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Scenes From Taylor Swift’s NYC Wedding: Fans, Stars and More

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 18:18:39 +0000

The scene outside Taylor Swift’s wedding in Manhattan had the drama and emotion of one of her albums.

Demonstrators in white supremacist attire protest on Capitol Hill

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 18:12:52 +0000

Illegal immigrant truck driver charged in death of trooper who moved home to care for mom with cancer

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 18:06:03 +0000

An illegal immigrant truck driver who authorities said remained in the U.S. despite being ordered to leave has been charged in the death of a Pennsylvania State Police trooper who had recently moved home to help care for his mother during her cancer treatment.

The crash is the latest in a series of fatal wrecks involving noncitizen commercial truck drivers that have prompted the Trump administration to tighten commercial driver's license rules.

Michael E. Pahira Jr., 44, was conducting a commercial vehicle inspection along Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County on Wednesday morning when another semi-truck left the roadway, struck his marked patrol vehicle and the truck he was inspecting before hitting the trooper, according to Pennsylvania State Police. Both semi-truck caught fire after the crash. Pahira later died at a local hospital.

The driver, identified as 33-year-old Michael Bon, a Haitian national living in Brockton, Massachusetts, was charged with homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, reckless driving and six additional lesser charges. He is being held at Schuylkill County Prison on $700,000 bail. His next court date is scheduled for July 15.

The Department of Homeland Security has lodged an immigration detainer against him.

DHS CHIEF MULLIN CLASHES WITH TAPPER OVER HAITI DEPORTATIONS AFTER SUPREME COURT TPS RULING

Bon entered the United States through Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in July 2024 under the Biden administration's humanitarian parole program. He later applied for Temporary Protected Status, but the application was denied. DHS terminated his parole in June 2025 and ordered him to leave the country, but he remained in the United States.

While living in Massachusetts, Bon obtained a non-domiciled commercial driver's license in March 2025. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles said he first qualified for the license in 2025 while he was authorized to work under federal law. It was renewed in February 2026 before the Trump administration directed states to stop issuing or renewing non-domiciled CDLs for drivers who no longer met federal eligibility requirements.

Pahira's death comes as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has made tightening commercial driver licensing rules a top priority following multiple fatal crashes involving non-domiciled CDL holders over the past two years.

VIRGINIA BUS CRASH THAT KILLED FIVE INVOLVED DRIVER WHO DOESN'T SPEAK ENGLISH, SEAN DUFFY SAYS

Last year, Duffy launched a nationwide audit of states issuing non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses after a series of deadly crashes, including crashes in Wyoming, Florida and California. During his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump said at least 17 fatal crashes in 2025 that killed 30 people involved immigrants living in the country illegally driving commercial vehicles with CDLs.

The Department of Transportation has also threatened to withhold federal funding from states found to be issuing licenses to drivers who are ineligible under federal law. In April, the Transportation Department withheld more than $73 million in federal funding from New York, saying the state failed to revoke commercial driver's licenses issued to drivers who were no longer eligible. Duffy said the move was intended to hold states accountable for ensuring only qualified and properly vetted drivers were allowed behind the wheel of commercial trucks.

"Secretary Duffy is laser-focused on restoring integrity to America's trucking industry by ensuring truck drivers on our roadways are qualified and vetted," a spokesperson for the Transportation Department previously told Fox News Digital. "The Department is going after every link in the chain to root out bad actors, fraudsters and chameleon carriers who put American families at risk."

ILLEGAL ALIEN INDICTED ON MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES IN DAUGHTER'S ROLLOVER CRASH DEATH

Pahira became a trooper for the Pennsylvania State Police in 2007.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro remembered Pahira as "the very best of us," saying the veteran trooper had recently moved back home to help care for his mother as she underwent cancer treatments.

"I spent time with Mike's parents, Patti and Mike, his sister, Jen, and some of his friends and fellow troopers," Shapiro said during a press conference. "They told me about Mike — about how great a man he was, about his high school wrestling record, his love of cooking, and his commitment to caring for his mother as she battles cancer. Just in the last few days, he helped her shave her head as she is going through her treatments."

Hollywood celebrities crash America's 250th birthday with a grim holiday warning about Trump

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 17:46:18 +0000

A group of wealthy Hollywood celebrities and activists marked America’s 250th anniversary by launching a video campaign encouraging Americans to oppose President Donald Trump's administration.

The video, which debuted on Variety, featured dozens of celebrities, including Mark Ruffalo, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ted Danson and Judd Apatow. During the nearly 10-minute video, they recite rules from the 2017 book "On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century," written by author and historian Timothy Snyder.

Toward the start of the video, Snyder warns viewers that this November's midterm elections are a "turning point" for the country, saying voters will either move in the right direction or things will get worse.

MS NOW GUEST ADMITS 'GREAT TREPIDATION' ABOUT CELEBRATING AMERICA'S 250TH, CLAIMS COUNTRY IS BEING DESTROYED

"Today, the Republic is 250 years old. Strange though it is for me, this book has been along with the Republic for the last 10 years. I wrote it in November of 2016," Snyder said in the clip.

"As I look ahead to this coming November, I see a turning point for our Republic," he added. "A time when things could turn very well, or they could turn very ill indeed."

Reading from the book and its suggestions on how a nation turns to tyranny, celebrities recited lines including "Do not obey in advance," delivered by Leslie Odom Jr., Sheryl Lee Ralph and Holland Taylor. Another, "Beware of the one-party state," was read by Isabel Allende and Lisa Rinna.

Actor Mark Ruffalo, known for appearing in Marvel's "Avengers" films, explained his reason for participating in the video when speaking with Variety. Ruffalo has long been an outspoken critic of the Trump administration.

BILLY BOB THORNTON PUSHES BACK ON CELEBRITY ACTIVISM: ‘I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT POLITICS’

"My hope is that after this very bad and corrupt time we are living through now, we move away from a government that caters to the wealthy and powerful and focuses on the needs, desires and dreams of the children and young people," Ruffalo told Variety, later adding, "Keep America moving toward its great promise and not the measly mistakes and cruelty of its past."

MAMDANI BLASTS ICE AGENTS, ELON MUSK AND 'SUPREMACY' IN AMERICA 250 SPEECH AHEAD OF JULY 4 WEEKEND

Ruffalo also called for closing the wealth gap, cherishing the planet and leaving behind the "colonial mindset of land theft, extractive economies, domination and materialism; embrace the Indigenous wisdom and worldview of circular economies, respect for all things and beings as our relatives and, therefore, worthy of our care and thoughtfulness."

Snyder also posted his Substack video to X with the caption: "To celebrate a rebellion is to know that, from a flawed world, we can make new things. We can hold on, we can find each other, and not just imagine but create a much better America. It is a special 250th – it is ours."

Under the description of his video, Snyder directly took aim at the current 250th anniversary celebrations, writing that the leaders behind them represent a "threat to liberty."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

"Sadly, those who lead our official celebration today represent every threat to liberty that the founders named: arbitrary rule; indifference to law; undue accumulation of wealth; corruption of the government to attain that wealth; collusion with foreign powers to attain power," he wrote.

He also listed the participants, including Isabel Allende, Judd Apatow, Margaret Atwood, Joan Baez, Sophia Bush, Misha Collins, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Ted Danson, Ron Funches, Tony Goldwyn, Eric Holder, Jenifer Lewis, Leslie Odom Jr., Sarah Jessica Parker, Billy Porter, Maria Ressa, Lisa Rinna, Molly Ringwald, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Mark Ruffalo, J. Smith-Cameron, Holland Taylor, Viet Thanh Nguyen and Bradley Whitford.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Tens of thousands of far-left protesters clash with police in anti-conservative party riots

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 17:37:02 +0000

Tens of thousands of far-left protesters flooded the streets and clashed with police in the Germany city of Erfurt on Saturday as they protested the conservative Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Videos showed police beating back agitators with batons and deploying anti-riot ordnance as the demonstrators chanted against the country's conservative Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in a massive political rally.

Police said over 30,000 people attended the demonstrations, according to the Associated Press (AP), and people could be seen carrying signs reading "Stop AfD Nazis" and "For Diversity, Against Nazis."

'YOU'RE DESTROYING YOUR COUNTRIES': IS EUROPE FINALLY HEEDING TRUMP'S WARNING ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION?

Despite the tense clashes caught on video, police told news outlets the demonstrations have been "mostly peaceful," and claimed they've recorded approximately 100 law violations, mostly due to graffiti.

The protests coincided with AfD's party conference and leadership elections during which the party, the second largest parliamentary group in Germany's Bundestag parliament, re-elected Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla as the party co-leaders.

The mass demonstrations delayed AfD's vote, prompting Chrupalla to criticize the method in which agitators expressed their dissatisfaction.

THE OLDEST HATRED IS BACK: HOW IT’S CONSUMING EUROPE AND CROSSING THE ATLANTIC

"There are no peaceful seated blockades. There are no democratic roadblocks. Nor are there any gangs of thugs who deserve the harmless label ‘civil society.’ These troublemakers are the last resort of our political rivals," Chrupalla said, according to the AP.

Chrupalla also accused the protesters of acting anti-democratically. "They believe they have a monopoly on democracy. To these demonstrators I say: this democracy is just as much our democracy as it is yours."

A spokesperson for local antifascist group widersetzen explicitly claimed that the group's intention was to block AfD's party convention.

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"The AfD pursues fascist policies: It wants mass deportations and terror on the streets. At the same time, however, it doesn’t solve a single real problem," widersetzen spokesperson Lena Raupach told the AP. "It pursues policies that benefit the rich, not ordinary citizens. And we at widersetzen want a society in which all people have equal opportunities and equal security. We want a society based on solidarity."

AfD, while fighting accusations of extremism from citizens and center-left and center-right politicians in the country's ruling coalition, rejects the notion that it is extreme, arguing it is "being used as a political instrument by mainstream parties," according to the AP.

The party has been experiencing a historic surge in popularity in recent years, grabbing over 20% of the national vote in federal elections in 2025 with an eye on capturing even more in the next election. Some federal polls have the party ranked as the most popular in the country today.

"We will win. Maybe we’ll be able to govern alone soon," Chrupalla said Saturday. "That would send the right message to the enemies of democracy out there who wanted to prevent our party convention from taking place."

Partygoers widely support the conservative moment fashioned by President Donald Trump and the party shares similar stances on social, cultural and domestic issues as the Trump administration, particularly on immigration. Perhaps inspired by Trump's trademark slogan, one party conference attendee Saturday could be seen sporting a "Make Germany Great Again" hat.

Ukraine launches major drone attack again on Russia

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 17:28:13 +0000

The '1776 Diet': What Americans really ate during the nation's founding

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 17:27:47 +0000

Many of the American colonists’ eating habits have made a comeback in recent years. They ate minimally processed, locally sourced whole foods and regularly incorporated organ meats into their meals.

Livestock and many Old World crops had already been introduced to North America by European explorers and settlers during the centuries before the nation's founding.

Early settlers adapted European cooking traditions using ingredients available in North America, the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC) reported.

Indigenous peoples introduced corn to the colonists, and it became a core ingredient in many of their recipes. Beans, squash, and potatoes were among the other crops that became incorporated into colonial cooking, according to the CSPC.

"Cornmeal appeared in dishes such as hasty pudding — a thick porridge similar to polenta — and johnnycakes, simple griddle cakes that were popular from New England to the South," reported History Facts.

Cornmeal Johnnycakes, roast pork and cream cheese are distinctly early-American foods the CSPC has recipes for on its website.

Regional customs and crops greatly influenced what the colonists ate. Rice and okra grew well and was plentiful in the South, where French and African influences also shaped eating habits. Dutch, English and German immigrants largely settled the north and established the region’s culinary traditions.

Seafood such as rockfish and crab dominated the diets of early Maryland settlers, NPR reported.

Meat was a status symbol, local food historian Joyce White told the publication. Beef was prized, and chicken was often saved for egg production.

"If it's your pig or cow coming from your plantation, you don't want to waste it," White said.

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Thomas Jefferson was known for his decadent tastes and a fondness for French wine and macaroni and cheese, reported NPR. Records show that black-eyed peas, turnip greens and ham were also part of the Founding Father's diet.

Salted and preserved fish and meats, including bacon, sausage, liver pudding and offal, were staples of working-class people's diets, while the upper classes indulged in such luxuries as white flour and sugar.

Interest in these traditional foods has resurfaced in recent years as some Americans seek diets centered on whole, minimally processed ingredients.

Advocates of the Make America Healthy Again movement, for instance, have promoted organ meats, or offal, as some of the cheapest and most nutrient-dense foods people can eat.

Stews that evolved as ingredients became available were also common an America's early days.

The amount of alcohol the colonists consumed was "staggering," Adrian Miller, author of "The President's Kitchen Cabinet," told NPR.

"They were very open about how much they were drinking," he said.

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George Washington wrote a recipe for "small beer" in a journal he kept as a young colonel in charge of the Virginia militia during the Seven Years’ War, Fox News Digital previously reported. The New York Public Library houses the journal.

"Small beer," according to the library, derives its name from the small amount of alcohol it contains. It was quick to make, safer to drink because the brewing process helped eliminate bacteria in the water — and it was an "everyday, mainstay beverage," the library reported.

"While the 1776 Diet has some positives — such as emphasizing whole foods, home cooking and fewer ultra-processed foods — it’s not one I’d recommend following too literally," registered dietician Lisa R. Young, adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University, told Fox News Digital.

"Colonial Americans often ate foods like salted ham, organ meats and other preserved meats out of necessity," she said. "Today, we know it’s best to limit processed and cured meats because they’re high in sodium and saturated fat, and organ meats, while nutrient-dense, are best eaten in moderation due to their high cholesterol content."

Focus on the healthiest aspects of the 1776 diet, Young recommended. That includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grains, fish and lean proteins.

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"Of course, you can emulate the Founding Fathers’ diet for the week of the 250th anniversary," she said. "What you eat for a day or a week won’t matter much in the scheme of things."

Some of the Founding Fathers drank a lot of ale, often in the morning, Young noted.

"We shouldn’t emulate that," she said.

Legendary Joey Chestnut wins 18th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest by downing 66 wieners and buns

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 17:20:51 +0000

The legend of Joey Chestnut continues.

Chestnut is now an 18-time Nathan's Hot Dog Eating contest champion after blowing out the competition once again, this time by downing 66 hot dogs and buns in Coney Island.

It is now the 10th consecutive time Chestnut has won the competition; he was barred from the 2024 event due to sponsorship issues.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Chestnut did not run away with it early on, as he was neck and neck with 2024 champ Patrick Bertoletti and James Webb through the first 90 seconds.

But once that time passed, Chestnut began to stretch away from the competition. Through three minutes, Chestnut was at 28, while Webb was at 22, and Bertoletti at 21. But at the halfway mark, Chestnut had eaten 42 hot dogs and had a 10-wiener lead.

JOEY CHESTNUT REVEALS FOODS HE WON'T EAT IN COMPETITION AS HE TOURS MINOR LEAGUE STADIUMS FOR LOCAL DELICACIES

Chestnut remained at record pace (76) with four minutes to go, but like all eating contests, fatigue and full stomachs set in to go along with near-triple-digit heat. Chestnut hit the 60 mark with 60 seconds to go, and officials counted his 66 afterward.

He admitted he knew he would not get the record early on but stayed calm to take home the victory.

Chestnut competed in the event while serving a 180-day probation sentence after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge stemming from drunkenly slapping a man in an Indiana bar earlier this year. He was granted permission to travel to New York for the event.

Miki Sudo won the women's event earlier in the day with 39 dogs and buns; she has won each of the 12 contests she has competed in, with her first way back in 2014.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Cubs host Cardinals as Shota Imanaga and Kyle Leahy give bettors reason to back the over 8

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 17:12:40 +0000

I want to start by mentioning that there may be some bad weather in Chicago, so it is possible that this play never happens. Before you stop reading, they are still likely to get the game in, but I just wanted to give a heads up. A lot worse things could happen than you putting your money on the line and the game getting canceled. Today, we celebrate America, and today we put a play on two teams that combine for red, white, and blue colors as the Cardinals take on the Cubs.

The St. Louis Cardinals are doing very well for themselves this season. In a season where the expectations were almost nonexistent, they have found a way to not only be competitive but look like a potential playoff team. I don't think anyone would necessarily fear them in a five or seven-game series, but I do think the Cardinals are a solid club with a lot going for them at the moment. They are 46-39 and have a winning road record as well. Their offense is solid, specifically their batting average, but they also have a solid number of runs this year, ranking in the exact middle of the majors at 396 runs scored.

Today, we look at their starting pitcher, Kyle Leahy. For the season, Leahy is 6-4 with a 4.09 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP. None of those numbers stand out as overly impressive, and I do have some concern about Leahy's WHIP. If he is allowing that much traffic on the bases, teams are going to have a good chance to put up crooked numbers. He has been worse on the road than at home as well, with a 3-1 record and a 5.35 road ERA. The good news for him is that he put together a very nice June with a 3.76 ERA over the month and only one game where he allowed more than three earned runs. He did face the Cubs earlier this season and allowed one earned run on six hits over 4.1 innings.

The Chicago Cubs have had an interesting season. At one point, they looked like they might be the best team in the league. At another, they looked like they might be the worst team in baseball. They've had two 10-game winning streaks and a 10-game losing streak. That's not really normal. Someone has said you win a third of your games, lose a third, and what you do with the other third is what makes the difference for your season. I think that's probably true with these Cubs. Their pitching staff has been decimated, so they are going to rely on a hot or cold offense to give them their results.

Tonight, they have one of the lone starters for the team who hasn't been injured at any point this year, Shota Imanaga. I've really liked Imanaga over the years, and we've been very profitable with him. However, I do recognize that he's not an Ace, and might not even be someone you want in your rotation for the postseason. He hasn't been very good this year, going 5-6 with a 4.30 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. That WHIP does indicate to me that he could be the bearer of some bad luck, but the 20 homers he has allowed also show me that when he is hit, he is hit hard. He has struggled a bit at home this year, with a 4.55 home ERA. He also was rocked by the Cardinals in his start against them, going 5.1 innings, allowing five earned runs on five hits, including three homers.

This is a game we should get some runs in. The weather may be a factor for getting this game in tonight, but I think the overall weather should give us some solid conditions for the hitters to swing in. I think the Cardinals are very live dogs in this game, and the line of +134 is too good to just ignore, so I'll put a little on that.

The thing is, I don't like either of these pitchers all that much. Leahy gives up a lot of runs, and Imanaga is susceptible to the long ball. I think the smart play in this game is to take the over 8 runs. Both teams have a lot of offensive firepower, so give me the over 8. The wind is going to be blowing in as of right now, which actually favors the Cubs and the under, so bettor beware.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024

Putin Visits Battlefield and Vows to Take More of Ukraine

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 17:11:14 +0000

The Russian leader denounced Ukraine’s “imaginary achievements” on the battlefield of late, calling its leaders “play actors.”

Why the Canada vs Morocco draw at +245 is the best World Cup round of 16 bet you can make today

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 17:09:37 +0000

Happy Independence Day, everyone! Nothing says independence more than the freedom to take our hard-earned money and put it on a sport that most only watch every four years. We do it with the Olympics, and we do it with the World Cup. We’ve had quite a few swings and misses, but we’ve also cashed a couple of solid plus-money plays. Let’s try to do it again.

This marks the start of the round of 16. There aren’t really too many lopsided matches in terms of odds any longer - more on that in a moment. Instead, we should be getting the best teams and solid matches from here on out. Canada vs Morocco is no exception. Canada is here after taking down Saudi Arabia. I haven’t seen much out of our neighbors to the north that I’ve been overly impressed with. They’ve scored at least one goal in every game and gotten two shutouts, so there is some stuff to hang their hat on.

MOROCCO SENDS THE NETHERLANDS HOME WITH DRAMATIC WORLD CUP KNOCKOUT IN PENALTIES

For Morocco, they had a much more difficult task of getting the victory against the Netherlands. They won in penalty kicks, and it was a wild shootout. They also haven’t actually lost a match yet and have just one draw. This should be a tight game, and a draw at +245 is where the value lies, in my opinion. I’m not going to tell you it’s a safe bet, but I think these two teams are a bit more evenly matched, and neither seems to be super aggressive on offense. Give me the draw.

If you watched the Argentina game yesterday, you know that lines don’t always tell you the full story of how things will go. The Argentinians were massive favorites and Cape Verde gave them all they could handle. Argentina won 3-2, but it took extra time to get there. Paraguay has a chance to do that today against France. France is -1600 to advance, meaning even if it goes to penalty kicks, France is still the massive favorite. Paraguay beat Germany in penalty kicks for their win to get here. It was their best game of the tournament.

France has looked unstoppable. They are still the favorites to win the World Cup. If you’ve watched them, and even if you’re not a soccer enthusiast, you can see why. Kylian Mbappe has been dynamic and continues to rack up goals. He is a real threat to Messi and the Golden Boot. He is -205 to score a goal today. I prefer his teammate, Ousmane Dembele. I think so much attention goes to Mbappe, Dembele, who already has four goals himself this tournament, gets less attention and easier looks. I’m going to play him to score at +105.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024

David and Victoria Beckham, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis share an unexpected Fourth of July tradition

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 17:00:54 +0000

David and Victoria Beckham, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis are among the celebrity couples who celebrate more than America's independence on July 4.

Over the years, a number of stars have tied the knot on the patriotic holiday, with some opting for surprise ceremonies and others embracing the festive weekend.

July 4 has also proven to be a lucky anniversary date for several famous pairs whose marriages have lasted for decades.

Here's a look at the stars who said "I do" on Independence Day.

VICTORIA AND DAVID BECKHAM KEEP SPARK ALIVE AFTER 26 YEARS AS FAMILY RIFT LINGERS

David Beckham and Victoria Beckham's July 4, 1999, ceremony was one of the most extravagant celebrity weddings of the late 1990s.

The British couple exchanged vows at Dublin, Ireland's Luttrellstown Castle in a lavish, Robin Hood-themed wedding. After an intimate ceremony attended by 29 guests, the Beckhams were joined by around 230 additional guests for the reception.

At the reception, David and Victoria wore matching cardinal purple Antonio Berardi ensembles, which became one of the most memorable celebrity fashion moments of the era. The soccer star and the Spice Girls member posed on oversized golden thrones, cut their wedding cake with a sword and dressed their then 4-month-old son Brooklyn in purple.

VICTORIA BECKHAM DEFENDS 'VERY TRADITIONAL' APPROACH TO RAISING CHILDREN AMID FAMILY RIFT RUMORS

The pair first met in 1997 after the fashion designer attended one of David's Manchester United matches. In addition to Brooklyn, now 27, the two share sons Romeo, 23, Cruz, 21, and daughter Harper, 14.

In his 2023 Netflix docuseries "Beckham," David joked about their famously over-the-top reception looks.

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"I'm trying to think back to when I decided to wear a purple suit, and I don't know when that happened," he said. "I think I just took Victoria's lead on it, but what were we thinking?"

BROOKLYN BECKHAM’S FAMILY JOURNEY: FROM ‘THE BEST MUM AND DAD IN THE WORLD’ TO A BROKEN RELATIONSHIP

However, Victoria defended the bold fashion choice, saying, "But it was fun."

"We weren't worried about what people were going to say," she continued. "You just want to express yourself, that's just who we were."

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis tied the knot on July 4, 2015, during a private ceremony at The Secret Garden at Parrish Ranch in California.

FOX NEWS ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER: DICK VAN DYKE'S SECRETS TO A LONG LIFE, MILA KUNIS IS HEAD OF HER HOA

The couple never released official wedding photos, and they have not previously shared details about their wedding.

Kunis and Kutcher met as teenagers when they starred on the hit sitcom "That 70s Show" from 1998 to 2006. The actors played the on-again, off-again couple Jackie Burkhart and Michael Kelso. However, they didn't begin dating in real life until 2012.

The pair became engaged in 2014 and share 11-year-old daughter Wyatt and 9-year-old son Dimitri.

JON BON JOVI ‘GOT AWAY WITH MURDER,’ MARTHA STEWART’S ‘AFFAIR’: WILD CELEBRITY MARRIAGE CONFESSIONS OF 2024

The two have both said that their relationship was initially casual. During a 2016 appearance on "The Howard Stern Show," Kunis shared that she and Kutcher never imagined they would eventually become husband and wife.

"We started dating with the idea we were both never going to get married," she told Stern via Vogue magazine. "A year later we were like, ‘Tomorrow let’s [get married.]’ "

Julia Roberts and Danny Moder exchanged vows on July 4, 2002, marrying in a secret midnight ceremony at her sprawling ranch near Taos, New Mexico.

JULIA ROBERTS, HUSBAND DANIEL MODER SEEN TOGETHER ENJOYING KENNEDY CENTER HONORS

Roberts and Moder surprised guests who believed that they were attending a Fourth of July party before learning it was actually the pair's wedding.

The two met on the set of 2001 movie "The Mexican" when Roberts was starring opposite Brad Pitt and Moder was working as a camera operator. The couple share twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, 21, and son Henry, 19.

In October 2022, Roberts told "CBS Mornings that being a homemaker is her "full-time job" when she's not working.

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"It isn’t rainbows and kittens every day, but it does bring me a lot of joy," she said.

The "Ocean's Eleven" added that being an actress has "never consumed" her. "It is my dream come true, but it is not my only dream come true," she explained.

"The life that I have built with my husband, the life that we’ve built with our children, that’s the best stuff. To come home at the end of the day, triumphantly, to them."

FOX NEWS ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER: JEFF BEZOS, LAUREN SÁNCHEZ MARRIED, SUZANNE SOMERS' WIDOWER DATING AGAIN

Billy Joel surprised guests by marrying longtime girlfriend Alexis Roderick during their annual Fourth of July party at his Long Island estate in 2015.

At the time, Roderick was pregnant with the couple's first child, daughter Della Rose, who was born about a month later.

The couple's ceremony was officiated by the music icon's longtime friend, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

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Joel and the former financial advisor began dating in 2009 after first meeting in 2009 at a restaurant in Huntington, New York. In addition to Della Rose, now 10, they share daughter Remy Anne, 8.

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne exchanged vows in a private ceremony in Maui, Hawaii, on July 4, 1982.

The pair first met in 1970 through Sharon's father, Don Arden, who was managing Ozzy’s then newly formed band, Black Sabbath at the time.

Sharon later took over as Ozzy's manager after helping him relaunch his career following his departure from Black Sabbath. Their professional relationship blossomed into romance, and they began dating in 1979.

Over the years, the late rocker joked that Sharon chose to have their wedding on Independence Day so he'd "never forget" his anniversary. In a 2001 interview with Q magazine, Ozzy recalled being heavily intoxicated during their nuptials.

"I was legless that day," he said. "There were seven bottles of Hennessy [cognac] in the wedding cake. Nobody would eat it. I had a slice and was pissed for a week!"

The couple welcomed three children together: daughters Aimee, 42, and Kelly, 41, and son Jack, 40. Their family later became household names when they starred in MTV's hit reality series "The Osbournes."

Ozzy and Sharon remained married for more than four decades, weathering addiction, health challenges and public scrutiny together until the musician's death in July 2025.

Tina Turner and German music executive Erwin Bach exchanged vows on July 4, 2013, in an intimate ceremony at the singer's estate on Lake Zurich in Switzerland after nearly three decades together.

The couple had been in a relationship for 27 years before deciding to marry, celebrating the occasion with close family and friends.

Guests reportedly dressed in white for the wedding, while Turner wore a custom Giorgio Armani gown featuring shades of green and black.

In 2017, Bach donated one of his kidneys to Turner after she suffered kidney failure, a gesture the legendary singer described in her memoir as giving her "a second chance at life."

The couple remained married until Turner's death in May 2023, capping one of entertainment's most enduring love stories.

Vanessa Williams and businessman Jim Skrip tied the knot on July 4, 2015, in Buffalo, New York, celebrating their wedding in the bride's hometown. The actress and singer met Skrip by chance while the two were vacationing in Egypt, with Williams later recalling that their unexpected encounter blossomed into a lasting romance.

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The duo's Independence Day ceremony was a family affair, with Williams' four children from her previous marriages playing important roles in the celebration. The intimate wedding reflected the couple's close-knit bond as they exchanged vows surrounded by family and friends.

The following year, Williams and Skrip renewed their vows during a Catholic ceremony after the actress received an annulment from one of her previous marriages. The second ceremony allowed the couple to reaffirm their commitment in the Catholic Church.

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Tom Hardy and actress Charlotte Riley tied the knot on July 4, 2014, during an intimate ceremony attended by close family and friends at Château de Roussan in Provence, France.

The British actors first met while filming the 2009 television adaptation of "Wuthering Heights," in which Hardy portrayed Heathcliff and Riley starred as Cathy Earnshaw.

Known for keeping their relationship largely out of the public eye, Hardy and Riley have rarely spoken about their marriage or family life.

Since exchanging vows, Hardy and Riley have welcomed two children together, whose names they have kept private. Hardy is also father to son Louis, 18, from a previous relationship.

Virginia, Montana top list of most patriotic states in new survey before America’s 250th

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 17:00:49 +0000

Which states are the most patriotic in the United States? The least? Personal finance company WalletHub released a survey in mid-June ranking all 50 states, using a methodology incorporating more than a dozen indicators.

Virginia was ranked as the most patriotic state overall, ranking third in terms of military engagement, and seventh in civic engagement.

"For every 100,000 civilians in Virginia, there are nearly 1,761 active-duty military personnel, the third-most in the country. And for every 1,000 civilians, there are nearly 103 veterans, the second-most in the country," WalletHub reported.

WalletHub Financial Writer Adam McCann explained the findings in a June 15 report headlined, "Most Patriotic States in America," where he wrote, "In order to determine where Americans have the most red, white and blue pride on Independence Day and during the rest of the year, WalletHub compared the states across 13 key indicators of patriotism."

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"Our data set ranges from the state’s military enlistees and veterans to the share of adults who voted in the 2024 presidential election to AmeriCorps volunteers per capita."

The report added that on the civic side of the equation, Virginia has "a high voter turnout rate, with 72.9% of residents having voted in the 2024 presidential election, compared to the national average of 66%. To top things off, Virginia has the fifth-highest number of peace corps volunteers per capita, and it is one of the many states that require a standalone course in civics for high school graduation."

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo told readers, "The most patriotic states have a lot of residents who serve or have served in the armed forces, high voter turnouts during elections, and a high share of the population volunteering with national or local organizations. Patriotism also isn’t concentrated in any one particular area – the top states are located in vastly different geographic regions."

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Montana was rated the second-most patriotic state, "in part because it has a relatively large voter turnout. 69.2% of the state’s voting population turned out for the 2024 presidential election, and nearly 46% voted in the 2020 primary election (the highest primary turnout in the country)."

It also ranked second in jury service, the second-highest number of Americorps volunteers and a relatively high 37% of residents volunteering for an organization in general.

Rounding out the top five overall were Vermont, Colorado and Oregon.

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The least patriotic states, according to the study, were Arkansas in 50th overall, followed by New York, Louisiana, and Alabama.

The survey claimed, according to its methodology, that the 19 "blue" states that voted for Kamala Harris in 2024 were on average more patriotic than the 31 that went for election victor President Donald Trump.

The country's three largest blue states in 2024 — Illinois (37th), California (40th) and New York (49th) — all were relatively low in the survey.

Sofía Vergara, Arnold Schwarzenegger and more celebrities who became US citizens

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 17:00:32 +0000

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, a number of stars have become U.S. citizens over the years.

Stars including, Jim Carrey, Pamela Anderson and Ryan Reynolds are among the celebrities who hold dual citizenship. Back in 2004, Carrey shared a statement honoring the United States for helping define his career.

"This country has helped define me and make my dreams come true," Carrey said at the time, according to Today. "I have no intention of giving up my Canadian heritage, and all those who loved and supported me."

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"My upbringing in Canada made me the person I am. I will always be proud to be a Canadian," he added.

Below is a look at other stars who have gained U.S. citizenship.

Liam Neeson was born in Northern Ireland. After the death of his wife, Natasha Richardson, in 2009, the actor explained that tragedy sparked him to get his American citizenship.

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"That is partly the reason why I've recently become an American citizen," Neeson said on "Good Morning America" at the time. "I've been living here for 20 years and America's been very, very good to me."

He added, "I'm still a proud Irishman, of course, but I've become an American citizen — I'm very proud of that."

Sofía Vergara revealed she gained her U.S. citizenship in 2014 during an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

Vergara, who was born in Colombia, told Kimmel at the time that she passed the citizenship test.

"They make you [jump through hoops] because they have to make sure that you deserve to be part of the country. The most interesting thing for me was, they give you like a hundred questions that you have to learn, and then they give you a quiz, like a test ... I got all questions perfect," Vergara said.

Charlize Theron, who was born in South Africa, has her U.S. citizenship, but told David Letterman in 2008 that the process wasn't easy for her.

"Well, I've always wanted to be [a citizen] they just didn't want to take me. It's quite a process you have to work hard, you know, study up," Theron said at the time. "Then finally I was approved and you have to go in and do an interview. You have to know your stuff."

In 2018, Arnold Schwarzenegger honored the 35th anniversary of becoming an American citizen in a post on X.

"35 years ago today, I became a citizen of the United States of America. I arrived here almost 50 years ago with empty pockets, but full of dreams. I owe it all to America. It was, without a doubt, one of the proudest days of my life," Schwarzenegger captioned his post at the time.

The former Republican governor of California was born in Austria.

Emily Blunt became a U.S. citizen in 2015. At the time, Blunt was a guest on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and shared that she was sworn in with her husband, John Krasinski, in the crowd. Blunt, who was born in London, shared that Matthew McConaughey's wife, Camila Alves, was also sworn in at the same ceremony.

Alves, who was born in Brazil, officially became a U.S. citizen in 2015.

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For the five-year anniversary, Alves took to Instagram to share what the milestone meant to her.

"Five years ago I was grateful to receive my American citizenship and everyday I am proud to be a part of this country. For the soldiers and workers who have fought hard for our rights and freedom thank you, today and everyday," she wrote.

In 2004, Pamela Anderson became a dual citizen of Canada and America.

According to People, Anderson shared a statement at the time. "I felt it was important to become a U.S. citizen in order to vote in the United States."

"U.S. citizenship will allow me, in the future, to petition to bring my children's grandparents down to the United States to care for them once they become older," she continued. "I have no intention of giving up my citizenship in Canada and am very proud to be a Canadian."

Billy Idol, the British rockstar, has been a citizen of the U.S. since 2018.

At the time, the official X account of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services shared a post on X to honor Idol.

"It’s a nice day for a naturalization ceremony. Congratulations Billy Idol on becoming a #newUScitizen today in Los Angeles, CA," the account captioned the post.

Ryan Reynolds, who was born in Canada, became a dual citizen in 2018. In 2020, he put his American rights to use and voted in the presidential election for the first time.

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"This is my first time voting in America. I’d like to thank my wife Blake for making my first time so gentle and loving. It was super scary at first, then exciting and now I’m a little tired. But proud," he wrote alongside a photo with his wife, Blake Lively.

According to 12 News, Michael J. Fox was born in Alberta, Canada and became a U.S. citizen in 2000.

Salma Hayek, who was born in Mexico, became a naturalized citizen of the U.S. in 2013, according to US Weekly.

In 2010, Hayek told V Magazine that she stayed in America after her visa expired and was temporarily an illegal immigrant. "It was for a small period of time but I still did it," she said at the time.

Pierce Brosnan became a citizen of the United States in 2004, according to 12 News.

In 2020, Daniel Craig revealed that he became a U.S. citizen.

At the "Knives Out" premiere, Craig spoke about his status as a British immigrant in America. "Everyone is an immigrant in this country. I’m an immigrant. I’m an American. We’re all immigrants," he said at the time, according to People.

America's next 250 years begin in the classroom

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:58:39 +0000

As America marks its 250th anniversary, we have an opportunity to reflect on one of history’s greatest experiments.

The Founders established a nation unlike any the world had ever seen, not built on inherited privilege, but on the belief that every person possesses God-given, inalienable rights. They believed that free people would accomplish more than concentrated political power ever could. That vision transformed the world.

The United States has lifted more people into prosperity than any other nation. No country has produced more innovation. America has consistently led the world in charitable giving, volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and scientific advancement. Millions have come because the American Dream is unique: the freedom to build a better life through opportunity.

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Yet today, something has shifted in our national outlook.

A growing number of young Americans are skeptical of capitalism and more confident in government solutions. That should concern every American, not because government has no role, but because a free society depends on citizens who understand why liberty, limited government, personal responsibility, and free enterprise have produced more opportunity than any alternative.

So how did we get here? Much of the answer lies in the classroom.

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Many students leave school without mastering the skills needed to succeed in college, the workforce, and life. At the same time, schools increasingly emphasize America’s shortcomings while giving comparatively little attention to the extraordinary ideas that transformed the world: constitutional government, individual liberty, free markets, religious freedom, and equal opportunity under the law.

America has never been perfect.

But it remains one of humanity’s greatest success stories because its founding principles have unleashed unprecedented freedom, innovation, opportunity, and prosperity, allowing each generation to build on what came before.

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Young Americans face legitimate challenges. Housing is less affordable. Inflation has strained budgets. College graduates carry significant debt. Starting a family feels increasingly unattainable. It’s understandable that government solutions may sound appealing.

America’s strength has never come from creating citizens who depend on government. It has come from educating citizens capable of governing themselves. That kind of freedom cannot be legislated; it must be learned.

And it begins with an education that equips young people to think critically, work diligently, embrace responsibility, and shape their own future.

If we want to preserve America’s future, our greatest investment should not be in elections every few years. It should be in educating the next generation, academically, morally, and civically.

Recently, I had two conversations with students that illustrated this difference.

One spoke exclusively about America’s shortfalls. The conversation was marked by the belief that solutions to life’s challenges would come primarily from government. There was little discussion of personal responsibility, opportunity, or the hope that can be built through hard work and service to others.

The other, educated in a classical Christian school, spoke of beauty, goodness, and truth. Our conversation centered on purpose, character, faith, and using one’s gifts to serve others and strengthen communities. It was grounded not in resentment, but in responsibility, not in despair, but in hope.

America’s education challenge is no longer only about declining reading and math scores – though those should concern every parent. It is also about whether we are cultivating young men and women who believe they have both the ability and the responsibility to shape their own futures.

Too many young Americans are graduating without the academic preparation to succeed, without a meaningful understanding of our nation’s founding principles, and without confidence that the American Dream is still within reach. At the very moment they should be entering adulthood with optimism, many instead feel disillusioned, anxious, and convinced their future depends more on government than on their own initiative, perseverance, and ingenuity.

Parents recognize this. Across the country, families are seeking schools that not only deliver academic excellence, but also cultivate character, civic understanding, personal responsibility, and hope. They want environments that prepare children not merely to earn a living, but to live with purpose and to become thoughtful citizens capable of sustaining a free society.

That is why the Education Freedom Tax Credit may become one of the most important educational reforms of our generation.

Beginning in 2027, Americans can receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for contributions to qualified scholarship organizations that help students attend the school that best meets their needs. Rather than expanding another federal program, this initiative empowers private generosity, strengthens civil society, and gives parents greater freedom to choose the education they believe is best for their children.

It is a uniquely American solution: using voluntary charitable giving to expand educational opportunity rather than placing more decisions in the hands of government.

As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, our responsibility extends beyond the courage of the Founders. We must ensure that the next generation understands the principles that made their achievement possible.

Freedom survives only when each generation chooses to preserve it.

If we truly believe in liberty, opportunity, and the American Dream, there may be no more important investment we can make than helping every child access an education that prepares them to preserve and improve the greatest experiment in self-government the world has ever known.

The next 250 years of America will be shaped not merely by the laws we pass, but by the children we educate.

Williams sisters withdraw from Wimbledon doubles after Serena suffers knee injury

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:45:57 +0000

The Williams' sisters' return to competitive tennis as a duo is over before it started.

In their first Grand Slam doubles competition together in nearly four years, Serena, 44, and Venus were forced to withdraw from the Wimbledon doubles after the younger Serena's knee injury.

Serena was injured during her singles return earlier in the week — in a three-set loss.

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"I’m heartbroken to have to withdraw from doubles. Coming back to compete again has been a gift, and the opportunity to play alongside @venuswilliams once more meant the world to me. I did everything I could but unfortunately my knee just isn’t ready to compete," Serena said in an Instagram post.

The post included images of four syringes that Serena said "shows the fluid they drained from my knee after my singles match." An accompanying video showed her walking with strapping up and down her right leg and what appeared to be one of her daughters holding a cane for her.

However, with the U.S. Open approaching, Serena indicated she could play again somewhere else soon.

"All I can say," Serena said, "is stay tuned to a city near you."

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The Williams sisters — Venus is 46 — were scheduled to play Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra. It was the only first-round doubles match that wasn't scheduled earlier in the week, having been pushed back to give Serena more time to recover.

Serena was beaten 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 by 20-year-old Maya Joint of Australia on Tuesday in her major return.

The Williams sisters are six-time champions as partners in women's doubles at Wimbledon. It was the first time they teamed up at Wimbledon since winning it in 2016. It was also the first time they had teamed up since the 2022 U.S. Open, which they lost in the first round.

Together, they have 14 grand slam titles, as well as three Olympic gold medals, as a team and never lost a final.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Washington's July 4 parade is off. The fireworks are still on

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:42:10 +0000

Organizers called off the Independence Day Parade late Friday, citing an extreme heat warning with temperatures expected to reach up to 115 degrees. The evening fireworks display remains scheduled.

(Image credit: Rahmat Gul)

Opinion: Sports is one of America's greatest traditions and a powerful force that unites us

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:27:12 +0000

For 250 years, the United States has stood strong as the world’s greatest experiment in freedom. Our history has been marked by triumph and tragedy, prosperity and hardship, division and unity. Through it all, one uniquely American institution has consistently reminded us of what binds us together: sports.

Whether it’s a Friday night high school football game in a small Texas town, the NCAA Tournament captivating millions every March with Cinderella stories, the World Series providing memorable October moments, the Super Bowl bringing together friends and family for a house party, or Team USA competing on the world’s biggest stage in the Olympics or World Cup, sports have become woven into the fabric of American life. They are more than mere entertainment. Sports are one of the greatest expressions of the American spirit.

Sports transcend politics, race, religion, income, and geography in a way that few other institutions can. Republicans, Democrats, gay, straight, black, or white, sit side by side in stadiums, arenas and sports bars across the country. People from every ethnic and socio-economic background wear the same team colors. Families pass down team allegiances through generations. Millions of Americans who disagree on nearly everything politically and culturally can celebrate together when their team wins a championship or a big game.

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Few things unite Americans like sports.

That unity isn’t accidental. Sports reward values that America itself was founded upon: hard work, perseverance, sacrifice, accountability, teamwork, and merit. On the field, court, diamond, or rink, success isn’t determined by social status or political influence. It’s earned through preparation, discipline, and performance.

President Ronald Reagan once said:

"There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit."

That philosophy is lived out every day in sports.

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Critics often portray sports as merely kids' games that are a way for fans to kill a few hours in any given day, but history tells a different story.

Sports have frequently served as a catalyst for positive social progress.

When Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947, he demonstrated courage, dignity, and excellence under unimaginable pressure. His success didn’t erase America’s racial problems overnight, but it helped change countless hearts and minds in ways politics alone never could.

Decades later, athletes from every race would become teammates, friends, and role models for millions of children growing up across America.

When America was ruthlessly attacked on September 11, 2001, sports brought healing. Athletes from almost every sport ran out of the tunnel and onto the field proudly carrying the American flag.

I will never forget watching Sammy Sosa sprint out with a tiny American flag in hand at Wrigley Field, or President George W. Bush taking the field to the roars of Americans desperately yearning for a sense of normalcy after a tragedy, before he threw out quite possibly the greatest first pitch in American history.

Recently, courageous athletes like Riley Gaines have showcased the power of the American spirit by relentlessly fighting to keep women sports female.

College athletics have also opened educational opportunities for generations of young Americans through scholarships and NIL (Name Image and Likeness) deals that have changed the trajectory of entire families.

Professional sports have provided countless athletes with platforms to invest in charities, mentor youth, rebuild neighborhoods, and support military families, first responders, and disaster relief efforts.

Sports have repeatedly shown their power to bring about positive social change and improvement.

For generations, sports have also celebrated something increasingly rare in modern culture: unapologetic love of country.

Legendary football coach Bear Bryant famously said:

"If anything goes bad, I did it. If anything goes semi-good, then we did it. If anything goes really good, then you did it."

That servant leadership mirrors the values that have long defined successful American communities.

Hall of Fame coach John Wooden reminded athletes:

"Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable."

His message wasn’t simply about basketball. It was about personal responsibility.

Many of America’s greatest athletes have also spoken openly about their gratitude for the country that gave them these exceptional opportunities.

Olympic legend Michael Phelps said after representing Team USA:

"Every time I put on the USA cap, it’s an honor."

Before the United States hockey team’s legendary victory over the Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics, coach Herb Brooks reminded his players:

"Great moments are born from great opportunity."

His team shocked the world in the "Miracle on Ice," a victory that became far more than a hockey game. At the height of the Cold War, it symbolized American resilience, determination, and the belief that free people, united by a common purpose, could accomplish what seemed to be impossible.

No athlete better exemplified love of country through action than Pat Tillman. In 2002, at the height of his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals, Tillman turned down a multi-million-dollar contract extension to enlist in the U.S. Army following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Tillman selflessly and patriotically sacrificed his life serving our country. His decision to put service above fame and fortune has become one of the most powerful examples of patriotism in American sports history.

While far too many athletes, coaches, and mainstream sports media personalities tell us that America is not a nation to be proud of, these moments remind Americans that wearing "USA" across your chest still means something and being American is something to take pride in.

Like America, sports succeed when they remain rooted in fairness, competition, and excellence.

The playing field works because rules apply equally to everyone. Winning is earned, not awarded. Organizations, coaches, and general managers, select players based on merit. Fans admire greatness regardless of background because excellence speaks for itself.

Preserving fair competition, including maintaining clear competitive categories and protecting the integrity of women’s sports, as I mentioned earlier, is essential to preserving public trust in athletics.

Sports are strongest when they emphasize shared identity as teammates and fellow Americans rather than encouraging people to see one another primarily through political or demographic divisions.

Reasonable people can disagree on specific policies, but the underlying goal remains preserving sports as a place where Americans compete together under common, just rules.

When sports are an outlet away from petty politics, they exemplify why they are one of the greatest aspects in this country’s 250-year history.

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As America celebrates 250 years of independence, sports remain one of our nation’s greatest success stories.

They teach children to work hard.

They teach humility in victory.

They teach resilience and respect in defeat.

They create friendships and connections between people who otherwise may never have met.

They include awe-inspiring military flyovers, honor first responders, celebrate veterans, raise millions for charity, and give communities reasons to gather together.

Perhaps most importantly, sports remind us that while Americans may disagree on many issues, they can come together in the name of competition and a common cultural interest.

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In an age increasingly defined by division, that may be one of the greatest victories of all.

For 250 years, sports have stood among America's greatest traditions. Not simply because of the games themselves, but because they reflect the very best of who we are as a nation. They unite generations, communities, and people from every walk of life under one flag, one team, and one shared experience. Whether competing on the field or cheering from the stands, Americans are reminded of the values that have always defined this country: hard work, perseverance, sacrifice, teamwork, opportunity, and the belief that no matter where you come from or what challenges you've faced, greatness isn't inherited; it's earned.

In a nation often divided, sports continue to do something few things can: bring Americans together.

Mike Lawler predicts voters will soundly reject radical socialist 'politics of envy' in midterms

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:27:10 +0000

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., predicted defeat for far-left candidates in the upcoming midterm elections, expressing confidence that American voters will reject what he described as the rising "politics of envy."

Speaking on "Fox & Friends Weekend," Lawler echoed President Donald Trump's warning about the growth of far-left ideology in America during his Mount Rushmore address.

"For some, the politics of envy and jealousy are rising. But I fundamentally believe in the goodness of America and the American people. And they will reject this soundly in November in the midterms," Lawler said Saturday.

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Trump spoke at Mount Rushmore on Friday to kick off a weekend of celebrations for the nation's 250th anniversary of independence. During his address, the president offered the following warning:

"As we approach this magnificent anniversary, we see our American identity under a renewed attack. A generation after we fought and won the Cold War against the menace of communism, there is now a resurgence of the communist menace in our land," he said.

Trump said that he would not allow the nation to turn to communism, which he called the "greatest threat to our country." He added that after 250 years, the American dream will continue.

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"After 250 years, American freedom still rings. The American dream still lives. And the American flag still flies more proudly than ever before," he said.

Lawler noted that Democratic socialist candidates have won several primary victories across the country in recent months, including in his home state of New York. He argued the recent victories, along with what he described as anti-American sentiments, are "desecrating" the vision of the Founding Fathers ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary.

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House Speaker Mike Johnson offered a similar warning after several far-left candidates won primaries in New York. He argued it is a "very serious time" for the nation and that communism is now "on our own shores."

"The Marxists have nominated some of the most radical candidates to ever run for office, and they're running for Congress," Johnson said at a news conference. "The insurgent left is on the rise."

Still, despite the concerns, Lawler believes political divides shouldn't tear the country apart.

"As we move forward and embark on our next 250 years, this is the greatest country on the face of the Earth. And no matter our differences, no matter the politics of the moment, the fact is we should all be grateful for living in the United States of America."

World leaders, dignitaries pay tribute to America on historic 250th birthday

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:15:37 +0000

America's role in world affairs and its special relationships with allies and partners were on full display Saturday as world leaders offered congratulations and praise while the U.S. celebrated its 250th birthday.

"This year marks a truly historic milestone and a moment of great celebration for Americans everywhere," The United Kingdom's King Charles III wrote in a statement . "It offers an opportunity to pause and reflect on the remarkable journey of the United States over the past two and a half centuries, and to honour all that has been achieved since 1776."

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Pope Leo XIV, leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, extended his "heartfelt congratulations" to the American people on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

"In marking this anniversary, it is important to recognize that freedom of religion has long been central to the American promise, protecting both individual dignity and the peaceful coexistence of a diverse people," Leo wrote in a statement.

In France, authorities illuminated the Eiffel Tower in red, white and blue in what Paris described as a "heartfelt tribute to America's 250th anniversary" and "a powerful reminder that the friendship between our two nations dates back to the 18th century."

German Chancellor Frederik Merz emphasized that the United States was "founded on freedom, democracy, and responsibility.

"Germany and the USA have always enjoyed a close friendship. Especially in challenging times, our transatlantic partnership remains indispensable," he wrote on X.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote that July 4th marks "one of humanity's brightest, strongest, and most influential dreams – the American Dream of an independent, free, and prosperous nation that defends people's freedom, faith, and the pursuit of happiness."

Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry shared a statement from President Vladimir Putin to his American counterpart: "Donald, I wish you and your loved ones health, well-being and every success, and I wish all citizens of the United States happiness and prosperity."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday spoke with President Trump to congratulate him and the United States.

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"The prime minister said in their conversation that the U.S. is a guarantor of global freedom, and Israel greatly values the close ties between nations," according to a statement from Netanyahu's office.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee at the American embassy in Jerusalem on Friday.

"I am extremely moved and happy to be here at the American Embassy in Jerusalem, the capital of the State of Israel, at the Embassy which was launched by President Trump in his historic recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital," said Herzog. "American Independence is one of the greatest moments in history, and it has changed the fate of humanity."

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In a letter to Trump, Herzog wrote, "This is also a time to express our deepest appreciation for the unique and unbreakable partnership between the United States of America and Israel. Our two nations draw from the same wellsprings of the Bible, and we share the same fundamental values of freedom, democracy, and human dignity."

Argentina’s President Javier Milei attended the U.S. Embassy in Argentina’s Independence Day celebration, which included the national anthems of both countries, live music, and celebrity lookalikes.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi noted that her country had gifted America 250 cherry trees . "Going forward, Japan and the United States will continue to work together to further strengthen the bonds between our two countries," she wrote on X.

Hsiao Bi-khim, vice president of Taiwan, threw the first pitch at an American Institute in Taiwan baseball event celebrating America’s founding. "Our countries share beliefs in freedom & democracy, & baseball is loved by both our peoples. Congrats and Happy July 4," she wrote.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, said the "journey of the United States’ founding is one of determination and resolve , values that continue to underpin the enduring partnership and mutual trust our countries share today."

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a cable of congratulations to Trump, wishing the president "continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of the US steady progress and prosperity."

Pakistan , which is acting as a mediator in ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran, extended "warmest congratulations and best wishes to the United States of America and its people on its 250th Independence Day."

Qatar, another mediator in the talks with the Iranian regime, released a statement from HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani who sent a cable of "congratulations to HE President of the United States of America Donald Trump on the anniversary of his country's Independence Day."

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said the Declaration of Independence "gave birth to a new nation founded on the ideals of liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

"For 250 years, our transatlantic partnership has been shaped by our shared values and family bonds. And, at times, it has been strengthened by the immense bravery and lives lost in the defence of freedom," she added.

July 4 heat delays America 250 celebration as State Fair guests share love of USA

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:15:00 +0000

The Great American State Fair was postponed Saturday after multiple people reportedly fainted onsite the day before, forcing thousands of visitors to pivot during celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary.

Friday's medical emergencies required onsite attention as crowds flocked to the nation’s capital for Independence Day.

The fair reopened later on Friday evening, but was postponed again on Saturday.

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Fox News Digital asked attendees what it took to get to the capital, and what they made of the closure.

"We are so blessed to live in the best country in the world," Whitney Thomas, a mother from North Carolina who traveled with her family for the Great American State Fair, told Fox News Digital on Friday.

Despite the weather closure, she said her family was able to enjoy the State Fair Thursday evening and planned to wait out the heat in nearby museums until the fair reopened.

"I wanted my kids, who are 9 and 10, to be able to experience this with us," she said.

Brad Shultis, a retired Marine who traveled from Stafford, Virginia, expressed frustration over the decision to halt festivities.

"You cannot tell me that America was won by shutting things down when it gets hot," he told Fox News Digital.

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"It gets hot and we shut it down because it's hot? Who cares? If it's too hot, stay home."

Shultis noted that he drove to Springfield and took the Metro just to be turned away right after buying lunch. He questioned the decision to shut down the celebration of America's 250th anniversary, arguing that if people find the weather too hot, they should simply stay home or seek medical help rather than forcing a mass evacuation for those who spent time and money to get there.

Wendy Lamb, who traveled eight hours from Connecticut with her family to support the state’s booth, noted that organizers were likely worried about the intense conditions and simply did not want visitors to suffer.

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While disappointed that her home state did not send official representation due to budget issues, Lamb and her fellow travelers refused to let the heat ruin their first trip to Washington, D.C.

"We’ve had a really, really fun time so far," added John, another member of the group.

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He said they plan to navigate the heat by moving from museum to museum and using the Metro system to stay cool until the gates reopen.

For these visitors, the setback was minor compared to the emotional weight of seeing the U.S. Capitol and the Rotunda.

"I mean we are so fortunate we are free, and yet we have people out there that hate our country ... it's very emotional," said Pat Lamb, who fanned her face to stop tears welling in her eyes as she described the pride she felt for the nation.

The decision to close the fairgrounds aligns with severe weather protocols designed to prevent mass casualty medical events.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat can quickly impair the body’s ability to cool itself, causing internal temperatures to rise faster than they can dissipate.

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When exposure to extreme conditions triggers a heat-related illness, symptoms can escalate rapidly from heat exhaustion — marked by heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea and fainting — to a life-threatening medical emergency, per the CDC.

The most severe risk is heat stroke, which occurs when the body's cooling mechanism fails entirely, potentially driving core body temperatures to 103°F or higher within minutes.

To prevent severe complications like permanent organ damage or death, the CDC advises that anyone exhibiting warning signs such as confusion, slurred speech or a loss of consciousness should receive immediate medical treatment.

Public health officials urge individuals in high-heat environments to seek shade, stay heavily hydrated, and identify air-conditioned cooling centers.

The Funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:12:23 +0000

Iran’s new leaders are commemorating Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed on the first day of the U.S.-Israeli war against the country, with a funeral unlike any other in recent history.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding: Leaked details reveal inside look as photos capture A-list departures

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:08:24 +0000

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding is officially over, and now more details are beginning to surface.

From recaps of the star-studded affair to photos of those same stars leaving Madison Square Garden Friday night after the nuptials, onlookers are getting a clearer picture of exactly how the couple managed to pull off the massive event.

In a since-deleted post viewed by Fox News Digital, AMC Theaters CEO Adam Aron wrote extensively about the wedding, saying, "It did not look like Madison Square Garden."

TAYLOR SWIFT'S RUMORED MADISON SQUARE GARDEN WEDDING FACES ONE MASSIVE HURDLE, CELEBRITY PLANNER WARNS

"Immediately upon entry, everything… floors, walls, ceilings… was draped in peach and white," he wrote. "Large blown up pictures of Taylor and Travis at each age, year by year from one year-old to late teenager-hood, were on display."

He explained that "a small portion of MSG was cordoned off, devoid of any notion that that a basketball or hockey game ever shared that space," and "somehow magically, someone created an outdoor garden at a lush countryside retreat. Everything draped off this time in green and white. Real flowers and I think artificial trees welcomed fifteen rows of maybe 75 or so chairs."

He added, "They say there were around one thousand attendees, but surprisingly, it all felt intimate and small. Everything was close."

Aron recounted that "relaxing and mellow romantic songs" were played before the ceremony began, when "a few violins and cello ushered in the wedding party."

According to the CEO, Kelce wore a white tux, while Swift wore "a stunning white wedding dress with a long veiled train."

He didn't name the couple's officiant, Adam Sandler, but he did say that he "talked and sang," and that he was "warm and welcoming, funny and eloquent."

"Then the vows," he continued. "Long, entertaining, personal, charming, emotional, irreverent and endearing explorations by each as to how they met, why they want to be with each other for all eternity, the promises they made in joining their much-beloved two whole families (Kelce’s and Swift’s) as one, and committing to their new mutual life together."

He also said that Swift and Kelce's "profound love" for each other was clear throughout the ceremony. He called their first kiss a "sweep you off your feet kiss."

The reception afterward, Aron claimed, also had the garden theme with "superb food and drink" and "music, music, music."

"I wish you all could have been there with me, to witness real, pure, true joy," he told his followers.

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LBC News had a quick chat with Swift's aunt, Robin Gentry, as she left the wedding. Gentry said with a laugh, "They cried, and they laughed, and they danced, and they hugged, and they kissed."

Another guest, country singer Maren Morris, shared a photo of a handkerchief given out at the wedding. It features the logo created for the event with the date and city, along with the lyrics "So it's gonna be forever …" from Swift's "Blank Space."

While onlookers saw workers moving supplies into Madison Square Garden for days leading up to the wedding, confirmation of the event only came after Swift and Kelce said "I do."

Signs outside the arena turned pink and read "JUST&T MARRIED" Friday evening, and shortly after, Swift's rep shared some details with People.

According to her rep, both Swift and Kelce wore looks created by Christian Dior Haute Couture "in close collaboration with the Bride and Groom." The shoes they wore were custom-made by Christian Louboutin, and Swift wore jewelry from Cartier.

It was also shared that they didn't have a traditional wedding party made of bridesmaids and groomsmen. Instead, Swift's brother, Austin, was her "Man of Honor," while Kelce's own brother, Jason, acted as his best man.

Ahead of the wedding, it was rumored that Swift and Kelce would host over 1,000 guests. Many were seen heading to Madison Square Garden Friday evening, and beginning around 10 p.m., guests started leaving the venue. Other attendees didn't depart the arena until the wee hours of Saturday morning.

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Stars like Tom Hanks, Paul McCartney (who was rumored to perform at the reception), Steven Spielberg, Paul Rudd, Selena Gomez and more were seen exiting the wedding dressed to the nines.

Other celebrities like Kelsea Ballerini, Ed Sheeran and Jennifer Lopez were seen arriving earlier, proving that the wedding was quite the A-list affair.

WILLIAM BENNETT, JOSEPH BENNETT: What the Fourth of July really calls us to do

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:00:43 +0000

There is a habit of mind that built this country: the willingness to risk everything for what you will not live to see. That is the central lesson of the founding. The founders called it virtue, and they staked their lives on it — pledging their sacred honor with a firm reliance on divine Providence. Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of men put their names to a declaration that could have been their death warrant, because they believed people could govern themselves and that no king held a birthright to rule them.

Arrayed against the colonies stood the greatest empire on earth — a professional army of more than 50,000 British regulars and hired Hessians, hundreds of cannons, and the most powerful navy in the world. Against it: a ragged Continental Army of farmers and tradesmen, no more than ten to fifteen thousand men, poorly trained, with a fraction of the artillery and no fleet to meet the Royal Navy. That they might defeat this machine was, by any measure, absurd. Yet Washington — never more so than the night he crossed the ice-choked Delaware to strike at Trenton — proved the point: not numbers, but genius and indomitable will, carried the day.

We remember Washington. We should also remember those beside him, all but forgotten. Among them was Billy Lee, an enslaved Black man who was far more than a valet. He rode with Washington into the thick of battle and became one of his most trusted confidants, at his side through every campaign of the war, from the crossing of the Delaware to Yorktown.

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Washington was himself a slaveholder; yet, alone among our founding presidents, he freed the people he enslaved in his will — freeing Lee at once, with a lifetime pension. Though free to leave, Lee chose to live out his days at Mount Vernon, a measure of how close the two men had become. That the first President’s closest companion was a man he had once enslaved is one of the most extraordinary truths of our founding, and it survives as barely a footnote in our textbooks.

This nation was born of extraordinary courage, and like everything built by human hands, it has been imperfect. But it has never stopped striving. At Gettysburg, with the country nearly torn in two over the horror of slavery, Lincoln called a bloodied nation back to its original proposition — that all men are created equal — and to the work of living up to it. The republic has weathered far darker hours than these and endured. With Washington and Lincoln as our models, we march forward toward greater progress, equality, and the pursuit of happiness for all.

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So, this Fourth of July, whatever your party or ancestry, remember those who risked everything so that we might govern ourselves rather than be ruled by kings. Remember what it cost. Resolve to be worthy of the inheritance — its flaws, its greatness, and the unfinished work it leaves us. That is the inheritance we write together, a father and his son, and it passes from one generation to the next.

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Joseph Bennett is a Marine Corps veteran, and Principal at Fabius Group, a strategic advisory firm in the defense sector. He lives in Washington DC and is a graduate of Princeton University.

'Little House on the Prairie' returns as new Netflix adaptation aims for wholesome entertainment

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:00:39 +0000

A fresh adaptation of "Little House on the Prairie" is headed to Netflix on July 9 that hopes to bring Laura Ingalls Wilder's classic 19th-century frontier novels to life for a new generation.

When actor Warren Christie signed on for the role of John Edwards, he knew he was stepping into a project that carried big expectations.

"You see the name, 'Little House on the Prairie,' and it obviously carries a certain history to it, a certain cachet," Christie told Fox News Digital. "I was fortunate enough to read the first couple of episodes and was just floored by the writing, the scope — you could see what it was going to be, and then also kind of fell in love with the character of Edwards."

Christie plays John Edwards, a character known in the books simply as Mr. Edwards, who becomes a close family friend of the Ingalls family. Edwards is a Civil War veteran from Tennessee whom Netflix describes as a "gregarious and mysterious man who catches the eye of every single woman in the county." In the classic 1970s television series, the character was famously played by Victor French.

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Netflix says the series is a fresh "reimagining" of Wilder's books rather than a reboot of the original television series.

Christie admitted that when he was first approached for the role, he wasn't deeply familiar with the books, but he was impressed by the script and his character.

"When we meet John Edwards, he's not in the greatest of spots," Christie said. "He's lost his family, he is a veteran, he has got some other problems he is dealing with and then happens to meet this family who I think... reminds him that there is hope, reminds him of what things can be, and they bring him into the fold, and it starts to help him to live again really. He sees the joy in what they have, and I think he sees potential and hope and community."

Christie said fans of the books will appreciate the new series, saying that showrunner Rebecca Sonneshine grew up loving these stories and approached the project with immense respect for the novels while still establishing her own vision.

"If you're a true fan of a book, we did everything we could to make sure that that storytelling was told in the right way," Christie explained. "I think it was never lost on any of us how special it was to be a part of this world and this universe. It's huge, and it means a lot to people. And so we're very proud of the show."

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Netflix said the series is part of its "wholesome" and "heartwarming" lineup offered on the streaming platform, alongside series like "Virgin River" and "Sweet Magnolias."

Christie said while the show is "beautifully shot," he believes it will ultimately be one that families can watch together.

"[W]hat I hope it offers is multi-generational viewing," he told Fox News Digital.

"I hope at the end of the day what we've done is created a really exciting world that multiple generations can share and enjoy together. And it's the underlying thing of the whole show, which is community," he continued.

'Landman' star Ali Larter says life in Idaho is 'simpler' after ditching Los Angeles

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:00:26 +0000

"Landman" star Ali Larter finds her summers in Idaho to be a lot "simpler" than when she used to live in Los Angeles.

At the Newport Beach TV Fest, Larter told Fox News Digital that her summer months look "totally different" now that she's made the move to Sun Valley, Idaho in 2020.

"Well, it's totally different, so we can't really get our kids to hike anymore, they don't want to do that. But I can get them to take a bike ride and then do like a little cold plunge in the river," Larter began.

"We love to barbecue at our house, we love to play with our dogs. My daughter will probably play some volleyball, we'll go to Leroy's and get an ice cream cone.

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It's just kind of simpler and the days are really long. The sun's out till like 10 at night now, so it's been really beautiful to kind of have the kids out of school and enjoy the time with them," Larter concluded.

Larter and Hayes MacArthur share two children: son, Teddy, 15, and daughter, Vivienne, 11.

WATCH: 'Landman' star Ali Larter says life in Idaho is 'simpler' after leaving Los Angeles for her family's sake

During an interview with Fox News Digital in November, Larter shared the exact moment she and her husband realized they wanted to stay in Idaho – after moving there during the COVID-19 lockdown.

"We went for two months thinking that the kids' schools would be reopened in California, and they weren't," she recalled. "And so they were doing online, and the schools there were open. And so we were able to put our 6-year-old daughter in kindergarten for the spring semester."

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"And that was a huge thing for us because we just wanted her to be around other children and have that kindergarten experience, and during that time we met some amazing families just organically by the school," she continued. "And living in the town and just skiing with our children. And we really spent a tremendous amount of time together as a family."

WATCH: Ali Larter says 'Landman's' Angela Norris is a 'wildcat'

After living in Idaho during the latter half of the school year, Larter and her family returned to Los Angeles for the summer, and they realized that "there are so many demands as an actor" when living in the city.

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She explained that actors not only audition frequently but are "expected to show up for so many things," including parties and charity events. While she loves L.A. and says her "heart will always be there," she wanted a more family-focused lifestyle.

"We just didn't want to do that. We wanna be with our children," she said. "And so that's when I think the biggest change was we came back after that summer, and we just made a go for it and said, 'Let's try this and see if it works.'"

Larter attended the Newport Beach TV Fest that honored "Landman," in which she plays Angela, Billy Bob Thornton's recently reconciled ex-wife. On the red carpet, Larter told Fox News Digital that Angela is a "wildcat" and she wishes she could channel her a little bit more in everyday life.

Swimmer bitten on the foot at New York beach in a suspected shark attack

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:58:21 +0000

Why scratching a mosquito bite makes it so much worse, according to science

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:55:29 +0000

Scratching a bug bite or rash may seem irresistible, but it’ll only provide temporary relief and likely prolong the itch, researchers found.

Scratching is a natural response to a skin irritant that increases skin inflammation and can make certain diseases, such as eczema, worse. But why scratching exacerbates swelling and whether the evolutionary response offers any benefit is something University of Pittsburgh researchers said remained "poorly explored."

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To investigate the relationship between itch, scratching and inflammation, the researchers, led by University of Pittsburgh professor of dermatology and immunology Daniel H. Kaplan, applied an allergen to the ears of mice to trigger allergic-contact dermatitis, an eczema-like inflammatory skin condition.

The mice developed the type of skin reaction people commonly have to poison ivy, certain metals, like nickel, and some skincare ingredients.

One group of mice was designated as "normal," while another group was genetically modified to lack an itch-sensing neuron.

A set of mice was allowed to scratch freely, while another was prevented from scratching with an Elizabethan-style collar, often referred to as the "cone of shame" among pet owners.

The researchers found that scratching activated mast cells, which the Cleveland Clinic describes as part of the body's "alarm system" that "look out for harmful invaders." Mast cells release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals that cause itchiness.

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"Sometimes, they activate when they shouldn’t, causing allergic reactions," Cleveland Clinic explained.

The researchers found the mice that scratched freely released more substance P, a signaling molecule that activated more mast cells, causing increased inflammation and a prolonged itch-scratch cycle.

The mice that were prevented from scratching and those lacking the itch-sensing neuron experienced less inflammation.

Scratching is satisfying, however, and Science reported "The capacity to both sense itch and behaviorally respond by scratching evolved hundreds of millions of years ago."

Because mast cells are "also important for protecting against bacteria and other pathogens," the researchers performed another experiment to determine "if scratching-induced activation of mast cells could affect the skin microbiome," University of Pittsburgh reported in a news release.

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The scientists found that scratching reduced levels of Staphylococcus aureus, one of the bacteria most associated with skin infections.

"The damage that scratching does to the skin probably outweighs this benefit when itching is chronic," Kaplan cautioned.

"At first, these findings seemed to introduce a paradox: if scratching an itch is bad for us, why does it feel so good?" he said. "Scratching is often pleasurable, which suggests that, in order to have evolved, this behavior must provide some kind of benefit. Our study helps resolve this paradox by providing evidence that scratching also provides defense against bacterial skin infections."

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, cold compresses and 1% hydrocortisone cream may help relieve itching.

The researchers published their findings in the journal Science last year.

Move over Chutes & Ladders: Schisto & Ladders has educational value plus worms

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:51:49 +0000

Spread by parasitic worms that can infect via a splash of water, schistosomiasis causes debilitating symptoms. It hits kids hard. A board game teaches how to prevent it.

(Image credit: Daniel Amao)

Trump pardons 9 people convicted of tampering with emission controls on diesel engines

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:48:46 +0000

President Donald Trump pardoned nine people convicted of violating the Clean Air Act by tampering with diesel vehicle emissions-control systems.

On Friday, Trump announced six of the pardons on Truth Social, arguing that the men he granted clemency to were "persecuted by the Biden Administration" and punished for "fixing their car."

Eight of the people Trump pardoned were diesel mechanics or car tuners who were prosecuted for selling and installing so-called "defeat devices" into trucks, according to a Fox News review of federal court records.

These devices reprogram trucks to bypass federally required emissions controls and suppress diagnostic warnings. Without them, many diesel trucks can enter a "limp" mode that limits speed — sometimes to as little as 5 mph — until the emissions system is restored.

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Trucks can also enter this limp mode when emissions controls fail. These failures are extraordinarily common and have been causing massive headaches for truckers and farmers for years, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

People are more than willing to pay top dollar to mechanics who can do the job of disabling the emissions-limiting systems.

Matthew Geouge, one of the pardon recipients, ran two companies that sold illegal tuning devices. Just from the sale of those devices alone, his firms grossed more than $10 million, according to his December 2021 plea agreement.

Emissions-capping technology, specifically Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) systems, is also prone to malfunctions in extremely cold weather.

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Brad Bylsma, a state equipment fleet manager for the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF), said in March that DEF systems account for a "significant portion of our maintenance issues and costs" with state-owned diesel vehicles.

Frederic Sifuentes, the president of Alaska-based transportation service, put it more bluntly.

"The percentage of breakdowns we have here in Alaska with the DEF systems is roughly 85 percent of the time," he said.

Another pardon recipient, MacKenzie "Mac" Spurlock, was a mechanic in Alaska who modified emissions controls on vehicles for exactly this reason, according to Senator Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska.

"Four years ago, about 30 armed EPA agents conducted a military-style tactical raid of Matanuska Diesel, owned by Mac Spurlock — a devoted husband and father, small business owner, and veteran of the Alaska Air National Guard," Sullivan said in a statement celebrating Spurlock's pardon.

"His shop had assisted trucking businesses by modifying several diesel emissions-control systems mandated by a one-size-fits-all Obama-era emissions regulation, ensuring the vehicles wouldn’t shut down in Alaska’s harsh, subzero conditions," Sullivan added.

The other men who received pardons for similar conduct included Ryan and Wade Lalone, Tim Clancy, Joshua Davis, Barry Pierce, Aaron Rudolf, and Jonathan Achtemeier, CBS News reported.

In late January 2026, the Trump administration announced it would no longer pursue criminal charges for manufacturers, distributors and users of defeat devices. Civil penalties could still apply.

Pope Leo urges US to welcome immigrants in America 250 speech before visiting global migrant hotspot

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:47:21 +0000

Pope Leo XIV urged Americans to embrace the U.S.'s history of welcoming immigrants in a virtual address to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Friday while accepting the 2026 Liberty Medal in recognition of his commitment to religious freedom.

"In these past 250 years, for so many peoples throughout the world, it was the firm resolve to achieve the noble vision of the nation's founders that made America a byword for freedom, as the country opened its doors to successive waves of immigrants, enabling them and their children to play their part in shaping the future of the nation," Pope Leo, the Catholic church's first American Pope, recited.

"I would just like to recall the words signed by the founding fathers of the nation 250 years ago in Philadelphia in the Declaration of Independence. It said that we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men have received fundamental rights from our creator, and they include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," he continued.

AMERICA’S NEXT 250 YEARS DEPEND ON PASSING FAITH AND FREEDOM TO OUR CHILDREN

"As a son of this great country, founded by courageous men and women who dreamed of liberty and of a better life for themselves and for their children, I join you in asking God's blessings upon America's future, that the lofty ideals enshrined at the beginning of the Declaration of Independence may continue to guide the flourishing of the nation in unity, justice and peace," Leo said.

"Today, as we look to the future, this historic anniversary presents us with the opportunity to reflect once again on the nation's founding principles in the hope that America will remain ever true to the dream that has earned it the title of land of the free and home of the brave," the Pope continued, bolstering a steady commitment to advocating for immigrant and migrant rights, a position he's taken a strong stance on since ascending to the papacy in 2025.

"The moral greatness of a nation is manifested, above all, in its capacity to support, protect and cherish the lives of all, especially the most vulnerable and those whose worth is questioned," Leo concluded.

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Following his virtual address to the Philadelphia crowd, which he delivered remotely from The Vatican, the Pope departed for Lampedusa, an Italian territorial island off the coast of north Africa that's become a hotspot for migrants seeking to gain entry into Europe.

There, again, Leo urged the world and Europe to accept more migrants.

"Here you have seen not just one, but thousands of human beings fallen into the hands of robbers who have taken everything from them, beat them brutally and walked away, leaving them half-dead. The sea has claimed the lives of others, those who did not manage to reach their hoped-for destination. Yet we feel their presence, which challenges us no less than that of those who have landed in need of attention and aid," he said.

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"There are also those who choose not to be a neighbor and those who choose not to make a decision. Those who have lost their lives in this sea are victims both of decisions that were made and of decisions that were not made. Indifference to the common good and corruption in their countries of origin; a global economic system that generates poverty and exclusion; fear that fuels prejudice and contempt; the belief that such problems do not concern us; the criminal calculations of those who profit from the suffering of others; the slow and difficult transition from mere emergency management to the development of comprehensive and shared policies," the Pope continued.

"Thanks to its geographical location and institutional framework, Europe is capable of addressing the crisis, in this region, in a comprehensive manner, integrating immediate relief efforts into a long-term strategic plan capable of receiving, protecting, supporting and integrating migrants, while at the same time assisting developing countries so that no one is forced to emigrate."

"Indeed, for many a vacation is merely a distraction, a time of lightheartedness and carefree enjoyment. It then seems as though an invisible wall has to be erected between the sea of shipwrecked migrants and the vacationers. Have the courage to think differently," the Pope concluded.

Leo's strong stances on immigration and war have often put him at odds with Western leaders, particularly President Donald Trump.

Trump has called Leo "terrible for Foreign Policy" and "weak," while Vice President JD Vance, a converted Catholic, has also criticized the Pope's public comments.

OpenAI's Sam Altman wants to negotiate a 5% stake in company for US if competitors agree to key provision

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:41:09 +0000

OpenAI founder and CEO Sam Altman is considering offering 5% of his company to the U.S. in a deal negotiated with President Donald Trump if his other AI competitors agree to do the same, the Financial Times reported Thursday.

Altman reportedly met with Trump, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about a plan to make OpenAI public to some degree, according to the report.

Altman also met with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who recently proposed broad public ownership of AI companies, suggesting U.S. taxpayers should own up to half of the companies.

Altman reportedly believes that giving the public partial ownership of AI companies is the best way to spread the benefits of the rapidly growing sector to the American people.

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Altman, however, would also want to see AI competitors like Meta, Google and Anthropic contribute 5% of their companies to the public in order to commit to giving up a portion of OpenAI.

Anthropic, makers of ChatGPT rival Claude, recently renewed its relationship with the White House and President Trump after being on the outs with the executive branch. The company was recently removed from a Pentagon supply chain risk blacklist and is now working with government officials.

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Altman, according to the report, is seeking with his public gambit to avoid the fate of Anthropic and place himself and OpenAI in Trump's good graces by adding his company to America's growing corporate portfolio.

The article cited the microchip manufacturer Intel, which the U.S. bought a 10% stake in in August 2025. The Financial Times cited the purchase and Trump's previous criticism of Intel and its CEO, noting that since Trump made the investment on America's behalf, his relationship has been smooth sailing.

The Intel purchase followed a purchase of 15% equity in the company MP Minerals, and Trump has since acquired stakes in U.S. Steel and a number of quantum companies.

‘LIBELOUS’ NYT REPORT TYING TRUMP FAMILY TO GOVERNMENT-BACKED DEAL SPARKS LEGAL DEMAND

Both Altman and Anthropic are reportedly moving to take their companies public soon, a factor that the Financial Times also cites as motivation for Altman to link up to the government as, in the early days of the AI boom, helping influence policy decision on AI may be crucial to the success or failure of the industry's biggest players.

Fox News digital contacted OpenAI and the White House for comment.

Karlie Kloss, Jason Sudeikis and More Guests Arrive at Taylor Swift’s Wedding

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:36:55 +0000

The list includes Reese Witherspoon, the Haim sisters, and Karlie Kloss and Joshua Kushner, among many other celebrities, athletes and musicians.

Sophie Cunningham responds to Trump admin using her now-famous viral finger-pointing meme

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:29:14 +0000

WNBA star Sophie Cunningham has seemingly given President Donald Trump her blessing to use now-famous images of her pointing her finger at another player.

CAITLIN CLARK'S TEAMMATE CALLED 'WILDLY UNPROFESSIONAL' FOR AIRING TRUE THOUGHTS ON MERCURY

Photos and videos of Cunningham pointing her finger at Phoenix Mercury player DeWanna Bonner during a game at the end of June exploded across the internet, becoming one of the most viral sports memes of 2026. The White House made its own social media post on June 30 referencing the meme, sharing a clip of Cunningham addressing the point on her podcast last week and adding a famous video of Trump himself pointing at the camera during the 2024 campaign.

Cunningham shared her thoughts on the White House's post while speaking to reporters on Friday.

"I think everyone around the world is posting it," Cunningham said when asked about the White House's post.

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"Every company has done it. So I don't really think twice about it. I just think they're another group posting about it."

Cunningham said on her podcast that her technical foul she got for the pointing gesture during the game against the Mercury was "the weakest thing I’ve ever seen in my life" and explaining that she "didn’t say a word" while "all I was doing was literally pointing."

"I couldn't help myself. I could not. She was losing her s--- and all I was doing was literally pointing," Cunningham said.

Braves stadium busted out in 'Country Roads' and something incredible happened on the next pitch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:10:29 +0000

The patriotism in this country is FLOWING right now, and rightfully so. It is our 250th birthday today, you know? I was, admittedly, a little worried coming into this year.

You never know what you're gonna get when it comes to these things, especially when we have so many ... detractors. You know who I'm talking about.

But, credit to you. Credit to America. Credit to the patriots across the nation. You all have DELIVERED in a massive way the past few months when it comes to Americana. It's been beautiful to watch unfold.

It appears we've settled on "Country Roads" as our birthday anthem this year. It was all the rage during the College World Series, and it bled right into the World Cup. There is nothing quite like hearing 100,000 Americans belting out "Country Roads" in unison. Europe could never.

Anyway, we got another big, beautiful moment in Friday's Braves game, where the ballpark randomly broke out into John Denver's iconic song during Matt Olson's at-bat.

And then ... this happened:

Goodness gracious. What a country! Who has it better than us? Nobody, of course. When folks talk about the "Baseball Gods," this is what they mean.

They can be cruel at times, of course. But they can also give us spectacular moments. Magical moments. Is this the most patriotic home run ever? Perhaps. I'd put Mike Piazza's homer after 9/11 right up there.

Actually, it's probably No. 1. Tough to top this moment, which also involved the Braves and Mets:

Lordy. Chills. It gets me every time. What a sport. You ain't getting moments like that anywhere else, baby!

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America's Pastime, boys and girls. It's what this great nation is all about.

Happy Fourth of July, everyone. Happy 250th, America.

Let's all have a day.

Prince Harry will not be joined by Meghan and children on London trip

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:05:31 +0000

PETER NAVARRO: Americans melted tyranny down and fired it back as deadly musket balls

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:00:43 +0000

In 1776, most Americans looked at the toppled statue of King George III in New York City’s Bowling Green and saw a shattered symbol of British tyranny.

Oliver Wolcott saw ammunition.

Four thousand pounds of lead. Enough, if properly gathered, hauled, melted, and molded, to help arm a revolution.

SECRETS OF REVOLUTIONARY WAR BATTLEFIELDS EMERGE 250 YEARS AFTER AMERICA'S FOUNDING

The statue had been erected in 1770, a gilded monument to imperial authority in America’s busiest port city. King George sat on horseback, dressed in the Roman style, elevated above the city as a daily reminder of who ruled and who obeyed.

But by the summer of 1776, that reminder had become intolerable.

On July 9, George Washington had the newly adopted Declaration of Independence read aloud to his troops and to the people of New York. The words did what words sometimes do in history. They became action.

A crowd of soldiers, sailors, and patriots surged down Broadway to Bowling Green. There stood the king: gilded, mounted, and untouchable.

So they touched him.

They threw ropes around the statue, pulled, and brought the symbol of British power crashing to the ground.

The act itself was powerful enough. A people who had declared themselves free had physically toppled the image of the monarch who claimed to own them.

But Wolcott understood something deeper. Revolution required more than gestures. It required supply chains.

The Continental Army did not merely need speeches and declarations. It needed powder, guns, food, wagons, uniforms, and ammunition. Liberty had to be manufactured.

So Wolcott helped turn an act of protest into an act of war.

The broken pieces of King George were gathered, loaded onto boats, and shipped to Connecticut. From there, ox carts hauled the royal wreckage more than sixty miles over rough roads to Wolcott’s home in Litchfield.

Then the manufacturing began.

In the Wolcott family orchard, furnaces were built and bullet molds prepared. Laura Wolcott, her daughter Mariann, and local neighbors worked over melting pots, pouring the king’s lead into molds. Children helped cast musket balls. Mariann kept the count.

By the end, they had produced 42,088 musket balls from the statue of George III.

It remains one of the great acts of political poetry in American history. The British built a monument to remind Americans who ruled them. Americans melted it down and sent it back in a form the British could understand.

Some of that "melted majesty" appears to have found its way to the battlefield. Forensic evidence suggests musket balls fired at the Battle of Monmouth in 1778 came from the lead of King George’s statue.

Monmouth did not decide the war in a single stroke. It was not Saratoga, which helped bring France into the fight. It was not Yorktown, which effectively ended it. But Monmouth proved something vital: after Valley Forge, Washington’s army could stand in the open field against British regulars and not break.

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That is the deeper lesson of Wolcott’s statue.

Americans did not simply tear down a symbol. They repurposed it. They organized the work, moved the material, built what they needed, and turned a monument to tyranny into ammunition for freedom.

Long before Pittsburgh steel, Detroit assembly lines, or the Arsenal of Democracy, the American instinct was already there: improvise, manufacture, and outproduce the enemy.

The Revolution was fought with ideals. But it was won by men and women who knew how to turn ideals into action — and lead into liberty.

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Chris Johnson's former teammate reflects on ex-star's surprise ALS diagnosis, tight-knit bond after milestone

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 14:56:12 +0000

The NFL world was stunned on Monday when it became public that Chris Johnson, one of just nine players ever to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, is suffering from ALS.

The news hit close to home for Ryan Fitzpatrick, who played for Johnson's Tennessee Titans for a season. And despite it being just one year, the two have a special connection.

"He was a great teammate when I got to play with him for the one year, and obviously a super talented guy on the football field. We texted about a year ago. I was just looking back at our text messages, and one of the things that I had sent him — the 100th touchdown pass that I threw in the NFL was to CJ2K, and he signed the football for me and gave it to me. It says, 'To my cool white boy. Congrats on number 100,'" Fitzpatrick recalled in an interview with Fox News Digital. "So the amount of street credit I have from Chris Johnson calling me a cool white boy has always been awesome to me."

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But ALS is just such a tough thing to have to deal with, obviously for Chris and for everybody around him. You can just imagine the frustrations of his mind being there but his body starting to fail him and how difficult that is. We're obviously all hoping for the best for him, and all our love and support goes to him and his wife and his family."

In a lengthy social media post, Johnson said that there is growing research that shows a link between repetitive head trauma and ALS, and studies have shown that NFL players are four times as likely to develop ALS as the general population.

Fitzpatrick, personally, said that when it comes to football, he would do it all over again, even as the risks are more prevalent now than ever before. However, what comes with age is more grim reality.

FORMER NFL STAR CHRIS JOHNSON SAYS HE'S BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH ALS

"I do think guys playing football understand at least the broad scope of what the risks are. I think a lot of guys would tell you, and I would be the same way, football has given me so much in my life that it's something I would do again in a heartbeat. And for my kids that want to pursue it, I'm happy for them to pursue it," Fitzpatrick said.

"But as you get older, I'm 43, as you get older, and your parents get older, I lost my mom five years ago, there's just more stuff that seems to happen. It's really sad. One of my best friends from high school was diagnosed with ALS. So seeing that firsthand, and the difficulties that come with it, not just for him but everybody that is around him, it's really hard. As you get older, stuff happens, and there are things that you have to deal with and figure out. So unfortunately, it's a tough part about aging."

There is no known cure for ALS – known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It’s a progressive disease in which the brain loses connection with the muscles, according to the ALS Association. The afflicted slowly lose their ability to walk, talk, eat, dress, write, swallow and, eventually, breathe.

The former running back played in the NFL from 2008 to 2017 with the Titans, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals.

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos and Angelica Stabile contributed to this report.

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Trump Takes Stock of Other Presidencies, Shedding Light on His Own

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 14:48:41 +0000

In his second term, the president has increasingly mused about his predecessors, comparing himself with some and distancing from the failures of others.

Trump Takes Stock of Other Presidencies, Shedding Light on His Own

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 14:48:40 +0000

In his second term, the president has increasingly mused about his predecessors, comparing himself with some and distancing from the failures of others.

Mets' Juan Soto makes comparison about kissing girls to explain rumored strain with Francisco Lindor

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 14:24:14 +0000

Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor apparently do not believe in love at first sight.

The two superstars are the faces of a New York Mets team that was supposed to be a threat in the majors but is instead one of the worst teams in the league.

Lindor joined the Mets via trade in 2021 and signed a 10-year, $341 million extension, the first major move for new owner Steve Cohen signaling a true change of the guard; roughly four years later, though, Soto joined the fray on a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million pact.

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Numerous reports circulated that the two did not get along last year, their first as teammates, and it was an issue that lingered into this season. Perhaps Soto's deal, which includes boosted security, suites, and the potential to make another $50 million, caused a power trip between the two stars.

In any case, the story had begun to die down until this week, when Cohen all but confirmed the reports to be true but said they were getting along better.

"Frankly, I think that’s a story that was last year’s story," Cohen told the New York Post. "I am told and believe strongly that these guys are getting along much better. And so, I just don’t see that as an issue anymore."

That prompted both Soto and Lindor to be asked about their relationship on Friday night, and Soto, well, had an interesting comparison.

"When you meet a girl, you don’t start kissing her right away," he told The Athletic.

METS BRUTAL SEASON COMES TO HEAD WITH 6-ERROR GAME IN DOUBLEHEADER SWEEP, CHANTS FOR FORMER STAR OUT OF ANGER

Soto, however, did say there were "no issues" between the two "at all," despite reports continuing to say otherwise.

"The more time we spend together, it’s only natural that our relationship continues to grow," Lindor told the outlet. "We’ve been teammates for two years now. Time has been on our side. I have nothing but respect for him. He’s my brother. He’s somebody I respected from a distance and respect here, inside."

There have been reports that Lindor and Soto had their lockers moved to opposite sides of the clubhouse this season, and fans were taken aback when the two didn't exactly share the friendliest of pleasantries on Opening Day.

The Athletic reported that the two stars recently had "hard conversations," but Lindor shooed away that notion.

"It was just, we talked. We talk every single day, whether it’s hitting or different topics. But we definitely talk because at the end of the day, we are teammates and our job is to win games," he said.

Lindor and Soto have played just 15 games together this season due to injuries, but they are slated to be teammates through 2032.

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Prince Harry will not be joined by Meghan and children on London trip

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 14:22:47 +0000

How the ‘Beautiful Game’ Is Deflecting America’s Political Turmoil

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 14:13:32 +0000

Amid protests and rancor, World Cup soccer proves a bright spot in the United States and around the world.

Newsom faces criticism for state's stance on trans athletes in girls' sports after SCOTUS ruling

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 14:08:22 +0000

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is once again facing immense criticism as his state continues to let trans athletes compete in girls sports after the Supreme Court's historic ruling on the issue this week.

After the court ruled 6-3 to uphold state laws that ban males from women's sports, Newsom's office said the state will continue to allow trans athletes to face girls.

"The Supreme Court’s decision does not affect California’s laws. The state remains committed to ensuring every Californian, including the LGBTQ community, is met with dignity and respect," a spokesperson from his office told Fox News Digital.A source within Newsom's office provided Fox News Digital a bulleted list titled "As a Governor, Governor Newsom has the strongest record in the country on protecting and expanding transgender rights."

NEWSOM'S OFFICE RESPONDS TO SCOTUS RULING ON WOMEN'S SPORTS AS CALIFORNIA FACES ONGOING TRANS ATHLETE WAVE

The list included several bragging points, including "making it easier to update gender markers on official documents," and "appointed multiple trans judges."

The statement prompted strong reactions on social media, as prominent women's sports activists like Riley Gaines and Jennifer Sey were quick to condemn Newsom for the stance.

Newsom's state was ravaged by a trans athlete national media crisis in May, for the second year in a row and third time in total in one year, as prominent trans athlete AB Hernandez competed in girls' sports.

AB HERNANDEZ ADVANCES IN CALIFORNIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AS SAVE GIRLS' SPORTS ACTIVISTS RALLY NEARBY

Hernandez won two track and field state titles for the second straight year. Ahead of the first round of the state tournament in early May, "Save Girls Sports" protesters led by former NCAA women's soccer player Sophia Lorey scheduled a news conference near the competition grounds.

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A source within Newsom's office previously addressed the news conference in the days leading up to the event in a statement provided to Fox News Digital, prompting controversy and criticism from locals."

The Governor has said discussions on this issue should be guided by fairness, dignity, and respect. He rejects the right wing’s cynical attempt to weaponize this debate as an excuse to vilify individual kids. The Governor’s position is simple: stand with all kids and stand up to bullies," the statement read.

Newsom previously declared that he believed males competing in girls' sports is "deeply unfair" during an episode of his podcast with the late Charlie Kirk in March 2025. President Donald Trump's Department of Justice is engaged in Title IX lawsuits against education agencies in California for its policies that allow trans athletes in girls' high school sports. The lawsuit was officially launched in July after Hernandez won two state finals in triple jump and high jump, and won second place in long jump, at last year's championships.

China's military promotes 2 new generals after anti-corruption purge thins ranks

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 14:07:57 +0000

The shake-up is believed to be an effort to ensure the military's loyalty to the Communist Party and its leader, Xi Jinping.

(Image credit: Li Gang)

Egypt uncovers lost Byzantine-era city in the western desert

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 14:04:34 +0000

America's Founding Fathers plotted revolution over drinks at these historic taverns

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 14:00:57 +0000

Some of the ideas that fueled the American Revolution were discussed over drinks.

An important part of colonial life, taverns gave people a place to gather, exchange news and debate politics. Many became meeting places for the Founding Fathers and other revolutionaries as tensions with Britain grew.

Some of these taverns — like the Green Dragon Tavern in Boston — have been lost to time.

GEORGE WASHINGTON'S 1757 BEER RECIPE BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE AHEAD OF AMERICA'S 250TH BIRTHDAY

However, there are still a handful of important Revolutionary-era taverns that operate today as museums, taverns or both.

Below are a few taverns where you can walk — and perhaps grab a drink — while following in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers.

Located in the Financial District, Fraunces Tavern was built in 1719 — a rare remnant of the 18th century in New York City.

The tavern is best known as the site of George Washington's famous farewell to his officers in 1783, and it operates as a restaurant, bar and museum today.

"Fraunces Tavern is a historic landmark and the oldest and most historic bar in the city," the tavern's website states.

HOW TAVERNS, ALE AND HEARTY MEALS FUELED AMERICA'S FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE AMID CONTINENTAL CONGRESS

"Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the tavern is a New York City landmark that once served as a watering hole for many of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America."

The tavern serves dishes such as New England clam chowder, fish and chips, steak and burgers, as well as cocktails, beer, wine and whiskey.

The Raleigh Tavern, founded in 1717, became one of Virginia's most important gathering places in the years leading up to the American Revolution.

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When Virginia's royal governor dissolved the House of Burgesses in 1774, colonial lawmakers gathered at the tavern instead.

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and George Mason were among the colonial leaders associated with the tavern, which Colonial Williamsburg's website describes as a once "one-stop shop" for travelers passing through the city.

"It provided guests with lodging, food, drink, entertainment and a stable for their horses," the site states. "Those staying overnight at the Raleigh Tavern slept in one of its dozens of beds, or on the floor, usually alongside other lodgers."

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The reconstructed Raleigh Tavern is open to visitors as part of Colonial Williamsburg, where guests can explore the building today.

"The stage for much of Virginia's revolutionary drama, some of the most fateful conversations of the American Revolution happened in the Raleigh Tavern's Apollo Room," the site says.

Buckman Tavern served as a hub of community life in colonial Massachusetts, according to the Lexington History Museums website.

"Built in 1710, Buckman Tavern was a gathering place for both locals and travelers, and the site of many important town meetings," the website notes.

In the early morning hours of April 19, 1775, Capt. John Parker and his militia assembled at the tavern before confronting British Redcoats on Lexington Green, according to the site. The confrontation marked the opening of the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

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The tavern continued operating after the American Revolution before later being repurposed several times and eventually becoming a museum.

Today, guests can visit Buckman Tavern to learn about Lexington residents before, during and after the American Revolution, as well as view 18th-century artifacts.

MIKE PENCE: The next generation needs faith in God and confidence in the American ideal

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 14:00:50 +0000

Two hundred and fifty years ago, fifty-six men gathered in Philadelphia and pledged to one another "their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor."

They were merchants and farmers, lawyers and physicians. They could not know whether the cause of independence would triumph or fail. Some would lose everything. But they knew with unshakable certainty that liberty was worth any sacrifice.

This Independence Day, as America celebrates its 250th birthday, we rightly honor their undaunted courage. But as we remember the past, we must also commit ourselves to renewing the ideals that gave birth to the Republic and have sustained it ever since.

SECRETS OF REVOLUTIONARY WAR BATTLEFIELDS EMERGE 250 YEARS AFTER AMERICA'S FOUNDING

The American Revolution was unlike any the world had ever seen. Kings had long claimed that their authority flowed from heaven to throne. Our Founders proclaimed something altogether different: that all men are "created equal" and "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights."

Those words turned the world upside down.

Our rights do not come from any sovereign; presidents, legislatures, judges, bureaucrats, or the shifting winds of public opinion. They come from God.

Government exists not to invent our liberties but to secure their blessings for every generation.

That enduring truth is the beating heart of the American experiment, and it explains why our Constitution has endured longer than almost any other in history.

At times, when America has strayed from its highest ideals, we have found our way back not by abandoning our founding principles, but by returning to them with renewed conviction.

Today, Americans disagree about many things.

We debate policy, politics, and the direction of our country. Such debates are healthy in a free republic. But before we are Republicans or Democrats, conservatives or liberals, we are first and foremost Americans — the grateful heirs of a remarkable birthright purchased by the courage and sacrifice of those who came before us.

Each of us received this country as an inheritance.

We inherited free institutions, constitutional government, and opportunities unmatched in human history because of the generations of Americans who came before us. They crossed oceans, settled frontiers, built businesses, raised families, defended freedom on distant battlefields, and left this Republic stronger than they found it.

Now that sacred trust belongs to you and me.

The Bible says to whom much is given, much will be required. Each one of us possess a sacred obligation to pass on an America freer, stronger and more prosperous to our children and grandchildren, who will themselves cherish the freedom we bequest to them.

Many fear that we are on the verge of failing this historic test. Gallup found that just 33% of Americans were "extremely proud" to be an American, down from 70% in the early 2000’s.

So, as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, let us resolve to teach our children why liberty is precious, why faith and freedom have long walked hand in hand, why character still matters, and why self-government demands citizens willing to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution no matter the cost.

The Founders’ generation did not believe America was perfect, but they gave us a framework to pursue a more perfect union.

They believed America was worth preserving, defending, and improving. Their confidence rested not in the government they created, but in Providence and in the character of a free people determined to govern themselves.

I still share that confidence. Some politicians and the media don’t want you to know a simple truth. Once you get 15 minutes outside of Washington, D.C. - the American people actually get along pretty well. I have long believed that there will always be more that unites us than could ever divide us.

Throughout my lifetime, I have watched Americans confront wars abroad, terrorism at home, economic crises, political violence, natural disasters, and bitter political divisions. Each time, the American people have proven that they are the most resilient, generous, faithful and patriot people the world has ever known.

With faith in the American people and faith in God, I know America’s future is bright.

The same Providence that guided our nation’s birth has not abandoned us. The same eternal truths that inspired the patriots of 1776 still possess the power to renew America today.

This Fourth of July, lets celebrate all we have been given and remember those who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor for a freedom they would never fully enjoy.

As President Lincoln reminded us in his second Annual Message to Congress America is, "the last best hope of Earth."

So let us this day resolve that when future generations gather to celebrate America’s next milestone, they will inherit one nation under God - strong, prosperous, and free.

Happy Birthday, America.

Post Malone, Eva Marie Saint and other celebrities who share a birthday with the Fourth of July

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 14:00:17 +0000

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, these celebrities are celebrating birthdays of their own.

From Grammy-nominated musician Post Malone to "Jersey Shore" star Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, these stars share their birthday with America's Independence Day.

Here's a look at celebrities born on July 4.

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Post Malone is celebrating his 31st birthday on America's biggest holiday.

The Grammy-nominated artist, born July 4, 1995, in Syracuse, New York, turns 31 this Independence Day. The genre-bending superstar is also helping mark the nation's 250th birthday as the headliner of America's Salute 250, a Fourth of July concert honoring veterans, active-duty service members and their families in Columbus, Ohio.

Malone, whose hits include "Circles," "Sunflower," "Rockstar" and "I Had Some Help," has continued his successful transition into country music following the release of his album "F-1 Trillion."

POST MALONE FINDS HIS COUNTRY RHYTHM IN UTAH WITH HORSES, FLY FISHING, AND GOING 'NAKED IN THE WOODS'

"Jersey Shore" star Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino has more than one reason to celebrate every Fourth of July.

Born on Independence Day, Sorrentino became a household name on MTV before turning his focus to recovery advocacy through Archangel Centers. Earlier this year, he also teased a future run for New Jersey governor, joking that fans could one day call him "Governor Situation."

'JERSEY SHORE' STAR MIKE SORRENTINO TEASES FUTURE RUN FOR NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR

Malia Obama is celebrating another birthday weeks after making a rare public appearance with her family.

Born July 4, 1998, in Chicago, Obama joined her parents and sister Sasha last month for the opening of the Obama Presidential Center before returning to her work in film. She made her directorial debut with the short film "The Heart."

Actress Melissa Barrera is celebrating another trip around the sun on the Fourth of July.

Born on July 4, 1990, in Monterrey, Mexico, Barrera broke out with roles in "In the Heights" and the recent "Scream" films before starring in the horror hit "Abigail."

This year, she made her Broadway debut as Rose in the musical parody "Titaníque" and launched a production company dedicated to championing underrepresented voices in film and television.

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Academy Award-winning actress Eva Marie Saint shares her birthday with Independence Day.

Born on July 4, 1924, Saint won the Oscar for "On the Waterfront" and later starred in Alfred Hitchcock's "North by Northwest." Now 102, she is the oldest living Academy Award-winning actor and has credited daily walks, family and friends with helping her stay active.

Celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern has an extra reason to celebrate on the Fourth of July.

Born on July 4, 1961, Zimmern is best known for hosting the Travel Channel's "Bizarre Foods," where he introduced viewers to unique culinary traditions from around the world.

He has since expanded his television career with multiple food and travel series while continuing to advocate for global cuisine and food culture.

For Becki Newton, the Fourth of July means fireworks and birthday candles.

Born on July 4, 1978, in New Haven, Connecticut, Newton is best known for her roles in "Ugly Betty," "How I Met Your Mother," "How I Met Your Father" and Netflix's legal drama "The Lincoln Lawyer."

She also starred in the Fox comedy "The Goodwin Games" and has continued her run in comedy and television dramas throughout her career.

Legendary singer-songwriter Bill Withers was born on July 4, 1938.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee recorded timeless hits including "Lean on Me," "Ain't No Sunshine," "Lovely Day" and "Just the Two of Us."

Withers died in 2020 at age 81.

MARTINA MCBRIDE CALLED A 'COWARD' AFTER DROPPING OUT OF AMERICA 250 CELEBRATION

Born on July 4, 1910, actress Gloria Stuart was best known to modern audiences for playing elderly Rose in the blockbuster film "Titanic."

She received an Academy Award nomination for the role and remained one of Hollywood's most beloved actresses until her death in 2010.

President Calvin Coolidge remains the only U.S. president born on the Fourth of July.

Born on July 4, 1872, in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, Coolidge became the nation's 30th president after the death of President Warren G. Harding in 1923. He served through 1929 and is widely remembered for leading the country during the economic boom of the Roaring Twenties.

NC governor faces criticism for skipping Trump-backed America 250 event

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 14:00:05 +0000

Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., is blasting North Carolina's state government’s decision to boycott the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., accusing the state's Democratic governor of injecting politics into America's 250th birthday celebration.

Edwards said Gov. Josh Stein, D-N.C., chose partisanship over patriotism by declining to sponsor a booth representing the Tar Heel State, rejecting the state's explanation that budget constraints drove the decision.

"I think it's unbelievably unfortunate that our governor chose to not send representation from North Carolina to help celebrate such a momentous occasion and show patriotism," Edwards, who represents a large swath of western North Carolina, told Fox News Digital in an interview.

"But I know a lot of North Carolinians back at home, I know the folks in my district are patriots, and they certainly will be celebrating," he continued.

DAVID MARCUS: LIBERAL ELITES SEETHE OVER AMERICA'S STATE FAIR

The state government cited fiscal issues for declining to participate in the 16-day fair, which is currently underway on the National Mall until July 10. Every state was given exhibition space and each day features a different theme celebrating American history and culture.

"Our limited resources are focused on America 250 events across North Carolina, including one at the State Capitol in Raleigh on July 4," a spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources told The New York Times.

"I don't buy that at all," Edwards said when asked about the alleged budget concerns. "I think it's a political statement."

Fox News Digital reached out to Stein’s office for comment.

FIRST ON FOX: BEHIND THE SCENES OF ARLINGTON’S MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE FOR AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY

Rhode Island, Vermont, Massachusetts, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington are among the other blue states that opted out of the Great American State Fair hosted by the Trump-aligned organization, Freedom 250.

Govs. Josh Shapiro, D-Pa., and Tina Kotek, D-Ore., are among the Democratic governors who opted out over concerns the event would be overly partisan.

The fair is one of several high-profile events marking the 250th milestone in the nation’s Capitol.

Still, several private sponsors stepped in to fund the North Carolina booth.

Amid Stein’s snub, the state's booth drew controversy after the inclusion of several Confederate flags as part of the display. The symbols have since been removed from the booth by fair organizers.

Stein criticized the display in a written statement obtained by NBC News.

"This flag does not represent the North Carolina that we love," the governor said. "America 250 is about unity and bringing our nation together. We are pleased the flag that did the opposite has now been taken down."

North Carolina joined the Confederacy during the Civil War, but the Confederate flag was never incorporated into the southern state flag's design.