mid‑fourth century stands at the settlement’s head, overlooking the main streets, and two watchtowers were found to protect the outskirts, said Mahmoud Massoud, who chairs the archaeological mission.
The site, located in the New Valley governorate, is on UNESCO’s tentative list for possible World Heritage status.
Among the structures, archaeologists found houses with reception halls and vaulted roofs, bread ovens, kitchens, stone grinding tools and bronze coins bearing portraits of Byzantine emperors, Latin inscriptions and Christian symbols, the ministry reported.
One house belonged to Tisous, a church deacon, and dates to the second half of the 14th century; researchers believe it served as a house church before the basilica was built.
Coins discovered include seven bronze pieces from the reign of Roman Emperor Constantius II (337–361), according to the ministry statement.
Diaa Zahran, head of the Islamic, Coptic and Jewish antiquities department, said about 200 pottery fragments, known as ostraca, were recovered; they bear inscriptions detailing commercial transactions, correspondence and other aspects of daily life.
At the nearby Marina el‑Alamein site, about 62 miles west of Alexandria, archaeologists uncovered 48 tombs, including 11 rock‑cut tombs averaging eight metres in depth and seven limestone‑built surface tombs, the ministry said.
Findings at Marina el‑Alamein included pottery vessels, amphorae, lamps, plates, altars, limestone basins and a 2.5‑metre granite sarcophagus containing human remains, said Eman Abdel‑Khaliq, mission chief.
Gold pieces placed in the mouths of some of the deceased, referred to as the ‘golden tongue,’ were also recovered, she added.
The sarcophagus was found alongside the remains of a plaster sphinx statue.
Marina el‑Alamein, an archaeological site uncovered in 1986, is believed to be the ancient Greco‑Roman port city of Leukaspis, founded in the second century and active until the fourth century.
Researchers say the combined discoveries provide insight into urban development, economic activity and funerary practices during the Byzantine period in Egypt.
Further analysis is expected to clarify the chronology and significance of the site.
Severe thunderstorms delayed President Donald Trump’s speech at the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C., by nearly two hours. The delay occurred as the temperature reached 102°F (39°C) and officials ordered a temporary evacuation of spectators near the Washington Monument. After the delay, Trump spoke to a crowd of several thousand, describing the milestone as “one of the most joyous and glorious” in the nation’s history and stating, “We will always be on top. We will never let our country fall. We will always be the best.” He used the occasion to promote the SAVE America Act, an elections bill that has encountered resistance among some Republican lawmakers. In New York City, authorities advanced a 30‑minute fireworks display to avoid storm threats; the show proceeded without rain or lightning. Severe weather caused the cancellation or postponement of celebrations in Hartford, Connecticut; Harrisburg and Wilkes‑Barre, Pennsylvania; Boston; and Pittsburgh. In Washington, D.C., spectators took shelter in nearby museums and government buildings for several hours before returning to an open field near the monument. The National Mall was partially closed for a “Great American State Fair” organized by the Freedom 250 group, which featured a Ferris wheel, displays by conservative groups and defense contractors, and a faith rally with predominantly Christian speakers. Several Democratic‑led states declined to send official delegations, and multiple scheduled performers withdrew, citing concerns about the event’s partisan nature. The white nationalist group Patriot Front was reported to have attended the gathering, but police stated no reports of violence were received. Past presidents have generally avoided in‑person participation in July 4 celebrations, while Trump’s appearance combined commemorative elements with political messaging. Renovation work on fountains and statues, including a $15 million project at the Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool, was ongoing, with security cameras and soldiers monitoring the site.