The body found on Horn Island has been identified as 18-year-old Nolan Wells, who was reported missing late Saturday night. A search for Wells had begun after he was last seen on July 4 around 3 p.m. Mississippi Highway Patrol also investigated two traffic deaths during the Fourth of July weekend.
A federal court judge denied Donald Trump's request to delay a $5.8 million judgment payment to E Jean Carroll, who was awarded the damages after a jury found that Trump sexually abused and subsequently defamed her. Trump must release the funds held in an escrow account to Carroll by Tuesday or file further arguments against the payment, while his appeal of a separate $83.3 million defamation verdict remains pending. Judge Lewis Kaplan's rejection of Trump's motion reflects ongoing tensions, as Carroll's lawyers suspect Trump is attempting to buy time to contest both judgments, with concerns that a combined appeal could lead to both judgments being dismissed.
Egyptian football fans grapple with the legacy of their national team, lamenting that the so-called "golden generation" failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2006, 2010, or 2014 despite their accomplishments, including victories over Italy. Captain Mohamed Salah, despite leading Egypt to the 2018 World Cup, has faced criticism for the team's ongoing struggles, including losses in two significant penalty shootouts against Senegal, and a recent disappointing exit from AFCON 2023 in the round of 16. Following the appointment of Hossam Hassan as manager, the relationship between Salah and Hassan has evolved positively, leading to renewed hope for the national team's future.
Donald Trump rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange from the White House to mark the launch of "Trump accounts," which provide $1,000 investment accounts for children born between January 2025 and December 2028. Parents and guardians can contribute up to $5,000 a year to these accounts, which will be controlled until the child turns 18, after which they can use the funds for education, home purchases, or business ventures. Wealthy donors, including Michael Dell and Gwynne Shotwell, have significantly contributed to the initiative, with Dell offering $6.25 billion for 25 million low-income children and Shotwell donating $350 million aimed at children in lower-income areas.
The Lavender Panthers, founded in 1973 by gay preacher Ray Broshears in San Francisco, was a street vigilante group created to protect LGBTQ+ individuals in the Tenderloin neighborhood from violence. Despite being a relatively obscure part of queer history, the group highlighted the community's efforts to create safety in a homophobic society and served as a precursor to later mutual aid movements. While research on the Lavender Panthers has gained some coverage, many other queer defense groups operating at the time have likely been lost to history.
An Israeli drone attack on a vehicle in southern Lebanon killed at least four people, including a school principal, her mother, a foreign domestic worker, and a Syrian national, as reported by Lebanese state media. Despite a ceasefire agreement that began on June 21, Israel has continued its strikes in the region, claiming to target Hezbollah, while Lebanese authorities report that these attacks have resulted in at least 4,300 deaths since the escalation of hostilities. Additionally, the United Nations indicates that over 640,000 displaced individuals have returned home in Lebanon following the recent conflicts, which had displaced more than one million people.
Riots at Negombo Prison in western Sri Lanka have resulted in 26 fatalities, including seven prison guards, and over 100 injuries after violence erupted between inmate groups. The unrest, which began with clashes over a drug trafficking informant, led to prisoners storming rooftops and attempting to rush prison gates, prompting a response from security forces and reports of gunfire. With prison facilities housing 41,250 inmates—four times their intended capacity—this incident represents the most severe outbreak of violence in years, surpassing a December 2020 incident that left 11 dead and 117 injured.
US Senator Tom Cotton and pro-Israel allies are advancing legislation that aims to solidify the US-Israel security relationship within the Pentagon, potentially limiting future political flexibility regarding military aid. The 10-year Memorandum of Understanding providing Israel with $38 billion in military aid expires in 2028, a critical moment as public opinion shifts, with 33% of Americans in a Pew Research Center poll expressing concern over excessive military support for Israel. The proposed amendments in large budget bills could entrench such military cooperation, making it politically detrimental for lawmakers to oppose them, thus undermining traditional democratic processes in foreign policy decision-making.
The Belgian soccer federation has challenged FIFA's controversial decision to allow U.S. forward Folarin Balogun to play in their World Cup match against Belgium, despite his red card in a previous game. FIFA's ruling, which deferred Balogun's one-game suspension for probation for a year, has drawn global criticism, with UEFA calling it "incomprehensible and unjustifiable" and emphasizing that it undermines the integrity of the sport. Belgium plans to file an appeal, facing the risk of defaulting the match as a 3-0 loss if they are judged to have fielded an ineligible player.
A British charity, Friends of Yeshivat Shavei Hevron, has sent nearly £200,000 to a religious school in Hebron from 2019 to 2024, supporting expansion plans for an illegal Israeli settlement in a Palestinian city criticized for apartheid practices. In 2023, the charity donated £58,200 and claimed over £2,000 in gift aid from HMRC, while in 2024, it sent £21,360 to the school; these actions raise concerns about whether the charity's activities contravene its own guidelines, which focus on work within "the state of Israel." A letter from Labour MP Melanie Ward indicated that the charity was among 32 that collectively donated at least £28 million to Israeli settlements in recent years, although the Charity Commission has not initiated an investigation.
Sir Paul Marshall’s hedge fund, Marshall Wace Asset Management, significantly increased its investments in fossil fuel companies, nearly tripling them to $2.8 billion (£2.1 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, with a notable increase in its shareholding of Chevron from $196 million to $864 million. Meanwhile, investments in renewable energy and battery companies fell by 30% to $415 million, prompting critics to accuse Marshall and GB News of prioritizing financial interests over climate action. The article highlights a broader context where global investment in clean energy is rising, contrasting with stagnating fossil fuel investments, as stated by the International Energy Agency.
Andy Burnham, potentially taking office as Labour leader on July 17, faces a significant decision regarding a £330 million ($440 million) contract between NHS England and Palantir Technologies, a US defense and intelligence firm, which he did not engage with during his term as mayor of Greater Manchester. Under Burnham, Greater Manchester created its own analytics infrastructure for the NHS instead of adopting Palantir's software, highlighting a shift in procurement philosophy as he seeks to prioritize British companies and safeguard public data. Analysts suggest that Burnham's stance on tech contracts aims to enhance social value in procurement, countering concerns about alienating voters by promoting "unfettered tech boosterism."
Hamas has announced the dissolution of its governing body in Gaza, which it has controlled since seizing power in 2007, allowing for a technocratic committee, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), to implement civilian rule. This political shift follows a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Israel last October, during which Hamas expressed willingness to step back from governance, although it has not resolved the issue of disarmament. The NCAG, which has been based outside Gaza due to Israeli objections, is set to take over once the necessary resources and capabilities are available, signaling a significant move in the ongoing negotiations to address the governance of the war-torn territory.
Hussam Abu Safiya, a prominent doctor from Gaza, is reported to be in critical condition after 18 months of detention in Israeli jails without charge or trial, suffering severe injuries and facing “tangible danger to his life.” His lawyer observed that Abu Safiya had difficulty breathing and speaking, was extremely weak, and described daily beatings during his time at the notorious Rakefet prison, which lacks proper ventilation and has been criticized for its inhumane conditions. The situation highlights a broader pattern of Israeli attacks on healthcare in occupied Palestine, as evidenced by the recent death of a four-month-old baby who was unable to reach an ambulance due to checkpoint delays.
A wildfire in southern France has led to the evacuation of over 10,000 people from more than a dozen towns in the Pyrenees, with the blaze burning at least 4,600 hectares (11,366 acres). As conditions worsen, strong winds pose a risk of the fire spreading closer to homes, prompting caution from authorities and changes to the upcoming Tour de France stage to facilitate emergency access. This wildfire, alongside others in the region, is exacerbated by a severe heatwave that has seen temperatures exceed 40°C in parts of Europe and resulted in over 2,000 excess deaths in France alone during a prior heatwave in June.
A Russian attack on Kyiv resulted in a significant explosion that left a large hole in a residential building, with at least 13 fatalities reported in the city and six more in the surrounding region, totaling 19 deaths. The Ukrainian Air Force could not intercept any of the 23 ballistic missiles fired due to a shortage of interceptor missiles. President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that attacks on residential areas would persist as long as allied stocks of defensive Patriot missiles remain unutilized.
Tennessee National Guard troops shot and killed 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson in Memphis after he allegedly pulled a gun during a chase at around 4 am on Sunday. This incident marks at least the fourth officer-involved shooting linked to a task force addressing crime, which was controversially deployed by Governor Bill Lee in October at the instigation of Donald Trump, despite falling crime rates in the city. Johnson was shot twice in the chest, and while no other injuries were reported, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is conducting a review of the situation.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to generate an estimated total carbon footprint of approximately 7.8 million tonnes of CO2e, with about 88% of this attributed to spectator travel as it spans 16 host cities in the US, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA's initial revenue target for the 2023-2026 cycle was around $11 billion, which has since been revised upward, highlighting the financial scale of the tournament. Given this significant economic impact, sustainability should be integrated into the tournament's planning and funding, including initiatives for climate research and emission reduction.
Iran has begun a week of mass funeral processions for former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, with public calls for Donald Trump's assassination during the ceremonies, notably by poet Mohammad Rasouli, who declared it a disgrace for Iran not to kill him. Khamenei, who was killed alongside family members on February 28 during the conflict against the US and Israel, was remembered by attended officials, including commanders from Iran's military, showcasing the regime's social resilience amidst the crisis. In a separate issue, a US Supreme Court ruling has allowed the Trump administration to potentially cut temporary protected status for over 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians, prompting backlash from lawmakers who argue against returning them to unsafe home countries.
A seaplane with eight people aboard made a hard landing in New York City's East River, resulting in two minor injuries. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the aircraft as a Kodiak 100 and noted that air traffic control was not providing services at the time of the incident. The plane was eventually towed back to dock, and one of the injured passengers, 75-year-old Ada Todd, expressed her relief to be alive despite being in pain.
Half a million people, including 105,000 displaced individuals, are trapped in the Sudanese city of el-Obeid as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group escalates its dominance over the region, leading to impending humanitarian catastrophe warnings from the UN. Continuous drone attacks have resulted in at least 50 civilian deaths over ten consecutive days and have critically damaged infrastructure, including power and water supplies, causing significant humanitarian crises. The RSF's hold on el-Obeid is strategically important, as it controls a crucial supply route and could significantly hinder the Sudanese military's capabilities in the Kordofan region if captured.
Israeli air attacks on the Gaza Strip have resulted in at least six deaths and over 20 injuries, continuing a trend of violence despite a "ceasefire" established in October 2023. Specifically, two people died in a drone attack in Khan Younis, while four others were killed in separate incidents, including a couple in Gaza City, bringing the overall death toll since the escalation of conflict to at least 73,098, with 173,571 injured. Since the ceasefire began, Israeli actions have reportedly killed 1,072 Palestinians and injured 3,463.
The Wegovy weight-loss pill, containing the active ingredient semaglutide, has become available for private prescription in UK pharmacies for £2.30 a day, while the initial supply ranges from £69 to £189 depending on the dose. Clinical trials indicate that users of the 25mg daily dosage can expect to lose between 14% and 17% of their body weight over 64 weeks. Caution has been advised against purchasing from unverified online sources due to risks of counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
Huge crowds in Tehran gathered for the funeral procession of Iran's late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during a conflict sparked by a US and Israeli airstrike, with tens of thousands of mourners lining a 10km route. The procession showcased millions of mourners filling the streets, many carrying flags and banners calling for vengeance, and highlighted that Khamenei's successor, Mojtaba, did not attend due to severe injuries sustained in the same attack. The ceremonies are part of a public mourning period that includes additional events in Qom and Iraq, culminating in Khamenei's burial at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad on Thursday.
Chris Gotterup won his third title of the 2026 PGA Tour season at the John Deere Classic, where he secured a score of 62 on the final round, marking him as the first player to achieve three victories in a single season within 40 years. Meanwhile, golfer Ben Kohles faced a disastrous finish, which cost him over $1 million after he led the tournament for several rounds. Despite his success, Gotterup expressed no hard feelings about being overlooked for last year's Ryder Cup selection.
The USA topped Group D with six points, while Belgium led Group G with five points en route to their Round of 16 matchup, set for July 6 at Seattle Stadium. Controversy arose when President Trump reportedly intervened, leading FIFA to suspend Folarin Balogun's red card ban, allowing him to play in the decisive game against Belgium, which has sparked debates around the influence of politics in football. The decision, which FIFA described as a probationary suspension for a year as per their Disciplinary Code, has become a major talking point as the tournament progresses.
FIFA has controversially lifted the red card suspension of US star player Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the last-16 World Cup match against Belgium, despite receiving the red card for stepping on an opponent's ankle in a previous match. This decision, influenced by US President Donald Trump's intervention, has faced widespread criticism for undermining the tournament's integrity and setting a dangerous precedent, marking the first instance since 1962 that a World Cup red card did not result in a suspension. Balogun is the leading scorer for the US team in the tournament with three goals as they prepare to face Belgium.
America celebrated its 250th birthday over the weekend, with President Trump delivering a controversial July 4th speech where he criticized Democrats and vowed to impose mail-in ballot restrictions, following a massive fireworks display. In contrast, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani spoke at a naturalization ceremony, advocating for America as a place of asylum and emphasizing a more critical form of patriotism. Meanwhile, Iran held a funeral for its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, with thousands attending the procession, while a shaky truce with indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran remains on pause until after the funeral.
During a recent heatwave in France, which saw temperatures near 30 degrees Celsius (86F), at least 2,025 additional deaths were reported nationwide, representing a 30 percent increase from the previous week, with a staggering 62 percent rise in the Paris region. Many residents, particularly in poorer areas like Saint-Denis, struggled with inadequate cooling options, facing restrictions on personal pools and the inability to install air conditioning. This situation has highlighted social and economic inequalities, as wealthier individuals can afford to escape the heat or insulate their homes, while those in vulnerable populations often lack resources to cope effectively with extreme temperatures.
In the US, soccer is gaining popularity as the Men's National Team competes in the World Cup, drawing an average of 18 million viewers on Fox and 7 million on Telemundo for their opening match. Despite being traditionally overshadowed by American sports, the surge in attendance at matches and the excitement surrounding the tournament have led many, including young fans, to rediscover or embrace the sport. With record-breaking TV ratings and historic ticket demand, this World Cup is seen as a pivotal moment that could elevate soccer's status in America.