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Trump Says His Children Manage His Investments

Trump

Trump Says His Children Manage His Investments

President Donald Trump said his children manage his investments and that he has no direct involvement in his business affairs, responding to questions about potential conflicts of interest after financial disclosures showed he earned more than $2 billion during his first year back in office.

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Trump denies involvement in personal business decisions
Speaking in an interview with CNBC on Thursday, Trump was asked about concerns surrounding his investments after disclosures indicated he made about $1.4 billion from cryptocurrency ventures in 2025.
Trump said he was not involved in those business activities and claimed he had no knowledge of the investments.
"I could know about it. I didn't," he said. "There's nothing illegal, there's nothing wrong with it."
Conflict of interest questions
The discussion followed a reference by CNBC host Joe Kernen to federal ethics rules that prohibit most executive branch employees from taking part in government matters that could affect their financial interests or those of close associates. Those restrictions, however, do not apply to the president or vice president.
Unlike several previous presidents, Trump has not divested his business holdings or placed his assets in a blind trust. His financial arrangements have prompted continuing criticism from Democrats, who argue they create potential conflicts between his public duties and private business interests.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said on X that Trump had made more than $2 billion during his first year in office, accusing Republicans of enriching themselves while Americans faced rising living costs.
Says Eric Trump oversees portfolio
Asked whether he was concerned that Democrats could investigate his investments if they regain control of Congress, Trump said he has no role in managing his businesses.
"I don't do anything having to do with my business. My kids run it," he said.
Trump identified his son Eric as the person overseeing his investment portfolio and said they do not discuss financial matters.
He added that his money is managed by large investment firms and said he does not know the individuals responsible for handling those investments.
Defends crypto and family business
When questioned about profits from his cryptocurrency businesses, Trump instead emphasized the importance of the United States remaining competitive in the digital asset industry.
He said the country needed to lead in cryptocurrency development or risk falling behind China, adding that he had been involved with crypto before returning to office.
Trump also said he sympathized with his children, arguing that almost any business decision they make attracts scrutiny because of his position as president. He said he encourages them to avoid activities that could create the appearance of conflicts but acknowledged they still have businesses and personal lives.
The president said his business background was one of the reasons voters elected him, but insisted financial gain is no longer his priority.
He said serving as president is a "much bigger purpose" than making money.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 July 2026

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July 4Jul 4

Fox News Reporter Faces Daily Fine After Supreme Court Ruling

USA

Fox News Reporter Faces Daily Fine After Supreme Court Ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to block an $800-a-day fine imposed on former Fox News reporter Catherine Herridge after she refused to identify confidential sources linked to stories about a Chinese American scientist investigated by the FBI but never charged.

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The court on Thursday rejected Herridge’s emergency request to halt the fine while she continued challenging the order. Chief Justice John Roberts had temporarily paused the penalty while the justices considered the appeal. Justice Brett Kavanaugh was the only justice noted as supporting a stay.
Journalist Must Face Daily Penalty Over Source Dispute
Herridge has been held in civil contempt as part of a lawsuit filed by scientist Yanping Chen, who is seeking to identify the government official or officials responsible for leaking information from an FBI investigation into her.
Privacy Act Lawsuit
Herridge wrote a series of reports for Fox News in 2017 examining Chen’s alleged ties to the Chinese military and questioning whether a Virginia-based professional school she founded was being used to obtain information about U.S. service members.
Chen’s lawyers say the reports relied on confidential material leaked from an FBI investigation, including excerpts from an interview summary, personal photographs, immigration records and information from an internal FBI presentation.
Although the FBI investigated Chen for six years, she was never charged. In 2018, she sued the FBI and the Justice Department, alleging the leaks violated the Privacy Act by disclosing her personal information without consent.
Chen said the publicity surrounding the reports severely damaged her personal and professional life, leading to hate mail and death threats.
Court Orders Source Disclosure
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ordered Herridge to answer questions about her confidential sources during a deposition, ruling that Chen’s need to identify the leaker outweighed the reporter’s interest in protecting source confidentiality.
Herridge refused to answer those questions under oath, prompting the judge to hold her in civil contempt. The daily fine was set to take effect after a federal appeals court upheld the order.
Chen’s attorneys argue they have exhausted other avenues to identify the source and that establishing the leaker’s identity is essential to proving their Privacy Act claims.
Attorney Andrew Phillips said the Supreme Court’s decision should help move the case toward a conclusion, arguing that Chen is entitled to learn who unlawfully disclosed her private information.
Press Freedom Concerns
The ruling has drawn criticism from media advocates, who warn that compelling journalists to reveal confidential sources could discourage whistleblowers from providing information that exposes government misconduct.
Fox News Media said it was disappointed by the decision, describing the protection of confidential sources and the integrity of the news-gathering process as fundamental to a free press. The company said it would review its legal options.
Bruce Brown, president of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said forcing journalists to pay substantial fines while defending First Amendment protections could have a chilling effect on the flow of information to the public.
Herridge, who previously worked for Fox News and CBS News before becoming an independent journalist, did not immediately comment. Her attorneys also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 July 2026

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July 4Jul 4

Burnham Says No to Early General Election

UK-Politics

Burnham Says No to Early General Election

Andy Burnham has ruled out calling an early general election if he becomes prime minister later this month, saying he intends to govern under Labour's 2024 election manifesto until the next scheduled vote.

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Speaking during an online Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit, Burnham was asked directly whether he would seek an early election. He responded: "No. As I said in my speech on Monday, I'm going to work to the 2024 manifesto."
Burnham Pledges to Govern Until Scheduled Election
Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield, is currently the only candidate seeking to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader and could become prime minister on 20 July.
Labour won a landslide majority at the general election on 4 July 2024, meaning the next election must be held by August 2029, although a prime minister has the power to call one earlier.
Opposition Leaders Challenge Burnham
Thousands of Reddit users submitted questions during Burnham's online session, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who accused him of avoiding difficult scrutiny.
Badenoch urged Burnham to hold a full press conference, saying that if he was about to become prime minister he should answer tougher questions. She also renewed calls for him either to explain how he would fund the government's defence spending plans or seek a fresh electoral mandate.
Burnham replied that it was a "fair challenge" but noted he had recently answered questions from 74,000 members of the public during the Makerfield by-election campaign.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has also called for an early general election following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation last month.
Policy Commitments Reaffirmed
During the Reddit session, Burnham reaffirmed several policy positions. He said he would seek to negotiate returns agreements for failed asylum seekers, including with Taliban-run Afghanistan.
He also pledged to retain the state pension triple lock, saying Labour's manifesto commitment should remain in place despite ongoing debate over the policy.
On relations with Europe, Burnham said he wanted to continue strengthening ties with the European Union and pursue a more ambitious trade agreement. While he previously said he hoped Britain would rejoin the EU within his lifetime, he has also promised not to reopen the Brexit debate.
Burnham also repeated his support for electoral reform, saying he would try to persuade Labour to include a commitment to proportional representation in its next election manifesto.
Fiscal Rules and Defence Spending
Burnham has promised to maintain key commitments from Labour's 2024 manifesto, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves' fiscal rules and pledges not to raise VAT, income tax or national insurance.
In an interview with LBC, he said there was limited scope for tax changes, suggesting higher business rates for warehouses could help fund tax cuts for pubs and some high street businesses.
If he becomes prime minister, one of his first major challenges will be funding increased defence spending. Sir Keir Starmer recently announced plans for an additional £15 billion in defence investment without fully explaining how it would be financed.
As a result, Burnham's incoming chancellor would need to identify at least £4.7 billion in savings from other government departments ahead of the autumn Budget.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 July 2026

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July 4Jul 4

Russia Turns to Students to Reinforce Drone Units in Ukraine

Ukraine Conflict

Russia Turns to Students to Reinforce Drone Units in Ukraine

Russia is increasingly recruiting university, technical college and vocational school students to help replenish military ranks as the war in Ukraine continues into its fifth year. The campaign, launched earlier this year, encourages young people to sign one-year military contracts to serve in the country's expanding drone forces, which are promoted as a technologically advanced and comparatively safer branch of the armed forces.

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Student recruitment expands as war enters fifth year
The initiative has focused particularly on students facing academic difficulties or considering taking a break from their studies. Recruiters have highlighted generous financial incentives, technical training and the opportunity to return to education after completing service.
However, the deaths of several young recruits have raised questions about the reality of those promises.
Families describe unexpected frontline deployments
Among the first known student recruits killed was 23-year-old Valery Averin, who had been studying at the Buryat Republican Technical School of Construction. Raised in an orphanage before entering foster care at the age of 11, Averin told his foster mother, Oksana Afanayeva, that he had completed training as a drone operator and reassured her that he would be safe.
He initially claimed he was leaving to work for Russian online retailer Wildberries before revealing he had signed a military contract. In early April, he said he was being sent to an area without phone coverage. Days later, on 8 April, he was killed in a mortar strike near Russian-occupied Luhansk in eastern Ukraine.
Afanayeva said he had received three months of drone training but was instead sent into a frontal assault despite having no previous military service.
Eighteen-year-old Vladislav Gorbunov, a railway construction student from the Bryansk region, died on 6 April after initially serving in an infantry assault unit before being transferred to a drone operators' unit.
Another recruit, Rakhim Abdullin, enrolled at Kumertau Mining College to train as a welder before leaving his studies. Shortly after turning 18, he signed a contract hoping to become a drone operator because he believed the role would be safer. His mother, Elena, said he soon discovered drone operators were positioned close to frontline assault troops. He was killed by 13 March.
Heavy losses and growing recruitment
The three students are among 230,407 Russian military deaths verified by the BBC through analysis of cemeteries, official registers, war memorials and obituaries. Military analysts estimate publicly confirmed deaths represent only 45% to 55% of the total, suggesting the actual number of Russian military fatalities could range between 417,000 and 509,500.
The UK's intelligence agency GCHQ estimated in May that Russian military deaths were approaching 500,000.
Ukraine has also suffered heavy losses. President Volodymyr Zelensky most recently acknowledged 55,000 military deaths in February 2026, while noting many personnel remain missing. Other independent estimates suggest the total could be significantly higher.
Drone forces promoted despite battlefield risks
Russia's Defence Ministry has made drone warfare a recruitment priority as unmanned systems have become central to combat operations. Defence Minister Andrei Belousov said in late 2025 that the new unmanned systems troops would mainly recruit people under 35 because younger volunteers were considered more adaptable to emerging technologies.
By late February, BBC Russian found recruitment campaigns at at least 95 universities and colleges, while student publication Groza later identified almost 270 institutions promoting the contracts.
Students are promised substantial financial rewards, specialist training and educational benefits, with some in Moscow offered potential first-year earnings of at least five million roubles. Some universities have also advertised postgraduate advantages, subsidised study places and improved accommodation.
Lawyers and rights advocates, however, warn that one-year contracts may not be honoured because military agreements have effectively remained open-ended since Russia's partial mobilisation decree in September 2022.
Drone operators have also become prime battlefield targets. Analysis by BBC Russian, Mediazona and volunteers has confirmed at least 920 Russian drone operators have been killed since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, with the true number likely to be considerably higher.
The investigation also found reports of pressure on students to enlist, including recruitment efforts targeting those facing expulsion or academic leave. Some institutions have reportedly been assigned enlistment quotas, although at least one university denied those claims.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 July 2026

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July 4Jul 4

Starmer Says Family Drove Decision to Resign

UK-Politics

Starmer Says Family Drove Decision to Resign

Sir Keir Starmer has said his decision to step down as prime minister was an "intensely personal" one made with his family, while warning that his likely successor, Andy Burnham, will face the same international pressures that dominated his own time in office.

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In his first interview since announcing his resignation, Starmer rejected suggestions that a future prime minister could devote significantly more attention to domestic issues. He argued that global instability and challenges at home are closely connected and cannot be separated.
Family Discussions Behind Resignation
Starmer resigned within days of Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election, despite previously insisting he intended to remain in office and contest any leadership challenge.
He told the BBC that the final decision came after spending a weekend at Chequers with his wife, Victoria, and their teenage children.
Describing the choice as "really, really tough", Starmer said he consulted colleagues, advisers, trade unions and parliamentary allies before concluding that the decision ultimately rested with his family.
He said accepting that his political career was over was an intensely personal moment and one he wanted to share privately with his wife.
Warning for Andy Burnham
Although Starmer referred several times to "whoever my successor is", he acknowledged Burnham is widely expected to replace him.
Responding to criticism that he spent too much time on international affairs during his premiership, Starmer said no prime minister could realistically reduce their diplomatic commitments.
He said the world remains more dangerous and volatile than at any point during most of his lifetime, adding that the next prime minister would face the same international conflicts alongside continuing domestic challenges.
Supporters of Burnham have expressed hope that he would place greater emphasis on issues such as the cost of living and public services.
Reflecting on His Legacy
Starmer said he had never held any personal animosity towards Burnham and pledged to do everything possible to support the next Labour government. He also confirmed he intends to remain an MP until at least the next general election but said he would avoid publicly advising his successor.
Looking back on his leadership, Starmer said rebuilding Labour after becoming leader was central to his legacy. He described the party as politically, financially and morally bankrupt when he took over, saying restoring it had been "hard and bloody work".
He argued that Labour's electoral success under his leadership should be considered alongside Clement Attlee's 1945 victory and Tony Blair's 1997 landslide, adding that he had helped save the party.
However, Starmer acknowledged he ultimately lost the support of Labour MPs, who no longer believed he was the right person to lead the party into the next general election.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 July 2026

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July 4Jul 4

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Marry at Madison Square Garden

USA

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Marry at Madison Square Garden

Pop superstar Taylor Swift and American football player Travis Kelce were married on Friday in a high-profile ceremony at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with comedian Adam Sandler officiating.

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The couple wore custom Christian Dior outfits designed by Jonathan Anderson, according to Swift's longtime publicist, Tree Paine. Swift completed her look with custom Christian Louboutin shoes and Cartier jewellery, while Kelce also wore Dior and Louboutin.
Wedding Draws Celebrities and Thousands of Fans
Instead of traditional wedding parties, Swift's brother Austin served as her Man of Honour, while Kelce's brother Jason was Best Man.
The event attracted a host of celebrity guests, including Hugh Grant, Jason Sudeikis, Gigi Hadid, Bradley Cooper, Benson Boone, Dakota Johnson, Ethan Hawke and Graham Norton, along with several of Kelce's football teammates.
Two-Day Celebration Takes Over Midtown
The celebrations began on Thursday with a smaller pre-wedding gathering attended by around 100 guests. A much larger ceremony followed on Friday, prompting extensive security measures and road closures around Madison Square Garden.
Large tents, curtains and gazebos were erected to shield guests from public view as a convoy of black SUVs transported attendees into the venue. Around the same time, giant signs reading "JUST&T MARRIED" illuminated the arena, referencing the couple's first names.
Police closed streets surrounding the venue to both vehicles and pedestrians as temperatures climbed to 37C. Despite the restrictions, thousands of fans gathered outside throughout the day, singing Swift's songs, wearing concert merchandise and attempting to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds and their guests.
Global Attention for High-Profile Wedding
The wedding drew worldwide attention, with many describing it as one of the biggest celebrity weddings in recent memory. Madison Square Garden, a venue more commonly associated with concerts and sporting events, was transformed for the occasion, with planners telling the BBC the celebration likely cost tens of millions of dollars.


Courtesy of The Mirror, UK

Ahead of the festivities, Swift and Kelce donated $26 million to more than 20 charities, although they made no public reference to their wedding plans.
Pop culture commentator Kristen Meinzer said the marriage resonated because it united two of America's biggest cultural influences: music and football. She also noted that New York's tradition of treating celebrities as part of everyday city life made it a fitting location for the event.
Swift has lived in New York since 2014 after purchasing adjoining penthouses in Tribeca, while Kelce became closely connected with the city following the couple's relationship, which began in 2023.
Fans Celebrate Outside the Venue
Fans lined the streets around the arena throughout the celebrations, cheering passing vehicles and singing Swift's songs in the hope of seeing the singer. Some climbed nearby scaffolding for a better view despite the extensive security measures.
Reactions among New Yorkers were mixed. Some admired the scale of the celebration, while others questioned the disruption caused by the road closures. Many fans, however, celebrated the occasion, with loud cheers erupting when the "JUST&T MARRIED" signs appeared on the arena.
For many attendees outside the venue, the confirmation that the ceremony had taken place at Madison Square Garden marked the end of weeks of speculation surrounding one of the year's most closely watched celebrity events.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 July 2026

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July 4Jul 4

Extreme Heatwave Disrupts Fourth of July Celebrations

USA

Extreme Heatwave Disrupts Fourth of July Celebrations

Extreme heat has disrupted Fourth of July celebrations across the eastern United States, forcing the temporary closure of the White House's flagship Great American State Fair on the National Mall and prompting organisers to alter or cancel several outdoor events.

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More than 165 million people were under record-breaking temperatures on Friday across the East Coast and Midwest, according to the US National Weather Service, as one of the year's most intense heatwaves coincided with the Independence Day holiday.
Freedom 250, which is organising the Great American State Fair in Washington, DC, temporarily closed the event during the hottest part of the day.
Heat Forces Closures and Event Changes
"The safety and well-being of our guests, volunteers, performers, vendors, and staff is our highest priority," the organisation said in a social media statement.
The fair was scheduled to reopen at 17:00 local time after conditions were expected to improve.
The heatwave comes as President Donald Trump hosts celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, while several FIFA World Cup matches are also taking place outdoors.
Warnings Across the East
The National Weather Service warned that parts of the Midwest and eastern United States face "major" or "extreme" heat-related health risks.
Temperatures in Washington, DC, and Philadelphia were forecast to reach about 106F (41C), close to all-time records. Forecasters also predicted three consecutive days above 100F (38C) in Philadelphia and four such days in Washington.
Although hot and humid weather is common during North American summers, meteorologists said the scale and geographic extent of this heatwave make it particularly dangerous.
The hottest conditions are expected to continue through the holiday weekend before gradually easing early next week in some areas.
Holiday Events Curtailed
The extreme temperatures have affected many traditional Independence Day activities, including parades, festivals and concerts.
In Washington, US Capitol Police delayed public entry to the outdoor A Capitol Fourth concert until 19:00 local time because temperatures were expected to exceed 100F (38C). Entry to the National Mall for the evening fireworks display was also delayed until 17:00, while the fireworks themselves were scheduled to begin at 22:30, later than usual.
America 250, the bipartisan commission established by Congress to oversee the country's 250th anniversary commemorations, said it was closely monitoring weather conditions but expected its events, including block parties in Boston, Philadelphia and New York City, to continue.


video screenshot

President Trump is still expected to deliver an outdoor address on Saturday despite the forecast heat. He told supporters he intended to give "a really long speech just to show that I can do anything."
In Philadelphia, organisers cancelled Friday's Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade because of the dangerous conditions.
Michael DelBene, chief executive of Wawa Welcome America, said cancelling such a major event at short notice was "heartbreaking", but safety had to come first.
Storms to Follow the Heat
New York City reached 100F (38C) on Thursday, its hottest day since 2012, with the heat index remaining in triple digits on Friday. Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the conditions as "extremely dangerous".
While temperatures are expected to ease slightly in some central areas over the weekend, dangerous heat will persist across parts of the East before shifting towards Virginia, the Carolinas and the southeastern United States. Hot conditions are also forecast to spread into western parts of the US and Canada next week.
Forecasters also warned that severe thunderstorms could sweep across the northern Plains, Midwest and Great Lakes, bringing damaging winds, large hail, flash flooding and the risk of isolated tornadoes as cooler air replaces the heat.
Canada has also experienced unusually high temperatures, with heat warnings issued across much of Quebec, including Montreal and Quebec City. In Ontario, temperatures were expected to reach the mid-30s Celsius.
Thunderstorms left more than 137,000 Hydro-Québec customers without electricity at their peak on Thursday evening. More than 51,000 customers remained without power on Friday morning, with outages largely caused by strong winds and lightning.
Scientists say heatwaves are becoming more frequent, longer-lasting and more intense because of human-induced climate change. Global temperatures have risen by about 1.1C since the industrial era, with further warming expected unless greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 July 2026

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July 3Jul 3

Poland Says It Is Preparing for Possible Russian Threats

Report

Poland Says It Is Preparing for Possible Russian Threats

Poland is preparing for a range of possible security threats as concerns mount over Russia's actions, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk warning that the coming months could prove "critical."

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Security concerns grow
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Tusk said the government was ready for "various" scenarios after media reports claimed Moscow could be planning an armed provocation against Poland to test Nato's resolve.
"I don't mean to scare anyone, but the coming months may truly be critical, also due to the changing nature of the war. These concerns are particularly palpable in the Baltic states," Tusk said.
Reports cite US intelligence
Polish news outlet Onet reported that sources close to President Karol Nawrocki said the United States had issued several warnings to Warsaw about an alleged Russian plot targeting Poland. The Telegraph also reported the claims.
According to the reports, possible scenarios could include missile or drone strikes against Polish infrastructure or the deployment of soldiers into the Nato member state. The reported objective would be to pressure Ukraine's Western allies into reducing or suspending military assistance as Kyiv continues to defend itself against Russia's full-scale invasion, launched in 2022.
The White House and the US State Department did not respond to requests for comment on the reports.
Asked about the allegations, Tusk said Poland could not ignore the warnings.
"Let's not be afraid, we are preparing for various situations, but we cannot ignore them. We are aware of the threats, also thanks to information from our allies," he said.
Nato summit approaches
President Karol Nawrocki is due to attend a Nato summit in Turkey next week alongside leaders from the alliance.
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has said the meeting will demonstrate that European members are responding to long-standing calls from US President Donald Trump to increase defence spending. Leaders are also expected to reaffirm continued military support for Ukraine.
Regional fears persist
Polish officials have repeatedly warned that Russia could seek to test Nato's defences.
In April, Tusk told the Financial Times that Russia could attack a Nato member state within months. Deputy Prime Minister Radek Sikorski later told CBS News that he could not rule out a Russian "false flag" operation within the next two years aimed at justifying an attack on a Nato country.
Neighbouring Baltic states have also expressed concern about the regional security situation. Latvian media reported in June that the country's intelligence services believed Russia was planning military provocations in the Baltic region or Poland.
Lithuania's ambassador to Nato said this week that Russia was more likely to rely on hybrid tactics, including missile or drone incursions, rather than launch a conventional military assault.
Under Nato's Article 5, an armed attack against one alliance member is considered an attack against all, obliging members to assist in the collective defence of the targeted country.



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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 July 2026

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July 3Jul 3

France Reports 2,025 Excess Deaths After Heatwave

Report

France Reports 2,025 Excess Deaths After Heatwave

France has reported more than 2,000 excess deaths during the final week of June following a record-breaking heatwave, as forecasters warn that another spell of extreme temperatures is set to affect parts of Europe in the coming days.

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French health authorities said 2,025 more deaths were recorded between 22 and 28 June compared with expected levels, representing a 29% increase from the previous week. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said there had been a "clear increase" in deaths among people aged over 45.
Heatwave Death Toll Rises Across Europe
The figures were released after France experienced its hottest average day on record on 24 June. Temperatures approached 41C in Paris, while around half the country was placed under the highest-level red heat alert.
Public Health France said deaths in the Paris region alone rose by 62% during the week. The health ministry added that the preliminary figures were likely to underestimate the final toll, suggesting mortality could ultimately be higher.
Heat Takes Toll Across the Continent
France was not the only country to report a sharp rise in deaths linked to the extreme weather.
Belgium recorded 1,222 excess deaths during the heatwave, 39% above normal levels, with nearly half of those who died aged 85 or older. The country's health ministry described the mortality during the heatwave as "unprecedented".
Dutch authorities also reported around 480 excess deaths after temperatures climbed to almost 40C in parts of the Netherlands. Most of those who died were aged 80 and over, with the highest mortality recorded in the country's south and east, where temperatures were highest.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said drowning fatalities also increased during the hot weather. Since 18 June, 72 people have died by drowning across the country.
Fresh Heatwave and Wildfire Risks
Meteorologists are warning that another period of intense heat is approaching.
According to BBC Weather, a large area of high pressure is building from the Azores towards Portugal and Spain and is expected to spread warmer conditions across France and southern Britain over the weekend.
Temperatures could reach 40C in southern France, with highs of 36C to 37C forecast around Bordeaux, Toulouse and Agen.
Météo-France has issued red alerts for forest fire risks on Friday and Saturday in southern France, warning that weather conditions make the likelihood of new fires "very high" compared with normal summer conditions.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said nearly 7,000 wildfires had broken out since the start of the summer season, burning about 8,700 hectares of land.
Nearly 3,000 residents were evacuated after a wildfire spread from Sainte-Marie-la-Mer to Canet-en-Roussillon on Thursday.
Warnings Extend Beyond France
Elsewhere, Portugal has declared a state of alert until midnight on Tuesday, with temperatures expected to exceed 40C in some areas and overnight lows remaining above 25C.
Spain's national weather service, Aemet, has warned that another heatwave is possible, with parts of the southwest under orange alerts as temperatures are forecast to reach 40C.
Meanwhile, prolonged extreme heat and high humidity are also affecting parts of the central and eastern United States during the July Fourth holiday weekend.
Scientists say climate change is increasing temperatures worldwide, with Europe warming about twice as fast as the global average, according to the Copernicus climate service. The trend has contributed to more frequent summer heatwaves, greater pressure on water supplies and increasingly severe wildfires across the continent.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 July 2026

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July 3Jul 3

Trump and Tradition Define July Fourth Celebrations

USA

Trump and Tradition Define July Fourth Celebrations

The United States marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July Fourth with celebrations taking place across the country, although this year's commemorations reflect differing approaches to the milestone.

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President Donald Trump has promoted the National Mall festivities in Washington as a large-scale patriotic event, describing the evening's fireworks display on social media as "the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all, a 'TRIBUTE TO AMERICA.'" The event is expected to feature military bands and music selected by the president after several popular music acts reportedly withdrew from the programme.
Washington celebrations take a different direction
Trump has also described the fireworks display as the largest in history. Freedom 250, a Trump-aligned organisation overseeing the National Mall celebrations, has said it hopes to set a Guinness World Record, although it has not disclosed the overall cost of the event.
The group's month-long Great American State Fair on the National Mall has faced organisational challenges, uneven attendance and controversy, including the appearance of a Confederate flag. Not all 50 states are participating in the fair.
The anniversary comes at a time of political division in the United States. Debate over the principles set out in the Declaration of Independence has continued in recent weeks, including in a US Supreme Court case concerning birthright citizenship. The court's majority upheld constitutional protections for citizenship by birth in the United States.
Comparisons with the 1976 bicentennial
The country's previous major independence anniversary, the bicentennial in 1976, drew an estimated one million people to Washington for fireworks, according to historical accounts. Heavy traffic caused by the celebrations lasted into the following day.
President Gerald Ford did not centre the bicentennial around a single rally in the capital. Instead, he attended events across the northeastern United States, including a speech outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where another crowd estimated at one million people gathered.
Observers note that the United States in 1976 was emerging from the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, providing a different national backdrop to this year's celebrations.
Separate organisations lead anniversary events
Planning for the semiquincentennial has been divided between two organisations. America 250, established by Congress a decade ago on a bipartisan basis, continues to coordinate commemorative events nationwide, including community celebrations branded as "America's Block Party."
The Trump administration instead backed Freedom 250, a separate public-private organisation created after disagreements over staffing and planning. Freedom 250 has organised several high-profile events, including plans for a UFC event at the White House and an IndyCar race through Washington later this year.
States and broadcasters pursue their own commemorations
Many states are holding independent celebrations. In Virginia, commemorations are centred on Colonial Williamsburg, where historical interpreters portray figures from the American Revolution and events focus on the nation's founding.
PBS, which has traditionally televised the National Mall fireworks, is instead broadcasting its Independence Day programme from Colonial Williamsburg. The programme will include fireworks, a drone display and historical presentations.
Carly Fiorina, honorary chair of Virginia 250 and chair of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, said the state chose to develop its own programme rather than focus on Washington.
She said the celebrations were intended to emphasise that the country's history extends beyond any individual political leader. Fiorina pointed to George Washington's decision not to remain in office indefinitely and his choice not to seek a third presidential term as examples of that principle.
Trump visited the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota before the anniversary celebrations. Roosevelt declined to seek another term in 1908, although he later mounted an unsuccessful presidential campaign in 1912.
Under the US Constitution, presidents are limited to two elected terms, meaning Trump cannot seek another term after leaving office in 2029.

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July 3Jul 3

DOJ Refuses to Release More Epstein Files

Epstein Files

DOJ Refuses to Release More Epstein Files

The U.S. Department of Justice has declined to release additional records from the Jeffrey Epstein files, arguing that the withheld material either contains sensitive information identifying victims or was lawfully redacted, despite a court order requiring further disclosure or an explanation for the omissions.

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In a filing submitted on Thursday, Associate U.S. Attorney General Stanley Woodward asked the court to either extend the deadline for producing the records by 60 days or accept the department's explanation for why certain documents should remain withheld.
The filing came shortly before a court-imposed deadline set by U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan, who had ordered the department to provide additional records or justify its decision not to release them.
DOJ cites victim privacy
Woodward said the Justice Department disagrees with the court's conclusion that the Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA) can be enforced by private parties through the Administrative Procedure Act. However, he said the department was using the opportunity to clarify why some documents had not been disclosed.
According to the filing, several emails had identifying information removed to protect the identities of victims. Woodward said parts of one email were also withheld because communications written by victims could appear misleading or disturbing if viewed without the surrounding context.
The department also addressed a redacted draft indictment from 2007 prepared by the Southern District of Florida. Woodward said the redactions were already present in the copy obtained by the Justice Department and that officials had been unable to locate an unredacted version of that particular document.
Interview notes remain withheld
The filing also explained why handwritten interview notes linked to a woman who made unsubstantiated assault allegations against President Donald Trump had not been released.
Woodward said the handwritten notes duplicated information contained in typed interview reports that have already been disclosed. He added that the handwritten format made it more difficult to carry out redactions and increased the risk of accidentally revealing victims' personally identifiable information.
The allegations made by the woman have not been corroborated, and Trump has denied them. While the Justice Department has released typed summaries from some interviews, it has not published the underlying handwritten notes.
Court challenge continues
Woodward also rejected Judge Sullivan's suggestion that the department had effectively acknowledged violating the Epstein Files Transparency Act by withholding records.
He wrote that the department had neither knowingly breached the law nor admitted doing so, maintaining that it continues to comply with its statutory obligations.
Last week, Sullivan dismissed the department's arguments against releasing the additional records. He also found that the Public Integrity Project, a public interest law firm, had demonstrated that journalist Katie Phang was harmed by the withholding of the materials.
The Justice Department began publishing thousands of pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein late last year following the enactment of the Epstein Files Transparency Act. However, the release process has drawn criticism from some lawmakers, who argue that the department failed to disclose all required records and did not meet statutory deadlines.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 July 2026

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July 3Jul 3

Iran Plans Massive Funeral for Khamenei

Iran

Iran Plans Massive Funeral for Khamenei

Iran is preparing a week-long funeral for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, four months after he was killed at the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, with authorities planning one of the largest public ceremonies in the country's history.

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The funeral will extend across five cities in Iran and Iraq, with officials expecting millions of mourners to take part. The government says the ceremonies are intended to honour Khamenei while demonstrating the resilience of the Islamic Republic following the conflict.
State media has devoted extensive coverage to the preparations, replacing recent focus on negotiations with the United States with tributes, documentaries and religious programming centred on Khamenei's life and legacy.
Week-long ceremonies to span Iran and Iraq
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the ceremonies would show that Iran would not remain silent in the face of what he described as oppression, calling the funeral an event that would demonstrate the nation's resolve.
The funeral may also provide the first public appearance of Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has remained out of public view since his father and several family members were killed.
The ceremonies coincide with the Islamic month of Muharram, a period of mourning in Shiite Islam associated with the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Officials have also scheduled key events to overlap with the 250th anniversary of US Independence Day and other significant religious commemorations.
Khamenei, who led Iran for 37 years, was killed on the first day of the US-Israeli war on 28 February. Authorities have portrayed the funeral as a celebration of his legacy despite the country's military losses and prolonged economic difficulties.
Religious symbolism and nationwide preparations
Analysts say his assassination has strengthened his symbolic status among supporters. Sina Toossi, a senior non-resident fellow at the Center for International Policy, said Khamenei was now being presented as a martyred religious figure whose influence had grown after his death.
Iran has previously held mass funerals for the country's founding leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989 and Revolutionary Guards commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020. Both events were marred by deadly crowd crushes, prompting extensive security planning for the latest ceremonies.
Authorities have mobilised thousands of emergency personnel, ambulances, helicopters and volunteers, while schools, mosques, sports halls and public buildings have been prepared to accommodate visitors. Firefighters have installed thousands of water sprinklers around the main funeral venue in Tehran to help cope with summer temperatures.
The government has also announced major transport restrictions, including airport closures during parts of the ceremonies, and says millions of loaves of bread will be baked to feed mourners.
Regional procession and international attendance
Following ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei's body will be taken to the holy city of Qom before being transported to the Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala in Iraq. It will then return to Iran for burial at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace.
Officials say the inclusion of Iraq reflects Iran's view of itself as a leader of a broader regional Shiite movement.
Iranian authorities estimate attendance could range from four million to 15 million people and say around 14,000 journalists, including 900 from overseas, will cover the events.
State media says several foreign leaders and senior officials are expected to attend, including Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russia's Security Council deputy chairman Dmitry Medvedev. Western officials have not been invited.
Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref described the funeral as one of the century's most significant events, while Revolutionary Guards commander Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian said it would demonstrate the Islamic Republic's strength to the international community.
Questions remain over Mojtaba Khamenei
Attention is also focused on whether Mojtaba Khamenei will appear publicly during the funeral. He has not been seen since the war began, communicating only through written statements while officials say he is overseeing negotiations with Washington.
Funeral organisers said any decision on his attendance rests with the Supreme Leader's office.
His appearance would mark his first public event since assuming the country's highest office and could reinforce his authority. If he does not attend, questions are likely to persist about his security and his role in leading the country.
Iran has warned against any attacks during the funeral, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying Tehran would respond immediately to threats against its leadership after Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Mojtaba Khamenei was "marked for death".
Despite the government's efforts to portray the funeral as a national show of unity, some Iranians have expressed frustration at the disruption caused by the preparations, with long fuel queues and heavy traffic reported in Tehran.

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July 3Jul 3

Trump's Crypto Earnings Raise Tax Questions

USA

Trump's Crypto Earnings Raise Tax Questions

President Donald Trump's disclosure that he earned about $1.4 billion from cryptocurrency ventures has prompted renewed scrutiny over how much tax he may owe, with experts saying the answer is difficult to determine because of the limited public information about the businesses involved.

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The financial disclosure, released after Trump's return to office, provides the clearest picture yet of the scale of his involvement in the cryptocurrency sector. However, it does not reveal how the income is structured for tax purposes, leaving accountants and legal experts unable to calculate his actual tax liability.
Potential Tax Bill
One accountant who specializes in cryptocurrency taxation estimated that Trump could owe at least $250 million in taxes on the crypto income. If the entire $1.4 billion were taxed as individual federal income at the highest statutory rate of 37%, the bill would reach about $518 million before any deductions or offsets.
Tax experts cautioned, however, that such estimates may differ significantly from the amount ultimately owed because the income could have been earned through corporate entities or reduced by deductible expenses and operating losses.
Omri Marian, a law professor specializing in cryptocurrency taxation, said the available disclosures do not provide enough detail to determine the ownership structure behind the assets or how the income should be taxed.
He said the public information shows Trump generated substantial earnings but offers little insight into how the beneficial ownership is arranged, making it impossible to accurately assess the tax consequences.
Sources of the Income
According to the disclosure, Trump received about $625 million in royalties linked to the $TRUMP meme coin through a licensing agreement with Celebration Coins.
The filing also states that World Liberty Financial, the cryptocurrency company co-founded by Trump and his sons, paid him more than $590 million from sales of digital tokens and the sale of an equity stake in the business.
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service generally treats digital assets under the same tax rules that apply to traditional securities. However, experts said it remains unclear whether Trump's crypto earnings would be classified as capital gains, ordinary income or business income because the disclosure does not provide sufficient detail.
The structure of the businesses receiving the income is also significant. If the earnings were recognized by corporate entities rather than Trump personally, they could be subject to different tax rates, while any previous business losses could reduce the overall tax bill.
Limited Transparency
The White House declined to answer questions about whether Trump paid taxes on the crypto income, whether it was reported on an individual or corporate basis, or whether any losses were used to offset taxable gains.
Unlike several recent presidents, Trump has not made his tax returns public, limiting outside analysis of his finances.
Settlement Limits Future Tax Claims
Questions about Trump's tax affairs have also been complicated by a Justice Department settlement reached in May. Under the agreement, the IRS and the Treasury Department are permanently barred from pursuing claims against Trump or his company based on prior tax returns.
The settlement resolved Trump's lawsuit alleging the IRS failed to safeguard his confidential tax records after a government contractor leaked them to news organizations, including The New York Times, in 2020.
The agreement also proposed creating a $1.7 billion "anti-weaponization" fund to compensate individuals claiming they had been targeted by government "lawfare." The proposal drew criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, and a federal judge later paused its creation. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche subsequently told Congress that the Justice Department was no longer moving forward with the fund.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 July 2026

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July 3Jul 3

Burnham Pledges Cost-of-Living Relief if Elected PM

UK-Politics

Burnham Pledges Cost-of-Living Relief if Elected PM

Andy Burnham has pledged to introduce measures aimed at reducing the cost of living if he becomes prime minister, outlining proposals to lower household bills, support businesses and expand public control over key services.

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In his first interview since returning to parliament, the Makerfield MP told LBC he would consider cutting business rates for some high street firms, reducing water and energy costs by bringing utilities under greater public control, and making bus travel free for 16- to 18-year-olds.
Plans Target Household Bills and High Street Businesses
The proposals are expected to form part of an early package of cost-of-living measures. Allies have also suggested the package could include more far-reaching policies, such as a temporary freeze on private sector rents.
Speaking to Andrew Marr, Burnham said there was scope within Labour's 2024 manifesto to adjust tax policy. He argued that higher business rates could be applied to large warehouses and major developments on the outskirts of towns and cities, allowing lower rates for businesses such as pubs.
Burnham said both households and businesses were paying too much for essential services, particularly energy. He said a government led by him would introduce a plan to increase public control over water, energy and transport over time, with the aim of reducing bills and fares.
He said the country needed to give both families and businesses more financial breathing space by putting more money back into people's pockets.
Allies Push for Wider Measures
Supporters of Burnham have urged him to go further by freezing private rents for a year, removing green levies from energy bills and funding them through taxation instead, and lowering the cap on bus fares.
Opinion polling suggests proposals focused on easing living costs could prove popular with voters. Research by Persuasion UK found Labour could win significantly more parliamentary seats by campaigning on a platform centred on tackling the cost of living than by maintaining its current approach.
Questions Over Funding
Several of Burnham's proposals could face financial and practical challenges, particularly over how they would be funded.
Wes Streeting, the former health secretary and a potential member of a Burnham cabinet, has suggested increasing capital gains tax. However, Treasury officials have argued such a move would not necessarily generate additional revenue.
Experts have also questioned whether bringing utilities under greater public ownership would automatically reduce consumer bills, pointing to the substantial investment still required in sectors such as water.
Burnham insisted he would continue to follow the government's borrowing rules and rejected suggestions that his plans would rely on higher public borrowing.
He said his previous experience in the Treasury and as health secretary demonstrated his commitment to disciplined public finances.
Manchester Role for Government
Burnham also said he intended to spend part of his working week in Manchester if he became prime minister, as part of plans to decentralise government away from Westminster.
He confirmed that his preferred location for a planned "No 10 North" would be a digital campus currently under construction near Manchester Piccadilly station.
Burnham said having part of the Prime Minister's operation based in Manchester would demonstrate a commitment to shifting power away from Westminster and strengthening regional decision-making.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 July 2026

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July 3Jul 3

ICE Quietly Arrests 10,000 in Five-Day Operation

ICE Quietly Arrests 10,000 in Five-Day Operation

US immigration authorities have arrested about 10,000 people suspected of being in the country illegally over a five-day period, according to sources familiar with the figures.

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The arrests were made across the United States during a recent nationwide enforcement effort, the sources said, marking a significant increase in detention activity.
Immigration arrests accelerate
Officials have also set a new operational target of at least 2,000 immigration arrests per day, according to the sources. The goal follows discussions between senior White House and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) leadership aimed at increasing enforcement activity.
A source familiar with those discussions told ABC News that officials had previously urged ICE to work toward 3,000 arrests per day.
DHS highlights focus on criminal offenders
In a statement, a DHS spokesperson said immigration officers had been carrying out President Donald Trump's pledge to arrest and remove migrants accused or convicted of serious crimes.
"Since Day One, DHS law enforcement has been delivering on President Trump's promise to the American people to arrest and deport criminal illegal aliens including murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members, and terrorists," the spokesperson said.
The Trump administration has repeatedly said its immigration crackdown is focused on what the president has described as the "worst of the worst" offenders. While the criminal records of those arrested in the latest operation have not been disclosed, the DHS spokesperson said nearly 70% of ICE arrests involve migrants who have been charged with or convicted of crimes in the United States.
Lower-profile enforcement strategy
According to sources, the recent enforcement operations have been conducted with relatively little public attention.
The approach follows a commitment by DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin during his confirmation hearing earlier this year to keep the agency focused on its work rather than publicizing enforcement actions. That represents a shift from the approach of former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who favored greater publicity for ICE operations.
ICE is also preparing for new leadership under Lance Schroyer, a close ally of Mullin and a former Oklahoma state trooper. Schroyer has no previous federal immigration enforcement experience.
Calls for more public data
Mike Howell, president of the Trump-aligned Oversight Project and a leader of the Mass Deportation Coalition, welcomed the reported increase in arrests but said the administration should release more detailed deportation statistics.
"There have been so many numbers thrown around in press releases, estimates, extrapolations, and puffery that most people are just kind of immune to it and waiting to see the hard data that's being withheld," Howell said.

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July 2Jul 2

UK Arrests Eight in Crackdown on Online Rape Networks

UK

UK Arrests Eight in Crackdown on Online Rape Networks

At least eight people have been arrested in the UK as part of investigations into online networks that encourage men to drug and sexually assault women, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has said.

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Since October 2025, the agency has identified 270 individuals connected to a forum and associated websites where footage of coordinated sexual abuse was shared. Investigators said the offending mirrors the abuse suffered by French survivor Gisèle Pelicot, whose case drew international attention after she was repeatedly drugged by her husband and raped by dozens of men.
Investigations uncover organised abuse forums
The NCA said the abuse is typically carried out by a long-term partner and can continue undetected for many years, with some cases lasting decades.
Deputy director Nigel Leary said drug-facilitated sexual assault was "no longer isolated behaviour" but had become "increasingly organised".
Victims identified and international inquiries launched
The agency said 14 investigations are under way, with eight victims identified and provided with support.
Evidence gathered from the online forums has been shared with law enforcement agencies in several countries as part of efforts to identify offenders and victims beyond the UK.
The NCA said it has established a coordinated response involving prosecutors and safeguarding organisations to help identify victims and provide support while pursuing criminal investigations.
Last week, representatives from law enforcement agencies in Brazil, Canada, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States met in London to exchange intelligence on suspected offenders, victims and online communities linked to the abuse.
The agency said the meeting resulted in the identification of more than 150 offenders and victims, as well as four previously unknown online communities.
Authorities urge victims to seek help
Siobhan Blake, the Crown Prosecution Service's national lead for rape and serious sexual offences, described the crimes as among the most disturbing she had encountered.
She said victims were subjected to severe sexual abuse in their own homes, calling it an extreme betrayal of trust. Blake added that the offending flourished in secrecy, both online and behind closed doors, and said the criminal justice system was committed to exposing those responsible and securing justice for victims and survivors.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Millichap, director of the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection, said victims may not immediately realise they have been assaulted.
She urged anyone who feels something is wrong to seek help, even if they have no clear memory or proof, adding that police and support services would listen, take reports seriously and provide appropriate care.
Pelicot case highlighted scale of abuse
Earlier this year, Gisèle Pelicot told the BBC she had been "crushed by horror" after learning that her former husband, Dominique Pelicot, had repeatedly drugged her and invited dozens of men to rape her while she was unconscious.
The 73-year-old waived her right to anonymity to speak publicly about her experience and campaign for victims. Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 July 2026

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July 2Jul 2

Damascus Cafe Bombing Kills Six Near Government District

Middle East

Damascus Cafe Bombing Kills Six Near Government District

At least six people were killed and 22 others injured after a bomb exploded inside a busy cafe in central Damascus, according to Syrian state media.

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Deadly Blast Rocks Central Damascus
The interior ministry said the explosive device had been planted inside the cafe, which is located about 100 metres from the Palace of Justice in the capital's Hejaz district. Authorities have not identified those responsible, and no group immediately claimed the attack.
The bombing is the deadliest to hit Damascus since a suicide attack on a church in June 2025 that killed 25 people.
Witness Describes Scene of Devastation
Mohammed al-Dahabi, who owns a glasses shop next to the cafe, said the explosion brought back memories of the violence that gripped the city during Syria's civil war.
"I felt strong pressure, and the whole place shook," he told AFP. "I ran to the place and saw people lying on the floor with blood pooled around them everywhere."
Video shared on social media appeared to show at least two men lying motionless on the outdoor terrace of the cafe after the blast.
Authorities Vow Action
Damascus Governor Maher Marwan Idlibi visited the scene and said those behind the attack would be held accountable.
"Each time the country sees a period of stability, malicious parties try to destabilise it," he said.
Officials have not announced any arrests or provided further details about the investigation.
Security Challenges Persist
The bombing comes as Syria's interim government continues to face significant security challenges following the overthrow of former president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebel forces in December 2024, ending more than 13 years of civil war.
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has been working to consolidate government control across the country and improve security, but violence has continued in several areas.
The June 2025 church bombing, which killed 25 people, was claimed by the little-known jihadist group Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah. However, Syrian authorities attributed that attack to the Islamic State (IS) group.
In recent months, Syria has also experienced repeated outbreaks of deadly sectarian violence involving government forces and members of the country's Alawite and Druze religious minorities, underscoring the continuing instability despite the end of the civil war.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 July 2026

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July 2Jul 2

Ex-Olympian Indicted Over Lincoln Reflecting Pool Damage

USA

Ex-Olympian Indicted Over Lincoln Reflecting Pool Damage

A former US Olympic canoeist has been indicted on a felony charge after allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, federal prosecutors said.

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David "Davey" Hearn, 67, is accused of causing about $1,000 (£750) in damage to the landmark after allegedly pulling up newly installed sealant from the bottom of the pool on 19 June.
Former canoeist faces felony charge
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the indictment on Thursday, saying the damage occurred shortly after renovation work had been completed.
"The defendant ripped a piece of recently installed sealant on the bottom of the reflecting pool," Pirro said. She described the incident as a deliberate act that damaged a restoration project carried out by the National Park Service.
Hearn denies wrongdoing
Hearn, a three-time US Olympic canoeist, has denied the allegations.
He previously told the BBC that he had stopped by the Reflecting Pool after a long bike ride out of curiosity about its condition. He said he only touched material that had already come loose and insisted he "didn't destroy, rip, tear, peel, or remove any part" of the coating.
His lawyers also rejected the charges, calling the prosecution politically motivated.
In a statement issued after the indictment, they said Hearn was innocent and argued that the case reflected "the administration's effort to shift blame for their own failures".
Hearn has previously described his arrest as an "arbitrary, capricious prosecution".
Ongoing problems at the Reflecting Pool
The Reflecting Pool has experienced several issues despite a recent $14 million renovation project. Large sections of the new sealant have been seen peeling from the bottom, while algae growth has also been reported.
US Park Police said five people have been arrested in connection with alleged vandalism at the site, while another five have received federal citations. A National Park Service official had previously said parts of the pool's lining had been cut with a sharp object.
President Donald Trump has blamed vandals for the damage. After inspecting the site on 20 June, he said on social media that repairs would begin immediately.
He wrote: "Work will begin immediately on fixing the seriously vandalized Reflecting Pool," adding: "Who would do such a thing? SICK, DERANGED PEOPLE!"
Historic landmark
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was built in the 1920s and extends 2,030ft (619m) between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.
Over the years, it has faced recurring maintenance challenges, including leaks, structural deterioration, faulty pipes, algae growth and bird droppings.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 July 2026

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July 2Jul 2

Analysis Warns UK-US Drug Deal Could Cost 229,000 Lives

Analysis Warns UK-US Drug Deal Could Cost 229,000 Lives

A new analysis published in the British Medical Journal has suggested that the UK-US trade deal agreed last December could force the NHS in England to redirect £44.7 billion from health services to higher medicines costs by 2036, potentially contributing to more than 229,000 excess deaths.

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Researchers said the projected increase in spending on new medicines would require significant cuts to NHS services unless additional government funding is provided. The analysis estimates the annual cost of the agreement will rise to £8.8 billion by 2036, with the cumulative cost reaching £44.7 billion over the period.
Medicines costs could reshape NHS spending
The report, produced by researchers from the University of York, the University of Liverpool and Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand, found that reduced NHS spending on services could have a major impact on public health. If the effects on adult social care were also included, the estimated number of excess deaths would increase to 291,000.
Researchers said most of the preventable deaths would involve people with heart, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, as well as cancer.
Government defends agreement
The trade deal requires the UK to pay around 25% more for new medicines over the next decade. It also commits the NHS in England to doubling the share of GDP spent on innovative medicines, from 0.3% to 0.6%.
When the agreement was announced, ministers described it as a landmark deal that would improve patient access to new treatments while protecting British pharmaceutical exports from potential US tariffs.
The government has said the agreement will cost an additional £1 billion between 2025-26 and 2028-29, although it has acknowledged costs will rise after that period without providing further estimates.
Science minister Patrick Vallance previously confirmed that the additional spending would come from the Department of Health and Social Care rather than the Treasury.
Critics call for greater scrutiny
The findings have prompted renewed calls for the government to publish its own impact assessment of the agreement.
Sir Ciarán Devane, chief executive of the NHS Alliance, said the analysis raised serious questions about whether the deal represented good value for patients and the NHS, warning that diverting billions from frontline services could have significant consequences for prevention, community care and treatment of long-term conditions.
Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Helen Morgan described the findings as alarming and urged ministers to release their assessment of the agreement.
Campaign groups including Global Justice Now and Just Treatment also criticised the deal, arguing that higher medicines spending could reduce funding available for NHS services and staff while increasing profits for pharmaceutical companies.
Department rejects findings
Responding to the analysis, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson disputed the projected £45 billion cost.
The department said reforms to medicines pricing would allow NHS patients to access life-changing treatments that were previously unavailable while strengthening the UK's position as a centre for developing and manufacturing new medicines.
The spokesperson added that funding for the agreement would come from allocations agreed in the spending review, which secured record NHS funding, with future spending to be determined at the next review.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 July 2026

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July 2Jul 2

France-Convicted People Smuggler Seeks UK Asylum

UK-Asylum crisis

France-Convicted People Smuggler Seeks UK Asylum

A convicted people smuggler once described by French authorities as a leading figure in migrant trafficking is living in Leicestershire and is believed to be seeking asylum in the UK while working illegally, a BBC investigation has found.

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Twana Jamal was sentenced to five years in prison by a French court in 2016 after being convicted of organising illegal Channel crossings. Prosecutors said the Iraqi Kurd, who was 36 at the time, earned up to £100,000 a week by transporting migrants from northern France to Britain.
French Conviction and Life in Britain
Following a tip-off earlier this year, BBC journalists traced Jamal to the village of Blaby, where they observed him working at a local business, driving despite apparently having no valid licence, and using what appeared to be a different name.
The findings have raised fresh questions over the UK's ability to identify asylum applicants with serious criminal convictions abroad.
Smuggling Network and Multiple Aliases
Jamal came to the BBC's attention during an investigation into cross-Channel people-smuggling networks that also led to the arrest of another alleged gang leader.
French prosecutors previously identified Jamal as a prominent member of the Kurdish criminal groups known as the Ranya Boys, which European law enforcement agencies say have played a major role in cross-Channel smuggling operations over the past 15 years.
Court evidence showed Jamal operated from the Grand-Synthe migrant camp near Dunkirk between 2012 and 2016, charging migrants between £4,500 and £5,000 for journeys to Britain, when freight lorries were the preferred method of crossing.
Known by the nickname "Pasha", Jamal denied the charges during his trial, claiming mistaken identity. However, he was convicted and was expected to be deported to Iraq's Kurdistan region after serving his sentence.
The French court also heard that he regularly used multiple aliases, with prosecutors saying he sometimes wrote his assumed identity inside his baseball cap to avoid confusion.
BBC Investigation
Using information from several sources, including a recorded telephone conversation, the BBC established that Jamal was living in Leicester. During the call, he allegedly claimed he was earning good money, spoke about work involving cigarettes and said he drove without a licence, adding that he was unconcerned about police attention.
Journalists later identified a man matching Jamal's appearance working at one of two Candy Corner convenience stores in Blaby. During an undercover visit, he introduced himself as "Sultan". Reporters also identified a hand tattoo matching photographs from social media, where he uses the name "Sultan Pasha".
Over several days, the BBC said it witnessed him working in the shop and driving a vehicle, despite asylum seekers generally being prohibited from working while their claims are being processed.
When confronted, Jamal denied any involvement in people smuggling or serving a prison sentence in France. However, after being shown a photograph taken during his 2016 court appearance, he did not dispute that it showed him. Asked about driving without a licence, he replied: "So what? Did I hit you?"
Jamal said he had applied for asylum in the UK and was still awaiting a decision.
Concerns Over Border Checks
UK law normally requires asylum claims to be refused where an applicant has received a prison sentence of at least 12 months overseas. It remains unclear whether Jamal's French conviction was identified by UK authorities or whether the use of an alternative identity affected background checks.
The BBC also reported that European law enforcement officials believe at least 15 convicted people smugglers from France, Germany and Belgium are now living in the UK under false identities while claiming asylum.
According to Lucy Morton of the Immigration Services Union, the UK's departure from the European Union has made access to criminal records held by some European countries more difficult because previous data-sharing arrangements no longer apply.
The Home Office said all asylum applicants undergo mandatory identity, security and criminality checks. It added that the UK continues to operate criminal-record information-sharing agreements with several countries and said immigration enforcement activity is currently at record levels, with arrests for illegal working having increased by 83%.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 July 2026

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July 2Jul 2

Trump's White House Windfall Breaks Presidential Norms

USA

Trump's White House Windfall Breaks Presidential Norms

Donald Trump earned at least $2.2bn (£1.7bn) during his first year back in the White House, according to a newly released financial disclosure report, marking an unprecedented level of personal income while serving as US president.

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Historians say the figure represents a sharp departure from the longstanding practice of presidents distancing themselves from their private financial interests while in office.
The contrast with earlier presidents is striking. Harry Truman left office with little income beyond a monthly Army pension of $113 (£85) and argued that former presidents should not profit from the prestige of the office.
Trump's earnings dwarf those of past presidents
George W Bush placed his investments in a blind trust before becoming president and later said he did not know how the 2008 financial crisis had affected his personal wealth.
Barbara Perry, a presidential historian at the University of Virginia's Miller Center, said there was "no precedent" for Trump's level of personal earnings while in office.
Cryptocurrency drives record income
According to the disclosure, cryptocurrency generated the largest share of Trump's reported income in 2025.
He declared about $1.4bn from cryptocurrency-related ventures, including $635m in royalties from Celebration Coins, the company believed to be behind the $TRUMP meme coin launched shortly before his second term began.
Trump also reported more than $500m from World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency business founded by his sons, Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump, together with the sons of Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy to the Middle East and Ukraine.
His reported income for 2025 was almost four times the $622m disclosed for 2024, before his return to office.
White House rejects conflict claims
The White House denied that Trump or his family had benefited improperly from the presidency.
Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said neither the president nor his family had engaged in conflicts of interest and insisted all decisions made by the administration were in the interests of the American people. She accused critics of repeating longstanding political attacks.
Before both of his presidential terms, Trump transferred day-to-day control of the Trump Organization to his adult sons but, unlike several previous presidents, did not place his business assets in a traditional blind trust or sell his holdings.
The Trump Organization said before his second inauguration that Trump would play no role in its daily operations, while Eric Trump said the company would follow strict ethical standards.
Ethics concerns remain
Critics argue several actions taken by the administration have benefited businesses connected to Trump and senior officials.
Last July, Trump signed legislation supporting stablecoins, months after World Liberty Financial launched its digital currency business. Later, he pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao as his administration promoted the cryptocurrency industry.
A New York Times report also said Trump secured a deal with Kazakhstan that gave an American company access to a major critical minerals project. Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr later acquired a minority stake in a company involved in the venture, while Cantor Fitzgerald, led by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's sons, also participated in the deal.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump said his wealth reflected investment gains and maintained he was not involved in managing his family's business interests.
"I don't get involved in my personal [finances]," he said. "I've made a lot of money before I became president."
Richard Painter, who served as the chief White House ethics lawyer under George W Bush, said Trump's cryptocurrency earnings represented a clear conflict of interest.
"This is a very, very troubling situation for the American people to see their president making so much money," he said.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 July 2026

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July 2Jul 2

Four Bishops Ordained Despite Pope's Warning

Report

Four Bishops Ordained Despite Pope's Warning

Thousands of people gathered in the Swiss village of Écône on Wednesday as the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) ordained four new Catholic bishops, ignoring a direct appeal from Pope Leo XIV to halt the ceremony.

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The newly ordained bishops include one from the United States, one from Switzerland and two from France. They belong to the traditionalist SSPX, a group founded by French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre that has long opposed key reforms introduced by the Catholic Church following the Second Vatican Council.
Ordinations Go Ahead Despite Vatican Warning
Earlier this week, Pope Leo described the planned ordinations as a "schismatic act" that could "tear the seamless garment of Christ" and urged SSPX leaders not to proceed.
Despite the warning, the ceremony took place under grey Alpine skies before a crowd estimated at more than 15,000 people.
Traditional Ceremony Highlights Long-Running Dispute
Hundreds of priests in ceremonial robes processed through Écône carrying candles, crosses and incense before entering a large tent erected in a nearby field.
During the Latin-language ceremony, the four bishop candidates lay prostrate before the altar with their heads resting on red velvet cushions before taking their ordination vows.
The SSPX rejects several reforms introduced by the Vatican during the 1960s and 1970s. Among them are the use of local languages instead of Latin during Mass, greater engagement with other religions, support for religious freedom, and liturgical changes such as priests facing the congregation during services.
The group has argued that these reforms moved the Church away from its traditional teachings and practices.
Pope Faces Fresh Test Over Church Unity
Ordaining bishops without the Pope's approval is considered one of the most serious breaches of Catholic Church unity.
When the SSPX last ordained bishops without papal consent in 1988, those bishops were immediately excommunicated. Pope Benedict XVI lifted those excommunications in 2009 in an effort to improve relations, although the broader dispute remained unresolved.
Pope Leo is now expected to exclude the four newly ordained bishops from the Catholic Church, though the Vatican has not announced any further disciplinary measures.
SSPX Superior General Davide Pagliarani rejected suggestions that the ordinations were intended to deepen divisions. Addressing those attending the ceremony, he said the group acted "precisely because we love the Pope as the vicar of Christ, as the head of the Church" and added that it did not want to see the Pope "humiliated any more, on the side of false shepherds representing false religions".
Small Movement With Global Reach
Although the SSPX is estimated to have around 600,000 followers compared with the Catholic Church's more than 1.4 billion members, it has established a presence in dozens of countries, including the United States, where it has a strong following in Kansas.
The Écône ceremony was livestreamed on YouTube in seven languages. Visitors could also buy commemorative merchandise, including "Écône2026" baseball caps and gift packs of Swiss wine featuring labels depicting a bishop's mitre.
The events present an early challenge for Pope Leo, who has only recently assumed the papacy. While he has declared the ordinations illegitimate and warned they threaten Church unity, further action against the SSPX could risk deepening the divisions he has warned against.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 July 2026

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July 2Jul 2

Russia Launches Deadly Mass Strike on Kyiv

Ukraine Conflict

Russia Launches Deadly Mass Strike on Kyiv

At least nine people were killed after Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, overnight, according to Ukrainian officials. The bombardment triggered fires, damaged residential areas and critical infrastructure, and forced residents across several districts to seek shelter.

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Kyiv's military administration said a significant number of people were injured, including children. Tymur Tkachenko, head of the city's military administration, accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilian neighbourhoods.
"The enemy is once again deliberately targeting residential areas and killing civilians," he said.
Overnight bombardment kills civilians
As daylight broke on Thursday, emergency crews assessed widespread destruction. A large crater, believed to have been caused by one of the explosions, was visible alongside burned-out vehicles, damaged buildings and scattered debris.
Fires also broke out in several parts of the capital. An ambulance station was damaged, leaving at least one person critically injured, while firefighters battled a blaze that engulfed a hotel on one of Kyiv's central boulevards.
Kyiv warned of major attack
The assault came just hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia was preparing a major strike. He cut short a visit to Dublin on Wednesday after receiving what he described as fresh intelligence about Moscow's plans.
"I urge our people to be especially careful, to protect themselves, their children, and, of course, their families," Zelensky said.
He added that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been preparing the large-scale attack for some time.
Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, Olha Stefanishyna, said residents had spent another night sheltering from sustained aerial attacks.
She said the strikes caused fires and widespread damage to civilian infrastructure and residential buildings across several districts of Kyiv.
During the overnight assault, witnesses reported hearing repeated explosions as drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles struck the city. Air defence systems were seen firing tracer rounds into the night sky in an effort to intercept incoming weapons.
Russia cites response to Ukrainian attacks
Russia's Ministry of Defence said its forces had targeted Ukrainian energy facilities and military sites in central and eastern Ukraine. It described the operation as retaliation for recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian power stations stretching from Moscow to the Black Sea.
Those Ukrainian strikes prompted a rare acknowledgement from President Putin that Russia was experiencing fuel shortages.
The latest barrage marked Russia's first large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine in more than two weeks.
Regional tensions remain high
Neighbouring Poland activated fighter jets during the attack as a precaution to protect its airspace, stressing that the move was preventive. Polish authorities said there were no reports of Russian strikes crossing into Polish territory.
The Polish military said the measures were intended to safeguard airspace, particularly in areas close to the conflict.
On the battlefield, Russian forces have recently advanced into the city of Kostyantynivka, one of Ukraine's remaining key defensive positions in the east. Capturing the city would strengthen Moscow's push to secure the wider Donbas region.
However, Ukrainian military commanders say their forces have regained more territory than they have lost this year, while disrupting Russian supply routes linking the Russian border with occupied Crimea.
Despite those claims, the wider front line has remained largely static for months, with both sides holding entrenched positions.
Russia currently controls about one-fifth of Ukraine's territory, most of it captured during the early stages of its full-scale invasion launched in February 2022.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 July 2026

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July 2Jul 2

Badenoch Attacks Starmer Over Defence Funding

UK-Politics

Badenoch Attacks Starmer Over Defence Funding

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has accused outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of leaving a funding gap in the government's new defence investment plan, claiming his successor will inherit an unfinished financial commitment.

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The dispute follows the publication of the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which pledges an additional £15 billion for the UK's armed forces by 2030. The strategy, unveiled on Tuesday ahead of next week's Nato summit, is intended to strengthen Britain's military readiness for future conflicts.
However, Defence Minister Luke Pollard confirmed that only £10.3 billion in funding has so far been identified. The remaining £4.7 billion will have to be found by the next chancellor in the autumn Budget.
Defence plan sparks political clash
At Prime Minister's Questions, Badenoch said the government had failed to fully fund its own proposals and questioned whether Andy Burnham, who is widely expected to become prime minister on 20 July, had agreed to cover the shortfall.
She argued that the government had prioritised welfare spending over defence and said the investment plan was effectively "£5bn short". Badenoch also claimed the UK had increased defence spending by only 0.01% over the past two years compared with its allies, adding that the government's figures "didn't add up".
Starmer defends investment plan
Sir Keir dismissed Badenoch's criticism as "faux outrage" and accused the Conservatives of reducing defence spending while they were in office.
He said Labour had been able to increase defence spending because Chancellor Rachel Reeves had created sufficient fiscal headroom in last November's Budget. Sir Keir added that he was proud of the government's defence strategy and said any Labour prime minister would support it.
The £15 billion package remains below the £28 billion reportedly sought by defence chiefs and former defence ministers John Healey and Al Carns, who resigned in protest over the scale of the investment.
Downing Street declined to say whether Burnham had approved the plan or whether his future chancellor would be expected to use Budget headroom to finance the remaining £4.7 billion.
Earlier on Wednesday, Pollard told BBC Breakfast that whichever chancellor takes office after the leadership transition would need to find the necessary funding in the autumn Budget, describing the process as routine for governments. He also said Burnham had only been informed of the funding gap on Tuesday and expressed support for him becoming prime minister.
Burnham has not publicly commented on the defence plan.
Spending cuts to fund defence
Sir Keir ruled out additional borrowing to finance the defence increase, saying the money would instead come from reducing long-term capital investment budgets across other government departments by 1%.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey argued the funding package left the UK "vulnerable to missile attack" and said the investment fell well short of what was needed. Sir Keir rejected the Liberal Democrats' proposal to issue defence bonds, saying ministers had examined the idea but concluded it amounted to borrowing under another name.
Road projects face uncertainty
The government's effort to redirect spending has also triggered concerns over infrastructure projects.
The Department for Transport is expected to save £700 million by reviewing road schemes, with the A38 Derby Junctions project and the A46 Newark Bypass among those being considered for cancellation. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is also expected to contribute £2 billion in savings, largely through efficiency measures.
Downing Street said further details of departmental reductions would be announced in the autumn but did not provide a comprehensive list of affected projects. Officials also declined to rule out cuts to rail investment, although they said frontline NHS services would be protected.
The potential cancellation of road schemes has drawn criticism from local politicians. Labour's East Midlands mayor Claire Ward described the proposals as "completely unacceptable", while Newark MP Robert Jenrick demanded an explanation from the transport secretary. Lincoln MP Hamish Falconer expressed disappointment over uncertainty surrounding the A46 project, and Mid Derbyshire Labour MP Jonathan Davies warned that reducing transport investment could slow economic growth.
Asked about the criticism, the prime minister's spokesman said the government was prioritising Britain's security in what he described as "a more dangerous world."

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 July 2026

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July 1Jul 1

Trump Faces Crowd Worries Ahead of July 4 Celebration

USA

Trump Faces Crowd Worries Ahead of July 4 Celebration

President Donald Trump is preparing to headline a major Independence Day celebration on the National Mall, describing it as the centerpiece of what he has called the "most unforgettable birthday party any country has ever seen." Behind the scenes, however, White House officials are reportedly concerned that attendance may fall short of expectations.

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The concerns follow a campaign-style speech Trump delivered on the National Mall last week that drew smaller crowds than anticipated, according to sources familiar with the planning. The event had been arranged after several musical performers withdrew because of the state fair's association with the president.
Preparations overshadowed by attendance concerns
Trump, who spoke for about 30 minutes, focused largely on his administration's achievements and what he described as America's renewed strength. According to people familiar with the matter, he later became frustrated after seeing aerial images showing large areas of open space beyond the audience gathered near the stage. Several White House officials reportedly deleted social media posts featuring the images, while Trump later insisted online that the crowd had been "packed to the brim."
Asked about the episode, a White House official dismissed the reports, saying: "This is fake news!"
Planning adjusted to avoid empty seats
The experience has increased pressure on organizers ahead of Friday's Independence Day event, which Trump has promoted as one of the defining moments of his presidency and part of the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations.
Some people close to the White House have questioned whether more should have been done to attract larger crowds to recent events.
One person familiar with the discussions said the fair suffered from an assumption that attendance would naturally follow once the event was built.
To improve the appearance of the audience for Trump's July 4 address, officials plan to issue free tickets for the viewing area immediately in front of the stage. Even so, aides acknowledge that some ticket holders may ultimately choose not to attend.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle defended the celebrations, saying Trump was ensuring Americans received the "spectacular 250th birthday" the country deserved. He described the events as part of a broader effort to renew patriotism and national pride under Trump's leadership.
Legacy ambitions meet logistical setbacks
The Independence Day speech is part of a broader series of events that Trump has long envisioned as central to the nation's semiquincentennial celebrations.
This week, he is scheduled to attend the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota, an event that will also mark the inaugural flight of a new Air Force One. On Friday, he will travel to South Dakota for a fireworks display at Mount Rushmore before returning to Washington.
Planning for the celebrations dates back to Trump's 2024 campaign. Advisers had initially discussed holding a major July 4 speech in Philadelphia before the plans shifted to Washington. Trump had also promoted the idea of a nationwide state fair as early as 2023.
Presidential historian Timothy Naftali said the celebrations reflected Trump's desire to shape his historical legacy, describing the effort as an attempt to leave a lasting personal mark.
State fair draws mixed response
The Great American State Fair, stretching across downtown Washington, has experienced uneven attendance and several operational challenges.
Some state exhibits, including those from Arizona and Texas, have attracted large crowds with elaborate displays. Others have remained sparsely decorated after states declined to participate because of financial constraints.
The event has also faced a series of setbacks. Air conditioning failures forced temporary closures at several pavilions during hot weather, while severe storms prompted periodic shutdowns and led to the cancellation of a concert by Vanilla Ice. Organizers also removed a Confederate flag display from the North Carolina pavilion after criticism from North Carolina Governor Josh Stein. Separately, one man was arrested after allegedly filming female performers inappropriately during an acrobatic show.
Despite the difficulties, organizers said attendance had exceeded 150,000 visitors. Freedom 250 spokeswoman Julia Friedland rejected criticism of the event, saying Americans were travelling to Washington from across the country to take part in the celebrations.
Many visitors interviewed at the fair also praised the experience, although some noted that strict security measures limited comfort. Attendees are barred from bringing food, water bottles and coolers into the venue, leaving many to rely on on-site food vendors while temperatures climbed.
Those restrictions will also apply during the July 4 celebration, where temperatures are forecast to approach 100 degrees. Organizers are planning an afternoon air show followed by a fireworks display that could continue until nearly midnight and is intended to set a Guinness World Record.
Acknowledging persistent scrutiny of crowd sizes, Trump urged supporters to attend, warning that empty seats would quickly become a focus of media coverage.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 July 2026

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webfact

July 1Jul 1