Iran's Grand Funeral for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
Final preparations are underway for Ali Khamenei's six-day funeral, expected to draw millions in Iran. The former supreme leader was killed in the opening salvo of a US-Israeli attack on the country in February. The funeral, beginning Saturday in Tehran and ending with burial on Thursday in Mashhad, is designed as an epic display of personal mourning, national power, resilience, and social cohesion.
Iran's First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref, the lead funeral organizer, described the ceremony as "the most important event of this century" and the most attended since the 1979 revolution. The scale aims to relay political and religious messages of resistance globally. At the request of Iraqi politicians, Khamenei's body will also be carried through the Shia cities of Karbala and Najaf.
Mojtaba Khamenei's Absence and Threats
Khamenei's son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, is not expected to appear at the funeral. He was severely injured in the same strike that killed his father, along with his wife and 14-month-old daughter. The extent of his injuries remains unknown; he has only issued written statements, one distancing himself from ceasefire negotiations but sanctioning their continuance. Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened to kill him this week, stating he was "marked for death."
Trump Criticizes NATO Ahead of Summit
Donald Trump called it "ridiculous" for the US to maintain its "one-sided" NATO relationship, less than a week before the alliance summit in Ankara. On Truth Social, he wrote, "They were not there for us!!!" and called the relationship "not reciprocal." NATO's Article 5 has been invoked only once, after 9/11. Trump's discontent stems partly from European allies not joining the US-Israeli war on Iran and longstanding complaints about insufficient defence spending. Under US pressure, NATO leaders agreed last year to boost defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.
FBI Sends 260 Staffers to Georgia for 2020 Election Investigation
The FBI has ordered 260 staffers to Georgia to assist in investigating the 2020 election in Fulton County, continuing the administration's focus on Trump's false claims of victory. A memo obtained by the Associated Press calls for a "surge" of investigative analysts and operations specialists for this "priority investigation." FBI agents seized hundreds of boxes of ballots and documents in January. Georgia's votes were counted three times, including by hand, each confirming Joe Biden's win. The Justice Department is investigating "irregularities" in the county's 2020 election.
Other News: Norovirus Outbreak, Indictment, and Protests
Over 100 passengers and 23 crew on a Princess Cruises ship fell sick from suspected norovirus, now docked in San Francisco for disinfecting. Louisiana's Republican attorney general was indicted for allegedly intimidating officials opposing a GOP-enacted court overhaul. Pro-Palestine protesters who blocked the Golden Gate Bridge were convicted of misdemeanors, but a jury deadlocked on felony conspiracy. UK investigators uncovered a "truly international network" of drug-facilitated sexual assault. Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli received a seven-game suspension for a "Sit down, boy" comment that sparked a brawl.
USMNT World Cup Broadcast Sets Record
The US men's national team's World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina became the most-watched English-language soccer broadcast in US history, with over 33 million viewers. The US advanced to the last 16. Cape Verde also gained attention as they prepared to face Lionel Messi and Argentina.
Culture: Olivia Wilde and Edward Norton on 'The Invite'
Olivia Wilde and Edward Norton discussed their sex comedy 'The Invite' about marital bed death. Wilde said, "When you hear yourself laugh at something, that feels revealing, and then when someone else does so too, the quiet shame you felt is immediately relieved."
Trump Administration Erases US History from National Parks
Critics say the Trump administration is rewriting and whitewashing history by removing signs on public lands alluding to climate change, immigration, genocide, and slavery. The policy is backed by the judiciary.
Harry Styles Fans Captured in Polaroids
Photographer Gareth Cattermole used a Polaroid camera at Harry Styles's Wembley Stadium shows to capture fans' creativity, humour, and community spirit.
US Heatwave Threatens Celebrations and World Cup
A heat dome bringing high temperatures and humidity to the central and eastern US and southern Canada is described by researchers as "virtually impossible" without climate change. It threatens Independence Day events and World Cup matches.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Donate $26 Million to Charities
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are donating $26 million to charities ahead of their rumored wedding at Madison Square Garden. A representative confirmed the donation. Superfan Laura Snapes questioned the narrative that marriage would slow Swift's career, asking, "Did I take a nap and wake up in the 1950s?"
