In a ceremony marking the 250th anniversary of July 4th, President Trump delivered a speech at Mount Rushmore, emphasizing American values and cautioning against what he described as a rising “communist menace.”
Positioned against the iconic backdrop of the carved visages of four previous U.S. leaders, Trump asserted that American identity is currently under siege by communist ideas. He criticized what he termed as “radicals” and “extremists” for assaulting America’s historical narrative.
“Today, we witness a revival of the communist threat within our borders, coming from certain arrivals who support principles that are starkly opposed to our accomplishments and way of life,” stated President Trump. “One can choose to be a communist or a patriot, but never both.”
Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
“It is not a requirement to be born in this nation, but a love for what we have achieved and for our country is essential,” President Trump expressed to the audience in South Dakota.
Shifting his focus from the perils of communism, the president asserted that the path for Republicans to secure victory in upcoming midterm elections involves dismantling the filibuster. He advocated for the SAVE America Act, which mandates that individuals show proof of U.S. citizenship upon registering to vote and present a valid photo ID when voting.
“As we march into our 250th year, incredible, beautiful year it will be, we must never forget: There is no American freedom without American culture, and there is no American founding without the American people,” Mr Trump said.
Mandel NGAN /AFP via Getty Images
Describing American culture, Mr. Trump said, “Americans love freedom. We cherish independence, and we know that we are the heirs to the most beautiful land, the most thrilling story, and the most precious legacy on which the sun has ever shined in America. We do not need anyone’s permission to say what we think, and to live as we please, to worship as we choose, or to keep and bear arms.”
Tragic Rabies Case: 11-Year-Old Succumbs After Bat Encounter in Sleep
A tragic case in Ontario, Canada, has seen an 11-year-old boy succumb to rabies, as detailed in a recent article in a medical journal published on Monday.
The report from the Canadian Medical Association Journal refrains from disclosing the identities of the child and his family but reveals he was admitted to a hospital weeks after an incident involving a bat.
According to the journal, the family recounted a disturbing incident that occurred during their stay at a cottage in northern Ontario. Nineteen days prior to the onset of symptoms, the boy was startled awake by a bat perched on his nose and mouth. Reacting swiftly, he brushed the bat away. His father managed to capture the animal in a cooking pot before releasing it outdoors.
A common noctule bat (Nyctalus noctula) captured in a photograph in Kersdorf, Brandenburg, on March 14, 2026. (Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via Getty Images)
The journal noted that the boy showed no visible wounds on his face, and his parents believed the bat behaved normally, leading them to forego seeking medical advice at the time.
The boy was ultimately admitted to a hospital 20 days after the encounter with the bat, when his parents brought him to an emergency room. He was first sent home but then brought back the following morning and admitted to the hospital.
Rabies vaccination (iStock)
Doctors noted that the boy’s condition “rapidly worsened” by the evening, but he spent more than two weeks in the hospital before dying.
“By day 5 of admission, his brainstem reflexes were absent. Life-sustaining therapies were withdrawn on day 17 of admission, and he died peacefully with his family at his bedside,” the journal article said.
Doctors who authored the article warned that any direct human contact with a bat, even in the absence of a visible bite or scratch, should be discussed with public health authorities.
This photo taken Nov. 1, 2018, shows veterinarian Amy Keith giving Lincoln a rabies shot as veterinary nurse and Veterinarian Assistant Nate Johnson feed Lincoln cheese wiz at Valley West Veterinary Hospital in Charleston, W. Va. (Craig Hudson/Charleston Gazette-Mail via AP)
Rabies is almost always fatal in humans if not treated quickly with postexposure prophylaxis, or PEP. The treatment is nearly always successful if administered promptly after exposure.
Uncover Blake Lively’s Surprising Reaction to Taylor Swift’s Wedding Snub
The deep sense of hurt experienced by Blake Lively has come to light after being omitted from the guest list for Taylor Swift’s wedding.
Once inseparable, Lively shared such a close bond with Swift that she chose the singer as the godmother for all three of the daughters she has with her husband, Ryan Reynolds.
However, this seemingly unbreakable friendship suffered a setback after Swift found herself inadvertently caught up in Lively’s legal dispute with Justin Baldoni.
Swift tied the knot with Travis Kelce this past Friday in a star-studded ceremony at Madison Square Garden. The event, officiated by Adam Sandler, featured musical performances by Stevie Nicks, Paul McCartney, and Swift herself, alongside a host of celebrity guests.
A source has revealed exclusively to the Daily Mail that Lively is furious over the exclusion, severely damaging any hope of reconciliation between the former friends in the future.
Lively is ‘sad and a little bit p***ed. No, a lot p***ed,’ said the insider. ‘That friendship was over before but if there was hope, it’s gone. They’ll never be friends again.’
The Daily Mail has contacted Lively and Swift’s representatives for comment.
Blake Lively’s excruciating sense of ‘hurt’ has been laid bare, as her former best friend Taylor Swift gets married without her in front of 1,000 guests; the pair are pictured in 2024
Swift and her groom Travis Kelce welcomed a cavalcade of celebrities to Madison Square Garden this Friday for their nuptials; the couple are pictured in March
But what once seemed an indissoluble bond was torpedoed after Swift was embarrassingly dragged into Lively’s legal battle with Justin Baldoni (pictured February)
The Gossip Girl star ‘wanted to go,’ the source noted. ‘It feels bad to be excluded like that. She had sort of hoped that despite everything, their history was enough that they’d be included, but that’s not the way it went.’
Stars galore flocked to the wedding, where a fairytale castle inspired by Swift’s Love Story music video was reportedly erected inside Madison Square Garden.
Road closures around the venue plunged Manhattan traffic into chaos and impeded travel out of Penn Station just as New Yorkers attempted to leave town ahead of Fourth of July weekend.
Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper, as well as Selena Gomez, Lena Dunham, Hugh Grant, Steven Spielberg, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Tom Brady, Jessica Chastain, Ed Sheeran, The Chainsmokers, Chris Rock, Jessica Alba, Danny Ramirez, Paul Mescal, Gracie Abrams and several of Kelce’s Kansas City Chiefs teammates like Patrick Mahomes were on hand for the blowout extravaganza.
Even Karlie Kloss, long rumored to have fallen out with Swift, managed to snag an invitation along with her husband Joshua Kushner.
Not so Lively, who was seen hundreds of miles away from Madison Square Garden on Thursday, the day a smaller event was held there.
Lively and Reynolds were seen that day supporting their daughter Betty, six, as she competed in a horse show at a farm in Lake Placid, New York, according to TMZ.
A dressed-down Lively was a far cry from the glamour of Swift’s functions, cutting a casual figure in a navy tank top and denim shorts at her daughter’s event.
Her blonde hair was swept into a haphazard updo that was secured with a claw clip. Meanwhile Reynolds wore a white t-shirt, a tan hat and khaki pants.
While celebrity guests were pictured arriving to the glamorous rehearsal dinner at MSG, Lively and her husband were seen supporting their daughter Betty, six, as she competed in a horse show at a farm in Lake Placid, New York; The pair seen in 2025
Lively and her husband were seen hundred miles away from the festivities at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, after Swift iced them out from her and Travis Kelce’s, 36, big day; Swift and Kelce seen in 2026
Lively and Reynolds’s NYC apartment is seen on Thursday, the day of Swift’s wedding festivities
‘Madison Square Garden holds more than 20,000 people. If Blake isn’t there, nobody can blame a lack of space,’ a source previously told the Daily Mail.
‘The guest list is so massive that Blake’s absence becomes impossible to ignore. People will notice immediately.’
‘Taylor could invite practically everyone she’s ever known. That’s why Blake not getting an invite would speak volumes.’
‘This isn’t about logistics or capacity. If Blake is left off the list, it’s personal.’
‘The bigger the wedding gets, the worse this looks for Blake,’ the source continued.
‘There will be movie stars, athletes, politicians, and music royalty in that arena,’ a source said.
‘When Blake isn’t among them, that becomes one of the biggest stories of the night and Taylor knows it.’
The exterior of the power couple’s home in New York City seen on Thursday
Lively and Reynolds pictured with daughters James and Inez in 2015
Explosives text messages from Baldoni’s complaint revealed Lively had referred to the superstar singer and her husband as ‘my dragons’; Lively and Swift seen in 2023
Swift and Lively have been friends for a decade, with the pair celebrating milestones together and the singer even name dropping Lively’s children in her music; Seen in 2024
The apparent snub carries an extra sting given that Swift is the beloved godmother to the couple’s daughters: James, 11, Inez, nine, and Betty. The pair also share three-year-old son Olin.
Swift and Kelce have brought midtown Manhattan to a standstill with night one of their wedding bonanza.
Reported bridesmaid Selena Gomez was spotted dressed to the nines in an elegant black gown as she arrived at the arena early Thursday evening to celebrate her best friend’s wedding.
Supermodel Gigi Hadid, another reported bridesmaid, headed to the venue accompanied by her boyfriend Bradley Cooper and Swift’s close friend Ashley Avignone.
Jack Antonoff, Swift’s longtime music collaborator, was also seen leaving the Bowery Hotel in a dapper suit as he got into a private car.
While Lively’s bitter lawsuit against Baldoni was settled earlier this year, it appears it wasn’t enough to secure her a coveted spot on Swift’s guest list.
Swift’s reported fallout with the actress happened after she was subpoenaed in the her lawsuit against Baldoni, before the subpoena was later withdrawn.
Swift, whose hit song My Tears Ricochet was featured on the soundtrack of Baldoni’s 2024 film It Ends With Us – where he starred alongside Lively – was pulled into the rollercoaster saga last year when Baldoni filed a $400 million countersuit accusing Lively and her husband of defamation. The suit was later thrown out.
Explosives text messages from Baldoni’s complaint revealed Lively had referred to the superstar singer and her husband as ‘my dragons’ in a bid to intimidate him over the ill-fated flick.
Though Lively was left off the guest list, Swift’s close pal Selena Gomez shared a video of herself en route to the rehearsal dinner
Madison Square Garden was lit up in pink on Thursday night, but a few prized ads remained prominent
In January, a source told DailyMail.com: ‘Her friends also think that Blake’s “I’m Khaleesi, and like her, I happen to have dragons” text to Justin was uncool and unnecessary because she was essentially used as an intimidation tactic. She was referred to as some kind of pet or possession.’
Since then, Swift has reportedly been trying to distance herself from the scandal as well as her friendship with Lively.
Those efforts have included icing Lively out of her inner circle while Kelce unfollowed Reynolds on Instagram.
Swift and Lively have been friends for a decade, with the pair celebrating milestones together and the singer even name dropping Lively’s children in her music.
Ghana’s World Cup Journey Ends in Defeat by Colombia, Dimming Africa’s Prospects
In a fiercely contested battle in Kansas City, Colombia secured the final coveted spot in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 by edging past Ghana with a narrow 1-0 victory. This result leaves just two African nations advancing to the next stage.
The decisive moment came courtesy of Jhon Arias, who found the net in the first half. Colombia dominated significant portions of the match, ensuring their progression to face Switzerland in the next round.
Several opportunities to widen their lead were carved out by the South Americans, yet they settled for the solitary goal. Ghana, on the other hand, struggled to pose any real offensive threat throughout the encounter.
Arias strikes after early setback
Injuries plagued both squads early on, adding an additional layer of complexity to the game.
Colombia was forced to make an early change when striker Jhon Cordoba suffered a groin injury, prompting the introduction of Luis Suarez. Meanwhile, Ghana faced a similar setback, losing defender Marvin Senaya to a hamstring issue, with Alidu Seidu taking his place on the field.
Colombia broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when Suarez burst down the right flank before delivering a cross to the far post. Arias arrived unmarked to guide a controlled volley into the net after Seidu failed to track his run.
Ghana’s best opportunity came through Thomas Partey, whose long-range effort drifted narrowly wide early in the game.
Antoine Semenyo also saw a shot deflected over the crossbar, but the Black Stars failed to seriously test the Colombian defence.
Before halftime, Luis Diaz and Suarez both missed chances to increase Colombia’s lead, while goalkeeper Lawrence Zigi produced an excellent save to keep out Johan Mojica’s header.
Ghana exit after blunt ouitng
Colombia continued to dominate after the break, with Richard Rios, Gustavo Puerta and Diaz all going close.
Diaz also had a goal ruled out for offside before being denied in a one-on-one situation by Zigi, who produced several important saves to keep Ghana in the contest.
Despite Colombia’s missed opportunities, Ghana struggled to create clear-cut chances and finished the match without a shot on target.
The defeat ended Ghana’s World Cup campaign, making them the eighth African country to exit the finals.
Colombia, meanwhile, advanced with confidence after another impressive performance and will face Switzerland in the last 16 as they continue their pursuit of a place in the quarter-finals.
Advice Column: Navigating a Marriage with a Partner Who Shifts Blame
DEAR ABBY: I’ve been married to my husband for a decade, during which I’ve seen him grapple with depression and anxiety. I’ve endeavored to be a steadfast support for him throughout these struggles.
Though my husband has attempted therapy multiple times, he has a pattern of abandoning it just when it begins to delve into meaningful areas for growth. He frequently claims that no one can truly understand his experiences, and this mindset affects nearly every facet of his life—his sleep, diet, and how he constantly tries to control me. Furthermore, he spends an excessive amount of time working out, often up to five hours daily.
His reluctance to face these challenges also spills over into his job and overall enjoyment of life. Despite taking frequent leave from work to supposedly get rest, it isn’t rest he seeks but other distractions. When I urge him to maintain a regular work routine, he becomes angry. His employer has started noticing his frequent absences, yet he blames them, feeling targeted rather than acknowledging his own part in the situation. Excuses are abundant, but acceptance of responsibility is not.
This situation has significantly strained our marriage and his bond with our two children, who miss having their father present. As a counselor, I recognize narcissistic traits in his behavior, though I still hold deep love for him. He has not always behaved this way, and I’m torn. While I don’t wish to give up on him, I’m uncertain of how to proceed. I cannot endure this indefinitely and must ensure our children live fulfilling lives. Seeking advice, I feel a bit like a single parent in New Mexico. — LIKE A SINGLE PARENT IN NEW MEXICO
DEAR SINGLE PARENT: Given your professional insight as a counselor, you likely understand that someone cannot be helped if they persistently refuse it. Your children’s well-being must become the priority. Offer your husband a clear ultimatum: seek help and commit to the therapeutic process, or you will need to leave with the children. The current environment you describe is unhealthy not only for them but also for yourself.
P.S. As I’m sure you are aware, some counselors have therapists. Please consider enlisting some emotional support for yourself as you make your way through this.
DEAR ABBY: I have a friend whom I love and enjoy being with. However, when we spend extended periods of time together, such as a few days on a trip, it doesn’t work well because of our personalities and belief systems. She is not aware of the struggles I have when spending more than a few hours with her and regularly invites me to go on trips with her. I have put her off a few times without telling her the truth. Is there a polite way to tell her that I’d rather not go on a trip with her? — BRIEFLY IN DELAWARE
DEAR BRIEFLY: Tell your friend that you love her and enjoy being with her, but that if it involves leaving home for any length of time it makes you “anxious.” You do not have to explain any further. You may, however, have to refrain from telling her about any travel you do with other, more compatible friends.
DEAR READERS: Happy 250th birthday to the USA! Let’s all enjoy a safe and happy Fourth of July!
P.S. Wishing a Happy Heavenly Birthday to you, Mom! — LOVE, ABBY
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Fourth of July 2026: Discover Which Stores and Restaurants Will Be Open or Closed
Here’s everything you need to know before stepping out on the Fourth of July.
As we prepare to celebrate another Independence Day, many are finalizing their plans for the July 4th weekend. Whether you’re hitting the shops or dining out, it’s essential to know which stores and businesses will be operational during the holiday. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the Fourth.
Be sure to verify local store hours, as they can vary by location.
What’s open and closed on the Fourth of July 2026:
Restaurants:
The following chain restaurants will welcome guests on July 4th:
- Applebee’s
- Arby’s
- BJ’s Restaurant
Open Heaven 4 July 2026 – While It Is Day
Open Heaven 4 July 2026 Saturday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – While It Is Day
Open Heaven 4 July 2026 TOPIC – While It Is Day
MEMORISE: Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. – John 11:9 (KJV)
READ: Joshua 13:1-5 (KJV)
1 Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the Lord said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.
2 This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri,
3 From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:
4 From the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that is beside the Sidonians unto Aphek, to the borders of the Amorites:
5 And the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrising, from Baalgad under mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 15-17
Open Heaven 4 July 2026 MESSAGE
The account of some of Joshua’s great exploits can be found in Joshua 12. The chapter highlights all the kings he conquered and the lands he possessed. It was indeed a long list of victories, and any fellow who achieved the things Joshua did would be proud of such exploits. However, in the next chapter, which is today’s Bible reading, God told him that even though he was now old, there remained much land to be possessed. God then went ahead to list all the lands that remained unconquered, making him know that there was still so much to do.
Beloved, there is a set time when you must do the works of Him who sent you. In John 9:4, Jesus said, “l must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” For every human, there is a daytime and a nighttime. The daytime is the portion of a fellow’s life when he or she is young and agile. In the daytime, a fellow has the strength to go around preaching the gospel of Christ and can fast and pray as long as he or she wants to. However, by nighttime, the fellow’s strength would have abated. Also, when some people’s nighttime comes, they become sick and are unable to continue working. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to do God’s work now, do it with all your strength and focus. Even if you are well advanced in years, the fact that you are alive means that there is still so much you can do for God, just as He showed Joshua in today’s Bible reading.
There are 24 hours in a day. Approximately half of those hours are characterised by the presence of sunlight, and during those hours, most people work on their goals. After those hours of light, darkness descends.
Jesus said in John 11:10 that if a man walks in the night, he stumbles. This means that NOW is the time to serve God and carry out any assignments He might have committed into your hands. You must get to work now because when the night comes, no one, including you, will be able to work. Therefore, work while it is still day. Don’t procrastinate God’s work. Heal the sick, preach the gospel, cast out demons, mentor the next generation, and let your light so shine before men that they may glorify your Father in heaven.
Open Heaven 4 July 2026 KEY POINT
Work while it is day.
Open Heaven 4 July 2026 HYMN 4 – To The Work! To The Work! We Are Servants Of God
1 To the work! to the work!
we are servants of God,
Let us follow the path that our
Master has trod;
With the balm of His counsel
our strength to renew,
Let us do with our might what
our hands find to do.
Refrain:
Toiling on, toiling on,
Toiling on, toiling on,
Let us hope, let us watch,
And labour till the Master comes.
2 To the work! to the work!
let the hungry be fed,
To the fountain of life let
the weary be led!
In the cross and its banner
our glory shall be,
While we herald the tidings,
“Salvation is free!”
3 To the work! to the work!
there is labour for all,
For the kingdom of darkness
and error shall fall;
And the name of Jehovah exalted shall be,
In the loud-swelling chorus,
“Salvation is free!”
4 To the work! to the work!
in the strength of the Lord,
And a robe and a crown shall
our labour reward,
When the home of the faithful
our dwelling shall be,
And we shout with the ransomed,
“Salvation is free!”
Open Heavens 2026 Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.
Accessing the Devotional
The Open Heavens devotional is conveniently available as an application across all major mobile platforms and operating systems, including iOS, Android, Nokia, Windows Mobile, and PC. This wide accessibility ensures that users can engage with the devotional from virtually any device. For more information or to access the Open Heaven for Today 2026, visit
REMINDER!!! JESUS IS COMING SOON
ARE YOU BORN AGAIN? IF NO, WHY NOT ACCEPT JESUS NOW!
Accept Jesus Christ today and secure a life of eternal rest and Glory by saying this short prayer below:
Lord Jesus, I believe you died for my sins, Forgive me of all my iniquities. I accept you as my Lord and Saviour from today and forever.
Come and Be the Lord of my life and I am willing to obey Your command and live according to Your will by Your Grace, Thank you for accepting me into Your fold
AMEN!!! John 6:37…and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
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