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In case you missed Donald Trump’s triumphalist address marking America’s 250th anniversary, you weren’t alone. Lightning storms caused by an extreme heatwave sent the Washington crowds scattering and delayed the US president’s address by four hours – but it was still a trademark piece of Trumpian dystopia, a highly politicised polemic that followed on from a white nationalist march on the streets of the capital.

David Smith’s brilliant feature essay this week reveals how the US president has hijacked the country’s milestone anniversary and turned it into a joyless, farcical series of largely self-serving events. And from Moscow to Mexico City, there’s a terrific reported feature from our correspondents around the globe on how the world views America at 250 in the age of Trump.

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Five essential reads in this week’s edition

Spotlight | At the ayatollah’s funeral, Iranians call for revenge
Crowds swelled through Tehran as mourners dressed in black carried flags proclaiming: ‘We will rise’, reports diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour

Environment | The changing symphony of Britain’s dawn chorus
The country has lost an estimated 73 million wild birds from its landscape over the last 50 years, but a new project aims to recreate their sound. By Sandra Laville and Madeleine Finlay

Feature | Morality and the machine
Since 2017, philosopher Iason Gabriel has worked at Google DeepMind, trying to anticipate – and think through – the impact of AI. But as commercial and geopolitical pressures escalate, can ethicists make any difference, asks Robert P Baird

Opinion | Thank heavens for the pope
In a political wasteland dominated by billionaires, war criminals and mega-corporations, the head of the Catholic church is a rare figure of moral leadership, argues Simon Tisdall

Culture | An invitation you can’t refuse
Director Olivia Wilde and co-star Edward Norton talk to Catherine Shoard about The Invite, their new movie about marital bed death that is the season’s buzziest, funniest release

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What else we’ve been reading

• All hail Greek priest Fr Tabakis, whose home-recorded album of doom metal, Christmas carols and religious dubstep has catapulted him to cult status. His motivation, he says, was to try to breach the chasm between older generations, who he thinks can be intransigent, and younger ones, who speak a different language. “I had to find some rhymes,” he says, “which was hard. I went online to find some slang, and did what I could.” Graham Snowdon, editor

• An Italian village by Lake Como is introducing fines of up to €200 for anyone wandering around shirtless or in swimwear, something us Brits think is acceptable the moment temperatures go above 20C. It’s a reminder that being on holiday doesn’t mean leaving local customs or your t-shirt behind! Jade Lovitt, business manager

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Other highlights from the Guardian website

• Audio | Has the US finally fallen in love with football?

• Video | Pope Leo praises US history of welcoming immigrants at 250th anniversary

• Gallery | Wimbledon by Sarah Lee

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