Trump mixes patriotism with partisanship as he celebrates America's 'joyous' 250th anniversary
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has mixed partisan politics with patriotic appeals as he commemorated the 250th anniversary of American independence, a moment he declared “one of the most joyous and glorious milestones of all time.” Trump spoke late Saturday in Washington after storms prompted a roughly two-hour evacuation of the National Mall. Severe weather prompted the cancellation of celebrations in Hartford, Connecticut, along with Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Spectators at Boston’s fireworks and concert were told to briefly seek shelter before events later resumed. An evacuation was also ordered in Philadelphia. New York and Pittsburgh moved forward with fireworks but shifted the time to accommodate the shifting weather.
3 dead and others rescued after boat capsizes on Wisconsin lake amid storms
LAKE GENEVA, Wis. (AP) — Three people died and seven others were rescued after a boat capsized on a Wisconsin lake during a strong storm. Many injuries were reported Friday in Wisconsin’s Walworth County as the storm toppled trees, knocked down power lines, and damaged buildings. Police are investigating the capsizing on Lake Geneva. The mayor declared an emergency and noted power outages and minor injuries. County authorities received 911 calls reporting damage and people trapped in buildings. The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the area, forecasting heavy rain and lingering showers into Independence Day.
Iran's top officials attend prayer for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s top officials and brothers of the country’s new supreme leader have emerged into public view to attend the funeral prayers for the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Their presence Sunday before hundreds of thousands of people would have been unthinkable during the Iran war. That conflict saw airstrikes in its opening moments on Feb. 28 kill the 86-year-old Khamenei, his family members and other officials. Israel also has targeted others who appeared publicly during the war. But still unseen was Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. He is believed to be in hiding after reportedly being wounded in the airstrike that killed his father.
Trump pardons former Abramoff partner, 9 people convicted of violating vehicle emissions controls
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday pardoned 11 people, including a former business partner of Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff and nine people identified by the White House as having helped people bypass emissions control systems on vehicles. The acts of clemency come as Trump has issued a slew of pardons in his second term, particularly for allies, public figures and those seen as politically aligned. His use of the presidency’s sweeping ability to unilaterally grant pardons and commute sentences is among the ways the Republican’s return to office has featured an expansive use of executive power.
Ukrainian drones hit St Petersburg oil terminal in latest long-range attack on Russia
Ukrainian drones have struck an oil terminal in St. Petersburg as Kyiv ramps up bombardment of Russia’s oil infrastructure. The attacks have created a fuel crisis in Russia and political pressure on the Kremlin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as part of Ukraine’s “long-range sanctions” against Russia. He said Ukrainian forces also hit a military target on the island of Kronstadt. Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the strikes as “not critical.” Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials deny Russian claims of capturing the city of Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region.
Fallout from Venezuela's earthquakes turns political as opposition leader Machado seeks return
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — The fallout from Venezuela’s powerful twin quakes has evolved into a major test for acting President Delcy Rodríguez, sending her scrambling to prevent the humanitarian disaster from becoming a political one in the face of fierce public criticism and efforts by the Venezuelan opposition leader to return from exile. Rodríguez's 180-day mandate as interim leader expires on Friday. A day after Rodríguez angrily defended the competence of her government’s relief effort at her first press conference since the June 24 disaster, her main rival, exiled Venezuelan Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado, issued her own appeal. She argued the government’s quake response exposed its critical weaknesses and that her return would help recovery efforts.
Far-right Alternative for Germany party reelects leaders as protesters and police clash
ERFURT, Germany (AP) — Delegates at the national convention of the far-right Alternative for Germany party have overwhelmingly reelected its leaders, including Alice Weidel. Tens of thousands of protesters aimed to disrupt the meeting on Saturday, and some clashed with police. Alternative for Germany, or AfD, sought to show unity as it voted to extend the terms of Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, who have headed it for four years as co-leaders. The demonstrations outside the convention in the eastern city of Erfurt reflected how AfD has divided Germany even while becoming the biggest opposition party nationally.
Venezuelans are rushing to identify the bodies of their loved ones as earthquake deaths multiply
LA GUAIRA, Venezuela (AP) — The rush is on across Venezuela’s north coast to identify loved ones before it’s too late. With at least 2,295 people killed in the deadly earthquakes last week, the country is overwhelmed with bodies that officials are struggling to collect, identify and preserve. Many fear mass graves are coming as they search for the bodies of loved ones who died in the earthquakes that struck the South American country on June 24. Thousands are still missing.
Paul Pelosi in hit-and-run in California, car left with major damage, authorities say
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Authorities in California say former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband has been involved in a hit-and-run and could face misdemeanor charges. They say Paul Pelosi hit a parked car in Yountville and briefly stopped before driving away. A witness called 911, and deputies found him nearby with severe damage to his car. He was not under the influence at the time and was not arrested. The Napa County Sheriff's Office recommended charging him with fleeing the scene of an accident. The 86-year-old also was referred to the DMV for a process to determine whether he may continue to drive. Pelosi previously pleaded guilty to DUI charges in 2022.
Egypt's coach waved Palestinian flag after winning World Cup game
CAIRO, Egypt (AP) — Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has waved a Palestinian flag on the pitch after his team's victory over Australia in the World Cup. He dedicated the win to both Egyptians and Palestinians, saying his heart is with them. Egypt won its debut in the elimination round Friday by beating Australia on penalty kicks after a draw. A video of Hassan holding the flag goes viral, with people chanting "free Palestine." The act comes amid global pro-Palestinian protests following the war in Gaza. It's unclear if FIFA will take action, as it has previously restricted political statements on the pitch.
