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- Fourth of July celebrations coincide with America’s 250th birthday amid heat wave
- Pope Leo XIV honours migrants on July 4 during visit to Lampedusa
- Italian government investigates theft of 80 fentanyl vials from hospital
- Iran holds dayslong funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following his death in war
- Canada commemorates U.S. Independence Day with military fly-past and celebrations
- Trump warns of communist threat in Mount Rushmore speech before July 4th
- Meghan and children will not accompany Harry during London trip next week
- Germany requires doctor’s note for first day of sick leave under new rules
The i - Smart motorways ban: pressure grows to scrap entire network across Britian
Summary of the front page
The i reports on the growing pressure to scrap smart motorways amid rising deaths linked to the roads and concerns over their cost.
For a second day running, the i newspaper’s lead story is about the reported ban on new smart motorways, and the mounting pressure to scrap the entire network across Britain amid safety concerns. The paper reported on Thursday that none of the planned new roads would go ahead.
Its Good Friday edition turns its attention to the families of some of those who have died on the roads. “It’s the existing smart motorways that are killing us,” a widow of a man who died on the M1 tells the paper.
Today's top stories
Fourth of July celebrations coincide with America’s 250th birthday amid heat wave
July 4, 2026
11:00 pm
Americans celebrate the Fourth of July alongside the country’s 250th birthday, as a heat wave impacts festivities. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift’s wedding garners attention, a Revolutionary War soldier receives overdue recognition, and former Liberty Island residents provide their perspectives.
Pope Leo XIV honours migrants on July 4 during visit to Lampedusa
July 4, 2026
10:00 pm
Pope Leo XIV commemorates migrants who died at sea during a visit to Lampedusa, urging compassion and responsibility in Europe’s migration debate.
Italian government investigates theft of 80 fentanyl vials from hospital
July 4, 2026
9:00 pm
The Italian government has raised alarms after 80 vials of fentanyl were stolen from Rome’s Israelitic Hospital, enough for 20,000 doses for illicit use. Prosecutors in Rome have launched an investigation into the theft, while health authorities prepare to enhance checks on fentanyl management in medical facilities.
Iran holds dayslong funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following his death in war
July 4, 2026
8:00 pm
What’s going on?
Iran has begun a dayslong funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in conflict. The event marks a significant moment in Iran’s political landscape following his death. Thousands are expected to attend the ceremonies across the nation.
The Associated Press emphasises the immediate context with, “Iran begins dayslong funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in war,” while the BBC focuses on the broader implications, stating, “Khamenei’s death prompts widespread mourning across Iran.” This difference highlights AP’s focus on the event itself compared to the BBC’s emphasis on the potential societal impact.
Coverage analysed: Associated Press | BBC
Canada commemorates U.S. Independence Day with military fly-past and celebrations
July 4, 2026
5:00 pm
Canada is commemorating the United States’ 250th anniversary with a military fly-past, a light display at Niagara Falls, the planting of 250 maple trees, and a message from Mark Carney, highlighting the significance of the occasion for both nations.
Trump warns of communist threat in Mount Rushmore speech before July 4th
July 4, 2026
3:00 pm
President Trump marked the 250th anniversary of the United States with a speech at Mount Rushmore, highlighting American culture and cautioning against a resurgence of communism. He advocated for voter identification laws and emphasized the importance of American identity, defining patriotism in opposition to communist ideologies.
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