Nearly two months have passed since President Trump declared that Washington, D.C. would host the “LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN HISTORY.” This week, Guinness World Records made it official, confirming the event’s record-breaking status.

According to Guinness World Records, “The largest firework display consists of 840,537 fireworks, and was achieved by Freedom 250 and Pyrotecnico, Inc (both USA) at an event organized by Event Strategies Inc in Washington D.C., USA, on 4 July 2026.” Their confirmation appeared on their website, cementing this dazzling event in history.

Despite unforeseen weather conditions that prompted the evacuation of spectators from the National Mall, the fireworks spectacle went on. Starting just before midnight, it attracted a crowd of hundreds of thousands who braved the elements to witness the monumental display in the heart of Washington, D.C.

Before the fireworks show, President Trump delivered a brief speech as part of the “Salute to America” celebration, commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. This event was a grand centerpiece of the day’s festivities.

When the fireworks finally lit up the night sky, the show lasted for an impressive 40 minutes, captivating the audience with its sheer scale and splendor.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum explained in June that the fireworks would be launched from several sites because of its immense scale.

“Normally the fireworks are set off right along here,” he told the Washington Reporter of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

“This year, because of the size and scale of the thing, there are so many locations where the fireworks are going to be going off, including barges,” he explained.

The White House launched Freedom 250 as a public-private partnership months ago and the president serves as chair of the initiative.

The previous record holder for largest fireworks celebration was a megachurch’s 2016 New Year’s Eve show, which featured 810,904 fireworks, according to The Washington Post.

“On July 4th, America came together to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday with the largest fireworks display in history — over 850,000 fireworks lighting up the National Mall and the Potomac River, and miles around in a 40-minute spectacular,” Freedom 250 spokesperson Danielle Alvarez shared in a statement with Fox News Digital.

Alvarez added, “This historic display shattered the previous global benchmark and stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and pride as we begin our nation’s next 250 years. Freedom 250 is honored to have brought this moment to millions of Americans, and we thank everyone who made it possible.”

“No other president in history could have accomplished the incredible feat that President Trump did at our Nation’s historic 250th birthday celebration, which included an incredible air show, a record-breaking fireworks display, and an inspiring speech delivered before hundreds of thousands of American patriots,” the White House said in a statement, according to the Post.

CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox honored the legendary Ozzie Guillén by retiring his No. 13 jersey before Saturday’s face-off with Cleveland, celebrating his dual legacy as former manager and shortstop.

At 62, Guillén, now a vibrant voice on White Sox broadcasts, made history as the 13th individual and uniquely, the team’s first former manager to receive this prestigious honor. His number now graces the facade of Rate Field’s second deck, marking a lasting tribute.

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A triumphant chapter in his career, Guillén’s tenure with the White Sox began in earnest as a dynamic three-time All-Star. Starting his 16-year major league journey with Chicago, he captured the AL Rookie of the Year award in 1985 at just 21 and clinched a Gold Glove in 1990.

During his 13-year playing stint with the Sox, Guillén posted a .265 batting average, notched 24 home runs, drove in 565 RBIs, and amassed 163 stolen bases across 1,743 regular-season games. After his time in Chicago, he wrapped his playing career with Baltimore, Atlanta, and Tampa Bay, retiring in 2000 with a career .264 average, featuring 28 homers and 619 RBIs.

Guillén’s journey came full circle when he returned to Chicago as manager from 2004 to 2011. His leadership culminated in guiding the White Sox to their last World Series championship in 2005. Across eight seasons, he achieved an impressive managerial record of 678-617.

Guillén was introduced in front of the White Sox dugout by A.J Pierzynski and Paul Konerko, stars on the 2005 White Sox team that rolled to an 11-1 record in that postseason. Other former teammates and players were also in attendance, as well as White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.

“I’ve never been nervous playing baseball,” Guillén said. “I’ve never been nervous managing baseball. But today I am very, very nervous because this is a different moment.

“Today I’m not here as a manager. Today I’m here as a grateful man given this opportunity.”

In a statement, Reinsdorf said: “From the moment he joined this organization in spring training 1985, Ozzie Guillén has been one of a kind.”

Guillén was electric as a player and outspoken, often fiery, as a manager. The Venezuela native never shied away from bluntness – and profanity – in assessing players, plays, games or whatever.

Konerko said Guillén was “passionate” and “never had trouble telling anyone something that was wrong.”

Guillén also managed the Miami Marlins in 2012 and was fired after one season after his team went 69-93. Not only the record, but backlash caused by Guillen’s awkward praise of former Cuban strongman Fidel Castro contributed to his dismissal in South Florida.

On Saturday, Guillén was joined by his wife, Ibis, onstage, with family members including his three sons, seated in front of him. He wore a dark suit with a prominent Venezuelan flag lapel pin.

Meeting with reporters, Guillén called out his Venezuelan heritage and his selection of uniform No. 13 as something linked to the country’s baseball tradition.

He saluted nine-time All-Star infielder Dave Conceptión, who wore No. 13 over 19 seasons with Cincinnati as an inspiration. He called out current Venezuelan Atlanta outfield Ronald Acuña Jr. for continuing with the tradition of wearing No. 13.

“I think 13 belongs to my country,” Guillén said. “And to me in Venezuela 13 is a lucky number and Americans did not believe what a lucky number that is.”

Saturday brought tragic news from Utah as authorities confirmed the deaths of two helicopter pilots involved in wildfire operations.

The incident claimed the lives of these heroic pilots when their Sikorsky Skycrane helicopter crashed on Friday morning, as reported by the Sevier County Sheriff.

These pilots were bravely engaged in battling a blaze within the sprawling Fishlake National Forest.

Their helicopter crash ignited yet another fire, which merged with the original inferno to devastate nearly 174 square miles.

While the pilots’ identities remain undisclosed, officials noted their employment with Helicopter Transport Services, a company contracted by the US Forest Service for this perilous task.

Initially officials said they were unable to reach the crash site because of the fire.

Then, on Saturday, crews were able to enter the area and confirmed the deaths, according to the Sevier County sheriff and coroner.

The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate once its team can examine the wreckage. It will likely take the NTSB a year or more to determine the cause.

Numerous fires also were burning in other parts of the West, including one that closed part of Mount Rainier National Park in Washington.

The National Park Service shut down access to the Sunrise and White River areas of the park after a new wildfire burned less than a third of a square mile.

Firefighters were working to gain control of it.

Larger fires near Spokane, Washington, have now burned more than 15.63 square miles, but firefighters constructed more than 75 miles of containment line to help control those flames.

Meanwhile in Oregon, hot and dry conditions helped an uncontrolled fire spread beyond 30 square miles.

Firefighters were still trying to identify the best places to set up containment lines around the Wrights Spring fire as they mourned the death of 47-year-old Jason Ensign, who was killed while operating a bulldozer for a timber company.

The blaze grew rapidly Thursday and cut off Ensign’s escape route.

And north of the border in British Columbia, more than 20,000 people had to evacuate ahead of another fast-moving wildfire.

Despite his significant fall from grace and the removal of his titles, Andrew Mountbatten–Windsor is set to receive a royal ceremonial funeral.

According to senior Whitehall sources, as reported by The Mail on Sunday, the former Duke of York remains included on a confidential government roster of royals entitled to high-profile funerals. This remains true even after he became a private citizen in the wake of revelations about his association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.

Insiders reveal that this contentious decision is incorporated into the Government’s detailed ‘bridge’ plans. These plans, meticulously prepared in advance, dictate the funeral arrangements for Royal Family members.

Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in 2022 adhered to ‘Operation London Bridge’, while Prince Philip’s farewell followed ‘Operation Forth Bridge’, named after a famous bridge near Edinburgh.

While specifics of Mountbatten–Windsor’s funeral plans are yet to be disclosed, royal commentators suggest the service will likely take place at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel, in line with the farewell ceremonies for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

The 14th–century chapel also serves as the venue for baptisms and royal weddings, including that of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2018.

It is anticipated that Mountbatten–Windsor would be buried at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, a 33–acre private cemetery in Home Park, Windsor.

Others buried there include King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne in disgrace in 1936 to marry American socialite Wallis Simpson, who is also buried there.

It is not expected that the plan for 66–year–old Mountbatten–Windsor, which is overseen by the Cabinet Office and kept under constant review, will be required for some time, given that he appears to be in good health. 

But on Saturday US lawyer Gloria Allred, who has represented 27 of Epstein’s victims, said: ‘Andrew has brought disgrace upon the Royal Family and the UK as a result of his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein.

‘Under these circumstances, the question arises as to why this man should be afforded the honour of a royal funeral. What kind of message would such a ceremony send to Epstein’s victims?

‘Additionally, why should UK taxpayers bear the burden of paying his expenses either in life or after his death?’

Alicia Kearns, Tory shadow Home Office minister, said: ‘There are no circumstances under which Andrew should be afforded a royal funeral.

‘He should live out his days far from public life, and the police and CPS should ensure their investigations into him are robust and don’t drag on. All such plans should be revoked immediately.’

Norman Baker, a former government minister and expert in royal finances, said: ‘This must be an oversight. Mr Mountbatten–Windsor is a commoner and should in no way be getting any sort of royal funeral.’

The ‘bridge’ plan for Andrew is likely to have been revised in the past year to take into account that he is no longer a working royal. In a humiliating blow, King Charles stripped his brother of his HRH style and prince title in November last year.

Royal experts believe Mountbatten–Windsor’s funeral would be similar to that of Princess Margaret, who died in 2002 aged 71 after a stroke and cardiac complications. A 400–strong congregation, including 30 royals, attended a private service in St George’s Chapel. Flags were flown at half–mast at all royal residences throughout a six–day period of mourning.

Ahead of the funeral, the princess’s coffin was laid in Kensington Palace, where her family paid their respects. It was draped in Margaret’s standard and a spray of white lilies and roses and was then taken to the Queen’s Chapel at St James’s Palace.

The coffin was then driven to Windsor where police had to erect barriers for 3,000 people to watch the cortege enter the castle gates.

In a break from royal tradition, which is unlikely to feature in Mountbatten–Windsor’s plans, Princess Margaret was later cremated at Slough Crematorium.

While not an official state or public occasion, the funeral was a major royal event that was accompanied by a costly policing and security operation.

One delicate matter the former Duke may have to ponder in the coming years is who will act as pallbearers during his ceremony.

Servicemen from regiments associated with members of the Royal Family normally have the honour of carrying their coffin.

Eight sergeants from the Royal Highland Fusiliers, of which Princess Margaret was the colonel–in–chief, carried her coffin.

Mountbatten–Windsor served in the Royal Navy, including during the Falklands War as a Sea King helicopter co–pilot, and was the honorary colonel of the Grenadier Guards, the Royal Irish Regiment, and the Royal Regiment of Scotland. However, he lost his military titles amid the Epstein scandal.

Retired Rear Admiral Chris Parry, who captained the Royal Navy’s HMS Fearless, said he believed the Navy would ask for volunteers to act as pallbearers.

‘The guy doesn’t relinquish being a naval officer,’ he said. ‘He wasn’t thrown out. He had a Falklands medal and you can’t take that away from him and he deserves the credit for that. If somebody said to me ‘Would you do it?’, I’d do it.’

US lawyer Spencer Kuvin, who represented nine of Epstein’s victims, said: ‘Taxpayers should not ever be funding a funeral for a private individual. No public money should be used to benefit him during death. It’s an embarrassment to the Crown.’

Tory MP Joe Robertson said: ‘Public funds should not bankroll Andrew Mountbatten–Windsor’s funeral. He has lost all his royal titles and publicly funded roles for a reason. He is an ordinary citizen – one who still has a lot of questions to answer – and his funeral should be paid for privately just like everyone else.’

The Cabinet Office and Buckingham Palace declined to comment.

Mountbatten–Windsor did not respond to a request to comment.

In a captivating twist for real estate enthusiasts and history buffs, a historic residence in Bath, Maine, affectionately dubbed the “City of Ships,” is now up for grabs with a seemingly unbelievable price tag of just $1. However, this bargain comes with a significant caveat—the new owner must relocate the house or it will be demolished.

This week, shipbuilding giant General Dynamics Bath Iron Works dropped the news, announcing that it plans to part with two residential properties, including the early 20th-century gem known as the Deering House, located at 606 Washington St. in Bath.

The critical stipulation is that the prospective buyer has until November 20, 2027, to relocate the structures to a site that meets legal requirements, ensuring their preservation.

Deering House carries with it a rich history. It was once the home of Gardiner G. Deering, a notable figure in the shipbuilding world, whose work greatly contributed to Bath’s esteemed status as a shipbuilding powerhouse in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Currently, the house serves a different purpose. It operates as office space and remains occupied by tenants, who hold leases lasting until November 2027, according to a report by WMTW.

Bath Iron Works says the buildings are being sold “as is, where is,” with no warranties of any kind.

The buyer will be responsible for “all relocation costs, including permits, approvals, licensed structural movers, transportation, site prep, foundations, utilities, and related services.”

The Deering House will be demolished to make room for a new Bath Iron Works facility if no buyers step in to save the historic residence.

“It’s important for General Dynamics and Bath Iron Works to continue to be able to grow as a company and employ thousands of Mainers. We’re looking for ways to improve our facilities,” Jolene Nickerson, director of facilities capital at Bath Iron Works, said, WMTW reported.

“The hope is that there is somebody that has a viable lot to move this to, and that it’s financially feasible for somebody who is interested in the house to relocate it and preserve the historic nature, which the community is very excited about,” Nickerson added.

Bath was once known as the “City of Ships,” and ranked third in the US in wooden-hulled vessel production in 1854, behind New York City and Boston, according to the city’s government website.

Deering built 99 vessels during his career and operated a shipyard along the Kennebec River that helped make Bath a leading center of wooden shipbuilding before the Civil War ended the boom and “changed. the face of the industry.”

Jack Martin, archivist and special collections librarian at the Patten Free Library, said saving the house would give its new owner a unique piece of Bath history.

“You would have a one-of-a-kind home and a great story,” Martin said, according to WMTW.

“Not only do you have the history of the house that comes with it, then you also have the story of being the person who moved and saved a historic home — and that’s fascinating.”

Bath Iron Works said it has already received several inquiries about the buildings.

The idea of moving a historic Maine house is not unprecedented.

In May, a 6,200-square-foot, three-story house designed by architect John Calvin Stevens in 1899 was moved about one-third of a mile through Augusta, the Kennebec Journal reported.

The 120,000-pound building was split into two sections and transported to a new lot — with the overall project costing more than $500,000.

A growing trend among some of America’s elite circles reveals a remarkable shift: the wealthy are eager to invest $5 million to settle in a distant part of the world, even in an economically tenuous country, rather than remain another day in California. This development emerges from a recent report.

According to the Financial Times, some of Governor Gavin Newsom’s wealthiest constituents are migrating to the tranquil allure of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. This stunning mountain range serves as the backdrop for a unique opportunity, often referred to as a ‘reward,’ where individuals opt to secure a ‘golden visa’ through significant investment.

In the coming weeks, a small group of eight will embark on an exceptional journey. Guided by a seasoned polar explorer, they will take part in an extraordinary two-day expedition to the Southern Alps, an event coordinated by the Mountain Club, as reported.

The Mountain Club, headed by CEO Peter Fullerton-Smith, operates as a private member organization. This prestigious group facilitates the transition of new citizens to New Zealand, for an entry fee of NZ$5 million (approximately US$2.9 million).

Over the last 14 months, more than 700 affluent international applicants have sought New Zealand citizenship through this initiative. This surge follows the relaxation of rules in the country concerning property ownership, residency duration requirements, and investment necessities, as highlighted in the report.

Applicants have to make that minimum investment in companies, charities, or local funds over the span of three years, Fullerton-Smith said. 

Another 127 people have opted for a different program that requires a NZ$10 million (US$5.7 million) investment over the course of five years in passive assets, such as stocks and bonds. 

Under the agreement of the visa scheme, applicants can only purchase property worth more than the minimum price, according to the report.  

Many have found appeal in the Southern Alps because of its safety measures and remote location, the article stated. 

New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, is hopeful the visa program will reverse what he described as ‘brain drain’ – something that he believes has jeopardized the country’s growth, the publication reported. 

Luxon also hopes that it will increase foreign investment. 

According to Luxon, start-ups in his country have already seen a big difference since Americans started flocking over. 

‘At a time when everyone around the world is tightening up their settings, we’ve opened that up, and we’ve been a great beneficiary of the capital coming into our start-ups, but also the knowledge and know-how to come into those start-ups as well,’ he told Financial Times. 

Lachlan Nixon, a founding partner of Motion Capital, a venture capital firm, attested to how popular the scheme is among rich California natives. 

‘It’s becoming a badge of honor in Silicon Valley,’ he told the paper. 

A total of 277 Americans account for the applications, and Californians are among the most interested in the visas. 

Nixon added: ‘There’s a huge wall of money coming but the calibre of these people now investing in the New Zealand economy is what’s important.’ 

He told the outlet he was able to recruit 30 ‘golden visa’ holders, who in turn, made up 40 percent of a recent NZ$27 million (US$15.87 million) fundraising for booming companies in the country. 

Those beneficiaries include Zethos, a company that converts industrial waste into clean minerals, magnesium miner Aspiring Materials, and the seed protein oil company called Miruku, Nixon said. 

Peter Beck, the CEO of the aerospace manufacturer and SpaceX competitor Rocket Lab, feels that the price tag on New Zealand’s new passports is too low. 

‘The country is underselling itself,’ he told FT.

The presence of foreigners has also turned Queenstown, a town that is home to a picturesque backdrop of the Southern Alps, into an expensive property market. 

The median price of a home there is NZ$1.9 million (US$1.12 million), making it the highest property market in the country, according to Opes Partners. 

Many people are relocating from San Diego and Beverly Hills, according to property agent Jo Eddington. 

‘There’s a lot of billionaires here. They just wear gumboots,’ Eddington told the paper, referring to the low-key lifestyle so many transplants are appearing to crave. 

One applicant, Courtney Andelman, said that she and her husband, Jim, successfully applied for the visa last year and visit the country often. 

‘There’s something magic in the air and in the water. It’s a really healthy place to be,’ Andelman, who runs a venture company fund with her partner, shared. 

She ideally wanted to settle in a smaller city than Queenstown, like South Island or Nelson, but there are very few homes there worth more than the minimum price they agreed to in the contract. 

Although she loves the country, Andelman complained directly to Christopher Luxon about the rules that tax her family on all of their global earnings if they spend more than 183 days in the country annually. 

‘What’s the highest and best use of a dollar is a constant question we ask ourselves,’ she told the outlet. 

‘If New Zealand doesn’t provide the best value then we’ll go somewhere else. Every one of those dollars is mobile.’ 

The new scheme comes at a time when New Zealand’s economy is being threatened by the war in the Middle East.

Although the whole world is impacted by the US-Iran conflict, New Zealand has been especially hit by the war because it depends on tourism and global trade. 

Despite a small light from the worst stretch of economic turmoil in two decades, the war has set the country back again. 

‘It’s been a tough couple of years – like, really tough. We’ve had significant reduction in the economy, job losses, business closures, all that kind of stuff,’ economist Shamubeel Eaqub told The Guardian.