A Russian strike on Kyiv has killed at least 30 people, marking a significant escalation in attacks on Ukraine's capital [UPI]. The strike comes as Ukraine continues demonstrating ability to strike deep into Russian territory, though Russia maintains momentum in some sectors.

Meanwhile, an intense heat wave is disrupting Independence Day celebrations nationwide. Multiple July 4th events face cancellation or rescheduling as extreme temperatures grip much of the country [NPR].

Overseas, geopolitical tensions are mounting across multiple fronts. Iran is mourning Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with massive funeral proceedings as the country projects strength despite internal instability. Separately, U.S. officials disclosed they believed Israel was plotting to kill Iranian negotiators, raising fresh concerns about regional escalation [NYT Politics].

In South America, Venezuela faces a humanitarian crisis following a devastating earthquake. Death tolls are multiplying as Venezuelans rush to identify bodies, while the government rejects criticism over its disaster response [PBS, DW English]. Colombian President Petro, meanwhile, has asked Trump to remove him from sanctions list [Bloomberg].

Domestically, questions persist over USAID's closure as its former head expresses grief while hoping for institutional restoration [NPR]. The Supreme Court's transgender athletes ruling continues reshaping state policies, with several states still allowing trans participation in women's sports now facing renewed scrutiny [Fox News].

Trump doubled down on NATO criticism ahead of a summit, calling continued U.S. support "ridiculous" and "one sided" [Fox News]. Polish leadership warns of critical months ahead as Russian threats persist in Eastern Europe [BBC].