⣿⡟⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠉⣿⣿⣿
⡟⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⢀⣠⣰⣶⣽⣽⣷⣶⣀⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⣿⣿⣿
⠁⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⡀⢀⣴⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣯⣆⡀⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⣀⠄⠄⣿⣿⣿
⠄⠄⠄⠄⣤⣾⠟⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⣿⣷⣶⣾⣿⠄⢀⣿⣿⣿
⠄⠄⠄⠈⠉⠰⣷⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠿⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠿⢿⢿⡿⣿⣿⠄⢸⣷⣿⣿
⠄⠄⠄⠄⢀⣼⣿⣻⣿⡿⠿⠿⠆⠄⠄⠄⠈⢙⣿⡇⠉⠄⠄⠄⠄⣰⣞⡏⠄⢸⡿⣿⣿
⢀⠄⠄⢀⢸⢿⣿⣟⣷⣦⣶⣶⣶⣶⣶⣷⣐⣼⣿⣷⠄⣠⣴⣤⣤⣄⢉⡄⠄⠸⠇⣿⣿
⣶⣇⣤⡎⠘⠁⠐⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣟⣿⣿⣿⣾⣿⣿⣿⣾⣿⣿⡇⡶⣥⣴⣿⣿
⢣⣛⡍⠸⠄⠄⠄⠈⢻⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠏⢈⣿⣿⣿⡇⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠃⠄⢜⣿⣿⣿
⠃⠋⠼⠥⠄⢠⠄⠐⣠⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⢁⠈⠉⠛⠛⠛⠋⠈⠟⣿⣿⡏⠄⢸⢸⣽⣿⣿⣿
⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠈⠄⠠⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣾⣦⣤⣀⣤⣤⡀⢨⠿⣇⠄⣿⣻⣿⣿⣿⣿
⠄⣾⣾⡇⡀⠄⠄⢀⢢⣽⣿⣿⡿⠿⠻⠿⠛⠛⠿⠛⠻⠜⡽⣸⣿⣿⠿⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿
⣷⠎⢡⡭⠂⠄⠄⠄⠄⠺⣿⣿⣷⣾⢿⠙⠛⠛⠛⠛⠛⠳⢶⣿⣿⡿⢋⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿
⠁⠄⢸⣿⡄⡀⠄⠄⠄⠈⠙⠽⣿⣷⣷⣶⣿⣿⣿⣶⣤⣠⣬⣏⠉⠁⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿
⠄⠄⢸⣿⣿⣦⡀⠄⠄⠄⠄⠄⠈⠛⠛⡟⠿⡿⢻⠛⠟⠿⠋⠁
Trump did what today?
7/5/2026
Trump addresses nation and fireworks light up National Mall after storm delay
- President Trump celebrated America's 250th anniversary with a speech in Washington, D.C.
- He praised the nation's history, criticized communism, and urged voting reforms.
- A massive fireworks show followed, said to be the largest in U.S. history.
- Severe storms had caused delays and evacuations at the event.
- Many festivities across the country were canceled or disrupted due to extreme weather.
'Cautiously optimistic': Swing voters describe their view of America at 250
- Swing voters share mixed feelings about American pride as the U.S. turns 250.
- Responses ranged from pride to embarrassment, highlighting a divide in perspectives between parties.
- Many voters expressed concerns about the future and political corruption.
- Overall, they felt uncertain yet hopeful about the country's path ahead.
- Polls show a significant gap in pride between Republicans (93%) and Democrats (45%).
Reflections on America's 250th birthday
- Across the nation, Americans are reflecting on what July 4 means for them at 250.
- Cities like Cuba City, Wisconsin, are celebrating with parades and events to honor their history.
- In Georgia, students showcase civics knowledge in competitions, signaling hope for future generations.
- Celebrations vary from traditional parades to food festivals and historical discussions.
- Individuals share feelings about progress and challenges in America’s journey.
Nearly half of Americans surveyed don't know what America 250 commemorates
- A survey reveals that many Americans are proud but lack knowledge about the nation's 250th anniversary.
- While 86% express gratitude for being American, 46% don't know it marks the Declaration of Independence.
- Concerns grow about the future of American liberty amidst rising fears and political division.
- Gen Z shows low levels of civic knowledge compared to older generations.
- Experts stress the importance of an informed electorate for democracy.
Dayslong funeral for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei begins in Tehran
- Iran held a major funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes.
- Tens of thousands attended, with strong expressions of mourning and political slogans.
- The regime aims to show unity amid internal divisions over Khamenei's legacy.
- World leaders attended to demonstrate international support for Iran.
- The funeral involved military rituals and is part of a larger response to recent conflicts.
House Democrats accuse Trump of 'hijacking' America's 250th birthday for his own gain
- Democrats criticize Freedom 250 for allegedly corrupt practices surrounding the anniversary events.
- A report claims Trump used the anniversary for political gain, bypassing a bipartisan commission.
- Allegations include misleading donors and funding events with hidden political agendas.
- Freedom 250 denied the claims, labeling them a partisan attack.
- Ongoing investigations may lead to accountability and further scrutiny of the event's organization.
What would George Washington say? It's a busy year for people who portray him
- George Washington reenactors have seen heightened demand amid the 250th anniversary celebrations.
- These portrayals focus on Washington's ideals, especially unity in today's divided politics.
- Reenactors emphasize the importance of historical understanding for current citizenship.
- Events include dinner experiences and educational demonstrations about the Founding Fathers.
- Interest in Washington's character provides a platform for exploring America's past and future.
After weeks of speculation, Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce wed in New York
- Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce got married in a private ceremony in New York.
- The wedding included unique touches like a special roles for family members and a comedic officiant.
- Speculation about the wedding built up around the Fourth of July weekend.
- Details about their relationship have been closely followed by fans and media.
- Swift has previously mentioned her desire for a personal and intimate celebration.
In Mount Rushmore speech, Trump veers from U.S. exceptionalism to warnings about communism
- Trump's speech at Mount Rushmore emphasized American exceptionalism with a warning against communism.
- His remarks were politically charged, diverging from traditional Independence Day addresses.
- Extreme heat warnings affected celebrations in various cities, leading to event cancellations.
- A split in narratives occurred, with diverse speeches reflecting political divides.
- Many citizens expressed mixed emotions regarding the country's 250th anniversary amidst ongoing tensions.
Paul Pelosi in hit-and-run in California, car left with major damage, authorities say
- Paul Pelosi was involved in a hit-and-run incident in California, leaving a parked car damaged.
- No injuries were reported, and Pelosi could face misdemeanor charges for fleeing the scene.
- He wasn't under the influence of alcohol during the incident.
- Pelosi has a prior DUI conviction, making this situation more scrutinized.
- Authorities will determine if he can continue driving following the incident.
How a fertilizer shortage caused by the Iran war could affect U.S. food prices
- The war with Iran has caused a fertilizer shortage, disrupting supplies and raising costs.
- U.S. farmers are particularly affected as they depend on fertilizer for crops.
- Food prices may rise, but experts believe the impact will be limited for consumers.
- Farmers might shift to less fertilizer-intensive crops like soybeans.
- The global fertilizer market is under strain, impacting various agricultural sectors.
Pastor freed from prison in China weeks after Trump requested his release
- Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri was released from detention in China after Trump raised his case with Xi Jinping.
- His detention highlighted concerns over religious freedom in China.
- Family and rights advocates expressed gratitude but noted others still remain imprisoned.
- Jin's case reflects the precarious situation for underground churches in the country.
- The US continues to navigate complex diplomatic relations with China regarding human rights.
Organizers say the Great American State Fair is for everyone. Some disagree
- The Great American State Fair has faced criticism for its political nature and uneven state participation.
- Many states declined to officially participate, citing costs and political concerns.
- The event includes a mix of entertainment and a strong emphasis on Christian values.
- Organizers claim inclusivity, but many attendees feel it doesn't represent all Americans.
- Critics aim for more acknowledgment of America's complex history during celebrations.
Rental swimming pools
- People are turning to rental pools for summer fun, utilizing platforms like Swimply.
- Swimply allows homeowners to rent out their pools for events, leading to financial gains.
- Rental agreements often include liability coverage for pool owners.
- The trend gained popularity during the pandemic as local staycations emerged.
- Renting pools provides families with access to private spaces during hot summer days.
Going outside in this heat? Follow these guidelines to stay safe
- Extreme heat alerts are issued as summer temperatures rise across the U.S.
- Experts advise assessing personal heat risk before outdoor activities.
- Stay hydrated and be aware of medications that might increase heat sensitivity.
- Understanding symptoms of heat exhaustion versus heatstroke is crucial.
- Protect yourself with appropriate clothing and avoid midday sun to stay cool.