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Beer, BBQ and America: Lawmakers share their favorite traditions for the nation's birthday

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:00:26 -0400

America’s 250th birthday is a milestone in the nation’s history that, in Washington, D.C., was marked by thunderous fireworks, flyovers and a fair on the National Mall.

But at the granular level, families across the country have celebrated July 4 in their own way for generations, crafting traditions that they revisit year after year. Trips to the lake, sizzling hot dogs, bottle rockets, picnics in the park and burgers — all hallmarks of America’s celebration of independence.

Lawmakers, when the partisan barbs end, the floor speeches quiet and Congress ditches Washington for the weekend every year, have their own traditions like the everyday working American.

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Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., said his favorite tradition was "loving America."

"So, all of our children, we raise them to love this country because we tell them the truth about this country, and they understand that America is the most awesome place that has ever existed in the history of the planet," Van Orden said. "So, we get together, we barbecue some hot dogs and then we watch some fireworks. It's great."

And of course, there’s beer.

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"I'm from Wisconsin," he said. "Of course. Miller Lites and Hebrew National hot dogs are great. They're all beef and wonderful. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind a mix of, you know, pork and beef for a hot dog, but I like the Hebrew Nationals myself."

Geography does play a factor in some lawmakers' traditions, like Rep. Troy Downing, R-Mont., whose family heads to the tiny town of Harlowton, Mont., to a friend’s ranch, where a lake and ranch hand routine take center stage.

"We all camp there. The kids play in the water. And, you know, usually that's right around branding [season]," Downing said. "So branding is usually when you castrate. And, so, I'm usually in charge of doing all the calf fries after the castrations."

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Then there’s the barbecue, which is a staple in Rep. Ralph Norman’s home state of South Carolina.

"Eatin' barbecue and relaxin," Norman said.

When pressed if there was any beer in between, Norman quipped, "I'm not old enough to drink beer."

"I have to get a — I've got a fake ID I've gotta show," he said. "No, drinking beer, barbecue and having a good time with family."

Others take the opportunity to celebrate President Donald Trump alongside their annual traditions.

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"My neighbor, nice guy, great guy, my twin brother Trevor, are going to come over. We've got flags flying in our backyard. We're going to have some lobster tail, maybe some nice, fat ribeyes, a lot of fat on the ribeyes," Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas said.

"We like the marbling on the ribeyes and just celebrate the Fourth and just look at the birds and the flowers and just be thankful that we were born in the greatest country on earth, right," he continued.

"And celebrate the greatest president in the lifetime of this great country, Donald J. Trump. That's what I'm thankful for, and that's what I'll be celebrating."

This 'America the Beautiful' rendition before the France vs Paraguay match will give you goosebumps

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 19:00:37 -0400

The Fourth of July pregame festivities before the France vs. Paraguay World Cup Round of 16 match will go down as one of the greatest in history. Yes, it may seem a little odd to celebrate an awe-inspiring American cultural moment when no American team was involved, but hear me out.

On Saturday at Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field), the field was transformed to resemble the American flag, complete with additional performers and pyrotechnics. The Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale then delivered a performance for the ages with a stirring rendition of "America the Beautiful" in honor of America's 250th birthday.

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While the choir sang, two young individuals (one White young man and one Black young lady) delivered what I would describe as spoken word — oral poetry emphasizing the beauty of our nation's founding, especially as it relates to the City of Brotherly Love.

"250 years ago, in this city, an idea found its voice," the young man said.

"Not perfect. Not finished. But bold enough to believe in people," the young woman followed up as the choir hummed.

As the choir sang, they spoke about how America’s principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness have led to unthinkable freedom, and eventually to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which "unites the world."

Other ceremonial elements included an appearance by Miss Pennsylvania, Stephanie Skinner, dressed as Lady Liberty, and a Navy flyover. It will give you chills.

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Happy Birthday, America!

Toronto Maple Leafs top pick Gavin McKenna reveals that he's changing his jersey number

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 17:30:23 -0400

Toronto Maple Leafs No. 1 draft pick Gavin McKenna has already been on the ice with the team as it held its development camp this week, but the highly-touted rookie is going to have to make a big change for this fall.

His number.

When he was playing for the Western Hockey League's Medicine Hat Tigers and then again at Penn State this past season, McKenna wore the No. 72.

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The expectation was that McKenna would wear No. 72 with the Maple Leafs, and he did so this week at development camp. Plenty of fans have also already ordered No. 72 jerseys with his name on the back.

On most rosters, No. 72 is unique enough that he wouldn't run into any issues wearing it. However, on July 1, the Leafs signed two-time Stanley Cup champion goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who has worn No. 72 for most of his career, except during his first two seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, when he wore No. 35.

So, some were wondering how this would work out. Would the Leafs want their new franchise player to get his pick of the number litter, or would they defer to a two-time Vezina winner?

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Well, it turns out that McKenna will be the one swapping numbers, and he'll be switching to No. 92 this season.

McKenna had to get creative here because the obvious number changes were a no-go in Toronto. Adding 7 and 2 would be 9, but that was retired in honor of Charlie Conacher and Ted Kennedy.

Another option would've been to flip the digits and go with No. 27, but that was retired in honor of Frank Mahovlich and Darryl Sittler.

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So, 92 it is.

However, McKenna reached out to one of the three previous players to wear the number, Jeff O'Neill, to ask whether he was comfortable with him using it.

It's fair to say he was down with the idea.

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McKenna will be a key piece of a Maple Leafs team that is looking to bounce back after a nightmare 2025-26 campaign that saw them finish last in the Atlantic Division.

The Revolutionary landmarks where Washington, Adams and Jefferson changed America

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 17:20:13 -0400

From New England to Virginia, history buffs and patriotic travelers can walk where American history unfolded in honor of the celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary this weekend.

Many of these destinations offer an array of events, including immersive exhibits that shed light on the colonial and Federal eras.

Whether through guided walking tours, ranger-led programs or living-history demonstrations, these destinations help bring America's founding to life.

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Here are five standout places to visit to soak up the nation's history.

These experiences and venues can be enjoyed at a variety of time periods. Check the relevant websites for more details.

1. Freedom Trail (Boston, Massachusetts)

This must-do tour in downtown Boston spans roughly 2.5 miles and connects 16 historically important sites.

The trail includes the Old South Meeting House, the Old North Church and the Paul Revere House, among others.

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It features Faneuil Hall, known as the "Cradle of Liberty" for the patriot meetings and speeches held there, as well as the Old State House, the site of the Boston Massacre.

"Preserved and dedicated by the citizens of Boston in 1951, the Freedom Trail is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond," the Freedom Trail's website says.

2. Independence National Historical Park (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Independence National Historical Park features several significant buildings and structures important to the American Revolution.

Most famously, it features Independence Hall, where the Second Continental Congress was held and the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

Carpenters' Hall, located two blocks east of Independence Hall, is where the First Continental Congress was held. The historic district includes the Museum of the American Revolution, the Benjamin Franklin Museum and the National Constitution Center.

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"The park represents the founding ideals of the nation, and preserves national and international symbols of freedom and democracy, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell," the National Park Service's (NPS) website says.

"The Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were both debated and signed inside Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site."

3. Colonial Williamsburg & the Historic Triangle (Virginia)

Virginia's Historic Triangle offers historic sites spanning back centuries, including Jamestown, the first successful English settlement in North America, founded in 1607.

Colonial Williamsburg, the restored 18th-century capital of Virginia, is the world's largest living history museum, featuring costumed interpreters, restored buildings and sites frequented by many southern Founding Fathers.

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Also included in the triangle is Yorktown Battlefield, which marks the site of the decisive 1781 victory that effectively ended the Revolutionary War. Williamsburg and Yorktown are about 13 miles apart.

The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation offers the America's Historic Triangle Ticket, which starts at $126 for adults and includes five consecutive days of admission to Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown Battlefield and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

4. George Washington's Mount Vernon (Virginia)

Located about 15 miles south of Washington, D.C., Mount Vernon was the home of George Washington.

Visitors can tour the mansion, gardens, Washington's tomb, working farm and museum exhibits detailing his life, military leadership and presidency.

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The estate offers expert-led tours, including behind-the-scenes access to areas typically closed to the public, as well as immersive Revolutionary War exhibits and a recreated Continental Army encampment.

5. Minute Man National Historical Park (Massachusetts)

Minute Man National Historical Park is located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, and commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

Visitors can walk the Battle Road Trail, explore restored colonial landmarks like Hartwell Tavern and take part in ranger-led programs and Patriots' Day events celebrating "the shot heard 'round the world."

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A highlight of the park is North Bridge, where colonial militia confronted British troops on April 19, 1775, during one of the opening engagements of the American Revolution.

"This beautifully restored 19th-century commemorative landscape, featuring the famous Minute Man statue by Daniel Chester French, is a perfect place to reflect upon this hallowed ground," NPS's website says.

Paul Pelosi, 86, faces a hit-and-run charge after striking a parked car in Napa County: sheriff's office

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 17:05:20 -0400

Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is facing a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge after authorities say he struck a parked vehicle in Napa County, California, on Friday, and drove away before his own car became disabled.

The Napa County Sheriff's Office said the crash happened Friday afternoon in Yountville, just over an hour north of San Francisco.

A witness reported seeing a brown convertible hit an unoccupied parked vehicle before continuing north. Deputies later found the damaged convertible partially blocking a nearby roadway and identified the driver as Paul Pelosi, 86.

During the investigation, Pelosi allegedly told deputies he knew he had hit something but did not know what it was, according to the sheriff's office. He continued driving until his vehicle became disabled, investigators said.

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Authorities said alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

"The investigation also determined that no alcohol (.00 on Preliminary Alcohol Screening Device) was detected upon testing, therefore Driving Under the Influence was ruled out," the sheriff's office said.

Investigators said Pelosi was responsible for the collision. He was not arrested at the scene, and the sheriff's office said that is common for this type of misdemeanor offense. Instead, deputies will refer the case to the Napa County District Attorney's Office for review and possible prosecution.

The sheriff's office also said it will submit a driver re-evaluation referral to the California DMV, a common practice for elderly drivers.

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The incident comes more than two years after Pelosi pleaded guilty to misdemeanor drunken driving causing injury stemming from a May 2022 crash in Napa County.

He was sentenced to three years of probation, five days in jail — most of which was satisfied through custody credits and a work program — a three-month DUI education program, installation of an ignition interlock device for one year, and fines and restitution to the injured driver.

Unlike the 2022 case, investigators said DUI was ruled out in Friday's crash.

Pelosi has remained in the public eye since the October 2022 hammer attack inside the San Francisco home he shares with the former House speaker.

David DePape, who broke into the Pelosi residence seeking Nancy Pelosi before attacking Paul Pelosi with a hammer, was sentenced in October 2024 to life in prison on state charges after previously receiving a 30-year federal prison sentence.

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The attack left Paul Pelosi with a skull fracture and other serious injuries.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi has represented the state's 11th congressional district in San Francisco for decades.

Pelosi's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

City of Philadelphia may have leaked some MLB All-Stars hours before the big announcement

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:45:17 -0400

Philadelphia is, for obvious reasons, often at the center of Fourth of July celebrations, given that it's quite literally the birthplace of the nation. But this year, the city is catching a little guff over an apparent oversight.

The MLB All-Star Game is set for the city's Citizens Bank Park on July 14th, with rosters set to be announced on Saturday evening.

However, there certainly appear to have been some leaks, and it's all thanks to a series of light pole banners.

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Whether they're getting greased after a Super Bowl or spoiling All-Star rosters, does any city's poles get as much attention as Philadelphia's? Maybe Vegas', but those are a different kind of pole.

Some photos of banners around the city have made their way to social media, because they make it pretty clear that certain players are definitely headed to the Mid-Summer Classic.

Whoops.

You know, I don't think you'd ever see a banner of Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson anywhere within Philadelphia city limits... unless, of course, he was going to be playing in the All-Star Game hosted in the city.

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Of course, some of those banners are not going to shock anyone. Throwing Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes on a banner was probably a safe bet, and could've been hanging there for months, and everyone would just be like, "Yeah, that sounds about right."

I'm just always amazed how things like this can happen. The directions seem pretty foolproof: Do not hang the banners until July 5.

It's almost like whoever delivered those details did so to someone half-listening while scrolling TikTok.

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"Hang the All-Star banners all around the city before July 5. Got it. Can do, boss..."

The official reveal of the All-Star rosters comes on Saturday night, 7:30 p.m. ET, on FOX.

16 patriotic movies to watch this Fourth of July, from 'Top Gun' to 'Saving Private Ryan'

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:30:44 -0400

When you’ve had your fill of fireworks, parades and potato salad, there’s nothing like curling up with a good movie on a warm summer evening.

Here’s 16 of the best movies about America that will put you in a patriotic mood.

"1776"

A toe-tapping rendition of the founding of our country, 1972’s "1776" brought the Broadway musical of the same name from stage to screen just in time for the bicentennial with much of the celebrated cast reprising their roles.

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Standout songs include "Sit Down, John" and "Molasses to Rum."

"Born on the Fourth of July"

A somber portrayal of a veteran’s experience in Vietnam, "Born on the Fourth of July," is based on Ron Kovic’s real-life story of serving in the war, becoming paralyzed and eventually turning to anti-war activism.

The movie stars Tom Cruise and Willem Dafoe and was directed by Oliver Stone.

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"Forrest Gump"

The Academy Award-winning portrayal of a simple man’s optimistic view of the world follows the titular Forrest Gump from fighting in Vietnam to going on an inspiring run around the country.

The 1994 film stars Tom Hanks and Gary Sinise.

"Independence Day"

If action — and aliens — is more in your wheelhouse this Fourth of July, 1996’s "Independence Day" says it all in the title.

Defending the country (and the world) from extraterrestrial invaders, a group of patriots band together in a reminder that freedom isn't free.

Starring Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman, the impressive blockbuster even won an Academy Award for visual effects.

"Air Force One"

What could be more fun than watching president-turned-action-hero Harrison Ford save the country, his family and the occupants of his plane from terrorist hijackers?

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Gary Oldman, Glenn Close, Wendy Crewson and William H. Macy also star in the 1997 thriller.

"Saving Private Ryan"

An emotional story depicting the horrors of war, "Saving Private Ryan" follows a group of men during World War II who set out to bring a soldier home to his mother after she's lost her other three sons.

It stars Tom Hanks and Matt Damon and was directed by Steven Spielberg.

The film took home five Academy Awards, including best director for Spielberg.

"National Treasure"

"National Treasure" is a non-stop thrill ride through our nation's history that imagines a secret treasure map on the back of the Declaration of Independence.

The movie takes its stars — Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger and Justin Bartha — from the National Archives in Washington, D.C. to the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and Trinity Church in New York City.

Its sequel, "National Treasure: Book of Secrets," includes memorable scenes at Mount Vernon, the Library of Congress and Mount Rushmore.

"The Patriot"

Mel Gibson plays a reluctant Revolutionary War hero in this historical epic where he attempts to save his son who is captured by the British.

The movie also stars Heath Ledger and Joely Richardson and was nominated for three Oscars, including legendary composer John Williams for best score.

"Pearl Harbor"

A love story, "Pearl Harbor" recounts the events of Dec. 7, 1941 through the eyes of two fictional Army Air Corps pilots and the nurse they both loved.

The 2001 Michael Bay film stars Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett and Kate Beckinsale. Jon Voight and Alec Baldwin also play Franklin D. Roosevelt and Jimmy Doolittle.

"Flags of Our Fathers"

The movie, based on a book of the same name, depicts the 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima, the famous raising of the flag there, and the aftermath for the men shown in the picture.

Directed by Clint Eastwood, "Flags of Our Fathers" is a companion movie to "Letters from Iwo Jima," which shows the Japanese view of the battle.

The two movies were nominated for a combined six Oscars, with "Letters from Iwo Jima" taking home one for best sound editing.

"Lincoln"

Another Steven Spielberg-directed film, "Lincoln" stars Daniel Day-Lewis as the 16th president struggling the Civil War and abolishing slavery.

The film also stars Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones.

It was nominated for 12 Oscars in 2013, and took home two, including best actor for Day-Lewis.

"A League of Their Own"

"There's no crying in baseball!"

While much of the country's young men were overseas fighting World War II, someone had to keep America's favorite pastime alive.

Enter female athletes played by the likes of Geena Davis, Rosie O'Donnell and Madonna coached by Tom Hanks, a washed-up former MLB star.

The movie, directed by Penny Marshall was selected by the Library of Congress in 2012 to be preserved in the National Film Registry as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

"Patriot Games"

Harrison Ford is back to save the country, this time as CIA agent Jack Ryan, hunting down the IRA terrorist who left his wife and daughter badly injured.

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The film, based on the Tom Clancy novel, also stars Samuel L. Jackson, Sean Bean and James Earl Jones.

"Top Gun"

This 1986 action flick is a high-flying, patriotic ode to the best of our military pilots.

It follows Maverick, played by Tom Cruise, as he trains at the elite Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School, his cocky attitude rubbing others there the wrong way.

The movie also stars Val Kilmer and Kelly McGillis.

The 2022 sequel "Top Gun: Maverick" reunites Cruise and Kilmer, catching up with the titular character who is now a test pilot and flight instructor to a new generation of trainees.

"Hamilton"

Born out of Lin-Manuel Miranda's brilliant mind and writing, "Hamilton" takes viewers on a hip-hop version of the founding of our country.

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An expensive ticket on Broadway, the filmed stage version starring Miranda is available to stream.

Top songs include "My Shot," "Satisfied" and "Wait for It."

"Field of Dreams"

Finishing off with a bit of nostalgia, this 1989 Kevin Costner movie will satisfy both baseball fans and those who are looking for a dose of classic Americana — or frankly, anyone who wants to feel inspired.

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The movie follows Costner's character as he decides to build a baseball diamond in his Iowa cornfield after hearing a voice tell him: "If you build it, he will come."

It also stars James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Burt Lancaster and Amy Madigan.

Egypt national team manager waves Palestinian flag after World Cup win over Australia

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:00:39 -0400

Palestine is not competing in the World Cup. They have nothing to do with the tournament, but that didn’t stop Egypt coach Hossam Hassan from making his team’s win against Australia politically divisive by waving a Palestinian flag on the pitch.

The video of Hassan went viral on social media with people chanting "Free, free Palestine!" in the background.

Following their victory via penalty kicks, Hassan said he was dedicating the win to the "good and noble" Egyptian and Palestinian people.

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"My heart and soul are with them," he added in his post-match interview. "I dedicate this victory to the Palestinians. May Allah grant them victory and have mercy on their martyrs."

Earlier in the tournament, while I was watching the USA's final group-stage match against Turkey, I noticed a Palestinian flag. So I asked a simple question: Why in the world would a Palestinian flag be allowed?

Palestine has nothing to do with the World Cup. It’s overtly political. It’s divisive. There's obviously a double standard because Israeli flags have been banned from matches, but Palestinian flags have been seen many times throughout the tournament.

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FIFA has yet to make a public statement or respond to any media requests regarding this incident.

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Egypt is set to play Lionel Messi and Argentina in their round of 16 match on Tuesday in Atlanta.

TANVI RATNA: Latin America's right turn is redrawing the United States' backyard

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:26:16 -0400

Latin America has moved right. Not in one election, not in one country, and not as a passing mood. The region’s political map has been reordered. Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Colombia, Honduras, El Salvador, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic are now governed by right-wing, center-right, or security-first governments broadly aligned with Washington’s new strategic posture.

Only Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, and a handful of others remain, for now, outside this broader shift. Cuba and Nicaragua remain closed authoritarian cases. Venezuela, after the rupture of the old Chavista order, now stands as the clearest warning of what happens when left-wing regimes lose both legitimacy and protection.

That is the new hemisphere. The pink tide has receded. In its place is a harder, more security-driven right. And the latest proof is not just that the right is winning. It is why it is winning.

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The decisive change came after the U.S. moved from pressure to force in Latin America’s strategic environment, then widened that pressure through Cuba and the Iran war. Washington showed that hostile regimes could be squeezed, destabilized, or removed; that fuel, sanctions, and military leverage could be used together; and that the hemisphere would now be treated less like a diplomatic afterthought and more like a security perimeter.

That changed the political calculus across the region.

This was not a single event. It was a sequence. Maduro’s fall changed the psychological ceiling on what Washington would do. Cuba’s fuel crisis turned leftist scarcity into a living warning. The Iran war pushed energy prices, shipping risk, and domestic fuel politics into the center of elections from Chile to Colombia. Together, those shocks rewrote the incentives for leaders, voters, business elites, and security forces.

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A voter may forgive weak growth for a time. He does not easily forgive a state that cannot protect his family, his shop, his commute, his border, or his future. Once people conclude that the state is absent, weak, or captured, they stop voting for ideals and start voting for force.

That is the real story of Latin America’s new right. It is not a conventional conservative wave. It is a revolt against vulnerability.

The new right understands this better than the old right ever did. It does not campaign only on markets, tax cuts, and anti-socialism. It campaigns on punishment. It says the state has been humiliated by gangs, cartels, corrupt elites, failed parties, and weak executives, and must be made visible again.

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Not through another reform committee. Through force.

That is why Bukele-style politics has become the hemisphere’s most important export. Bukele did not invent hardline security politics. He made it modern, visual, and electorally overwhelming. Emergency powers, mass arrests, military presence, mega-prisons: all became a spectacle of the state overpowering the gangs.

The method is dangerous. The appeal is obvious. In societies exhausted by extortion, violence, and impunity, visible force can be sold as competence. Bukele’s real export is not a policy manual. It is a visual grammar of power. He showed that security can become a governing brand, and that voters abandoned by institutions may reward the leader who looks willing to break them.

Colombia and Peru show how far that grammar has traveled. In Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella’s rise was fed by legislative gridlock, failed peace policy, rural violence, corruption allegations, and the assassination of a major conservative figure. His appeal was not nuance. It was ruthlessness. He sounded like a man willing to act where institutions had stalled.

But his rise was also accelerated by the regional context. A few months earlier, he was still a political outsider. Then Washington demonstrated in the region that anti-U.S. regimes could be squeezed hard, that Maduro was no longer protected, and that Latin America would now sit inside a more aggressive American security frame. De la Espriella’s hardline, Trumpaligned message fit that new order perfectly.

In Peru, Keiko Fujimori’s victory came in a country discredited by political churn, dysfunction, recurring crises, crime, and instability. Her advantage was not ideological freshness. It was a familiar security-first brand in a system voters no longer trusted. She was not riding a wave of enthusiasm. She was riding a wave of exhaustion. That distinction matters.

Neither Colombia nor Peru delivered a landslide. Both delivered razor-thin right-wing victories in divided societies that had lost confidence in the old political class. Those results

do not suggest consensus. They suggest institutional fracture. They suggest voters were reaching for order because the alternative looked like drift.

Donald Trump did not create that demand. Crime did. Weak growth did. Failed institutions did. The exhaustion of the pink tide did.

Trump did something else. He gave the shift geopolitical structure.

Washington is no longer treating Latin America as a development challenge or diplomatic afterthought. It is treating the hemisphere as a security zone. Cartels, migration, Chinese infrastructure, ports, energy, critical minerals, and hostile authoritarian regimes are no longer separate files. They are one contest over power in America’s own neighborhood.

That changes the calculation. Alignment with Washington now signals access, backing, seriousness, and protection. It tells investors a government wants order. It tells security forces they may have U.S. support. It tells voters their country is not drifting toward Havana, Caracas, or Beijing. And after the Iran war, it tells them that energy shocks, shipping disruptions, and strategic instability will be managed by governments that sit close to the American center of power.

Trump’s maximum-pressure posture toward hostile regimes makes alignment with Washington more valuable and isolation more costly. It also makes the right look like the only camp with a realistic external backstop. If you are a governor, a general, a banker, or a voter trying to decide who can protect your country from the next shock, that matters.

For the United States, the stakes are plain. A more U.S.-aligned Latin America could improve counternarcotics cooperation, reduce migration pressure, complicate Chinese influence, and restore American leverage in a region

Washington neglected for too long. But a hemisphere of pro-American strongmen is not the same as a hemisphere of strong democratic partners.

There is a difference between rebuilding the state and performing power. A serious government strengthens police, courts, prosecutors, prisons, borders, and ports. It makes law

credible beyond one leader. It may produce fear. It may even produce temporary order. But it leaves behind weak institutions and a leader too large for the system around him.

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That is the test of Latin America’s new right. It has understood the public’s demand for order, the collapse of patience with the old left, and the value of Washington at a moment when America is again treating the hemisphere as strategically vital.

Now it has to govern.

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Aussie soccer fans took over a Texas Walmart chanting 'We're getting deported' as police escorted them out

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:20:04 -0400

The Socceroos' World Cup is over after losing to Egypt on penalties on Friday, but before their heartbreak, Australian fans had one final hurrah.

And what better way to do that than by storming a Walmart in Texas and partying until the boys in blue arrive on scene?

There are probably some, but this works too.

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Walmart has been a hotspot for World Cup tourists because, while we take it for granted, it's pretty incredible if you think about it. You can get a giant sack of pizza rolls, take 20 steps, buy a dress shirt, take another 20 steps, buy a PlayStation, then take 20 more steps and grab a new garden hose. And, in between, you can even score some Dunkin' Donuts and a pair of prescription glasses.

That's kind of cool.

Fox 4 Dallas-Ft. Worth shared some clips on social media of Australian fans hitting up a Walmart in Arlington, and it was one of the wildest fan-related scenes of the World Cup so far.

Which is saying a lot, because we had a guy stick his head in a cotton candy machine.

If you were headed to that Walmart to stock up on Vegemite, go elsewhere. It's definitely sold out.

All I could think of was the poor person who stopped at that Walmart on the way home from work for a gallon of milk and some toilet paper, only to encounter throngs of Aussie soccer hooligans.

WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE

Unfortunately, their excitement was short-lived — and not just because the Pharaohs stomped on their hearts a bit later — but because some of Arlington's finest were called in to help calm things down.

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Absolute scenes.

I'm going to be honest: I think we're really going to miss all these World Cup fans once they're gone.

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

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 14:06:03 -0400

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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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"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 13:46:18 -0400

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.

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"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.

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"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."

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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."

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"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 13:37:02 -0400

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."

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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.

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"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.

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"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.

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

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 13:27:47 -0400

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," History Facts reported.

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 were plentiful in the South, where French and African influences also shaped eating habits.

Dutch, English and German immigrants largely settled in 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. 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."

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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.

"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."

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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 13:20:51 -0400

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 annual Fourth of July competition; he was barred from the 2024 event due to sponsorship issues.

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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.

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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.

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

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 13:12:40 -0400

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.

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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.

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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 13:09:37 -0400

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.

Canada vs Morocco

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.

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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.

Paraguay vs. France

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.

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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.

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

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 13:00:54 -0400

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

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?"

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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

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.

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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.

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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

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."

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Billy Joel and Alexis Joel

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

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 Erwin Bach

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 Jim Skrip

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 Charlotte Riley

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.

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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 13:00:49 -0400

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 13:00:32 -0400

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

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

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

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."

Arnold Schwarzenegger

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

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.

Camila Alves

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.

Pamela Anderson

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

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

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.

Michael J. Fox

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

Salma Hayek

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

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

Daniel Craig

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.

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America's next 250 years begin in the classroom

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 12:58:39 -0400

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.

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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 12:45:57 -0400

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.

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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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Amazon's Fourth of July sale: Save up to 60% on tech, clothing, generators and more

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:35:57 -0400

America is celebrating its 250th anniversary this Fourth of July, and retailers are matching the milestone with some of their biggest summer discounts. Standout deals include Apple AirPods for $99, a reader-favorite Shark vacuum at 50% off and a commemorative America 250 baseball cap, plus savings on everything from robot vacuums to kitchen appliances.

Kitchen and grilling deals

Stock up on blenders, coffee makers and grills while deals last.

Keurig K-Elite K-Cup pod coffee maker: $94 (55% off)
Fullstar Pro original vegetable chopper: $23.73 (53% off)
Iceman by Chefman Slush-Ease: $179.99 (49% off)
Ninja Kitchen System: $129.99 (41% off)
HexClad 10-inch hybrid frying pan: $132 (22% off)
Ninja FlexFlame grill and smoker: $999.99 (17% off)

Ninja Slushi: $299.99 (14% off)

Original price: $349.99

Save $50 on the Ninja Slushi this Fourth of July weekend. Its RapidChill technology transforms juice, coffee and cocktails into frozen drinks in as little as 30 minutes. The 88-ounce capacity is perfect for entertaining, and five preset programs make it easy to whip up everything from frozen coffee to slushies and cocktails.

Vitamix Ascent X3 blender: $399 (39% off)

Original price: $649.95

Save $231 on the Vitamix Ascent X3, a high-performance blender built for everything from smoothies and frozen desserts to hot soups. Discounts this deep on Vitamix blenders are uncommon, making this a notable deal while supplies last.

Keurig K-Duo hot and iced coffee maker: $149.99 (32% off)

Original price: $219.99

The Keurig K-Duo brews both K-Cup pods and ground coffee, giving you more flexibility for your morning routine. It also includes settings for hot and iced coffee, with a stronger brew mode designed to reduce dilution over ice. A drip-minimizing glass carafe and warming plate help keep coffee hot after brewing.

Patio and backyard deals

Find coolers, patio furniture and other outdoor gear for less.

Best Choice Products solar LED patio umbrella: $44.99 (57% off)
Coleman 54-quart steel cooler: $149.99 (25% off)
Wicker swivel rocker chairs: $618.99 (21% off)
Ninja Foodi air fryer: $199.99 (20% off)
Coleman Ice Chest wheeled cooler: $59.99 (20% off)

Solar string lights: $24.98 (29% off)

Original price: $34.99

Add a warm glow to your backyard with these solar-powered string lights. They automatically turn on at night after charging during the day, and the included remote lets you switch between three different lighting modes to match the occasion.

Folding Adirondack chair: $102.99 (21% off)

Original price: $129.99

Watch Fourth of July fireworks from the comfort of this Adirondack chair, now just $100. The classic design adds a timeless touch to any patio or backyard, and it folds flat for easier storage when the season ends.

Igloo Trailmate cooler: $229.99 (21% off)

Original price: $289.99

The Igloo Trailmate is built for beach days, tailgates and camping trips, with oversized all-terrain wheels and an elevated design that rolls more easily over uneven ground. It also includes a removable serving tray for drinks and snacks, plus built-in holders for fishing rods and other gear.

Shark FlexBreeze Pro indoor and outdoor mist fan: $179.99 (28% off)

Original price: $249.99

Take the edge off hot summer days with this portable misting fan, which delivers cooling airflow and mist for patios, backyards and outdoor gatherings. The versatile design converts from a pedestal fan to a tabletop model in seconds, and the rechargeable battery provides up to 24 hours of runtime on a single charge.

Home deals

Vacuums, pillows and cleaning products are heavily discounted right now.

Lefant LiDAR Robot vacuum and mop: $129.99 (59% off)
Dryer vent cleaner: $7.99 (43% off)
Chenille bath rug: $9.37 (37% off)
Pain relief cooling pillow: $39.98 (33% off)
Levoit cordless vacuum cleaner: $139.97 (30% off)

Shark Rocket Ultra-Light corded stick vacuum: $99 (50% off)

Original price: $199.99

Unlike battery-powered models, the corded Shark Rocket provides continuous power for uninterrupted cleaning. Weighing less than nine pounds, it's easy to carry from room to room, and the included upholstery tool helps remove pet hair from furniture and other soft surfaces.

Shark Matrix Clean robot vacuum: $269.99 (55% off)

Original price: $599

The Shark Matrix Clean robot vacuum uses a grid-style cleaning pattern to cover floors thoroughly from edge to edge. After each cleaning cycle, it automatically empties into a self-emptying dock that can hold debris for up to 60 days. The self-cleaning brushroll is designed to reduce hair wrap and minimize maintenance.

Beckham Hotel Collection bed pillows: $59.99 (25% off)

Original price: $79.99

Save $38 on this two-pack of hotel-style pillows. The no-shit fill is designed to help the pillows maintain their shape overnight, while the 250-thread-count cover provides a soft, smooth feel.

Shower storage shelves, 5-pack: $15.19 (46% off)

Original price: $27.99

Keep shower essentials organized and off the ledge with this five-piece shower caddy set. The adhesive installation requires no drilling, and each shelf is designed to hold bottles, soap and other bathroom essentials while supporting up to 40 pounds.

Travel deals

Get ready for your next trip with carry-ons, toiletry bags, neck pillows and more.

Car trash can: $7.39 (43% off)
Travel neck pillow: $15.86 (28% off)
Bagsmart travel duffle: $29.99 (19% off)
Luggage scale: $7.99 (11% off)
Apple AirTag, 4-pack: $89 (10% off)

Samsonite Freeform hardside carry-on: $116 (47% off)

Original price: $219.99

Save $101 on this scratch-resistant Samsonite suitcase. The distinctive color makes it easier to spot at baggage claim, while 360-degree spinner wheels help you maneuver smoothly through busy airports.

Bagsmart hanging toiletry bag: $14.99 (35% off)

Original price: $22.99

Bagsmart's hanging toiletry bag keeps skincare, toiletries and other travel essentials neatly organized with multiple compartments. The built-in hook lets you hang it on a towel rack or bathroom door for easy access without taking up valuable counter space.

Packing cubes: $29.99 (25% off)

Original price: $39.99

Keep your suitcase organized with this 10-piece packing cube set. Multiple cube sizes, a shoe bag and a hanging toiletry case make it easier to separate clothing, shoes and travel essentials while maximizing luggage space.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 carry-on: $110 (15% off)

Original price: $129.99

This compact carry-on features front and side zip pockets for easy access to travel essentials. Inside, a spacious main compartment and separate bottom section provide room for clothing and shoes, while the padded, adjustable shoulder strap offers comfortable carrying.

Tech deals

Save hundreds on outlet extenders, AirPods and more.

Blink Outdoor 4 cameras, 5-pack: $104.99 (65% off)
Portable charger: $28.48 (42% off)
Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones: $149.95 (25% off)
Travel power strip: $16.99 (19% off)

Apple Watch Series 11: $329 (18% off)

Original price: $399

The Apple Watch Series 11 features a thinner, more comfortable design and a display with twice the scratch resistance of previous models. Advanced health features, including blood pressure monitoring and sleep tracking, help you stay on top of your wellness goals, while up to 24 hours of battery life keeps you connected throughout the day.

Wall charger and surge protector: $9.99 (23% off)

Original price: $12.96

Turn one wall outlet into nine with this outlet extender, which includes five AC outlets and four USB ports. It also features built-in surge protection to help safeguard connected devices from power spikes.

Apple AirPods 4: $99 (23% off)

Original price: $129

Apple's AirPods 4 are available for less than $100 for the Fourth of July. The updated design provides a more secure fit, while the dust-, sweat- and water-resistant construction is built for everyday use. Improved audio quality makes them a solid choice for music, podcasts and calls.

Bose QuietComfort wireless Bluetooth headphones: $179 (50% off)

Original price: $359

These Bose QuietComfort headphones have dropped to their lowest price yet. Plush ear cushions provide lasting comfort during extended listening sessions, and up to 24 hours of battery life keep the music going throughout the day.

Generators deals

Power outages are common in the summer, so grab these discounted options now.

Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus: $1,799 (36% off)
Pulsar 7,250-watt dual-fuel generator: $998 (23% off)
PowerSmart 3600-watt portable inverter generator: $379.99 (17% off)
DuroMax 15,000-watt tri-fuel generator: $2,499 (17% off)

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station: $458.99 (45% off)

Original price: $829

The Jackery Explorer 1,000 v2 powers appliances like fridges, electric pots and AC units, but takes up a fraction of the space of other generators. It has multiple charging ports, including USB-C, USB-A, a DC car port and three AC outlets. Activate emergency charging and get back to full battery in just one hour.

EF EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 power station: $2,599 (30% off)

Original price: $3,699

The EF EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 provides up to 4,000 watts of power for backup use during outages or off-grid living. It supports charging through standard AC power or compatible solar panels, and the connected app makes it easy to monitor and manage the system from your phone.

Clothing deals

Popular brands on sale include Eddie Bauer, Carhartt and Hanes.

Button-up pajama set: $19.99 (44% off)
Eddie Bauer men's Rainier pants: $42 (40% off)
Carhartt men's Iconic K87 T-shirt: $13.68 (32% off)
Under Armour men's golf polo: $27.50 (31% off)

USA 250th anniversary hat: $14.99 (25% off)

Original price: $19.99

Celebrate America's 250th anniversary with this commemorative hat, now 25% off. The front features patriotic symbols including a bald eagle and the American flag, making it a standout choice for Fourth of July festivities and beyond.

Hanes men's zip-up hoodie: $13 (54% off)

Original price: $28

Made with cotton sourced from American farms, this Hanes zip-up hoodie is a lightweight layer for cool summer evenings. An adjustable drawstring hood and roomy front pockets add everyday comfort and convenience.

Quick-dry polo: $9.99 (60% off)

Original price: $24.98

With summer in full swing, this $10 polo is a wardrobe staple. Reviewers say it fits true to size, and the quick-drying fabric makes it a practical choice for everything from golf outings to backyard barbecues.

Seamless sports bra: $7.99 (11% off)

Original price: $8.99

This wireless sports bra has a stretchy fabric that provides a barely-there feel, while the wide straps offer comfortable support for everyday wear and low-impact workouts.

Beauty and personal care deals

Practice more self-care with these beauty products.

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift face moisturizer: $21 (30% off)
Neutrogena makeup remover wipes: $9.97 (27% off)
Maybelline Super Stay liquid lipstick: $9.82 (24% off)
Oral-B Rechargeable electric toothbrush: $99.99 (23% off)
Dyson Airwrap i.d. multi-styler: $519 (20% off)
Minoxidil for men hair regrowth treatment: $63.96 (20% off)

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5300 electric toothbrush: $74.95 (32% off)

Original price: $109.96

The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5300 offers an affordable way to upgrade to an electric toothbrush. It includes a pressure sensor to help prevent overly aggressive brushing, along with multiple cleaning modes for everyday care and gum health.

Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex hair dryer: $149 (40% off)

Original price: $249.99

The Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex is designed to speed up your styling routine with high-speed airflow and multiple styling positions. Its rotating nozzle adjusts to different angles for added flexibility while drying and styling.

Under eye patches: $7.99 (20% off)

Original price: $9.99

Refresh tired-looking eyes with these under-eye patches, which contain a cooling, hydrating treatment. The patches are designed to help hydrate the under-eye area and leave skin looking smoother.

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GE smart scale: $39.99 (20% off)

Original price: $49.99

The GE smart scale tracks up to 14 body metrics beyond weight, including body fat, muscle mass and bone mass. Measurements sync to the companion app to monitor changes over time.

If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.

Save up to 50% on camping gear, luggage and more on REI's 4th of July deals

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:12:35 -0400

REI's 4th of July Deals include discounts of up to 70% on camping, hiking and other outdoor gear. Shop everything from six-person tents and camp stoves to Hoka running shoes. This sale ends on July 6, so shop now while these deals last.

Clothing and footwear deals

Save on popular brands like Nike, Hoka and Patagonia.

Nike Swoosh support bra: $28.93 (31% off)
Teva universal sandals: $41.73 (30% off)
UPF shirt: $48.93 (30% off)

Hoka women's Clifton 10 road-running shoes: $124.93 (19% off)

Original price: $155

The Hoka Clifton 10 is designed for running, but works just as well as an everyday walking shoe. A lightweight build and breathable knit upper help keep feet comfortable, while the durable outsole is built to handle frequent wear.

Swiftland women's high-rise running shorts: $47.93 (26% off)

Original price: $64.95

Swiftland's running shorts feature a breathable mesh liner and high-rise waistband that stays in place during workouts. The lightweight design makes them a comfortable option for runs, walks and other warm-weather activities.

Patagonia men’s water-repellent shorts: $36.83 (50% off)

Original price: $75

These water-repellent shorts transition easily from the beach to everyday wear. Quick-drying fabric and built-in drainage in the side and rear pockets help prevent water from pooling after swimming or other water activities.

Camping and hiking gear deals

Gear up for camping season with deals on tents, cooking systems and chairs.

Petzl Tikka headlamp: $19.73 (43% off)
JetBoil cooking system: $107.93 (40% off)
Ultra-Sil dry bag: $16.93 (28% off)
Coleman camping coffee maker: $109.73 (26% off)

Campwell six-person tent: $163.83 (50% off)

Original price: $329

The Campwell six-person tent offers a spacious cabin-style design with nearly vertical walls that provide extra headroom. It's currently 50% off, making it a great time to upgrade your camping setup.

Coleman camp stove: $206.19 (25% off)

Original price: $275

Cook breakfast and dinner on the same stove with the Coleman Cascade, which pairs a cast iron grill on one side with a cast iron griddle on the other. Built-in wind guards help shield the burners from gusts for more consistent cooking outdoors.

Flexlite camp chair: $67.39 (25% off)

Original price: $89.95

The Flexlite camp chair packs down small without sacrificing comfort at camp. Its lightweight frame supports up to 250 pounds, while the durable fabric is built to handle repeated use on the trail.

Inflatable paddle board and paddle: $399.99 (30% off)

Original price: $579

Get out on the water with this inflatable paddleboard, now 30% off. It inflates quickly and packs down into a compact bag, so there's no need for a roof rack or extra storage space.

Travel gear deals

Travel anywhere with these duffels, backpacks and more.

Patagonia Terravia Sacoche crossbody bag: $28.83 (41% off)
The North Face Glen Canyon sling bag: $40.73 (25% off)
Osprey Daylite carry-on: $186.73 (25% off)

Gear storage cubes, 3-pack: $44.19 (25% off)

Original price: $59

Built for camping and outdoor adventures, these gear cubes feature a durable, water-repellent exterior and compression straps to maximize packing space. They're a practical way to organize clothing, gear and other essentials.

For more Deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals

Travel organizer: $19.83 (50% off)

Original price: $39.95

Carry your everyday essentials without the bulk of a backpack with this compact sling bag. The water-repellent exterior protects your belongings, while padded construction keeps it comfortable during hikes, walks and daily errands.

If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.

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

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 12:27:12 -0400

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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Sports Have Been a Force for Positive Change

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.

Patriotism Has Always Been Part of American Sports

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.

Protecting What Makes Sports Great

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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A Tradition Worth Celebrating

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.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

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

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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.

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