The United States of America marked its 250th Independence Day anniversary on Saturday amid nationwide celebrations, political tensions and growing concerns over deep national divisions.   Speaking during Independence Day events at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Donald Trump warned that American identity is facing a renewed threat, declaring that the country is under attack from domestic radicals and extremists. According to Channels Television, citing AFP, Trump said there had been attempts in recent years to weaken American values and disconnect citizens from the nation’s history. The US president accused political opponents on the far-left of posing a threat to the country ahead of November’s midterm elections, describing a resurgence of what he called a “communist menace” in America. “You do not have to be born here, but you do have to love what we have built,” Trump said during his address. The Independence Day celebrations come at a difficult moment for the country, with millions of Americans facing extreme heat conditions. Reports indicate that nearly 160 million people are under severe heat warnings, disrupting parades and public gatherings across several cities. Despite the extreme weather, Trump is expected to headline a major rally on the National Mall in Washington, featuring military flyovers and large-scale fireworks. The milestone anniversary has also sparked reflection among many Americans on the state of the nation after 250 years of history shaped by progress, conflict, civil rights struggles and global influence. A recent poll by Quinnipiac University found that 61 percent of Americans believe the country is not fully living up to the ideals outlined in the Declaration of Independence, highlighting the sharp political divide between Republicans and Democrats. While some citizens expressed frustration over social and political divisions, others remained optimistic about the American dream and the freedoms the country offers. The 250th anniversary celebrations therefore serve as both a historic milestone and a moment of national reflection as the United States navigates an increasingly polarised political landscape.

Fresh coordinated attacks have struck Mali, with jihadists and Tuareg separatist fighters launching assaults on several towns and a prison facility in a major escalation of violence across the country.   According to Channels Television, citing AFP, the attacks began around 5:00 am on Saturday and targeted Gao, Anefis, Aguelhok, Sevare, and the prison complex in Kenieroba. The latest wave of violence comes just over two months after similar attacks by the same armed groups against Mali’s ruling military junta. Those earlier offensives dealt a major blow to the government and reportedly led to the death of the country’s defence minister. Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front, said several positions had fallen in Anefis, although fighting was still ongoing within the town. A resident in Anefis told AFP that armed groups had entered the town, but Malian troops were continuing to resist. The military camp there had not yet fallen at the time of reporting. Anefis and Aguelhok remain among the last areas where Mali’s army still maintains a presence in the Kidal region following heavy attacks in late April. The strategic city of Kidal had already fallen to Azawad Liberation Front fighters during those earlier offensives, dealing a significant setback to the ruling junta. In Gao, residents reported hearing gunfire and loud explosions near an army camp, raising fears of further clashes in the northern city. In central Mali, explosions were also reported in Sevare. Security sources said several aircraft were seen flying over the area shortly after the blasts. Meanwhile, the prison complex in Kenieroba, located near the capital Bamako, also came under attack. The facility houses jihadist suspects and other detainees. One prisoner told AFP that heavy gunfire continued around the prison as inmates took cover. The fresh attacks underline the worsening security crisis in Mali, where government forces continue to battle jihadist groups and separatist fighters across several regions.

Argentina national football team survived a major scare from Cape Verde national football team to secure a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory and book a place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.   In a gripping round of 32 clash in Miami, Lionel Messi once again delivered on the big stage, scoring his 20th World Cup goal to give Argentina the lead in the 29th minute. His sublime finish, also his seventh goal of the tournament, looked set to send the reigning champions into the next round comfortably. However, Cape Verde refused to back down. The tournament debutants, who have won admirers with their fearless performances, drew level in the second half through Deroy Duarte, stunning Argentina and pushing the match into extra time. Argentina regained control early in extra time when Lisandro Martinez fired home after a corner. But Cape Verde responded again, with Sidny Lopes Cabral producing one of the goals of the tournament as he smashed a stunning strike into the top corner to make it 2-2. With penalties looming, Argentina finally found the breakthrough from a set-piece. Cristian Romero rose highest to meet Messi’s corner, with the ball deflecting off Cape Verde defender Diney Borges for an unfortunate own goal that sealed Argentina’s passage. The victory sends Argentina into a last-16 showdown with Egypt national football team in Atlanta on Tuesday. Speaking after the match, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his side were pushed to the limit. “It would have been madness to lose. It was a very tough match. We have to congratulate our opponents because they proved there are no easy teams at this level,” he said. Cape Verde, making their first-ever World Cup appearance, bow out with heads held high after an inspiring campaign. The Blue Sharks had already impressed in the group stage by holding Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws, and they nearly produced one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. Messi, playing in Miami where he also stars for Inter Miami, was central to Argentina’s attack throughout. The 39-year-old extended his remarkable record of scoring in eight consecutive World Cup matches. According to Channels Television, via AFP, Argentina ultimately survived a fierce late Cape Verde assault, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez making a crucial save in the closing moments to preserve the win.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks, giving eligible Nigerians more time to register ahead of the 2027 general elections.   According to Channels Television, the voter registration exercise, which began on 18 August 2025 and was initially scheduled to end on 10 July 2026, will now close on 24 July 2026. INEC announced the extension in a statement issued on Friday by its National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Haruna. The commission said the decision followed feedback from its state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, who called for additional time to enable more eligible Nigerians to register. INEC said the extension reflects its commitment to ensuring that every eligible citizen has a fair opportunity to be included in the national voter register before future electoral activities. The commission also announced the launch of a new self-service online voter registration platform for first-time voters. The service will go live on 8 July 2026 through INEC’s dedicated CVR portal. According to the commission, the new system will allow eligible Nigerians to initiate and complete voter registration, including biometric capture, using personal devices without physically visiting INEC offices. INEC said the online registration platform includes identity verification, biometric validation and backend integrity checks to maintain the credibility and accuracy of the voter register. The electoral body urged eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to take advantage of the extended registration window and the new technology-driven registration option. Channels Television reported that the move is part of INEC’s broader efforts to improve accessibility, inclusiveness and efficiency in Nigeria’s electoral process.