Leaders from different countries shared congratulations on social media to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the strong relationship between the U.S. and Europe in her message.
Key Facts
The U.S. is celebrating its 250th anniversary of independence.
Many world leaders sent messages to mark this milestone.
Ursula von der Leyen is the President of the European Commission.
She publicly celebrated the friendship between the U.S. and European countries.
The messages were shared mainly on social media platforms.
The anniversary marks two and a half centuries since America became an independent nation.
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CBS Mornings Deals offers special discounts on products that may improve daily life. People can visit the website cbsdeals.com to find and buy these discounted items.
Key Facts
CBS Mornings Deals features products with exclusive discounts.
The deals aim to help improve everyday lifestyle.
Shoppers can access these deals at cbsdeals.com.
CBS earns commissions from purchases made through the website.
The promotion is part of CBS News programming.
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The United States celebrated its 250th Independence Day on July 4, 2026, with large events including a fireworks show in Washington, D.C., and concerts in cities like Los Angeles. The festivities took place amid a strong heatwave affecting the East Coast and ongoing political divisions within the country.
Key Facts
The US marked 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
President Donald Trump gave a speech on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., before a large fireworks display.
Trump also spoke at Mount Rushmore the day before, warning about the threat of communism.
Major Independence Day events were held in Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, and Bristol, Rhode Island.
The heatwave on the East Coast caused some cancellations, including the Washington, D.C. parade and temporary closure of a state fair.
The Pacific Northwest had cooler weather, providing relief for residents there.
Other events on the holiday included Major League Baseball games and World Cup matches in Houston and Philadelphia.
Pop culture news included Taylor Swift’s wedding and Madonna’s new album release during the celebration period.
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The Aspen Acres wildfire in Colorado has grown to become one of the state's 10 largest fires, burning over 85,500 acres across multiple counties with no containment yet. Thousands of residents have been evacuated as the fire spread rapidly, and firefighting efforts include water-dropping planes.
Key Facts
The Aspen Acres fire has burned over 85,500 acres in Custer, Pueblo, Fremont, and Huerfano counties.
The fire showed extreme growth, expanding by more than 11,000 acres overnight.
Firefighters use multi-engine water-scooping planes, drawing water from Pueblo Reservoir to fight the flames.
More than 3,800 households, about 11,000 people, have been ordered to evacuate from affected areas.
The fire is zero percent contained, meaning it is still fully uncontrolled.
Mandatory evacuation orders cover communities such as Beulah, Colorado City, and Wetmore.
The Aspen Acres fire ranks within Colorado’s top 10 largest wildfires ever recorded.
Along with Colorado fires, large wildfires are burning in other states including Alaska, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona.
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A heatwave is expected to affect parts of southern England and Wales for about a week, with temperatures peaking at 34°C in the south-east. Health officials have issued warnings about the risks to vulnerable people and an increase in water-related accidents during this period.
Key Facts
Temperatures in southern England could reach 28°C on Saturday and 29°C on Sunday.
A week-long heat health warning is active from midday on July 4 to 8pm on July 11 in several regions of England.
The highest temperature, 34°C, is expected on Thursday or Friday in the south-east.
The heatwave is long but less hot and humid than the one experienced last month.
Vulnerable people face a greater risk to life and increased use of healthcare services during this period.
There is a raised risk of cold water shock and drowning, leading to more water-related incidents.
Southern Water has started a hosepipe ban in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight from July 10 to conserve water.
Last month's heatwave set a UK provisional June temperature record of 37.7°C, breaking the previous record from 1976.
Experts expect heatwaves to become more common and severe in the future, especially in south-east England.
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Philadelphia buried a time capsule to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. The capsule was placed on the same site where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Key Facts
The time capsule commemorates America's 250th birthday.
It was buried in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence.
The location is the ground where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence.
The event was covered by CBS News.
The time capsule is intended to preserve items for future generations.
This celebration honors the history and founding of the United States.
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Rebels including jihadists and Tuareg separatists launched new coordinated attacks on several towns and a prison in northern Mali. These attacks come just months after a similar wave of violence weakened the country's military ruling group.
Key Facts
The attacks targeted multiple towns and a prison in northern Mali.
The attackers included jihadist groups and Tuareg separatists.
The new attacks were coordinated, meaning they were planned to happen at the same time.
This wave of attacks followed earlier ones that had damaged Mali’s military junta.
The government of Mali reported that these rebel attacks are ongoing.
The violence is part of ongoing conflict in Mali involving armed groups.
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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro criticized the Supreme Court for a decision that protects President Trump from certain legal challenges while in office. Shapiro said this ruling allows President Trump to earn large amounts of money during his presidency.
Key Facts
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is a member of the Democratic Party.
Shapiro spoke out against a 2024 Supreme Court decision related to presidential immunity.
The ruling protects President Trump from some types of lawsuits while he is president.
Shapiro believes this decision has allowed President Trump to make significant profits during his time in office.
President Trump’s 2025 financial disclosure report showed high earnings.
Shapiro called the Supreme Court’s ruling “one of its worst decisions.”
The comments were made during an interview with MeidasTouch.
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Very hot weather caused some Fourth of July events to be canceled in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. Strong storms in the Midwest and a shark spotted in New York also interrupted holiday plans.
Key Facts
Washington, D.C., canceled some Fourth of July celebrations because of extreme heat.
Philadelphia also called off parts of its holiday events due to the heat.
The Midwest experienced intense storms during the holiday.
A shark was seen near New York, affecting local activities.
These weather and wildlife incidents disrupted normal holiday festivities for many people.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed topics including inflation, gas prices, and the launch of Trump Accounts in an exclusive interview with CBS News. The conversation covered how these issues affect Americans’ affordability.
Key Facts
Scott Bessent is the current U.S. Treasury Secretary.
He talked about inflation, which means prices of goods and services going up.
Gas prices and their impact on people’s budgets were discussed.
Trump Accounts have recently become available to the public.
The interview was conducted by CBS News reporter Kelly O’Grady.
The discussion aims to inform people about economic conditions and new financial options.
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Egypt announced the discovery of a well-preserved Byzantine-era city in the western desert near the Dakhla Oasis, along with finds at Marina el-Alamein near Alexandria. These archaeological finds provide new details about life, buildings, and activities in Egypt during the fourth century when it was part of the Byzantine Empire.
Key Facts
The discoveries were made at the Dakhla Oasis in Egypt’s western desert and at Marina el-Alamein near Alexandria.
The Dakhla Oasis city dates back to the fourth century, during the Byzantine Empire.
The archaeological site shows city planning with streets, squares, and public spaces.
A basilica church and two watchtowers were found, indicating religious and defensive structures.
Houses included vaulted roofs and one belonged to a church deacon, possibly used as a house church.
Food production evidence includes bread ovens, kitchens, and stone grinding tools.
Bronze coins with Byzantine emperors’ portraits and gold coins from Roman Emperor Constantius II’s era were uncovered.
About 200 pottery shards with inscriptions reveal commercial and daily life details.
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Consumer confidence in the U.S. economy improved slightly in June but remains low compared to past years. Employers added fewer jobs in June, showing caution, while unemployment claims stayed low and mortgage rates dropped slightly.
Key Facts
Consumer confidence index rose 0.6 points to 91.2 in June but is still lower than last year’s 95.2 and well below pre-pandemic levels over 120.
Inflation and higher gas prices due to the Iran war have hurt Americans’ incomes and confidence.
U.S. employers added only 57,000 jobs in June, less than half the number from the previous month.
The unemployment rate fell to 4.2%, partly because some unemployed people stopped looking for work.
Weekly new claims for unemployment benefits fell to 215,000, below expectations.
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped to 6.43%, the lowest in seven weeks.
U.S. job openings remained strong at 7.6 million in May, showing a resilient labor market despite economic challenges.
Higher oil prices from the Iran war have contributed to inflation and higher mortgage rates.
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Prince Harry will visit London next week alone without his wife Meghan and their two children, due to security concerns. He will mark the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games and attend charity events, while arrangements for the rest of the family’s visit remain uncertain.
Key Facts
Prince Harry is traveling to London next week without Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet.
The trip marks one year until the 2027 Invictus Games, a sports event for wounded veterans started by Harry in 2014.
Meghan and the children’s participation in other parts of the trip outside London is undecided.
Harry had planned a hospital visit with Meghan, but he will attend alone due to security reasons.
Harry and his family left the UK in 2020 and stepped down from royal duties amid family conflicts.
Harry has expressed worries about his family’s safety in the UK and lost a court case to restore full police protection during visits.
Buckingham Palace has not offered extra security for this upcoming visit.
It is unclear if Harry will meet King Charles III, his father, who is receiving cancer treatment.
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President Donald Trump is planning a large fireworks show in Washington, D.C. as the last event of Independence Day celebrations. He is also urging Congress to approve his voter ID law called the SAVE America Act.
Key Facts
President Trump will hold a big fireworks display in Washington, D.C. for Independence Day.
This event will be the final celebration in a series of events for the holiday.
Trump is promoting a law called the SAVE America Act, which focuses on requiring national voter ID.
He is asking Congress to pass this voter ID legislation.
The news was reported by CBS News correspondent Taurean Small.
The celebration combines patriotic events with political messages from the President.
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ABC News' Bob Woodruff visited Walt Disney World in Orlando to highlight Disney's support for Blue Star families. These families have a member serving in the military, and Disney offers them special recognition and benefits.
Key Facts
Blue Star families are those with a loved one currently serving in the U.S. military.
Disney provides support and special experiences to these military families.
The coverage took place at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
The story was part of a broader ABC News report on military families.
The segment aired around the July 4, 2026, holiday, a time to honor U.S. military service.
Bob Woodruff from ABC News was the reporter covering the story.
Disney’s support is part of their ongoing effort to recognize the sacrifices of military families.
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President Donald Trump pardoned 11 people before the Fourth of July, including two convicted fraudsters and nine individuals charged with violating the Clean Air Act by altering truck emissions controls. These pardons come during the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations, which have faced extreme heat linked to greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Facts
President Trump pardoned 11 people on the eve of July 4th celebrations.
Two pardoned individuals were convicted fraudsters; nine were charged under the Clean Air Act.
Adam Kidan, one pardoned fraudster, was tied to a lobbying scandal from the early 2000s.
Jack Harvard, another pardoned fraudster, was convicted in the 1980s but allowed military training on his ranch.
The nine Clean Air Act cases involved people who disabled or modified trucks’ emissions systems.
Trump supported these pardons, saying people were jailed for “fixing their car.”
Recently, Trump signed a memo allowing people to modify vehicle emissions controls as they wish.
Extreme heat during the celebrations was linked to climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions.
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Andy Burnham's possible leadership as prime minister may affect the Green Party’s support in England and Wales, but it is too soon to say how. Since Zack Polanski became leader, the Greens have grown their membership and won key elections, attracting voters unhappy with Labour under Keir Starmer. Some Greens worry Burnham’s policies may be too similar to Labour’s to keep these voters.
Key Facts
A week after Keir Starmer announced his resignation, Labour’s poll ratings rose by two points while the Greens dropped by two points.
Zack Polanski took charge of the Green Party in England and Wales about 10 months ago.
Under Polanski, the Greens tripled their membership and nearly doubled their poll numbers from about 10%.
The Greens won the Gorton and Denton byelection, overturning a large Labour majority.
Many former Labour voters in 2024 have a favorable view of the Green Party.
Some Greens feel Burnham’s left-leaning communication may not be different enough from Labour policies.
Issues like Palestine-Israel policies and the nationalization of utilities remain areas that draw voters to the Greens rather than Labour.
After recent successes, many voters see the Greens as a valid choice, not a wasted vote.
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Lucy Powell, deputy leader of the Labour party, said that Andy Burnham will change the “boys club” culture of secretive briefings at the Prime Minister’s office that discouraged criticism and hurt women in the Cabinet. Burnham said he will fire any staff who give negative information about female members of his team.
Key Facts
Lucy Powell described a “boys club” culture in No 10 briefings where critics were silenced and appointments were based on factional loyalties rather than merit.
Women in the Cabinet, including Powell herself, faced unfair negative briefings more often than men.
Powell said this culture made people afraid to speak out or challenge the government’s official position.
Powell believes that under senior Labour women, the office culture has improved recently.
Andy Burnham promised to fire staff who undermine women in his team.
Burnham, expected to become prime minister soon, faces pressure to appoint many female cabinet ministers.
Labour’s female MPs asked Burnham to keep gender balance with 50% women in minister and staff roles.
Powell said having diversity at the top leads to better decisions and stronger representation.
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A rare black-and-white film from 1902 shows the Flatiron Building in New York City shortly after it was completed. The footage captures street scenes and the early skyscraper rising above its surroundings, highlighting both the building's unique shape and the city life of the time.
Key Facts
The film was recorded on October 8, 1902, and shared by the Library of Congress.
It features the Flatiron Building, a 24-story skyscraper standing 307 feet tall.
The Flatiron was one of the first skyscrapers and known for its triangular shape and steel-frame design.
The footage shows busy Manhattan streets and a mix of horse-drawn carriages and the first automobiles.
When completed, the building was much taller than others nearby and caused debates about tall buildings’ effects.
Today, the Flatiron Building is being converted into private residences and was illuminated for the first time in its history in 2024.
Historic building reuse is growing, with nearly 25,000 apartments created from converted offices and buildings in 2024.
Early 20th century concerns about shadowing from skyscrapers are similar to modern worries about new towers in New York City.
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Episode 36 of Love Island Season 13 will be released on July 5, 2026, and available to watch on Hulu. The episode focuses on the aftermath of Casa Amor, where some couples face difficulties and tensions rise in the villa, while one couple remains happy together.
Key Facts
Love Island Season 13 Episode 36 releases on July 5, 2026.
New episodes air every day except Tuesdays during the summer.
Episode 36 will be on Hulu starting at 12 a.m. Pacific Time/3 a.m. Eastern Time.
Hulu subscription costs $11.99 per month and is required to watch the show.
Casa Amor has ended, causing several couples to break up or feel upset.
One couple, Lola and Sean, remain happy and still together.
The villa is crowded enough that one couple has to sleep outside due to lack of beds.
The episode runs about 60 to 90 minutes long.
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