NEW YORK (AP) — A Delta Air Lines flight and a high-flying firework reportedly came into contact in the sky above Chicago as the city celebrated the Fourth of July holiday.

The pilot of Delta flight 1076 notified air traffic controllers just before landing at Chicago Midway International Airport on Saturday night that a firework hit the commercial airliner during its descent. In an audio recording published online by LiveATC.net, the pilot described feeling “a big bang” on the plane.

According to the recording, the incident occured when the plane was flying at an altitide of 200 to 250 feet. The pilot said the crew hoped the bang “was just a mortar that went off,” referencing the tube that helps launch aerial fireworks.

Both the Federal Aviation Administration and Delta said the plane, which had taken off from Atlanta carrying 52 passengers and six crew members, landed safely just after 8:30 p.m. local time.

The incident didn’t result in any onboard injuries, and Atlanta-based Delta said Sunday that mechanics who inspected the Airbus A319 did not find any damage.

The FAA said it would investigate the incident.

It’s unclear if fireworks struck other airplanes on Saturday. In the LiveATC.net audio, an air traffic controller was heard saying there had been “multiple reports” of such encounters and that Chicago city officials were aware.

The FAA did not immediately respond to questions about whether it was aware of additional firework-related incidents impacting Saturday flights. The Associated Press also reached out to the city government and the Chicago Police Department for further information.

Have a weekend, Cape Verde.

The national soccer team returned home Sunday as heroes after their run to the round of 32 of the World Cup and pushing Lionel Messi and Argentina into extra time. The men’s basketball team clinched a berth in the second round of that sport’s World Cup qualifying as well.

And all this happened during an already joyous time in Cape Verde — Sunday was Independence Day.

“Viva Cape Verde,” basketball coach Emanuel Trovoada said after his team beat Libya on Sunday in a World Cup qualifying matchup in Cameroon.

Viva Cape Verde, indeed. Not bad for a country of about 500,000 people — the smallest, in terms of land mass, ever to reach the World Cup.

Independence Day was already going to be a day of celebration across the island nation off the western coast of Africa, but Sunday — with the soccer team returning from Miami — only made it more festive. Vozinha, the goalkeeper, captured video footage of workers on the tarmac dropping to their knees and bowing as the plane taxied into its gate.

Eventually — after interviews that were followed by countless hugs, high-fives and selfies with well-wishers at the airport — players and coaches were loaded onto the back of a truck and paraded through thousands of cheering fans. Flags swayed in the breeze on a sunny afternoon, drummers took to the streets and dance troupes were part of the celebration.

“We gave it all for Cape Verde,” defender Pico Lopes said.

The soccer team was in the World Cup for the first time this year. The basketball team — which got its second-round berth locked up on Saturday, before it easily beat Libya on Sunday — made its inaugural World Cup appearance in 2023 and will resume qualifying in late August with hopes of getting in to the 2027 event.

“This is historic. This is important,” Trovoada said. “Our soccer team has returned to the country — for a party.”

___

See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here

Belgium have declared themselves “astonished” after Folarin Balogun’s suspension was wiped by Fifa ahead of their World Cup last-16 clash.

United States striker Balogun had his one-match ban “suspended” in an extraordinary development on Monday after being controversially sent off in his country’s round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Fifa’s regulations provided no official avenue to hear an appeal of Balogun’s red card – something which was criticised – but justified the move by citing Article 27 in Fifa’s disciplinary code, which states: “The judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”

US president Donald Trump responded by hailing Fifa for “reversing a great injustice”, raising concerns of sporting integrity due to his close relationship with Fifa president Gianni Infantino.

Rudi Garcia was left furious, maintaining their anger goes beyond their own immediate situation with the last 16 tie: ““I didn’t know that at the World Cup the 5th of July is actually the first of April. It’s April Fools. I think it’s necessary to refer to our statement. A lot of what I feel is there.

“We’re not defending the national team or the federation, we are defending football, integrity. It’s the first time in World Cup history that such a decision has been taken”

Belgium’s FA has now responded to Fifa’s decision, drawing attention to Fifa’s “direct contradiction” to their own World Cup provisions.

“The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by Fifa’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match on Monday, 6 July at 5:00 p.m. (Seattle time),” a statement read.

“Fifa bases its decision on Article 27 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code. This provision states that the Fifa Disciplinary Committee may decide to suspend the enforcement of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction.

“However, Article 66.4 of the same Fifa Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team’s next match, as has been the case for all previous red cards issued during this Fifa World Cup.

“Furthermore, and irrespective of the above, the decision is in direct contradiction with the provisions of the Fifa World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, as set out in Article 10.5: ‘If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.’

“The automatic nature of such a suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in Fifa World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on 12 May 2026.

“The same rule is reiterated at every Fifa World Cup 2026 Match Coordination Meeting prior to each match and is included in all Fifa World Cup 2026 workshop presentations.

“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this Fifa World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options.”

The decision is similar in its action to the latter two games of Cristiano Ronaldo’s three-game ban in the World Cup qualifiers being “suspended”, making the Portugal captain available from the start of this World Cup.

Another factor in Fifa’s decision may have been the non-awarding of a red card for Lionel Messi for a similar tackle in Argentina’s win against Algeria.

By WILL PICKWORTH, SPORTS REPORTER and IAN HERBERT, DEPUTY CHIEF SPORTS WRITER

Updated: 21:37 BST, 5 July 2026

The Princess of Wales completed the Three Peaks Challenge last weekend to raise funds for a cancer charity and “explore life beyond diagnosis”

Fresh images have emerged showing the Princess of Wales receiving a warm welcome from family members at the base of Snowdon after conquering her Three Peaks Challenge.

In an extraordinary feat of stamina, Kate undertook the punishing National Three Peaks Challenge over the past weekend to generate money for a cancer charity and “explore life beyond diagnosis”.

The future monarch climbed Britain’s three tallest mountains – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – within 24 hours, beginning her expedition on Saturday evening.

The pictures, recently published on their official social channels, reveal Kate being met by the Prince of Wales and the couple’s three youngsters Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, alongside her mum and dad Carole and Michael Middleton and sibling James Middleton.

The snaps capture her hugging her spouse in one frame, while another displays her cuddling Charlotte. Additional pictures show her with her arm round George, clasping hands with Louis, and chatting with relatives, reports Wales Online.

The closing photograph features Kate surrounded by her nearest and dearest, including her mum, dad, brother, and his pet pooch.

The post states: “This time last week, completing the National Three Peaks Challenge.

“A huge thank you to everybody who has supported The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.”

Kate tackled the Three Peaks challenge solo, with Mountain Rescue on hand to assist along the way. Kensington Palace confirmed it believed the feat represented a royal milestone, with the princess becoming the first member of the royal family to complete the Three Peaks challenge.

The princess subsequently made a donation to an 11 year old wheelchair user she crossed paths with during the challenge. While scaling Ben Nevis, she met Ted, who was taking on the same gruelling trek with the backing of his family and friends.

The group were raising funds for Molly Olly’s Wishes, a charity committed to supporting children battling serious illnesses.

On Monday, Kate contributed to Ted’s fundraising efforts on JustGiving, penning a heartfelt message which read: “One of the real highlights of the Three Peaks Challenge was meeting inspiring people like you along the way.

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“Huge congratulations to Ted, Pete and the entire team for raising money for such a wonderful cause.”

The JustGiving page, set up by Ted’s father, Pete Haslam, has already surpassed £11,000 in donations.

The page reads: “Ted is a wheelchair user – but that’s never been the thing that defines him. Determination does.

“This isn’t his first mountain. He has already taken on Snowdon not once, but twice, proving his resilience and spirit. Last year, he stood proudly at the summit of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK. Each climb has been a step – quite literally – toward something bigger than himself.”

Humberside Police say the alleged “deliberate blazes” were reported in Kilham, Foxholes, Sledmere, Bishop Wilton, Bolton, and Burton Fleming.

The arrest was made today (Sunday, July 5) and the man’s vehicle was also seized.

Officers from the North Yorkshire Police Rural Task Force and off-duty Humberside Police Rural Task Force officers helped detain the man allegedly behind the arsons.

Police said enquiries are now ongoing and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

A force spokesperson said anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity surrounding the fires, or their own land has been ignited should contact Humberside Police quoting log 454 03/07/26 if you live in East Yorkshire, or quote 12260124067 02/07/06 if you live in North Yorkshire.

In both instances, you can reach out to the relevant police force by dialling 101.

By OLIVIA CHRISTIE, NEWS REPORTER

Published: 21:10 BST, 5 July 2026 | Updated: 21:19 BST, 5 July 2026

Sir Keir Starmer has been ridiculed online after he posted a video of him booting a football through Downing Street ahead of England‘s World Cup clash with Mexico. 

The Prime Minister, who has just days left in No.10 following his resignation last month, shared the clip on his X account alongside three England flags. 

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At the end of the video, he can be seen kicking the ball towards the camera as the soundtrack ‘A Little Less Conversation’ by Elvis Presley plays in the background. 

But social media users were quick to point out that it is Sir Keir who is on the brink of being booted out of office.  

Sir Keir, who conceded he is not the best person to lead Labour into the next general election, will step down as PM on July 20 – the day after the World Cup final. 

Reacting to his ‘cringe’ video, one person posted on X: ‘You’ve already scored an own goal, so just pack your bags and FO.’

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Another added: ‘Your videos get more and more cringe. #Useless.’ 

Sir Keir Starmer has been ridiculed online after he posted a video of him booting a football through Downing Street ahead of England’s World Cup clash with Mexico

The football can be seen rolling past Larry the cat in the video shared to the PM’s X account 

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The video begins with a security guard picking up a football and kicking it through the doors of No.10

‘Well the song is on point, maybe if you acted in the way we pay you to people might actually respect you,’ a third quipped. 

A fourth added: ‘You can’t even support the country. Nevermind football.’ 

The video begins with a security guard picking up a football and kicking it through the doors of No.10. 

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It then passes Larry the cat and Sir Keir, who is speaking into a microphone before rolling down the stairs and landing in the garden.

The Prime Minister stops the ball with his foot – before he kicks it towards the camera. 

The clip was posted in support of the Three Lions, who will kick-off their last-16 tie with Mexico at 1am tonight inside the imposing Azteca Stadium.

There was talk the match could be moved forward six hours due to the threat of thunderstorms – but FIFA has reverted back to the original start time. 

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Officials in Mexico City are now bracing themselves for what may be an incredibly challenging day, with more than a million people expected on the streets. 

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The ridicule of Sir Keir comes after he received a similar backlash for posting about England’s win over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday. 

Seemingly hoping to use the celebrations to claw back some affection, the Prime Minister wrote: ‘It might actually be coming home,’ accompanied by an England flag. 

But one user turned the phrase back on the Prime Minister, jibing: ‘It’s coming home, and you are going home – BYE!’

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Someone else wrote: ‘If “it” is your P45 then yes, you are correct. Possibly for the first time in your caretaker PM stint. Hurrah!’

Another said: ‘It’ll only come home if you resign immediately. Do something right at least once in your time as PM, Starmer.’

Barrie Poetan pegged Starmer as a bad omen, writing: ‘Well that’s killed off any chance.’

A user named Finch was trying to figure out who has performed worse – ‘Madueke on right wing or you [Starmer] as PM’.

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One user stuck the boot into the outgoing PM, joking: ‘Whose home? Andy Burnham’s new pad in Downing Street?’

In The Mixer’s World Cup special

Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

FIFA’s World Cup descended into farce on Sunday – after the extraordinary decision to suspend a one-match ban for a USA player.

In a move which sparked major outcry online, the governing body confirmed that USA’s starting striker Folarin Balogun is now free to face Belgium in the last 16 despite being red-carded in the US’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1.

Moments after the announcement, President Donald Trump thanked Fifa for ‘reversing a great injustice’ in a post on Truth Social.

Trump, a close friend of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, wrote: ‘Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP.’

However, it was later revealed that Trump had called FIFA President Infantino on Wednesday and asked him to review the suspension of the United States’ top goal scorer in the competition, according to the New York Times.

The decision has also sparked anger in Belgium, who warned they are ‘investigating all options after the ‘astonishing’ move.

The striker was sent off for a tackle during their 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina

Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Sunday morning to praise FIFA for ‘doing what was right’ 

Meanwhile, a FIFA statement read: ‘In line with article 27 of the Fifa disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.

‘If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.’

Before reports revealed that Trump had called Infantino over the matter, the US President’s post on Truth Social sparked major speculation on social media that he had some involvement in FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s ban, which was further fueled by another social media post from Barstool Sports boss Dave Portnoy.

Hours before FIFA’s decision was confirmed, Portnoy had posted on X: ‘Davey Pitch’s futbul [sic] sources are saying a certain red card may be soon overturned’. 

Then, once news of Balogun’s suspended ban broke, the Barstool Sports boss returned to social media to hint that Trump did in fact play a part in the decision.

Alongside a doctored image of Portnoy and Trump standing together, with ‘US Soccer’ caps on, he wrote: ‘Alot of people are asking me how this red card got reversed. What happened behind the scenes? Who got it done? 

‘Who were my sources that made me confident enough to stake my entire reputation on this Davey Pitch bomb. Well a great journalist never reveals their sources. Sorry’.

FIFA could now find itself plunged into a mid-tournament legal battle. An incredulous Belgian FA said it was ‘astonished’ at the decision and that it was ‘investigating all options’ to ‘protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport’. 

In an apoplectic statement, they said: ‘The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match on Monday, 6 July at 5:00 p.m.

‘FIFA bases its decision on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This provision states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may decide to suspend the enforcement of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction.

‘However, Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team’s next match, as has been the case for all previous red cards issued during this FIFA World Cup.

‘Furthermore, and irrespective of the above, the decision is in direct contradiction with the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, as set out in Article 10.5: “If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.”

‘The automatic nature of such a suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on 12 May 2026.

The decision to show Balogun a straight red card sparked widespread fury on social media

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‘The same rule is reiterated at every FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Coordination Meeting prior to each match and is included in all FIFA World Cup 2026 workshop presentations.

‘In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options.’

Pascale Van Damme, the Belgian FA president who is a member of the Fifa Council, is understood to have flown in to Seattle on Sunday amid ongoing discussions on the matter. 

FIFA are yet to respond to the Belgian FA’s statement. 

In response to FIFA’s decision, the USMNT said on Sunday: ‘We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow. 

‘Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.’ 

The Daily Mail understands that the USMNT were informed about the decision on Sunday morning. However, the squad were not told straight away and later found out through social media.

USA star Chris Richards explained on Sunday: ‘We weren’t quite sure if it was true or not. I think everyone knows with AI and this and that, there can be a few question marks. 

‘But ultimately we found out through social media, so it was cool to finally get the confirmation that it was true’.

‘I think a yellow card would have been fair due to it not being intentional,’ Balogun had said

FIFA president Gianni Infantino pictured alongside Donald Trump last month

Balogun broke his silence on the matter in the days that followed the USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, insisting that he felt a yellow card would’ve been fair.

‘First and foremost, it was totally unintentional, which I’m sure a lot of people know. But, you know, I think the choice of the referee was, of course, his choice, but I don’t think it was the correct call,’ he told reporters on Friday. 

‘I think a yellow card would have been fair due to it not being intentional. There’s not many places I can place my foot in such a scenario. But it’s happened, and it’s something that I have to accept and move forward from.’ 

Reacting to the news on Sunday, USA star Christian Pulisic said: ‘We found out about it just coming over here, so yeah, at first you’re like, oh, really? Like, is this real? 

‘And like, oh, this is great news. Obviously, we’re just happy to have [him]’.

Under Article 10.5 of FIFA’s tournament regulations, the dismissal automatically carries a mandatory one-game suspension.

Multiple FIFA officials had previously confirmed that national teams are prohibited from formally appealing red cards or the subsequent disciplinary sanctions.

However, the governing body’s judicial committee utilized a rare stipulation within Article 27 of the disciplinary code to circumvent the immediate ban.

The specific regulation allows the committee to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.

Hours before the news was official, Barstool Sports boss Dave Portnoy posted this on X 

Once Balogun’s suspended ban was confirmed, Portnoy returned to X with this post – hinting that US President Trump played a role in FIFA’s decision

It serves as a massive boost to USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino ahead of the game

The disciplinary body recently applied the exact same probationary regulation to Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the tournament.

The forward was initially facing a ban following a violent conduct dismissal during a World Cup qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland in November 2025.

Ronaldo was sent off after catching defender Dara O’Shea with a trailing elbow during a 2-0 defeat in Dublin.

However, after the Portugal captain served a one-game suspension during the team’s subsequent 9-1 victory over Armenia, FIFA intervened.

The governing body suspended the final two matches of the ban under a one-year probation period, clearing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to lead his country from the start of the current tournament.