If your certificate of deposit (CD) account matures in July 2026, you should plan ahead to avoid losing money or missing better interest rates. Experts advise against letting your CD automatically renew at lower rates, putting money into low-interest savings accounts, or ignoring the benefits of long-term CDs.
Key Facts
CD accounts maturing around July 2026 have a short grace period of about two weeks to make decisions.
If you do nothing, your CD may automatically roll over at a lower interest rate.
It is better to shop around now for CDs with higher rates instead of letting it renew automatically.
Putting money into traditional savings accounts with low rates (around 0.38%) is less profitable than a 6-month CD at about 4.10%.
Long-term CDs (over 12 months) offer fixed rates and protection against changing interest rates.
Long-term CDs can provide both safety and good returns during uncertain market conditions.
Alternatives like high-yield savings or money market accounts allow easier access to funds while earning better rates than traditional savings accounts.
Planning before your CD matures can help you maximize earnings and avoid common mistakes.
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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have donated $26 million to 20 charities before their wedding at Madison Square Garden. The charities are mostly local to places important to the couple, such as New York, Rhode Island, and Kansas City, and also include several national organizations.
Key Facts
The donations total $26 million and were spread across 20 charities.
Nine charities are based in New York, where the wedding will take place.
Some charities are linked to the couple’s homes, like Rhode Island and Kansas City.
Charities supported include food banks, a music education group, animal welfare, and a book giveaway program.
The exact amount given to each charity was not made public.
The wedding is planned for Friday at Madison Square Garden, with a rehearsal dinner Thursday night.
About 1,000 guests are expected, and the venue has been heavily transformed for the event.
Swift and Kelce have made similar charitable donations before during major life or career events.
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A bomb exploded at a busy cafe in central Damascus, killing at least six people and injuring 22 others. The bomb was hidden inside the cafe near a major government building, and officials say those responsible will be punished.
Key Facts
The bombing happened in the Hejaz district of Damascus, near the Palace of Justice.
At least six people died and 22 were hurt in the explosion.
No group has immediately said they carried out the attack.
This is the deadliest bombing in Damascus since a suicide attack in June 2025 that killed 25 people.
The June 2025 attack was claimed by a jihadist group but also blamed on the Islamic State (IS).
The region has seen many attacks since rebel forces overthrew Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa is working to control the country and improve security.
There have been violent clashes among different religious groups during the ongoing instability.
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An Air Force major was arrested at the U.S. Capitol after calling for President Trump and Vice President Vance to be impeached. Although peaceful protests are allowed at the Capitol, speakers must have a member of Congress present on the steps to speak publicly.
Key Facts
The arrest happened on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
The person arrested is Air Force Major Jason Watson.
He called for the impeachment of President Donald Trump and Vice President Vance.
Peaceful demonstrations are allowed on Capitol grounds.
To speak openly from the Capitol steps, a protester must be with a member of Congress.
Major Watson was initially accompanied by a member of Congress before his arrest.
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Talks between the United States and Iran are paused because Iran is holding a state funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died during U.S.-Israeli strikes. Retired Navy Vice Admiral Robert Murrett said that ship movements through the Strait of Hormuz look positive despite the stalled talks.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran are not currently holding active negotiations.
Iran is conducting a state funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Khamenei died due to strikes carried out by the U.S. and Israel.
Retired Vice Admiral Robert Murrett commented on the situation.
Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz shows signs of being stable or improving.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway for global oil shipments.
The pause in talks creates uncertainty about future relations between the U.S. and Iran.
The situation is closely watched because it affects regional security and oil supply.
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Many parts of the U.S. are dry and under fire bans because of drought and hot weather. Despite this, fireworks sales are expected to rise for the country’s 250th July 4 celebration, increasing the risk of wildfires. Some places have banned fireworks, while others allow them under state laws.
Key Facts
About half of the U.S. is experiencing drought conditions.
Firework use can easily start wildfires by sparking dry plants and grass.
Several areas, like Colorado Springs and Salt Lake County, have banned fireworks due to extreme fire dangers.
Florida allows fireworks in many counties despite some drought and burn bans.
On July 1, there were 257 new fires and 51 large wildfires nationwide.
Three firefighters recently died fighting a fire in western Colorado.
Fireworks demand is expected to increase by 20-25% in some places for America’s 250th anniversary.
Professional firework shows follow safety rules, but backyard celebrations often do not.
Recent rains helped a little but haven’t ended the drought or extreme fire risks.
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Fire shelters are special safety gear that firefighters use to protect themselves from wildfires when they cannot escape the flames. While these shelters have saved many lives, they do not always guarantee survival, so firefighters also focus on having clear escape plans and safe zones.
Key Facts
Five firefighters in Colorado used fire shelters during a fast wildfire; three died and two were injured.
Fire shelters are mandatory for crews working in dangerous and changing wildfire conditions.
The shelters are made of layers like aluminum foil, silica fabric, and fiberglass to protect from heat and trap breathable air.
Fire shelters are for one-time use and have been improved for better heat resistance and easier deployment.
Each shelter weighs about 6 pounds and is folded inside a firefighter’s pack.
Firefighters train annually to deploy shelters within 30 seconds or less and are instructed to use them as early as needed.
Shelters can also protect against sudden storms with hail or snow.
Despite their protection, the main goal is always to escape the fire and avoid being trapped.
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The Puyallup Tribe in Washington and several First Nations in Canada have partnered with World Cup host cities to promote Indigenous culture during the 2026 World Cup event. These partnerships include cultural events like traditional games, dances, and watch parties, aiming to raise awareness of Native languages, history, and traditions among soccer fans worldwide.
Key Facts
The Puyallup Tribe became the first Indigenous group to partner with a World Cup host city, Seattle, in 2023.
Several Canadian First Nations, including the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, formed similar partnerships with Vancouver.
The Puyallup Tribe hosted a Stick-Games Tournament, a traditional Indigenous game involving guessing and strategy.
Events included cultural gatherings with dancing, singing, and powwow dances featuring colorful native clothing.
The tribal reservation spans about 28 square miles south of Seattle and welcomed visitors to learn about their culture.
These efforts aim to share authentic Native American culture beyond common media portrayals.
The partnerships coincide with World Cup activities in the US, Mexico, and Canada in 2026.
Tribal members and others see these events as a chance to educate the public about Indigenous peoples’ heritage.
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Prince Harry is awaiting a court decision on a lawsuit accusing the Daily Mail's publisher of illegally collecting private information about him and others. The judgment will come just before his planned visit to Britain in July, which will mark one year until the Invictus Games 2027.
Key Facts
Prince Harry sued the Daily Mail’s publisher, Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), over claims of illegal phone hacking and spying.
The case involves seven public figures, including Elton John and Baroness Doreen Lawrence.
The trial lasted about 10 weeks, starting in January, and ended recently with the judge reviewing evidence.
The judge’s written ruling will be announced digitally on Tuesday, with no public court hearing.
Harry claims journalists and private investigators intercepted his voicemails and tracked his former girlfriend’s flight details.
Harry says the media intrusion caused emotional distress and strained his personal relationships.
ANL denies all allegations and says it gathered information legally.
Harry’s upcoming UK visit coincides with this legal ruling and plans to attend events related to the Invictus Games 2027 in Birmingham.
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The article explores how New York City was important during America's fight for independence. It highlights key historical places in the city that were significant in the early history of the United States.
Key Facts
New York City played a major role in America's revolution.
The city was the first capital of the United States.
Many important historical sites related to the revolution are located in New York City.
ABC News reporter Danny New visited these sites to share their stories.
The piece aims to educate viewers about the city's contribution to America's founding.
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This article discusses whether home refrigerators can keep food safe during heatwaves. It looks at how higher temperatures affect fridge performance and what people can do to protect their food.
Key Facts
Heatwaves increase outside temperatures, which can make fridges work harder to stay cool.
Higher heat can cause fridges to get less cold inside, risking food spoilage.
Some fridges have better insulation and cooling systems designed for warm weather.
Experts suggest keeping fridge doors closed as much as possible during heatwaves.
It is important to regularly check fridge temperatures to make sure food stays safe.
Supermarkets also face challenges keeping food cool during hot weather.
Heatwaves are becoming more common due to climate change.
Simple steps like moving fridges away from direct sunlight can help maintain cooling efficiency.
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The United States is expected to plant the smallest amount of wheat since 1877, due to drought, high costs, and uncertain markets. The USDA estimates that in 2026, the total wheat planting area will drop by 6 percent compared to last year, affecting major wheat-producing states like Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma.
Key Facts
The USDA predicts 42.7 million acres of wheat planted in 2026, down 6% from 2025 and 1 million acres below earlier forecasts.
Winter wheat acreage is expected to be 31.5 million acres, the lowest in about 150 years.
Severe drought and heat from May 2025 to April 2026, the warmest 12-month period on record, have damaged crops.
Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma face the largest decreases in wheat acreage, with Texas losing 3.9 million acres.
Farmers are planting less wheat due to high input costs like fuel and fertilizer, worsened by the Iran conflict closing the Strait of Hormuz.
Spring wheat and durum wheat planting areas are both declining, by 6% and 16% respectively.
Wheat provides about 20% of both calories and protein for many poor people worldwide.
Experts expect wheat planting to remain low or decrease further in 2027 due to ongoing challenges.
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The UK’s culture and media department, led by Lisa Nandy, has stopped using the social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, because it promotes harmful content like abuse and misinformation. This decision follows similar moves by other UK government offices concerned about the platform’s role in encouraging violence and spreading false information.
Key Facts
Lisa Nandy announced she and her department will no longer use X due to its promotion of abuse and misinformation.
The UK culture department is the second government office to quit X in recent weeks.
The attorney general for England and Wales also instructed his office to stop posting on X after violent events linked to the platform.
X has been criticized for highlighting far-right and racist content and encouraging division and violence.
Elon Musk has previously linked his political views to calls for violent action in the UK.
Violent incidents in Southampton and Belfast were partly fueled by messages and protests organized through X.
The UK’s media regulator, Ofcom, is currently responsible for enforcing rules on online content, including on X.
There are ongoing concerns in the UK government about how X handles harmful content and the platform’s impact on democracy.
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A veterinary expert explains that many dog owners make mistakes when handling their pets during fireworks celebrations. He advises preparing in advance, watching for early signs of anxiety, and not assuming a dog’s reaction will remain the same every year.
Key Facts
Dogs have more sensitive hearing than humans, making fireworks very stressful.
July 5 is the busiest day for dog intake at U.S. animal shelters, often due to fireworks stress.
Waiting until fireworks start to plan for a dog’s comfort is a common mistake.
Owners should create a calm space and consult vets before fireworks begin.
Early signs of stress in dogs include panting, pacing, clinginess, and avoiding treats.
Ignoring these early signs can lead to panic and risky escape attempts.
Dogs’ reactions to fireworks can change over time; past calmness doesn’t guarantee future calm.
Preparing ahead can reduce a dog's fear and improve their safety during celebrations.
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A large study of over 700,000 families in Hong Kong found no link between taking paracetamol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy and autism or ADHD in children. The study used sibling comparisons to control for family-related factors and concluded that earlier concerns about the drug’s safety during pregnancy were likely caused by other influences.
Key Facts
The study analyzed health records from more than 700,000 mother-child pairs between 2001 and 2023.
Researchers compared siblings where one was exposed to paracetamol in the womb and another was not.
The study found no increased risk of autism or ADHD associated with prenatal paracetamol use.
Earlier claims linking paracetamol to these conditions may have been influenced by genetics and family environment.
Paracetamol is also known as acetaminophen and sold as Tylenol in the U.S.
President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. previously suggested risks linked to paracetamol use during pregnancy.
Medical experts say paracetamol is still a safe option to treat pain and fever in pregnancy.
The sibling-matched study design helps rule out family factors affecting both drug use and child diagnosis.
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Opening an $18,000 long-term certificate of deposit (CD) account in July can earn a savers thousands of dollars in interest. Long-term CDs have fixed interest rates above 4%, which are higher than typical savings accounts and provide protection for the deposited money over time.
Key Facts
Long-term CD interest rates currently sit above 4%.
An $18,000 CD can earn from about $1,145 (18 months) up to $9,423 (10 years) in interest by maturity.
Interest rates for these CDs range roughly from 4.15% to 4.30%.
CDs have fixed interest rates, so earnings are guaranteed if the account is held to maturity.
Early withdrawal from a CD may result in penalties, reducing earnings.
Online banks often offer higher CD interest rates than traditional brick-and-mortar banks.
Using online marketplaces helps compare multiple banks, rates, and terms easily.
CDs protect the original deposited amount (principal) for the duration of the term.
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An explosive device went off in a café in the Al-Hijaz area of Damascus, killing at least six people and injuring 22 others. Emergency responders and security forces arrived at the scene to help the injured and start an investigation.
Key Facts
The blast happened in a café located in Damascus, Syria.
Six people died due to the explosion.
Twenty-two people were injured.
Emergency crews and civil defense teams were called to the scene.
Security forces set up a cordon to secure the area.
An investigation into the cause and details of the explosion has begun.
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Students and supporters held a rally in Luxembourg for Fatima Kurtic, a teacher who was fired in October because of a social media post seen as anti-Israel. She spoke about why she supports Palestine and the challenges she faced because of her activism.
Key Facts
Fatima Kurtic is a teacher from Luxembourg.
She was fired in October due to a social media post considered anti-Israel.
Supporters and students organized a demonstration this week in her support.
Kurtic shared her reasons for supporting Palestine with the media outlet Al Jazeera.
She discussed the personal costs she experienced because of her activism.
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At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, African teams are experiencing less automatic support from other Africans due to political issues in some countries. South Africa’s anti-immigrant policies have caused criticism from fellow African nations, showing that fans now judge teams based on their countries' politics, not just their sports.
Key Facts
South Africa’s football team faced criticism from other Africans because of its country's anti-immigrant actions.
South Africa’s captain urged players to focus on football and leave politics to politicians.
African fans have traditionally supported African teams as a show of continental unity during World Cups.
The 2026 World Cup includes a record 10 African nations participating, with many advancing past the group stage.
Political problems in some countries have caused other African fans to criticize or distance themselves from their teams.
South Africa has a history of pride related to ending apartheid and hosting the 2010 World Cup but struggles with xenophobic violence.
Nigeria has been repatriating some of its nationals from South Africa due to anti-immigrant policies.
Morocco’s 2022 World Cup success and political stances have improved its support across Africa.
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Gulf countries are working to build new security partnerships after a US-Israel war with Iran caused attacks on their soil. They want to rely less on the US alone and are developing ties with other countries like Pakistan, Turkey, China, and Europe to boost their own defense and regional independence.
Key Facts
The US and Israel fought a war with Iran, which led to Iranian attacks on military and civilian sites in Gulf countries.
Gulf Cooperation Council nations want to diversify their security alliances beyond the US.
Saudi Arabia has a defense pact with Pakistan and may add other countries to it.
Gulf states buy defense systems from European countries and maintain friendly ties with Russia and China.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) carried out missile and drone attacks in Bahrain and Kuwait after a ceasefire agreement.
Gulf countries see threats not only from Iran but also from Israel’s military actions in the region.
Some experts say Gulf states want more autonomy and regional power balance without replacing the US but adding partners.
US military bases in the Gulf were targeted by Iran, raising questions about the effectiveness of the US as a security protector.
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