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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."

9/11 Museum CEO reflects on lasting impact of terror attacks as America marks 250th birthday

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 05:00:56 -0400

As America marks its 250th anniversary, 9/11 Memorial and Museum President and CEO Elizabeth L. Hillman said this year's milestone coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, highlighting the nation's past and its resilience.

"This year, America's 250th birthday coincides with the 25th anniversary of 9/11, which means that what's happening at our site is very much connected to the history of the country and to the recognition of this important milestone," Hillman told Fox News Digital.

"9/11 is an important part of our nation's history, but especially now as the nation turns 250."

Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the terrorist attacks when hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

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Hillman said it is more important than ever for future generations to learn about the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to understand how they helped shape the nation and "where we are today."

"Now, 25 years have passed since that date, so if we don't elevate 9/11 in the eyes of the 100 million Americans who were born since or were too young to remember 9/11 when it happened, we'll lose the opportunity for them to understand what happened on that day and how the world came to heal, how the nation came together, and how this city and the other sites, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, worked to recover afterward," she said.

Hillman said the nation's recovery after 9/11 shows that even after a devastating tragedy, people can come together, heal and rebuild.

"I think everyone's hungry for evidence that we can survive things that are difficult," she said. "There's nothing like 9/11 to help people realize, given how the nation has recovered since, that it is possible to persevere, to heal, to recover, even in the face of really unfathomable loss, and that's what 9/11 has the chance to teach us."

Reflecting on the museum's role, Hillman said the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks affected not only New York City but the entire country, calling the museum "a testament to the resilience of the city" and to "the perseverance that enabled us to actually rebuild."

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"At the center of the rebuilt World Trade Center is a monument to the people who were killed that day and a testimony, really, to what we can do when we come together after that kind of catastrophe," she said.

This year, the museum opened "Our Flag Was Still There," an exhibition featuring flags, artifacts and photographs that tell stories of resilience from first responders, veterans and Americans who lived through 9/11. The exhibit includes the Ground Zero flag raised by FDNY firefighters, the flag draped over the Pentagon by soldiers and firefighters, a flag raised over the last column of the South Tower, and one carried during the mission that killed Usama bin Laden.

"It reveals how important the flag was in the healing and the coming together that happened after 9/11," Hillman said.

Hillman said commemorating 9/11 is especially important at a time when "many things seem to be splitting us apart."

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"The opportunity to bring people together around a symbol like the flag and around a symbol like the rebuilding of the World Trade Center after 9/11, it's a great opportunity, especially right now," she said.

On July 4, Hillman said the museum will place an American flag at each victim's name on the memorial, "to recognize how important the flag was as a symbol of the country on its birthday, but also of the recovery from 9/11 that happened and continues to happen now as we remember that day at this site."

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Looking ahead to fall, Hillman said the museum will also start offering free admission to veterans whose "willingness to serve after 9/11" helped rebuild the World Trade Center and unite the nation.

"If there's one message that we feel we can elevate now that we couldn't do 25 years ago because we didn't know enough about what would happen afterward, it's that so many people were inspired to serve their country, serving in the military," she said.

Before the Boston Tea Party, there were New Hampshire's Pine Tree Riots

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 05:00:51 -0400

NASHUA, N.H. - As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its independence, the actions of Massachusetts colonists in contributing to the outbreak of the American Revolution will once again be in the national spotlight.

But Gov. Kelly Ayotte in neighboring New Hampshire, which was another of the 13 colonies that broke away from the British Empire, told Fox News Digital that the Pine Tree Riot in her state also deserves attention, as an event that may have inspired the Boston Tea Party a year and a half later.

"Before the Boston Tea Party, we had the Pine Tree Riots here in New Hampshire. That's because the British tried to come in and tax our pine trees and take them for their own, and we said no way," Ayotte explained.

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The riot was in opposition to a longstanding British policy preventing colonists from cutting down White pine trees larger than 12 inches in diameter in order to reserve them for Royal Navy use as masts on their ships. And it was significant because it demonstrated that colonists could defy British policies.

"We were early joiners of the revolution, very, very proud of this nation," the governor emphasized. "New Hampshire has a very special role in the history of this country."

Ayotte also noted that New Hampshire was "the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, so we were the deciding state to make sure that we had the Constitution," and added that "we were the first state in the nation to draft our own Constitution."

The Pine Tree Riot and New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation state Constitution are highlighted in the state's exhibition at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington D.C.

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"New Hampshire is so proud to be part of the fair on the National Mall. In fact, in that fair, we are displaying the history of New Hampshire. We have a video that's running where we have prominent figures throughout our state, on both sides of the aisle, reading from the Declaration of Independence. We also talk about our history. We'll be giving out some great New Hampshire maple syrup," the governor said.

Back home in the Granite State, Ayotte noted that "at our own Statehouse, we are going to have our visitors center open. We're going to have some very special documents there."

They include one of the Dunlap Broadsides, which were the first printings of the Declaration of Independence, and one of the original 1823 William J. Stone engravings of the historic document.

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Cities and towns in New Hampshire have long taken a lead in celebrating the Fourth of July, with parades, fairs and fireworks, and other festivities, and this year is no different.

Ayotte, a former U.S. senator and former state attorney general who is running for re-election this year, noted in her Fox News Digital interview ahead of the holiday that she would be marching in four Independence Day parades on July 3 and 4.

"It's going to be fantastic."

America's 250th celebration in nation's capital boosted by iconic automaker's 2-week tribute to innovation

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 05:00:24 -0400

WASHINGTON, DC - As dozens of travelers arrived at Union Station Wednesday morning, many stopped to photograph historic Ford Motor Co. cars, trucks, tractors and artifacts celebrating America's 250th anniversary and the automaker's role in shaping the nation.

For two weeks, Ford is hosting "Driving America Forward: A Ford Experience at Union Station," a free public exhibit showcasing vehicles and artifacts from the Ford Heritage Vault in Dearborn that trace the company's legacy, from the Model T, the iconic mass-produced car, to a 1934 Ford pickup on loan from legendary late-night host Jay Leno.

The exhibit, part of Ford's marquee America 250 celebrations, features 10 vehicles displayed behind museum-quality glass, including a 1941 Ford GP prototype that helped lead to the military Jeep, a 1951 Ford 8N tractor, a 1954 F-100 from Virginia's Red Truck Bakery and a 2026 Oracle Red Bull Racing Formula One car. Visitors can also create a free postcard at an interactive photo station and shop for Ford merchandise.

"America's celebrating its 250th anniversary," Ted Ryan, Ford's archives and heritage brand manager, told Fox News Digital. "We've been here for almost half of that journey, and we've had such a material impact on America."

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"Whether it's industrializing, building the moving assembly line, mass transportation with the Model T, the best-selling car in the world for a number of years, or even the tractor that transformed farming. Ford has been there."

Ryan said the exhibit was designed to turn heads and reveal surprising stories about the company's influence on American industry, transportation and pop culture over the past 123 years.

"I was challenged to create an exhibit that would stop people in their tracks to take pictures or learn new facts about the Ford Motor Company," he said. "So we have 10 amazing vehicles that go throughout our entire 124-year history... These are cars that are stopping people in their tracks, and then the exhibit cases are full of material that will tell people stories they don't expect to hear."

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In a news release, Ryan said Union Station was a fitting location because it has "a particular kind of magic."

"For more than a century, it has served as the front door to the nation's capital, a place where presidents have arrived to be inaugurated, where soldiers have shipped off to war, and where ordinary Americans, by the millions, have stepped off a train and into the heart of their democracy," he wrote.

But Ryan said Ford's contributions to America go far beyond building cars.

"Ford built Mission Control at Johnson Space Center," he said. "We developed tracking beams for airplanes. Ford invented the mail sorter. Hopefully we're teaching people about the critical role that Ford has played in America during half of its 250 years."

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Ryan said the vehicles are meant to spark memories for visitors, whether they remind someone of their first car, a family road trip or a vehicle passed down through generations.

"I hope people take wonderful photos of cars that remind them of vehicles Ford has produced that they fell in love with, and that they'll leave with information they didn't know ahead of time," he said.

Through wars, natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, Ryan said Ford has consistently stepped up to support the country through its "Answering the Call" initiative, which highlights the company's long history of helping the nation during times of need.

"Ford is always there and always will be there to answer the call whenever America or our local communities need us," he said.

As visitors walk through the exhibit, Ryan hopes they leave with a deeper appreciation for Ford.

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"America's turning 250, and it's a great time to celebrate," he said. "Ford has been here for half of it, and we're doing our best to tell our story and the role we've played in America."

The exhibit is open daily through July 14, with no tickets or registration required.

Revolutionary War cannons debut at Savannah History Museum for America 250

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 03:28:29 -0400

A piece of Revolutionary War history that spent more than two centuries hidden underwater is now on display in Georgia's oldest city, just in time for America's 250th anniversary.

Nineteen cannons discovered at the bottom of the Savannah River were unveiled Thursday as a part of a new exhibit at the Savannah History Museum. The cannons spent nearly 240 years underwater.

"This is the largest discovery of 18th century artillery from a single Revolutionary War naval event," said Nora Fleming Lee, CEO of Coastal Heritage Society. "So the discovery is really significant nationwide, not just for Savannah."

A crew with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stumbled upon the cannons in 2021 while dredging the river to accommodate larger cargo ships.

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"In total, they brought up 19 cannon and a dozen or so are small artifacts.… They had quite a bit of concretion on them, oyster shells, all kinds of marine life that had attached itself to the cannon," explained Fleming Lee.

Some of the cannons were found still packed with cannonballs and gunpowder charges, along with other small artifacts.

After being pulled from the river, most of the cannons left Georgia for several years for cleaning and preservation work at a Texas A&M University lab.

"Running electrical currents essentially through a water bath that they were in, and it desalinates the iron works, so it stabilizes iron to be on land," said Fleming Lee. "And then in the final treatments, they're painted with acid and given a spa treatment and waxed and that they can have a very long life here on land."

Seventeen cannons were restored. The other two were left unrestored to allow visitors a side-by-side comparison.

All 19 are permanently on display as a part of the new "Loyalists & Liberty: Savannah in the American Revolution" exhibit.

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Historians believe the cannons sank shortly before the siege of Savannah in 1779. At the time, Savannah was under British occupation.

"We believe these cannons are the last of several ships that were scuttled, at the narrowest part of the Savannah River to act as a blockade for the French fleet to prevent them from sailing up river and reclaiming Savannah for the American side," said Fleming Lee.

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The cannons would've sunk just weeks before the Battle of Savannah, known as one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolutionary War, with over 800 casualties in under an hour. It was fought on the very ground where the Savannah History Museum now stands.

"The cannons are really the tangible artifacts that are telling the story of revolution," said Fleming Lee. "And through that lens, we're expanding Georgia's revolutionary story. More about the naval events, but more importantly, we're telling the story through the lens of those who aren't often focused on."

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The new exhibit tells the story of Savannah's role in the birth of America from the lens of five unique historical figures, including indigenous, free and enslaved people, women and children.

The story behind Betsy Ross and the first American flag as America celebrates 250th birthday

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 02:56:26 -0400

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, historic sites in Philadelphia are spotlighting the people and places tied to the nation’s earliest days — including one of its most enduring symbols: the American flag.

While the Founding Fathers are often at the center of Revolutionary War history, one of the country’s most recognizable symbols is traditionally associated with an ordinary woman working from her home in Philadelphia.

Betsy Ross, a 24-year-old upholsterer, is traditionally credited with sewing what many believe was the first American flag in the summer of 1776 after reportedly being approached by members of a flag committee that included George Washington.

According to Lisa Acker Moulter, director of the Betsy Ross House, the historic site is helping visitors understand how that moment may have unfolded.

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"She said she'd never made one before, but she would certainly try," said Lisa Acker Moulter, director of the Betsy Ross House. "She did suggest one change though, the flag that they showed her that was drawn on a piece of paper had six-pointed stars and she recommended five-pointed stars because they were easier to make. She had a method that she had learned as a child to fold a piece of cloth or paper and she cut a perfect five-pointed star with just one snip of her scissors."

Ross is believed by tradition to have worked in secrecy, sewing the flag by hand at night — likely in her home rather than in her upholstery shop — and completing it in about a week.

At the time, the colonies were still under British rule, making the creation of a national flag a potentially dangerous act.

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"You have to remember that we were a British colony at the time, so making the flag would have been considered an act of treason. If she had been caught by the British or loyalists, she could have been at the very least imprisoned or possibly even executed," said Lisa Acker Moulter, director of the Betsy Ross House.

The original design featured 13 stripes representing the colonies and 13 stars arranged in a circle to symbolize equality among them. It was later adopted as the nation’s first official flag after the Continental Congress passed a resolution on June 14, 1777.

Lisa Acker Moulter, director of the Betsy Ross House, says the story of Betsy Ross reflects a broader truth about who contributed to America’s founding.

"It shows that ordinary people can contribute important things to this country as well. You know, this country wasn’t just founded by wealthy, powerful white men, the Founding Fathers. It was women, it was free and enslaved people, it was new immigrants, all of them contributed to the founding of this nation. And that’s represented through that first flag," said Lisa Acker Moulter, director of the Betsy Ross House.

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In its early years, the flag was primarily used on battlefields, military forts, and ships as a form of identification. It did not become a widespread symbol of national identity until later in U.S. history.

"They weren’t a symbol of our national identity as they are today. That didn’t happen until the Civil War. So from the Civil War until today, that’s when you started seeing flags flown over schools, flown on government buildings, flown on houses. So the flag has changed over time. It’s become much more powerful and meaningful to people," said Lisa Acker Moulter, director of the Betsy Ross House.

Over time, the flag evolved as new states joined the Union. The first major update came in 1795 with the addition of two stars for Vermont and Kentucky, and the most recent change came in 1960 after Hawaii became the 50th state.

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From its disputed origins to its modern meaning, the American flag remains one of the country’s most powerful symbols — now taking center stage again as Philadelphia marks America’s 250th anniversary.

New Jersey coastal city clashes over proposal to transform amusement park into luxury hotel

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:05:35 -0400

Officials in New Jersey sparked mixed reactions after voting to pave the way for the redevelopment of a former iconic amusement park.

Gillian's Wonderland Pier in Ocean City was a Jersey Shore landmark that entertained families for decades. David Gillian founded Gillian's Fun Deck around 1930. Roy Gillian began operating the business as Gillian’s Wonderland Pier in 1965.

The park became known for its carousel, monorail and 144-foot Giant Wheel. It closed in October 2024 after years of mounting financial pressures, including rising inflation, insurance premiums and operating costs. Disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and Superstorm Sandy also reportedly contributed to the business’ financial woes.

"I tried my best to sustain Wonderland for as long as possible, through increasingly difficult challenges each year," Ocean City mayor and one-time Wonderland Pier owner Jay Gillian wrote in a letter posted to Facebook. "It’s been my life, my legacy and my family. But it’s no longer a viable business."

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"It’s not going to be like it was every year we come down, something is taken away," 72-year-old Pennsylvania resident KR Watkin told FOX 29 at the time.

"It’s surreal actually," said employee Andrew Boyland. "I can’t believe this is happening. I’m upset about it but at the same time the amount of people that have come here ever since we announced we are closing is amazing."

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Icona Resorts owner Eustace Mita acquired the property in 2021. After the park closed, he proposed building a 252-room hotel on the site.

In a 5-2 vote recently, Ocean City councilmembers approved rezoning the site as "in need of rehabilitation," thereby allowing the city to begin the redevelopment process.

The vote does not approve construction of the hotel itself, however. The next step in the process involves the city drafting a redevelopment plan outlining development standards before holding public hearings and seeking additional approvals.

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Some residents said they are in favor of the hotel, arguing it will bring more visitors to the city that is home to roughly 11,000 year-round residents and regularly attracts more than 100,000 tourists per day during the summer.

Others expressed concern that the development would alter the boardwalk’s character.

Community advocacy group Ocean City 2050 criticized the vote in a statement, calling the council’s decision a "strategic blunder" that results in "a stronger hand for the developer, and a worse outcome for residents."

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The group announced it plans to join other groups in filing suit against the city challenging the rehabilitation designation.

"The council’s failure to meet the statutory requirements for rehabilitation, its arbitrary decision-making, its willful disregard of known financial conflicts and its breach of fiduciary duty to the citizens it serves" are reasons the group cited for the lawsuit.

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Ocean City 2050 said it supports a recent subcommittee report that called for "using traditional planning tools, not rehabilitation designation, to address this site."

The group said it would support a redevelopment plan that "enhances entertainment, respects the neighborhoods and protects our boardwalk’s iconic look and feel."

Trump set to deliver 'historic' speech celebrating America's 250th anniversary

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 20:31:47 -0400

President Donald Trump vowed Saturday to deliver what the White House is calling a "historic" speech celebrating America's 250th anniversary despite severe thunderstorms sweeping through Washington.

Trump was originally expected to take the stage at 10 p.m. at the conclusion of the Salute to America celebration on the National Mall, though timing of events may fluctuate due to adverse weather, per a senior White House official.

Following the delay, a spokesperson for Freedom 250, the event organizer, said Trump was expected to take the stage around 11 p.m., followed by a fireworks display.

"I'm going through bad weather. No matter what happens, I am delivering this speech," Trump said during a phone call with Fox News' Bret Baier.

Trump's comments came after Baier interviewed World War II veterans who had taken shelter after the event was temporarily postponed because of severe weather.

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"It's America 250. If they can storm the beaches on D-Day, I can deliver a speech and we can keep this program going," Trump told Baier.

Trump added in a post on Truth Social, "It’s Saturday night, LETS HAVE SOME FUN, even if we are out late tonight."

The president's address is expected to look back on America's history since its founding 250 years ago, a senior White House official told Fox News.

Trump will deliver a "unique" speech featuring the stories of American heroes.

"It will be a unique speech unlike any other he’s given before," the official added.

Earlier Saturday, Trump celebrated what he described as a "stronger than ever" America in a Truth Social post, praising the "incredible" crowds gathered in Washington despite the heat and storms.

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The president also highlighted the air shows over the nation's capital, saying the pilots and aircraft were "at a level never seen before."

Trump also addressed recent vandalism at the Reflecting Pool, calling those responsible "Vandal Thugs" and promising the pool would be drained and repaired after the holiday weekend.

The president's remarks come one day after he delivered a patriotic speech at Mount Rushmore, where he called the United States the "most exceptional nation ever to exist" and warned that communism posed the nation's greatest threat.

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"Communism is the exact opposite of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — it is death, tyranny and the pursuit of evil.

A severe thunderstorm swept through Washington on Saturday evening, prompting emergency officials to urge people on the National Mall to seek shelter.

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Freedom 250 said it would provide updates on the evening's schedule as weather conditions developed.

Kylian Mbappé's seventh goal of the World Cup lifts France past Paraguay in physical Round of 16 match

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 19:50:14 -0400

The United States may not have been in action on Independence Day, but France — who fittingly played an important role in the Revolutionary War — was on the pitch in Philadelphia against Paraguay in a massive Round of 16 clash for a trip to the quarterfinals.

It was a hot day in the birthplace of our nation, and that made things difficult for both teams in more ways than one.

While Paraguay is a great squad, they were significant underdogs against a heavily favored French team led by superstar Kylian Mbappé, who has been lighting it up this tournament.

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Obviously, the heat itself is a factor, but it also made for a slower pitch, something that was believed to play into the hands of Paraguay.

However, most of the action in the first half was played on their end as France put the pressure on through the first half hour of the match.

It was intense, and that intensity boiled over in the 35th minute with some pushing and shoving after Mbappé and Paraguay's Andrés Cubas started a wild shoving match.

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But while the intensity ramped up — and stayed high for pretty much the entire game — Paraguay weathered the storm and had every reason to feel good about reaching halftime with the game scoreless.

France got some more scoring opportunities in the early part of the second half, including a near-breakaway for Mbappé.

In the 67th minute, France was awarded a penalty kick for a foul against Desire Doue that had to go to VAR for review, and it was Mbappé who took it.

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Mbappé has tended to do most of his damage in the second half, and that trend continued here with him drilling the penalty past Paraguay goaltender Orlando Gill.

That was his 19th career World Cup goal, and his seventh of this tournament alone, tying him with Argentina's Lionel Messi for the tournament lead.

Paraguay seemed to fade after the Mbappé goal, but turned it on again late, forcing Mike Maignan to make his first save of the day about 89 and a half minutes into the match.

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It seemed like Paraguay's plan was to try and get a rise out of the French, and they succeeded in drawing three yellow cards. In fact, they even tried to keep that going after the match with players meeting near midfield for some more pushing and shoving.

But France is moving on, and they will take on Morocco in a quarterfinal match on Thursday in Boston.

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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"Mr. Paul Pelosi has personally apologized to the owner of the vehicle and assured them that he would take responsibility for the damage to their vehicle," a spokesperson for the Pelosi family said in a statement to The California Post. "Speaker Pelosi will not be commenting further on this private matter."

Fox News Digital also reached out to the Pelosi family for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

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.

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.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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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 was 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 and 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 run 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 a 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, including her first 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. It's scored at least one goal in every game and gotten two shutouts, so there is some stuff to hang its hat on.

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Morocco had a much more difficult task of getting the victory against the Netherlands. It won in penalty kicks, and it was a wild shootout. It also hasn't actually lost a match yet and has 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 its win to get here. It was its best game of the tournament.

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France has looked unstoppable. It is still the favorite to win the World Cup. If you’ve watched France, and even if you’re not a soccer enthusiast, you can see why. Kylian Mbappé 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 Dembélé. I think so much attention goes to Mbappé that Dembélé, 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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