Ukraine says it struck a Russian air base as Moscow sent hundreds of drones into KyivNew Foto - Ukraine says it struck a Russian air base as Moscow sent hundreds of drones into Kyiv

Ukraine said it struck a Russian air base on Saturday, while Russia continued to pound Ukraine withhundreds of drones overnightas part of a stepped-up bombing campaign that has dashed hopes for a breakthrough in efforts to end the more than 3-year-old war. Ukraine's military General Staff said that Ukrainian forces had struck the Borisoglebsk air base in Russia's Voronezh region, describing it as the home base of Russia's Su-34, Su-35S and Su-30SM fighter jets. Writing on Facebook, the General Staff said it hit a depot containing glide bombs, a training aircraft and "possibly other aircraft." Russian officials did not immediately comment on the attack. Such attacks on Russian air bases aim to dent Russia's military capability and demonstrate Ukraine's capability to hit high-value targets in Russia. Last month, Ukraine said it destroyed more than40 Russian planesstationed at several airfields deep in Russia's territory in a surprise drone attack. Russia fired 322 drones and decoys into Ukraine overnight into Saturday, Ukraine's air force said. Of these, 157 were shot down and 135 were lost, likely having been electronically jammed. According to the air force, Ukraine's western Khmelnytskyi region was the main target of the attack. Regional Gov. Serhii Tyurin said Saturday that no damage, injuries or deaths had been reported. Russia has been stepping up its long-range attacks on Ukraine. Waves of drones and missiles targeted Kyiv overnight into Friday in the largest aerial assault since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began. On Saturday, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the number of people killed in the assault had increased to two. A further 31 people were wounded. The fresh wave of attacks came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that he had a "very important and productive" phone call with US President Donald Trump. The two leaders discussed how Ukrainian air defenses might be strengthened, possible joint weapons production between the US and Ukraine, and broader US-led efforts to end the war with Russia, according to a statement by Zelensky. Asked Friday night by reporters about the call, Trump said, "We had a very good call, I think." When asked about finding a way to end the fighting, Trump said: "I don't know. I can't tell you whether or not that's going to happen." The US has paused some shipments of military aid to Ukraine, including crucial air defense missiles. Ukraine's main European backers are considering how they can help pick up the slack. Zelensky says plans are afoot to build up Ukraine's domestic arms industry, but scaling up will take time. Russia's Defense Ministry said it shot down 94 Ukrainian drones overnight into Saturday, along with 45 further drones Saturday morning and early afternoon. No casualties were reported, but local officials in the Saratov region said 25 apartments were damaged by Ukrainian drones in the city of Engels. Four Ukrainian drones were shot down while approaching Moscow on Saturday, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Air traffic was briefly halted as a precaution at one of Moscow's airports, Sheremetyevo, Russia's aviation authority Rosaviatsiya said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

Ukraine says it struck a Russian air base as Moscow sent hundreds of drones into Kyiv

Ukraine says it struck a Russian air base as Moscow sent hundreds of drones into Kyiv Ukraine said it struck a Russian air base on Saturday,...
Iran's supreme leader makes first public appearance since Iran-Israel war startedNew Foto - Iran's supreme leader makes first public appearance since Iran-Israel war started

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday made his first public appearance since the12-day warbetween Israel and Iran began, attending a mourning ceremony on the eve ofAshoura. Khamenei's absence during the war suggested heavy security for the Iranian leader, who has final say on all state matters. State TV in Iran showed him waving and nodding to the chanting crowd, which rose to its feet as he entered and sat at a mosque next to his office and residence in the capital, Tehran. There was no immediate report on any public statement made. Iranian officials such as the Parliament speaker were present. Such events are always held under heavy security. The 86-year-old Khamenei had spent the war in a bunker as threats to his life escalated. After the U.S. inserted itself into the war bybombing three key nuclear sitesin Iran, U.S. PresidentDonald Trumpsent warnings via social media to Khamenei that the U.S. knew where he was but had no plans to kill him, "at least for now." On June 26, shortly after a ceasefire began, Khamenei made his first public statement in days, saying in a prerecorded statement that Tehran had delivered a "slap to America's face" by striking a U.S. air base in Qatar, and warning against further attacks by the U.S. or Israel on Iran. Trump replied, in remarks to reporters and on social media: "Look, you're a man of great faith. A man who's highly respected in his country. You have to tell the truth. You got beat to hell." Iran has acknowledged the deaths of more than 900 people in the war, as well as thousands of injured. It also has confirmed serious damage to its nuclear facilities, and has denied access to them for inspectors with theU.N. nuclear watchdog. Iran's president on Wednesday ordered the country to suspend its cooperation with the watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, further limiting inspectors' ability to track a program that had been enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels. Israel launched the war fearing that Iran was trying to develop atomic weapons. It remains unclear just how badly damaged the nuclear facilities are, whether any enriched uranium or centrifuges had been moved before the attacks, and whether Tehran still would be willing to continue negotiations with the United States over its nuclear program. Israel also targeted defense systems, high-rankingmilitary officials and atomic scientists. In retaliation, Iran fired more than 550 ballistic missiles at Israel, most of them intercepted, killing 28 people and causing damage in many areas. Ceremony commemorates a death that caused rift in Islam The ceremony that Khamenei hosted Saturday was a remembrance of the 7th century martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Hussein. Shiites represent over 10% of the world's 1.8 billion Muslims, and they view Hussein as the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Hussein's death in battle at the hands of Sunnis at Karbala, south of Baghdad, created a rift in Islam and continues to play a key role in shaping Shiite identity. In predominantly Shiite Iran, red flags represented Hussein's blood and black funeral tents and clothes represented mourning. Processions of chest-beating and self-flagellating men demonstrated fervor. Some sprayed water over the mourners in the intense heat. Reports of problems accessing the internet NetBlocks, a global internet monitor, reported late Saturday on X that there was a "major disruption to internet connectivity" in Iran. It said the disruption corroborated widespread user reports of problems accessing the internet. The development comes just weeks after authorities shut down telecoms during the war. ___ Associated Press writer Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran, contributed.

Iran's supreme leader makes first public appearance since Iran-Israel war started

Iran's supreme leader makes first public appearance since Iran-Israel war started Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sa...
20 Iconic Roles That Were Almost Played by Different ActorsNew Foto - 20 Iconic Roles That Were Almost Played by Different Actors

Last Updated on July 5, 2025 by Matt Staff We all have favorite movie characters that feel like they were born to be played by a single actor. But behind the scenes, many of these iconic roles almost looked completely different -and we mean really different. Can you imagine someone else saying "I'll be back" or slipping into that black leather catsuit?Let's take a nostalgic trip and look at 20 legendary roles that were almost played by other stars. Before Harrison Ford grabbed the whip and hat, Tom Selleck was actually the first choice for Indiana Jones. Due to his commitment toMagnum, P.I., Selleck had to turn it down. It's hard to imagine anyone else running from giant boulders quite like Ford. John Travolta was offered the role of Forrest Gump but decided to pass on it. He later admitted that turning it down was a huge mistake. Tom Hanks went on to win an Oscar and gave us one of the most beloved performances in movie history. Al Pacino was approached to play Han Solo inStar Wars, but he turned it down because he didn't understand the script. Harrison Ford then stepped in and became an intergalactic icon. Can you imagine Pacino piloting the Millennium Falcon? Gwyneth Paltrow was in the running to play Rose inTitanic, but the role ultimately went to Kate Winslet. Winslet's performance helped launch her career into stardom. It's hard to picture anyone else saying, "I'll never let go." Nicolas Cage was offered the role of Aragorn inThe Lord of the Rings, but he turned it down due to family commitments. Viggo Mortensen stepped in and gave the character a legendary presence. Imagine Cage battling orcs in Middle-earth. Emily Blunt was originally cast as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe but had to drop out because of scheduling conflicts. Scarlett Johansson stepped in and made the character her own. Fans can't imagine anyone else in that red wig. Molly Ringwald was offered the role of Vivian inPretty Woman, but she turned it down. Julia Roberts took the part and became America's sweetheart almost overnight. Ringwald later said she didn't regret the decision at all. Will Smith was approached to play Neo inThe Matrix, but he declined to star inWild Wild Westinstead. Keanu Reeves took the role and made cinematic history. It's tough to picture anyone else dodging bullets in slow motion. Annette Bening was originally cast as Catwoman inBatman Returns, but she had to drop out after becoming pregnant. Michelle Pfeiffer then stepped into the leather catsuit and delivered an unforgettable, fierce performance. Many fans believe Pfeiffer's Catwoman is still the best ever brought to the screen. Sean Connery was offered the role of Gandalf inThe Lord of the Rings, but he turned it down because he didn't understand the script. Ian McKellen then stepped in and gave us the wizard we all know and love. Connery later admitted he regretted saying no. Reese Witherspoon was considered for the role of Cher inClueless, but the part eventually went to Alicia Silverstone. Silverstone's performance became a cultural touchstone of the '90s. Reese turned out fine, though: she still hadLegally Blondecoming! Jim Carrey was considered for Captain Jack Sparrow inPirates of the Caribbean, but scheduling conflicts got in the way. Johnny Depp's quirky performance made the character unforgettable. Carrey might have taken the pirate in a whole other comedic direction. Before Arnold Schwarzenegger becametheTerminator, producers actually considered O.J. Simpson for the role. Ultimately, they thought Simpson was "too nice" to be a believable killer robot. Schwarzenegger's performance went on to define his career and gave us a line we'll never forget: "I'll be back". Leonardo DiCaprio was originally set to play Patrick Bateman inAmerican Psycho, but he dropped out due to image concerns. Christian Bale stepped in and delivered a chilling performance. Imagine DiCaprio with that axe. Christina Applegate was offered the role of Elle Woods inLegally Blonde, but she turned it down fearing it was too similar to her role inMarried…with Children. Reese Witherspoon made Elle an icon of empowerment and pink fashion. Russell Crowe was first considered for Wolverine inX-Men, but he declined. Hugh Jackman then took on the claws and became a fan favorite. Crowe later said he didn't want to be typecast as a "wolf-like" character. Eric Stoltz was originally cast as Marty McFly inBack to the Futureand even filmed some scenes. But he was replaced by Michael J. Fox, whose performance defined the character. Today, it's nearly impossible to imagine anyone else in that DeLorean. Anne Hathaway was cast as Tiffany inSilver Linings Playbook, but she dropped out due to creative differences. Jennifer Lawrence took over and won an Oscar for her portrayal. Hathaway later said she had no hard feelings. Matthew McConaughey auditioned to play Jack inTitanic, but James Cameron ultimately chose Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio's role became one of his most memorable performances. McConaughey probably didn't mind because he had plenty of "alright, alright, alright" moments ahead. John Krasinski actually came close to becoming Captain America in the MCU. He even got as far as trying on the suit, but eventually the role went to Chris Evans. Krasinski joked that he knew he wasn't right for it once he saw Evans' biceps. Hollywood history is full of fascinating "what ifs," and these almost-cast stories show just how different our favorite films could have been. If you love looking back at the surprising side of pop culture, check out20 Things Kids Do Today That Are Unthinkable To 70s Kids, or take a visual journey through15 Vintage Photos of the 1970s Oil Crisis. You'll be amazed at just how much things have changed.

20 Iconic Roles That Were Almost Played by Different Actors

20 Iconic Roles That Were Almost Played by Different Actors Last Updated on July 5, 2025 by Matt Staff We all have favorite movie characters...
Kelly Clarkson postpones opening weekend of Las Vegas residency: 'I am devastated'New Foto - Kelly Clarkson postpones opening weekend of Las Vegas residency: 'I am devastated'

Tyler Golden/NBC via Getty Kelly Clarksonwill return to the stage in Las Vegas a little later than expected. The "Since U Been Gone" singer announced that she has postponed the first two shows of her planned Studio Sessions residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Friday. "We have been working 24/7 to make Studio Sessions the most intimate and extraordinary experience with and for my incredible fans," Clarkson wroteon Instagram. "I am beyond grateful that you always show up for me, and I am devastated to have to postpone tonight and tomorrow's opening at Caesars." The "Stronger" artist revealed that she thinks her vocals wouldn't be suitable for audiences this weekend. "The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice," Clarkson explained. "I want the shows to be perfect for y'all, and I need to protect myself from doing serious damage, so I am taking this weekend and next week to rest up so that we can deliver what you all deserve." Clarkson plans to kick off the residency next week. "The show is truly incredible. The musicians and singers are outstanding, and I want us all to start out strong," she said. "I can't wait to be back next weekend and show y'all what we've been working on." Following Clarkson's announcement, Caesars Palace announced that ticket holders who'd planned to attend the affected concerts can request a refund or keep their tickets for the rescheduled shows, which do not have dates yet. Kevin Mazur/Getty "Kelly is an unparalleled artist who has developed a remarkable new show for the Colosseum at Caesars Palace," the venue said in astatement. "We are confident that when she's recovered, fans will experience an incredible, intimate performance from one of this generation's leading voices." Clarkson's Studio Sessions residency currently has 16 shows on the calendar in July, August, and November. The "Catch My Breath" singer previously held a Vegas residency,Chemistry: An Intimate Evening With Kelly Clarkson, which consisted of 12 concerts in 2023 and two additional shows in early 2024. That residency came after her planned 2020 Invincible residency was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sign up forEntertainment Weekly'sfree daily newsletterto get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. Clarkson released her latest single, "Where Have You Been," in May. When she debuted the song on herSiriusXM channel, the Kelly Clarkson Connection, the singerrevealed the surprising inspiration behind it. "I've rarely done something like this, but I was watchingOnly Murders in the Building— it'sMartin Short's face. He says toMeryl Streep's character in the show, 'Where have you been?'" Clarkson explained. "He's, like, in awe and I was like, 'Has anyone written a song?' Because the song is happy. It's like you found something that you thought was almost basically a unicorn and did not exist." Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

Kelly Clarkson postpones opening weekend of Las Vegas residency: 'I am devastated'

Kelly Clarkson postpones opening weekend of Las Vegas residency: 'I am devastated' Tyler Golden/NBC via Getty Kelly Clarksonwill ret...
Indianapolis shooting leaves 2 dead, 5 injured just hours after firework celebrationNew Foto - Indianapolis shooting leaves 2 dead, 5 injured just hours after firework celebration

This is a developing story and will update. INDIANAPOLIS – Two people are dead and five others injured following a mass shooting in downtown Indianapolis early Saturday, July 5, just hours after thousands gathered for afireworks show. At least three of the seven shot around 1:30 a.m. on West Washington Street and South Illinois Street were juveniles, one of whom died at an area hospital,officials from the Indianapolis Police Departmentsaid. Another person was pronounced dead at the scene. Four other people were also taken to area hospitals by first responders in unknown condition. A fifth person walked into a local hospital and is in stable condition. Texas flooding:At least 27 dead; more than two dozen campers missing from Camp Mystic At a news conference, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Chris Bailey appeared visibly upset as he scolded parents for continuing to allow their children out at night unsupervised. Hundreds of unsupervised juveniles were out downtown after the fireworks ended, he said. "Parents and guardians have got to step up," Bailey said. "A kid is dead tonight. And we just don't know the age of the young man down the street, still here, dead. He looks young." Police were responding to another fight when they heard gunshots one block away. When they arrived, they found several people shot, IMPD officials said. Seven were detained for questioning, and multiple guns were recovered, officials said. Bailey said last night was a scene of frequent conflict despite the presence of hundreds of officers from IMPD, state police and Capitol police. "I don't know how many times I have to say it," Bailey said. "We are not your children's keepers. You are." Officers made about 20 arrests and recovered guns from two children before the mass shooting happened, he said. One juvenile had an rifle stuffed in the front of his pants, officials said. "I'm not sure anymore what it's going to take for some in our community to wake up," Bailey said. Indiana police union leader Rick Snyder compared the shooting to a storm's arrival and said the inaction of local elected leaders caused the deaths. At least eight others were injured in shootings in the past 24 hours across Indianapolis, police said. This is Indianapolis' second weekend of violence, following last weekend's shootings thatleft seven dead and nine injured. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star:2 dead, 5 injured following mass shooting in downtown Indianapolis

Indianapolis shooting leaves 2 dead, 5 injured just hours after firework celebration

Indianapolis shooting leaves 2 dead, 5 injured just hours after firework celebration This is a developing story and will update. INDIANAPOLI...

 

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