The First Lady took part in a July 4th-themed activity with the children at Children’s National Hospital.
Melania Trump statue stolen, stolen
The bronze statue of Melania Trump went missing in his home country in Slovenia five years after replacing the burned wooden statue.
The first lady gave us a gift.
Melania Trump visited a young hospital patient in Washington, DC on July 3 for a themed activity on July 4th, arriving with stuffed toys for children and plants for the hospital garden.
Trump brought fluffy teddy bears, children’s books and blankets for the children at the Children’s National Hospital and chatted about their favorite sports, food and hobbies.
more: Trump had his military parade. He is currently launching a one-year, 250th birthday party in America.
The First Lady was joined by 10 children in the hospital garden room, where she created patriotic decorations from rocks and cups.
Trump brought the hybrid tea rose bushes called “Eternal Flame” as a gift from his 2017 dedicated Bunny Melon Healing Garden. The plants have yellow flowers, long stems and strong citrus scent.
The first lady walked around the garden and placed the decorations for July 4th in the flower bed. Some kids carried teddy bears around.
more: Is the stock market open or closed on July 4th? See full holiday schedule
“I love seeing you guys,” Trump told the kids.
Trump has also personally visited heart and kidney patients and their families.
Former First Ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan and Rosa Lin Carter are garden honor chairs.
Trump spoke to the kids about his July 4 plan at the White House, where the president holds military family picnics, suggesting that they can come next year when they are healthier.
It was a rare public look for a first lady. She attended a performance of “Reshi Micerables” at the Kennedy Center on June 11th with her husband.
Brian Coberger pleaded guilty to the murder of four University of Idaho students
The plea deal ensures that Coberger avoids the possibility of a trial and death sentence for the murder of four University of Idaho students.
More than two years after the killings of four University of Idaho students shocked the country, the Brian Coberger case will end without trial.
That’s because Coberger, the man charged in the case, pleaded guilty to murder as part of a deal to avoid the death penalty. On July 2, the judge approved the judicial agreement. This prevented Coberger from facing a ju trial, without the opportunity to resort to Madison Morgen’s murder, and sentenced four consecutive life sentences. Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; Ethan Chapin, 20.
The case has been formally closed, but the trauma continues to live out for the families of the victims who have been divided into response to a legal agreement. For some, it caused anger. For others, it marked the beginning of a “path of hope and healing.”
Mental health experts say the range of responses is expected and effective – and that it is important not to give judgement to families, no matter how you feel about the plea deal. After all, these people have endured immeasurable trauma and sadness. Experts say their reactions show different ways people react to horrifying situations.
“We have no right to judge people who have lost their families through murder,” says psychotherapist Stephanie Salkis. “People react to trauma in a variety of ways. There may be families who want to go to court, there may be families who don’t. … The losses are still the same.”
Why did Brian Coberger’s plea agreement split the victim’s family?
The families of the four victims are divided into reactions to Kohberger’s legal agreement.
Steve Goncalves of Kaylee’Dad told NewsNation’s “Banfield” that he wanted a ju umpire to determine Kohberger’s fate.
He also told News Nation that he wanted the judge to reject the judicial agreement.
more: Anger from Idaho stabs the victim’s family over Brian Coberger’s plea agreement
Others felt different.
Outside the court, Leander James, an attorney for Morgen’s parents, said “we support the legal agreement 100%.”
“We’re embarking on a new path now,” he told reporters. “We embark on a path of hope and healing.”
Philip Lewis, a therapist who helps treat anxiety, anger and addiction, says trauma has a different effect on people. They say that the way people choose to deal with trauma is often different from person to person.
“How grief is experienced, processed and expressed is unique to each individual, unlike fingerprints,” he says. “The victims are particularly young, the cases are violent and sudden, and then, in addition to criminal trials, the process of grieving under these circumstances can be more complicated.”
In case you miss it: The plea deal suddenly ends the Brian Coberger case. Will the victim’s family get a say?
Overall, no matter what situation they fall into, people tend to long for justice and dislike injustice. Something that violates that sense of justice can cause deep pain.
“When you’ve already lost someone you love and this terrible thing happens, you feel helpless,” says psychotherapist Marni Fairman. “I’m looking for an opportunity to feel that there was at least punishment and justice.”
There is no guarantee that court will bring healing
On the other hand, it is important to remember that not all families wanted to see Coberger in court. Rehashing the details of the ju-decided murder does not provide a closure, but only further harm the victim’s family.
Needless to say, the likely ongoing media spectacle puts families at risk more trauma and plagues more trauma.
It works for some of the families who want to not experience it.
“Some people may just want to finish it,” Lewis says. “They may be sad personally and want to do what they can to deal with their grief. These types of cases will never go away. No one will resolve this type of loss.”
Trauma is not merely psychological. It can affect your body as well.
It is important for people who are saddened to express their emotions in a way that they feel meaningfully hearing their emotions. The family of Kohberger victims may not be able to get this experience in court, but they still can find other ways to have it.
“You can’t tell someone who has lost a child to move on,” Lewis says. “There’s nothing you can say. You have to just be there for them, listen to them and let them know that you’re listening.”
Above all, these people deserve to be treated with compassion, says Sarkis.
“Unless someone has gone through it, it’s very difficult to understand the depth,” she says. “That’s a relatively few level of sadness that people have experienced before.”
Cybersecurity Consultancy A survey by Cyxcel revealed that 29% of the UK companies surveyed recently implemented their first AI risk strategy. 31% do not have an AI governance policy. IS is despite a third of companies that recognize AI as a potential cybersecurity threat. The blind spots in preparing AI risks put businesses prey on data leaks and breaches, operational disruptions and regulatory fines, the company says.
Of those surveyed, 18% of UK and US organizations are not prepared for AI data addiction. This is a form of cyberattack that targets training data for AI and machine learning models. Furthermore, 16% have no policies to combat the Cloning and Deepfark incidents.
Megha Kumar, Cyxcel’s product director and Cyxcel’s geopolitical risk director, said there is a Catch 22 situation. There, businesses want to adopt AI solutions, but are also worried about the risks. “Organisations want to use AI, but they are worried about the risks, especially since many people don’t have a policy and governance process in place.”
He said Cyxcel’s Digital Risk Management (DRM) platform will help respond to threat attachments. “Cyxcel DRM provides clients with limited technical resources in all sectors, especially in the home, providing robust tools to proactively manage digital risks and use AI confidently and safely.”
The Cyxcel DRM platform is designed to provide businesses with insight into the increasing risk of AI. Combine cyber, legal, technology and strategic expertise to manage threats and increase digital resilience. The company says the DRM platform will also help implement governance and policies that mitigate potential risks.
The DRM platform provides strategies for AI, cyber, supply chain, geopolitics, regulation, technology (OT/IT), and corporate responsibility. This is available through a dashboard where users can manage digital risk using solutions provided by the platform.
Legal and technical insights arise from expertise coded in the platform, allowing users to see trends, potential impacts of risks, and emerging threats. It advises possible strategies to combat risk and vulnerability.
DRM also offers a “full-spectrum dispute resolution and litigation service” that aims to reduce the time required for organizations to comply with regulations and laws related to various digital threats. For businesses with strict regulations, Cyxcel’s DRM covers 26 sectors that are legally required to comply with regulations such as the EU’s NIS2 and Dora (Digital Operations Resilience Act). These sectors are considered important infrastructures, each classified as key national infrastructure (CNI) in regions such as the US, UK and the EU.
Cyxcel CEO Edward Lewis spoke about the evolving and complex landscape of cybersecurity regulations. “Governments around the world are increasing the protection of critical infrastructure and sensitive data through laws like the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act, which mandates security measures such as automatic updates and incident reporting. Similarly, they will introduce mandatory ransomware reporting and strong regulatory capabilities as they are likely to arrive in the UK next year.”
Companies around the world are at the mercy of digital violations and attacks, including their own admission cyxcel itself. Commercially, legally and strategically, Cyxcel’s DRM platform is designed to tackle risky issues.
Cyxcel clients are usually bound by strict cybersecurity laws. This can result in fines or reputational damage if it breaks. Similarly, if Cyxcel advice fades, the company itself could be on the hook due to failures and violations of compliance.
The company struggles to highlight its faced the same digital risks it faces as its clients. Cyxcel marketing materials state that the company’s commitment to risk is “personal” rather than advisory.
(Images by Anarchosyn “Risk-MSK” are licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0))
See: Huawei Harmonyos 6 AI Agent offers an alternative to Android and iOS
Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out the AI & Big Data Expo in Amsterdam, California and London. The comprehensive event will be held in collaboration with other major events, including the Intelligent Automation Conference, Data Center Expo, Digital Transformation Expo, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.
More than 80 Palestinians were killed throughout Gaza on Thursday as Israel intensified strikes across the strip, health officials said.
The deaths the authorities said include dozens of people seeking assistance, and are coming as negotiations to reach a ceasefire with the enclave rising. Sources told CNN that Hamas officials met on Thursday and were set up to prepare for a response to the latest proposal accepted by Israel.
At the school-turned-house in Gaza City, 15 people have been killed and 25 have been severely burned in Israel’s strike, said Dr. Mohammad Abu Sirmiyah, director of Alsifa Hospital. The hospital is treating the injured in the attack.
“This scene was extremely tragic due to the burnt group of martyrs and children,” said Fares Afana, head of emergency and medical services in northern Gaza, evacuating injured people from the school.
The hospital’s director said 12 more people were killed in other strikes in Gaza City.
The Israeli military said it had hit “the major Hamas sterolists who were active at Hamas headquarters and control centres” in Gaza city in response to CNN’s questions about the school strike. Before the attack, Israeli forces said “many steps have been taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including accurate munitions, air surveillance and the use of additional information.”
Earlier this morning, Israeli forces said on past days “attacked about 150 terrorist targets across the Gaza Strip, including terrorists, underground routes, military structures, weapons, snipers and additional terror infrastructure sites.” CNN requested comment from Israeli forces on Thursday’s strike.
Images taken at the scene of the Gaza city attack showed flames inside the building and some deadly burning bodies.
“Frequently, the Israelites attacked and bombed the schools, let us escape, and came back when the pressure in Israel was eased. The pressure was intense, as you can see today,” said the woman who didn’t give her name.
In southern Gaza, 35 bodies arrived at Nasser Hospital on Thursday morning, according to a spokesman for Nasser Hospital in Ahmad al-Farah. The deaths include 15 people allegedly killed while awaiting Khan Yunis’ assistance, and 20 people who died on strike at a city camp, the hospital said.
According to the hospital, those seeking assistance were waiting near the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution site.
“They said Americans (GHFs) are safe, what does safety look like?” One man, Awad Barbach, said at the funeral of one of the murdered people.
In central Gaza, near the Netzarim corridor, crowds gathered to receive assistance from the truck as chaos continued, witnesses said. According to Abu Sirmiyah, director of Arshifa Hospital, 25 people have been killed in the incident.
“It was a trap… People were stabbing each other for food… (and then Israel) there was an hour and a half of a shootout… We’re not Hamas or Fatah, I’m just a civilian who wants to eat.
“Where are (Hamas)? … They’re all dogs,” he added.
From grills to parties, we’ll show you the ultimate hacks to celebrate July 4th.
July 4th is about hot dogs, barbecues, fireworks and free food! The restaurant offers deals by itself or through a delivery app to celebrate American birthdays.
From pizza and burritos to sweet treats, the July 4 deal brings customers savings for big holidays.
Here’s what you need to know about where you can save cash:
July 4th: Will the retailer be open on July 4th? Details of TJ Maxx, Belk, Ikea and more
Krispy Kreme offers sweet prizes
Anyone who wears the American flag (red, white, blue) colours can get a free original glass-enclosed donut when visiting the Krispy Kreme Shop, which will be participating on July 4th. There is one limit per customer.
The donut chain has also released the Star, Stripe & Sweetness Collection, featuring Freedom Ring Donuts, American Party Donuts and Vanilla Cookies & Cream (Liberty Crunch Donuts).
Baskin-Robbins offers discounts on Chill Treats
Baskin-Robbins reward members can relax on the holidays and earn $2 from large frozen drinks and $5 from Polar Pizza. The offer begins on July 1st and ends on July 31st.
Huey Magoo gave me lemonade
On Thursday, July 3rd, Huey Magoo is offering customers free electric blue lemonade when they spend more than $10.
7 Brew’s Fill-a-tray trading
Drive-Thru Coffee Chain 7 Brew offers what is known as Fill-A-Tray only on July 4th. Customers can get four medium drinks for $16. It also introduces a new 7-energy frozen chiller called Firecracker.
Jimmy John’s Bogo rap contract
Jimmy John’s customers can do bogo deals. From July 3rd to July 6th, reward members can purchase one A La Carte Chicken Caesar, Kickin’ Ranch Chicken, or Tuscan Italian Lap and purchase a free A La Carte Chicken Bacon Ranch, Ultimate Italian, or Roast Beef Cheddar Toasted Sandwich.
Free Shakes at Sonic
Sonic customers can purchase on July 4th to enjoy a free little shake. This is part of the restaurant’s live free Fridays that launched on the first day of the summer.
Tijuana Flat offers free burritos
At Tijuana Flat, customers can use promo codes Freedom 25 At checkout, buy 3 adult burritos and get 4 one free.
This offer is valid for meals, carry-outs, online and in-app orders from Monday, June 30th to Sunday, July 6th.
Dunkin’s deals at the Donuts and Munchkin
From July 3rd to July 5th, Dunkin’ Rewards members will earn three times more points on bulk donuts and Munchkins buckets.
Mountain Mike Pizza Discount
Mountain Mike pizza customers can hook $10 from two big pizzas using the code Summer 25. This offer is open from July 2nd to July 4th.
Tgifriday’s celebrates the holiday with Sundae
Tgifriday’s will celebrate the July 4th holiday with new menu items. It is called a celebration Sunday. It is said to be a festive over-the-top dessert filled with brownie pieces, butter cake bites, vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream and sprinkles. Sweet sweets will only be available from July 4th.
The restaurant chain also offers coveted platters with 25% off online orders from July 4th to July 6th using the code 25offfourth.
Transactions that provide convenience store chains
7-Eleven, Inc., including 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes Stores. There are several products for customers. In addition to the limited edition Independence Day donuts, the chain also has the following deals:
Bogo Burritos – From July 4th to 6th, guests will purchase one at the Laredo Taco Company restaurant and get it for free.
$17.76 from 7NOW® Delivery – Only July 4th, customers will receive $17.76 from orders over $30 using a promo code USA2025.
7-Eleven Gold Pass Perks – Orders on July 4th will come with 10% cashback and free delivery for members.
Doordash’s free food: eggs mcmuffins, boneless wings, etc.
Starting Thursday, July 3rd, Doordash’s Summer Dashpass will offer its customers a considerable number of giveaways.
In the morning, McDonald’s Doordash customers can receive a free Egg McMuffin if their order is over $20. In the afternoon you can choose to receive a free 10-piece McNugget meal or a massive MAC meal that you order over $20.
Other restaurants offering giveaways through Doordash include:
Pizza Hut: Free 8pc boneless wings on orders over $15
Burger King: Buy one whopper and get one for free
Crazy Chicken: Orders for $10 off $25 or more
Pepsi: Buy 2 and save $5 on your chosen Pepsi etc.
The promotion ends on Wednesday, July 9th.
July 4th trading
Perkins American Food Co.- From June 30th to July 4th, you’ll be adding an entire Apple Pie for just $9.99 with a $20 purchase. Only on July 4th, Perkins celebrates active and retired servicemen with a complimentary, spectacular seven breakfasts. To receive a transaction, the diner must display a valid military ID for meals only.
California Tortilla – You will receive $10 from family meals from July 4th to July 6th.
This story has been updated to add new information.
Contributors: Bianca Harris, Amaris Encinas. USA TODAY
Julia is a trend reporter for USA Today. Connect with her LinkedIn, x, Instagram and TiktokPlease email: @juliamariegz or jgomez @gannett.com
US employers added 147,000 jobs in June despite Trump’s tariffs, federal layoffs and immigration crackdown as unemployment rates are at 4.1%
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defends massive layoffs
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified to a House committee, defending a major layoff for the department.
Despite President Donald Trump’s wide range of import duties, federal layoffs and immigration restrictions, he was unexpectedly hired in June as employers added 147,000 jobs.
However, the employment of state and local governments has boosted profits sharply. The private sector added just 74,000 jobs. This is the least since two Southeast hurricanes attenuated payroll growth in October, perhaps expanding a wider slowdown. The average weekly hours forecast by private employees also fell to a five-month low of 34.2, reflecting soft labor demand.
The Labor Bureau said Friday that the unemployment rate fell from 4.2% to 4.1%.
Prior to the report, an economist surveyed by Bloomberg estimated that 110,000 jobs had been added in June.
“Many companies are maintaining retention patterns and are reluctant to hire new workers amid growing uncertainty about the impact of tariff policies on economic growth,” wrote Kathy Boss Jansick, the chief economist across the country, in a memo to clients. “At the same time, they haven’t fired workers in at least many ways.”
Which sectors do you hire the most right now?
The state and local governments led job profits at 70,000.
Healthcare, a trusted employment engine for the past few years, has once again pushed for the private sector additions at 39,000. Leisure and hospitality, including restaurants and bars. 20,000, construction, and 15,000 have been added.
However, job creation continues to center around several of these sectors, which could indicate weak employment in the coming months. Professional and business services have abandoned 7,000 jobs, as well as manufacturing, struggling with the mass tariffs. Retail has added just 2,400 positions.
The federal government has cut 7,000 jobs amid the widespread layoffs of the Trump administration, cutting 69,000 since January.
How much has wages been increased?
Average hourly revenue rose by 8 cents to $36.30, from 3.9% to 3.7% per year.
Wage growth has slowed after rising prices as a result of the pandemic-related workforce shortage. Oxford Economics said it is roughly in line with the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation target.
How long will the Fed take to lower interest rates?
The overall solid job acquisition doesn’t give the Fed any reason to reduce its key rate at the meeting in late July, despite enduring pressure from Trump.
Since cutting interest rates by percentage late last year, the Fed has paused as it has been waiting to assess the impact of Trump’s tariffs on inflation and the economy.
The Fed keeps them high for longer to combat inflation. Lower the rate and delve into the economy from the recession.
Oxford Economics economist Nancy Vanden Gauteng wrote to his client, “The report has become strong enough to allow the Federal Reserve to hold off policies to monitor the impact of tariffs on inflation.”
At the same time, the weakness in private sector employment supports our view that “the Fed will cut three times by the end of the year” will speed up,” Bostjangsic said.
Why does the US workforce participation rate drop?
The percentage of Americans working or looking for employment fell from 62.4% to 62.3%, the lowest since December 2022, indicating that Trump’s immigration enforcement is constraining the supply of labor.
A 130,000 reduction in the workforce helped to lower unemployment. The decline suggests that “icy raids may be driving migrants away from work,” capital economics economist Bradley Sanders wrote in a note to his client.
Workforce participation has also been reduced by a major wave of retired baby boomers.
Is the job market growing or shrinking?
Average monthly employment growth slowed from the robust 168,000 in 2024 to about 125,000 this year. Employers who are unhappy with labor shortages during the pandemic are reluctant to fire many workers and are restricting them from getting out.
How do tariffs affect employment?
However, employment is below the level before the 19th level. The post-pandemic burst of catch-up employment has waned, and tariff uncertainty has led many businesses to wait for the impact of their obligations on inflation and consumer spending before adding staff.
Trump’s 90-day suspension on high-double girders missions he slapped in dozens of countries is expected to expire on July 9th.
Additionally, a 10% tariff on the base remains in effect on most imports, with a 50% tax on steel and aluminum shipments and a 25% collection on imported cars and many goods from Canada and Mexico.
Other management policies are also beginning to consider employment growth.
How many federal workers lost their jobs in 2025?
Goldman Sachs estimated the federal government lost 15,000 jobs last month, but Oxford’s economy believed the losses were offset by state and local government interests.
More than 260,000 federal workers have been fired, bought out, and retired earlier this year. According to Capital Economics, monthly employment reports have tallied 59,000 losses so far, as many employees are on administrative leave as they pending court issues.
How will Trump’s immigration policy affect the economy?
In addition to cracking down on southern border intersections, the administration has refused to cancel or renew work permits for hundreds of thousands of migrants, Ey-Parthenon estimates.
In May, federal officials ended the so-called temporary protections of 350,000 Venezuelan immigrants, Goldman Sachs said in a research note. The move has been challenged in court, but Goldman estimates that many employers have either become reluctant to hire immigrants or have placed them on leave, reducing employment growth in June by about 25,000 people.
At the same time, fewer immigrants lack permanent legal status to reduce the likelihood of being deported, Morgan Stanley said.
What was the ADP report?
Payroll processor ADP is estimated to have taken 33,000 jobs in June on Wednesday, the first job loss to report in more than two years.
“We expect unemployment rates to be softer in response to slow growth in the second half of 2025, and we expect the unemployment rate to be higher as tariffs are working through the economy,” Vanden Houten said.
Barclays expects average monthly employment to slow to around 75,000 by the fourth quarter.
But economists say that employment pullbacks are likely to be roughly consistent with a slower supply of labor, as immigration crackdowns prevent unemployment from rising sharply.
Put pressure on the house to pass Trump’s “big beautiful bill” by the July 4th deadline
The pressure is that House Republicans will pass President Trump’s massive tax cuts and spending bills by the July 4th deadline.
Fox-32 Chicago
US stocks opened higher as the broad S&P 500 and high-tech heavy NASDAQ score fresh records as the past few months have fostered economic optimism in June.
Last month, employers added 147,000 new jobs, which are better than the average economist forecast for 110,000 jobs. Rather than inching to 4.3% as economists predicted, the unemployment rate fell to 4.1% from 4.2% in May. The previous month’s revisions featured more rosy pictures. The number of jobs added in April and May was a total of 16,000, with a total of 16,000 cases compared to previous estimates.
“These figures demonstrate economic resilience despite expectations for a slower backdrop of tariffs and fiscal uncertainty,” said Lara Castleton, head of portfolio construction and strategy at Janus Henderson Investors.
At 9:33am ET, the Blue Chip Dow added 0.24%, or 108.08 points, to 44,592.50. The S&P 500 scored 0.45% (27.80 points) at 6,255.22. And the high-tech Nasdaq rose 0.55% or 112.29 points to 20,505.42. The benchmark 10-year yield was up to 4.334%.
A strong report comes right after a negative private pay report. According to payroll processing company ADP, the private sector unexpectedly lost 30,000 jobs in June, severely losing hopes for a 100,000 increase.
However, Jeff Schulze, Head of Economic Market Strategy at Clearbridge Investments, said:
Trade hopes and tax bills
Investors will also look at trade negotiations and progress on the mega-tax bill backed by President Donald Trump in the House.
The S&P 500 and Nasdaq each scored high after Trump said in a social media post that the US had signed a trade deal with Vietnam. The transaction includes a 20% tariff on imports from the country. Items that occur in other countries but are transferred to Vietnam for the final shipping to the US will be collected 40%.
After the bell, Chip software makers Synopsys and Cadence said the US government had withdrawn export restrictions on ChIP design software to China.
Both of these moves eased the fear of long-term trade tensions and tamed fear of inflation. The economist predicted that if Trump enacted his highest tariffs, inflation could be higher.
Meanwhile, the House continues to discuss drastic tax bills to try to get them to the president’s desk by July 4th. The bill is expected to face a tough vote as it remains critical of Medicaid and food aid cuts, and the bill’s costs.
Corporate News
Datadog will replace the Juniper network on the S&P 500 on July 9th.
Electric car maker Lucid Group said it delivered more vehicles in the second quarter.
Shares in online travel agency Tripadvisor rose sharply after activist investor Starboard Balue reported that he had acquired more than 9% stake.
(This story has been updated with new information.)
Medora Lee is a money, market and personal finance reporter for USA Today. mjlee@usatoday.com and Subscribe to our free daily money newsletter Personal finance tips and business news every Monday to Friday.
After the album release party, a deadly Chicago mass shooting breaks out
Four people were killed and 14 injured in a mass shooting in a Chicago riverside neighborhood late Wednesday night.
Fox-32 Chicago
Police said four people were killed and 14 people were injured in a drive-by shooting in a nearby Chicago riverside neighborhood.
The Chicago Police Department said in a statement to USA Today when the shooting occurred around 11pm when a dark-colored car quickly fled to the scene after firing on a crowd standing outside by a dark-colored car. Several news outlets, including WGN News, reported that nightclubs are holding album release parties.
The dead victims included 24 men and 25 women and two women whose ages were not released, the police department said. The injured ranged between the ages of 21 and 32 and were taken to local hospitals. Three of the injured were in danger. One was shot in the back, the second was shot in the leg and the other was shot in the mouth.
Police had not been arrested and were investigating the morning of July 3rd.
The deputy chief of the Russian navy was killed by Ukraine in the Kursk region of Russia, Oleg Kozhemiako, governor of the Primorsky region of the Russian Far East, said on Thursday.
Major General Mikhail Gudkov, deputy commander of the Russian Navy who led the brigades fought in Ukraine, was killed in the Russian border area where he successfully invaded Ukraine last year.
He is one of Russia’s highest ranked officers killed since the start of a full-scale Ukraine invasion three years ago.
Kozhemyako previously bravely handed the Gudkov Awards, saying that the two had spoken a lot in a statement announcing their deaths over the years.
He described Gudkov as a “strong-willed warrior.” The “strong-willed warrior” said he “died while performing his duties as an officer along with his fellow soldiers.” Kozhemyako did not provide further details regarding the circumstances of Gudkov’s death.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed Gudkov’s death on Thursday, saying he was killed in the battle in the Kursk region. There are no immediate comments from Ukraine.
Gudkov was appointed deputy chief of the Russian Navy for the Russian Navy and ground forces by President Vladimir Putin in March.
At the time, Putin said, “The Minister and the Chief of the General Staff believe that your experience needs to be replicated in other units, so we decided to move you into a position to increase the level of responsibility.”
The Ukrainian forces had previously accused other members of his previous 155th Brigade of committing war crimes in Ukraine, including the murder of civilians in the towns of Bucha, Irpin and Gostomer during the early months of the Russian war.
Separately, the Ukrainian Border Patrol states that the 155th Brigade was involved in the execution of Ukrainian prisoners.
Russia has consistently denied committing war crimes in Ukraine despite evidence gathered by Ukrainians and international investigators.
Krispy Kreme celebrates American birthday on July 4th with a free donut.
The American Donut Company and the coffee house chain are determined to sweeten Independence Day a little this year, offering one free original donut to customers or customers visiting participating shops decorated with red, white and blue.
Krispy Kreme has also launched a new collection of donuts inspired by the national stars and stripes. The collection offers a celebration inspired by red, white and blue colors with each bite, and features Freedom Ring Donuts, American Party Donuts, and Vanilla Cookies & Cream Liberty Crunch Donuts.
“Whether you head to the parade, party or pool for a holiday, our Star, Stripes and Sweetness Collection is the perfect addition to sweetening your July 4th celebration and exploding the day.”
Here’s how to get the free Krispy Kreme Donuts on July 4th:
How to get free Krispy Kreme Donuts on July 4th
Customers who wear the colors of American flags (red, white, blue) when visiting the participating Krispy Kreme Shop on July 4th will get their own original glass-enclosed donuts for free.
However, there is one donut limit per customer.
There are no more Krispy Kreme at McDonald’s: The partnership ends this week
Krispy Kreme’s 4th July Donut Collection
From red, white and blue sprinkles to cookies, donuts from Krispy Kreme’s Star, Stripes & Sweetness Collection are a way to celebrate the country’s birthday.
This year’s holiday-themed lineup includes:
Freedom Ring Donuts: Original glazed donuts soaked in white icing, blue sprinkles, and white stars, plumbed with red icing stripes.
USA Party Donuts: Original glazed donut piped with white butter cream, sprinkled with an American Party sprinkle blend and topped with USA sugar pieces.
Vanilla Cookies & Kreme (Liberty Crunch Donut)): Glassless shell donut filled with vanilla cookies and cream stuffing, soaked in white icing, topped with vanilla cookies, patriotic sprinkles, and drizzle of white icing.
Krispy Kreme’s Stars, Stripes & Sweetness Collection is available in the shop, individually and for pick-up or streaming by dozens of people, via the Krispy Kreme app and website.
Customers can also purchase “Stars, Stripes & Sweetness Collection” in Krispy Kreme 6 Pack Boxes delivered to fresh retailers every day. Use the Krispy Kreme Shop Locator to find the nearest shop or retailer.
His parents have gone to the White House several times over the past two years to appeal for his release. Edan Alexander, now a Tenafly resident, was recently released from a Hamas prisoner, but is on the way there as well.
The 21-year-old Alexander is believed to be the last American hostage to live in Gaza, and on July 3, he will meet President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, the White House said. The meeting is scheduled to take place around noon.
“The President and First Lady have met with many released hostages from Gaza, and they are very excited to meet Edan Alexander and his family in the oval office tomorrow,” Trump reporter Carolyn Leavitt said in a statement Wednesday.
Alexander was among the 251 hostages lured to Hamas during a terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. For the 19 months of being taken prisoner, he was released on May 12th and returned to New Jersey two weeks ago to welcome the hero. Hundreds of residents of Tenafrie and surrounding towns lined the streets with flags and flags, as he cried out in a convoy through the town.
Alexander grew up in Bergen County and after graduating from Tenafree High School, he went to Israel, where his parents grew up. He volunteered for the Israeli army and was stationed in a post near Gaza when he was accused. He was 19 years old at the time.
Another freed Hamas, who met Trump, thanked Omar Shem Tov, Eli Sharabi, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, Nama Levi, Doron Steinbrecher and Noah Argamani for their efforts and called for the release of remaining prisoners of war in Gaza.
Alexander is expected to do the same thing.
more: What’s next for Edan Alexander? Hostages in New Jersey are free, but trauma remains in the Hamas prisoners
Approximately 50 hostages or their bodies are believed to be still in Gaza. It is believed that more than half have died.
When Alexander was released, Hamas officials described it as a goodwill gesture towards Trump. In a phone conversation from an Israeli hospital after he was released, the former hostage told the president, “You’re the only reason I’m here. You saved my life.”
Trump told Alexander he was looking forward to seeing the whole family and that it would be his “biggest celebration.”
Activists respond to Scotts’ dominant gender-affirming care ban for minors
Transgender activists are responding to new Scotus supporting Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors.
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court is back in the Culture War issue of Transgender Rights, adding a potentially smash hit case for trans athletes in their next term.
The announcement on July 3rd that it would consider a West Virginia ban on joining women’s sports teams in Idaho and West Virginia comes just weeks after a conservative court majority ruled Tennessee banned adolescent blockers and hormone therapy for minors.
The judge may hear the debate in the fall and make a decision for next year.
More than half of the state say they are trying to prevent competitive advantage by passing laws that prevent trans athletes from competing in women’s school sports teams. The law does not take into account someone’s athletic ability or distance they transition to another gender.
President Donald Trump, who campaigned on the issue, moved to cut off federal funding from schools that allowed trans athletes to compete with other athletes who suit their gender identity.
The University of Pennsylvania said this week it would ban trans athletes from competing in women’s sports and strip former swimmer Leah Thomas of the record as part of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Education.
Penn signed a resolution agreement on July 1 to comply with Title IX, the DOE announced as the DOE was investigating the case of Thomas, the first openly trans athlete to win the NCAA Division I title.
more: Penn erases Leah Thomas Records and bans trans athletes from women’s sports on Title IX contract
Two-thirds of adults surveyed by the Pew Research Center in February require that trans athletes compete on a team that fits the sex they were assigned at birth.
Support was even higher than 56% who did not want gender transition care for minors.
The court’s 6-3 decision did not respond to how the ruling would apply to bans on transgender participation in school sports, adult transgender care, and other issues, due to a decision in favour of Tennessee’s ban on such care.
The ideologically divided court said the ban does not discriminate against trans people, not whether the person is transgender, as the restrictions attract age and treatment purposes.
Regarding the athletic ban, state officials said justice should address “the growth trends of men who compete with women in women’s sports across the country and identify women who are hitting beats.”
Lower courts temporarily enforce bans in Idaho and West Virginia against students and middle school students at Boise State University in West Virginia.
Lawyers for students in Idaho and West Virginia described their clients as not a threat to other members of the women’s sports team.
For example, West Virginia students had never experienced the effects of testosterone and were consistently placed behind packs in cross-country competitions.
Her lawyer said she still considered her the best of her life that year, despite never winning the competition in three seasons.
Virginia based 4th The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said West Virginia could not enforce the ban on Becky Pepper Jackson, who has been taking adolescent blocking medications and has been publicly identified as a girl since third grade.
In 2023, the Supreme Court denied the state’s request to maintain the ban on Pepper Jackson while the underlying lawsuit continues. Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas of Justice opposed the decision.
The nation’s first Idaho ban when she passed away in 2020 was challenged by Lindsay Hecox, a transgender woman who attended Boise State University.
Based in San Francisco 9th The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the ban would likely discriminate against transgender female athletes. The court also said Idaho did not show how the ban promotes a greater opportunity goal for female athletes.
Hecox played soccer and ran with the school club team. She tried it on the National College Athletics Association’s cross-country and track team, but according to her lawyers, it wasn’t fast enough to make a cut.
These are the potential winners and losers of the tax bills that President Donald Trump called the “big beautiful bill.”
According to an internal watchdog report, the Trump administration’s 2025 cost-cutting campaign in the IRS was far too successful.
As a result, agencies may struggle throughout the 2026 tax season. Taxpayers can suffer.
The IRS lost 26% of its 102,000 workforce due to layoffs and acquisitions until early June this year amid a bigger effort by the Trump administration to reduce the federal government. The figures are listed in a June 25 report from National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins.
The 2025 tax season ended as “one of the most successful filing seasons in recent memory.” Collins said in a statement accompanying the report. “However, there is a risk for next year’s filing season as the IRS workforce drops by 26% and the tax law on the horizon changes dramatically. It is important that the IRS begin taking steps to prepare.”
The IRS processed 138 million returns in 2025 and issued a $86 million refund, with an average refund of $2,942.
Most tax agency critics predicted the success of the 2025 tax season. The IRS passed five commissioners in four months, Collins wrote in the report:
Changes to the Trump bill’s tax system could suck up the IRS staffing shortage
There is now a bigger challenge. The enormous legislative package approved by the Senate on July 1 includes dozens of tax cuts, tax cut extensions, and other adjustments to the tax law.
Tax Agency Information Technology Units will need to reprogram their IRS data systems to reflect these changes if they become law. However, the unit lost 27% of its staff, Collins reports.
The Taxpayer Services Unit must handle the expected deluge of calls from confused taxpayers. The unit lost 22% of its over 9,000 employees.
To avoid potential confusion, the report summarizes, “The IRS should quickly hire and train thousands of new taxpayer services employees prior to the 2026 filing season to process returns and provide timely refunds.”
Other taxpayer supporters reflect these concerns.
“We can’t make such a deep cut without damaging customer service,” said David Kass, executive director of a nonprofit, for tax impartiality. “Let’s be clear. This is a mistake by the government itself.”
Taxpayer Advocates: The IRS requires a fully functional online account
Collins made her remarks in a 75-page National Taxpayer Advocacy Goals Report to Congress. The report recommends several institutional goals. among them:
Create a fully functional IRS online account. According to the report summary, taxpayers are currently “normally unable to file tax returns, view most notices, or respond to notifications via online accounts.” “Until recently, they were unable to pay. As a result, only about 10% of taxpayers who spent time establishing online accounts.”
Streamlines taxpayer case management. Today, the IRS “stores taxpayer data in about 60 different case management systems that generally cannot communicate with each other,” according to the report’s summary. When a taxpayer calls, IRS representatives often search multiple systems to find data, but they wait while the taxpayer is on hold.
The Trump administration has been trying to cut thousands of jobs in the IRS this year, with support from Elon Musk’s government efficiency support, turning to money savings.
Together, the acquisition and layoffs reduced the IRS workforce from 102,113 to 75,702, according to an Advocate report.
The cuts alone would have pose a horrifying challenge to the IRS as they increase towards the 2026 tax season, according to agency observers.
But now, with Trump’s tax bill anticipated, a small number of staff may have to deal with the onslaught of taxpayer inquiries over new rules regarding overtime, tips and car loan interest.
“Now, staffing alone cuts may not have had a major impact on the filing season if everything else was held equal,” said Alex Museanu, a senior policy analyst at the Nonprofit Tax Foundation. “But it’s a risky mix of large staffing to reduce the same years as many major tax changes.”
Is the file directly in the middle?
One of the apparent victims of Cut is directly file. This is a new IRS program that allows millions of Americans who don’t have simple taxes to file returns for free.
The direct files piloted in 12 states last year expanded to 25 states in 2025. However, the program may be over now. Trump’s tax bill would enpanel the “Task Force on Direct File Exchange.”
Probably, the direct file staff knew what was coming. According to an Advocate report, in the first half of 2025, the unit reduced from 27 employees to five.
Put pressure on the house to pass Trump’s “big beautiful bill” by the July 4th deadline
The pressure is that House Republicans will pass President Trump’s massive tax cuts and spending bills by the July 4th deadline.
Fox-32 Chicago
WASHINGTON – House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, hit the three-hour mark of President Donald Trump’s speech on drastic tax, spending and policy bills before 8am in Washington.
Following discussion, procedural votes, and arm twists by the Republicans, Jeffries used his “magic minutes” – he used the privilege of leadership that allowed him to speak for unlimited time to go further through the home process.
Live Update: Has House Pass passed the tax bill? Trump is trapped in “Big Win”
“I stand up today in a strong opposition to Donald Trump’s nasty hatred. I will sabotage Medicaid, tear food from the mouths of children, seniors and veterans, and reward billionaires with massive tax credits.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, has been shepherds the process of acquiring Trump’s flagship laws across the finish line. After voting before voting around 3am, Johnson told reporters he hopes for a final pass around 8am or 8:30am.
Jeffries’ ongoing speech dented its timeline.
Minority leaders have condemned the bill’s cuts to Medicaid spending and Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Programs.
“People are going to die,” Jeffries said. “I’m sad. I didn’t think I was on the floor of my house saying this was a crime scene, and House Democrats don’t want a part of it.”
Jeffries’ redundant delay tactics are precedent for a few leaders: In 2021, former speaker R-California set a record of the longest home floor speech in 8 hours and 33 minutes in opposition to former President Joe Biden’s buildback better build.
Before that, former speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, titled the story in an 8-hour, seven-minute speech.
Unlike the Senate, the House does not have an official filibuster to fight against opposition laws.
Sen. Cory Booker of D-New Jersey set the upper chamber record in the 25-hour marathon filibuster that blowed up the Trump administration in April.
Prominent Catholic Church leaders and allies of Pope Leo XIV have strongly criticised the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigrants, describing immigrants as “inhuman” and “morally abomination.”
In a broad interview with CNN, Cardinal Robert McKelloy, Archbishop of Washington, D.C., expressed strong opposition to Trump’s major tax and spending bills, warned us about Israeli attacks on Iran, and discussed his views on the role of women in the church.
“It’s right to be able to control our borders, but what’s going on is far beyond that,” Cardinal told CNN on Tuesday. “It’s an indiscriminate deportation of men, women, children and family masses literally torn apart and intended to do so.”
McElroy was appointed by Pope Francis to lead the Archdiocese of the US capital in January, the month of President Donald Trump’s inauguration. He was one of more than 100 Cardinals who participated in the Conclave, which elected the first American Pope in May.
Speaking to Rome CNN on the same day Trump visited Florida’s immigration detention center known as the “Alligator Alcatraz,” McKelloy said the “mechanism” used was a “creation of fear” among 10 million undocumented people in the United States.
“This is not only incompatible with Catholic teaching, it is inhumane and morally disgusting,” he added.
“In the scene that happened in Los Angeles, it’s not someone who can go down to the car wash and the Costco parking lot and chase after those convicted butlers.”
Trump says his strict immigration policies are needed to keep criminals away from the streets of the United States and to ease the burden on American institutions. He embraced the ominous image of an immigrant detention facility surrounded by swanplanes and reptiles.
“It is known as ‘Crocodile Alcatraz’. This is very appropriate. Because I look outside and not a place I don’t want to go,” Trump said Tuesday.
McElroy argued that the government has the right to deport those convicted of “serious crimes,” adding that the issue of immigration is rooted in the American political system, which has failed to immigration laws and reforms over the past 15 years.
But McElroy said people are “even fearing going to church” after the Trump administration removed a policy that prohibits immigration agents from arresting them in sensitive areas like the church.
“What’s behind this?” he asked, referring to stricter immigration policies and enforcement tactics. “I fear in the minds of many people pushing it, one of the main things behind it is the feeling that people who are coming to our country are a different kind now.
“And that was a great theme of American culture and history through the immigration of our country. When the Irish people came, when the Italians came, when Paul came, the reserve was the same as ‘These are inferior people.’ That’s what’s happening now…it’s anger. ”
Cardinal, a former bishop in San Diego, is one of several Catholic bishops who opposed Trump’s migration policy.
But Vice President JD Vance, a devout Catholic who converted in 2019, suggested earlier this year that the bishop’s criticism of Trump administration’s policies was motivated by economic interests as the church receives federal funds for resettlement of immigrants. McElroy fought back in the interview, saying that government funding is not enough to cover the program and that the church must pick up the shortage.
“It’s people who say the church is not doing mathematics about what the government has contributed to these programs,” he added.
Since his election, Pope Leo has sought respect for immigrants, saying he was “a descendant of immigrants and chose immigrants.” McElroy said Leo XIV spoke of immigration in a “universal” context, but “If you see what he is saying, it has a clear meaning to us.”
During the interview, Cardinal McElroy criticized Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.” This is a drastic law to extend tax cuts and increase funds for national security, partially paid by the biggest cuts to the federal social safety net in decades. He recently signed a letter with other bishops and faith leaders opposed to the bill.
He said millions will “finally lose healthcare due to this bill, so billionaires will be able to receive a bigger tax cut.”
In a statement, White House spokesman Abigail Jackson declined to criticize. It was especially leveled in Trump’s agenda bill.
“The Americans elected President Trump, not the Archbishop of DC, as president,” Jackson said. “President Trump is fulfilling the mandate that the American people gave him in November — he’s turning his campaign promises into law, as hints, social security, taxes on overtime are not law.
Regarding Pope Leo’s church reforms and priorities, McElroy spoke about the importance of dealing with the role of women.
He said the topic was a “very powerful flow” during Synod, a recent Vatican rally. The meeting looked at church renewal questions and looked at ways to include more women in their decision-making roles.
“The main thrust must see that women are “not” and ask why? ”
McElroy is a supporter of women as authors. The butler acts like a priest, but does not say the public and hears confessions. “That’s a controversial question within the church,” he admits, “but I think it’s important to move in that direction.”
Cardinal McElroy’s candidacy for Washington, DC, was strengthened by a PhD in Political Science from Stanford University and was awarded for a dissertation on moral norms in foreign policy.
He told CNN that recent US attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites could encourage other countries to develop nuclear weapons to protect themselves. He said it was “very important” to maintain the “non-proliferation” of nuclear weapons.
“My great fear is that the lesson the country will take away from this intervention in Iran is that if they have nuclear weapons, they will not be the subject of this type of attack,” he said. “I think that’s an open question. Does this encourage more spread as the incentives are now stronger or more clear? That’s very ominous.”
Finally, Cardinal said he believes that Chicago-born Pope Leo will visit his home.
“When he comes to the US, I think it will be a great moment for our country.”
Consumer boycotts are targeting day retreats. Are they working? What we know.
Consumer boycotts target companies like Amazon and Target. This is what we know.
Target has donated $300,000 to the National Baptist Convention, and two independent leaders of the boycott of retailers are asking church organizations to return the gift.
In separate comments, Nekimalevy Armstrong, a Minnesota activist who launched the Target Boycott on February 1, and Nekimalevy Armstrong, who encouraged members of the Blackface community to boycott for 40 days and now encouraged permanently to leave retailers, said they are accepting in response to their opposition to efforts by the Black Church organization.
Both boycotts correspond to what Levy Armstrong and Bryant say is an effort to bring the target back to the Black community when they rewind their diversity, equity and inclusive efforts.
What was the $300,000 donation from Target?
A Target spokesman provided USA Today when asked about the donation. “We are proud to sponsor the NBCUSA conference series as one of many ways to invest in making a meaningful impact on communities across the country by supporting access to education, economic development initiatives and entrepreneurship programs.”
The National Black Convention did not reply to email and telephone inquiries from USA Today, nor did it seek comment on the donation and the call for its return.
However, in a press release provided to other media, Boisekimber of the National Black Convention said the partnership is “based on a shared commitment to community empowerment through small business and entrepreneurial development, investment in education and student support, and workforce and skill development that unleash the growth of the entire community.”
Kimber said the donation will help church organizations “providing scholarships, supporting seniors, and investing in entrepreneurship programs that will enhance our people and futures.
Blackface Leader refuses donation and asks for return
During Sunday’s sermon at his new birth missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia on June 22, Bryant denounced his contribution to Target’s National Baptist Conference.
He accused Target, whom the CEO met with Bryant and Pastor Al Sharpton in April, of “turning” him to the National Baptist Convention.
“Are you crazy to think we’ll sell out for a Champ change?” Bryant said.
In an interview with USA Today, Bryant said the targeted donation to the National Baptist Treaty, which Bryant said is not affiliated with his church, is actually four donations of $75,000 to the Black Church organization that the National Baptist Treaty received and split.
“It’s really a slap in the face and a shame,” Bryant said of donations and the National Baptist Treaty accepting money. Bryant asked to return the money to the target.
The consumer boycott continues: 31% participated. Look where and why
As part of the Target boycott, Bryant made four requests, including honoring the $2 billion pledge to the black business community that Target had previously implemented, with investments in black-owned products, services and black media. Bryant has also called for retailers to invest in black-owned banks, establish retail centers at historically black universities and universities, and fully recover the DEI initiative.
“The dark eyes for us are that they (the National Baptist Convention) left with nothing we wanted,” Bryant said.
Target previously issued a statement on May 28th in response to Bryant’s Target Blackout and Request.
“Target is absolutely committed to promoting inclusiveness for everyone, including team members, guests, supply partners and more. “In the last five years, we are committed to investing in $2 billion in black businesses and brands within five years. Over the past five years, we have committed $2 billion in black companies and brands. We have invested $100 million in black universities (HBCU) support students. We have invested $100 million in black communities organizations, which have driven our careers by giving scholarships to over 30,000 members of our team. We have committed 5% of our profits to the communities we run. We have volunteered for millions of hours to organisations across the country, creating meaningful opportunities for team members to flourish both personally and professionally.”
Community Organizers have issues with donations and Bryant
In another open letter sent to the National Baptist Treaty and shared with USA Today, Levy Armstrong, the founder of the Racial Justice Network, urged the church group to “rethink about alliances with businesses that have caused such profound harm.”
“This $300,000 payment will not heal. It will deepen the wounds. It appears to be an attempt to regain the trust of black consumers without silence and accountability,” the letter states.
The letter was signed by Monique Cullars-Doty, co-founder of Black Life Matter Minnesota, and Jaylani Hussein, executive director of Cair-Minesota (Minnesota Council on America and Islamic Relations).
The letter also said he was aware of the Target Boycott that began on February 1st and expressed interest in taking part in the effort, and had problems with Bryant. However, afterwards, Bryant repackaged the work as his own, creating another campaign, erasing the women’s work. The woman said it reflects a long and painful history of black female organizers being pushed aside.
Bryant told USA Today, in honor of Levy Armstrong, noting that he did not start a target boycott from the start. ”
“My focus was to match the black church because it wasn’t involved or involved,” he said. “Anywhere from the rooftop, we weren’t the founder of it, but we were going to bring out the Black Church together.”
Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA Today. Contact her at blinfisher @usatoday.com or follow her on X, Facebook, or Instagram @Blinfisher, @Blinfisher.bsky.social.. Sign up for our free daily money newsletter. This includes Friday’s Consumer News.
Data shows that several Americans have died from firework injuries, and more than thousands were injured last year.
Americans celebrated nationwide on July 4th
Americans enjoyed fireworks displays nationwide, from the National Mall in DC to the Las Vegas territory.
July 4th is not a celebration in the emergency room.
Every year, doctors cut off their fingers and hands with fireworks. They try to save their eyes. And sometimes they have to tell their loved one the worst news they can imagine.
It’s a warning from a doctor preparing for another busy Independence Day, and a cold, hard truth.
Dr. Nicholas Lee had already amputated the hands of two boys who lost them to firework injuries the week before July 4th. He hopes to see more next week.
“These are practically bombs people are holding their hands,” said Lee, a professor of clinical orthopedic surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, who is directing the hand reconstruction program. “My hands and fingers are blown away, and I see gro caliber injuries, burns and damage to my face. I blew my eyelids out so that my kids can’t close their eyes.”
Dr. Jeffrey Goodrow said fireworks are legal and widely sold in most parts of the country, but they are dangerous and deserving attention and respect. He has already seen burns, tears and hand injuries from people who already had fireworks.
“They’re like the wounds of military combat,” said Goodrow, an emergency room doctor in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who is also the vice president of communications at the American College of Emergency Medicine. “These are horrifying injuries. People don’t realize that even the public fireworks stuff their fingers and hands with enough punches to let them get away.”
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, 11 Americans died from firework injuries last year, with over 14,700 people being treated in emergency rooms.
In more than a third of cases, injuries suffered burns to the hands and fingers or head, face and ears.
It’s not just the big rockets that hurt people. Last year, there were estimated 1,700 emergency room injuries involving Sparkler alone.
Wrong movements can change a person’s life. And those people tend to be younger. Almost a quarter of injuries are among people between the ages of 15 and 24, mostly male. “I don’t remember having a woman before. It was always a young man,” Lee said.
“We are a urgent care physician at Washington University,” said Dr. Irvin Ahvan, emergency medical practitioner.
What are the most common fireworks injuries?
The most common injuries these doctors see are the hands.
“I have seen a lot of people who got into their hands while the fireworks were holding them.
The hands literally fall apart, Lee said. Joints, bones, ligaments and skin are destroyed or destroyed by an explosion. The most common number to lose is the thumb. “That’s 40% of your hand function,” he said.
“If that’s really bad, your hands look like starfish. Your fingers, thumbs, all your joints are dislocated and they’re just scattered,” Lee said.
“We try to save as many fingers as possible, and at least give you something to pinch,” he said. “But sometimes it requires cutting.”
Also, as people peer into the fireworks, they often get burns, tears and injuries to their faces. It’s not uncommon for people to lose their eyes.
“They’re not just about to be able to get into,” said Chelsea Beau, a hand and microvascular surgeon at Washington University in Seattle.
There are also gro caliber injuries if people are sitting while illuminating the device, or if they drop it and a blast is radiated towards them.
Some injuries can be found in the solid organs of the core or in the head. “There are people who try to launch them from the head or the chest,” Lee said.
For those who fire fireworks near the coastline and beaches, Lee has also seen injuries from the sand that was dumped by the strength of the explosion.
“The sand can be thousands of tiny projectiles. It can be embedded in your skin, your eyes, your face. It’s like getting a tattoo,” he said. “It’s hard to get out. You can’t make that many microincisions, so you often have to leave them.”
Fireworks Safety Tips
Doctors who spend thousands of hours trying to save their fingers, hands, eyes and other damage wishes will take a little time for people to think before touching fireworks.
“It’s gunpowder with fuses. They go away with incredible force and it passes right through the organization,” Beau said.
“Most of the time, it’s an unsupervised child. Or the ones that get together with friends are young men and boys,” she said. “They may not be drinking or using other substances. They may not be making the best decision.”
Here are some important tips:
Don’t get illuminated fireworks
Lighten the fireworks one at a time and then return immediately.
Do not try to re-lit or pick up fireworks that have not left
Do not use fireworks if alcohol or medication is causing problems
If you or someone is injured in the explosion, call 911 immediately
The damage Lee saw in the operating room was terrible and unnecessary.
“It’s very devastating and these injuries are completely preventable,” he said. “I hope this (article) helps me at least alone in this way suffer.”
Can I pass my fingers over again?
In the film, a person may illuminate firecrackers and blow his fingers off beautifully. They stick it on an ice bucket and run to the hospital, which is all sewn together.
The reality is not so tolerant.
“Even a very skilled hand surgeon can replicate fingers in a very small number of cases,” Goodrow said.
Injuries are rarely clean and not clean, and the amount of damage in numbers is significant.
“The reality is that when your fingers are blown away, you lost them forever,” he said.
When will fireworks injuries occur?
Many injuries occur on July 4th, when they are extremely busy in the emergency room, two weeks before the holidays and two weeks before the emergency room.
“For a hand surgeon, this is our holiday in the worst possible way,” Bo said.
When July 4th happens near the weekend, it’s even worse than this year. Because people are more likely to make weekends, parties and drinks.
The University of Washington, a major trauma unit in the Seattle area, saw nearly 50 people who needed firework-related surgery in the four days later.
“We’re preparing a huge amount. We have an additional operating room so that we can have additional teams available. We’ll cancel the elective surgeries and make the additional anesthesia team available,” she said. “It’s like triing at a massive casualty event.”
Research into the London School of Economics and Systems suggests that as our ally in the climate battle, it is possible to reduce global carbon emissions without giving up on modern amenities.
By 2035, just three industries’ Smart AI applications could reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 3.2-5.5 billion tonnes each year, according to a DUO study.
In contrast to much of what we’ve heard, these reductions will far outweigh the carbon that AI itself produces.
This study, “Green and Intelligent: The Role of AI in Climate Transition,” does not only view AI as a small tool for improvement. Instead, it helps to transform our entire economy into something sustainable and inclusive.
Net Zero is an opportunity, not a burden
Researchers suggest that the transition to a net-zero economy should not be a burden, but should be seen as “a great opportunity for innovation and sustainable, resilient and inclusive economic growth.”
They focus on three major carbon culprits: power generation, meat and dairy production, and passenger cars, which together cause almost half of the world’s emissions. Potential AI savings from these sectors alone are more than cancelling an estimated 0.4-1.6 billion tonnes of annual emissions from running all these AI data centers.
As the author said, “When using AI for climate transitions, it’s not only strong, it’s essential.”
Five Big Ways to Help AI Save Our Planet (and Us)
1. Make complex systems smarter
Think about how our modern life relies on complex networks for energy, transportation and urban life. AI can redesign these systems to operate much more efficiently.
Remember those frustrating blackouts when the wind stopped blowing or the clouds covered the sun? AI helps predict these fluctuations in renewable energy and balance them with real-time demand. DeepMind already shows that AI can increase the economic value of Wind Energy by 20% by reducing the need for backup power.
2. Speed up discovery and reduce waste
Almost half of the emission reduction needed to reach Net-Zero by 2050 relies on technology that is mostly out of the lab today, and AI is turbocharged these breakthroughs.
Check out Google DeepMind’s GNOME tool. This already identifies over 2 million new crystal structures that could revolutionize renewable energy and battery storage. Or consider how Amazon’s AI packaging algorithm has saved over 3 million tons of material since 2015.
3. Help us make better choices
Our daily decisions can drive up to 70% of emission reductions by 2050, from what we eat to how we travel. But making the right choice is not always easy.
AI can become our personal environmental coach, breaking down information barriers and providing tailored recommendations. Are you already using Google Maps fuel-efficient routes? It is AI that helps reduce emissions while saving gas money. Smart home systems like nests use AI to optimize heating and cooling. This saves millions of tons of CO2 if we all hire.
4. Predicting climate change and policy effects
How do you plan for a changing climate? AI can process huge datasets to predict climate patterns with unprecedented accuracy.
Tools like Icenet (the British Antarctic Survey and the Alan Turing Institute developed by the Alan Turing Institute use AI to predict sea ice levels more than ever before and help communities and businesses prepare. This ability has also expanded to help governments design climate policies that actually work, learning from countless case studies around the world.
5. Keep us safe in extreme weather
As climate disasters intensify, early warnings can save lives. AI-driven systems for floods and wildfires are becoming an essential safety net.
Google’s Flood Hub uses machine learning to provide flood forecasts in over 80 countries up to 5 days in advance. It is a valuable time for people to protect their homes and evacuate when necessary.
The numbers support AI to reduce global carbon emissions
When researchers calculated the numbers, they discovered that AI could do it.
Simply optimizing renewable energy will reduce emissions in the electricity sector of 1.8 billion tonnes each year by 2035
Save 0.9-3 billion tonnes a year by improving plant-based protein and feeling like meat
Shared mobility and better battery technology reduce vehicle emissions up to 0.6 billion tonnes each year
Here’s the catch: Just sitting down and determining how AI develops. Researchers are seeking “active state” to ensure that AI benefits everyone and planets.
“The government plays an important role in ensuring that AI is deployed effectively and accelerates the transition fairly and sustainably,” they conclude.
What this really means is to generate incentives for green AI research, regulate environmental impacts, and invest in infrastructure so that communities around the world can share profits.
By guiding innovation and working together internationally, we can reduce AI’s global carbon emissions, maximize our chances of tackling the climate crisis, and build a future where both people and planets can thrive.
(Photo: Abhishek Mishra)
reference: Power Play: Can the Grid cope with AI’s growing appetite?
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After 18 years of trying to conceive, one couple is pregnant with their first child thanks to the power of artificial intelligence.
The couple visited birth centers around the world, visiting several in vitro fertilizations, or IVF, in the hopes of giving birth to a baby.
In the IVF process, female eggs are removed and embryos are combined with sperm in the laboratory to create them and implanted into the uterus.
However, for this couple, the IVF attempt was a rare condition in which measurable sperm was not present in the male partner’s semen, which could lead to male infertility. A typical semen sample contains hundreds of millions of sperm, but men in the azosus plant have such low counts that they cannot find sperm cells, even after a few hours of meticulous search under a microscope.
So, the couple, who remained anonymous to protect their privacy, went to Columbia University’s Fertility Center to try a new approach.
It is called The Star Method and uses AI to help identify and recover hidden sperm from men who once thought they had no sperm. All my husband had to do was leave a semen sample with the medical team.
“We maintained hope to a minimum after so many disappointments,” my wife said in an emailed statement.
Fertility Center researchers analyzed semen samples using an AI system. Three hidden sperm was discovered, recovered and used to fertilize the wife’s eggs via IVF, and she successfully completed the first pregnancy enabled by the STAR method.
The baby is scheduled for December.
“It took me two days to believe I was actually pregnant,” she said. “I’m still up in the morning and can’t believe this is true or not. I don’t believe I’m pregnant until I see the scan.”
Artificial intelligence is working towards the US fertility treatment field. More healthcare facilities are using AI to assess egg quality when patients are undergoing IVF and to assess screening of healthy embryos. More research and testing is needed,However, AI may now be progressing towards male infertility.
Dr. Zev Williams, director of the Fertility Center at Columbia University, and his colleagues developed the Star Method for five years to help with detection and recoverySperm in semen samples of people with azospermia.
They were hit by the results of the system.
“The patient provided the sample and a highly skilled technician searched for two days to try and find sperm through the sample. They didn’t find it. We brought it to an AI-based star system. We found 44 sperm in an hour.
Once semen samples are placed on a specially designed tip under a microscope, the star system representing sperm tracking and recovery is trained to connect to the microscope via high-speed cameras and high-power imaging techniques to scan the sample, taking over 8 million images within an hour to identify them as sperm cells.
This system instantly separates sperm cells into small droplets of media, allowing embryologists to recover cells that they may never have been able to.Find and identify with your own eyes.
“It’s like searching for needles scattered across a thousand haystacks, completing a search within an hour and doing it very gently without any harmful lasers or stains, so you can still use sperm to fertilize the egg,” Williams said.
“What’s surprising is that in a typical sample, instead of the usual (200 million) to 300 million sperm, these patients may have only two or three. “However, the accuracy of the stellar system and the expertise of embryologists allows them to successfully fertilize eggs using a small number of them.”
“A shocking and unexpected diagnosis”
Male partners account for up to 40% of all infertility cases in the United States, and it is estimated that up to 10% of infertility men are azos ospermic.
“This is often a truly heartbreaking, shocking and unexpected diagnosis,” Williams said. “Most men in the Azos plant feel completely healthy and normal. They have no sexual impairment and their semen looks normal. The difference is, if you look under a microscope, you see fragments and fragments of cells, rather than literally seeing hundreds of millions of people sperm swim, but no sperm.”
Treatment options for azosmia traditionally included unpleasant surgery to retrieve sperm directly from a patient’s testes.
“Part of the testis is removed and broken into small pieces where it tries to find the sperm,” Williams said. “It’s invasive. You can only do it a few times. It can damage permanent scars and tests and is painful.”
Other treatment options may include prescription hormone medications, but they are only effective if the person has a hormonal imbalance. If other treatment options are not successful, the couple can have children using donor sperm.
Williams said the Star Method could be a new option.
“It’s really the effort of the team to develop this and it’s the fact that it really drives everyone and motivates them, and can help couples who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity,” he said.
Although this method is currently only available at Columbia University’s Fertility Center, Williams and his colleagues want to publish their work and share it with other fertility centers. Using the STAR method, he said, finding, separating and freezing sperm for a patient would cost just under $3,000 in total.
“Infertility is unique in that it is a very old part of the human experience. It is literally the Bible. It is something we had to contest throughout all of human history,” he said. “It’s amazing to think that the most advanced technology we have right now is being used to solve this really old problem.”
It’s not the first time a doctor has turned to AI to help a man with AZOSOSPERMIA.
Another Canadian research team has built an AI model that can automate and accelerate the process of searching for rare sperm in samples from men with a condition.
“The reason AI is so good for this is that it really depends on learning. You can use that learning algorithm to show you what sperm looks like, what shapes are, what properties it should have, and to identify the specific image you are looking for,” in Canada.
“It’s very exciting,” she said. “In general, at least in the medical world, it’s a whole new landscape and I think it really revolutionizes the way we see so many problems in medicine.”
The STAR method is a new approach to identifying sperm, but AI is also used in many other ways in fertility medicine, said Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, a San Francisco-based reproductive endocrinologist and host of the podcast “The Egg Whisperer Show.”
“AI helps us see what our eyes can’t,” wrote Eyvazzadeh, who was not involved in the development of the star, in an email.
AI algorithms, such as what is called Stork-A, are used to analyze early stage embryos and predict them with “amazing accuracy” that are likely to be healthy. Another AI tool, Chloe, can assess the quality of female eggs before freezing them for future use.
“AI is used to personalize IVF drug protocols, making cycles more efficient and less guessing games. It also helps with sperm selection and identifies healthy sperm even in difficult samples. Also, AI can predict IVF success rates more accurately than ever before. “A typical thread? A better decision, more confidence, and a more compassionate experience for the patient.”
The new star system is a “game changer,” she said.
“AI is not producing sperm. It helps us find something unusual and viable already there but almost invisible,” she said. “It’s not because it replaces human expertise, but because it’s amplifying it, but because it’s the future of fertility treatment.”
However, concerns are also growing that the hastily application of AI in reproductive medicine could give patients false hope, says Dr. Giampiero Palermo, director of Androgy, a professor of embryology, who has supported Weil Cornell medicine in fertilization.
“AI has recently gained a lot of traction to provide an unbiased assessment of embryos by examining embryo morphology,” Palermo said in an email. “However, the current available models are still somewhat inconsistent and require additional validation.”
Palermo said the STAR approach needs to be validated, but still, it is necessary to pick up sperm into human developmental scientists and inject them into the eggs to create embryos for patients undergoing IVF.
“The addition of AI was not involved in star development, but Palermo, who first described how to inject sperm directly into the egg, states: Since he pioneered that method, it has become the most utilized supportive reproductive technology in the world.
“In my opinion, this approach is flawed because it inevitably does not have sperm,” Palermo said, “It doesn’t matter how the specimen is screened, whether it’s human or machine.”
Trump is calling for a cut in the Fed rate that goes against Powell’s move
The Federal Reserve held interest rates on the benchmark on June 18th unchanged, opposing President Trump’s demands for immediate cuts despite increased political pressure.
Cheddar
President Donald Trump has relied on a variety of debates in his months-long campaign to cut interest rates by Badger Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.
He points to a report showing two percentage points cuts from the European Central Bank interest rates and weakening private sector employment growth.
Most recently, he cited the claim that the Fed’s refusal to cut its important rates would pay the federal government debt by paying interest payments of hundreds of billions of dollars a year.
Is Trump correct? Analysts say lower fees are likely to save government money in the short term. But that comes with some major warnings.
What does Trump say about the Fed rate?
This week on his Truth Social Site, Trump shared a handwritten note he wrote to Powell. “As usual, you’re too late,” he wrote. “You’ve sacrificed a lot of money to the US and you’re continuing to do that. You need to cut your interest rates significantly! You’ll lose hundreds of billions of dollars! There’s no inflation.”
Attaching a list of central bank interest rates, Trump drew two arrows pointing to interest rates between Japan’s 0.5% and 1.75% shared by Denmark, Seychelles and Thailand. It suggests that Trump believes the Fed should cut its main short-term interest rates by a whopping 3 percentage points, from the range of 4.25% to about 1.25%.
Last week, calling Powell a “silly guy” and “Trump hatred,” the president said the government would save $900 billion a year on interest payments with a three-point rate cut.
What happens when the Fed cuts interest rates?
“We’re a leader in financial markets analysts at Oxford Economics,” said John Canavan, who is leading financial markets analyst at Oxford Economics.
“Perhaps lower fees will save government money,” added Mike Puglise, senior economist at Wells Fargo.
But Trump appears to be exaggerating his savings, said Gubengha Ajiroa, the Centre’s chief economist on budget and policy priorities.
What are the main tasks of the Federal Reserve?
The Fed is an independent institution, and its job is not to lower interest rates and lower borrowing for the federal government, Canavan and Pugliese said.
Under two Congressional orders, the central bank will cut fees to reduce borrowing costs for Americans, strengthening the economic downturn. To increase the rates, or keep them high.
How much has the Fed cut interest rates?
The Fed cut its key rates by percentage late last year after pandemic-related inflation spikes have been eased but has since suspended.
In testimony before Congress in late June, Powell agreed that the Fed’s priority inflation measures, now 2.3%, had approached its 2% target. But he said Trump’s tariffs are expected to cause “meaningly increased inflation” in the coming months, and authorities want to wait and see how it unfolds before reducing fees again.
Aside from the Fed’s mission, it’s reasonable to wonder whether a decline in Fed rates exceeds $36 trillion to the government will save a lot of money. Trump’s “big and beautiful” budget bill is projected to add $3.3 trillion to Red Ink, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
It is not clear how Trump came up with $900 billion, and a White House spokesman did not reply to an email asking for an explanation.
But Trump told Fox News on June 29 that the government must refinance its $9 trillion debt this year. The total annual payments for all Treasury obligations are projected to grow to around $1 trillion in fiscal year 2026, according to the Responsible Federal Budget Commission.
Axel Funhoff, a corporate finance professor at Belgium’s Antwerp Management School, wrote in an article earlier this year on Linkedin earlier this year that the US issued debt could add interest rates that have risen significantly to the government by taking just $9 trillion, a massive increase in interest rates that have risen since the US was first issued.
This suggests that if the US Treasury cuts its key rate by 3 percentage points, the US Treasury could save more than $100 billion a year. But it’s a massive cut, and the economy is generally stable, much larger than point-drop personnel who estimate that by 2027 they will gradually be approved through quarterly point reductions.
Also, large-scale interest rate cuts can have unintended consequences for US debt costs.
How does interest rates affect borrowing costs?
The Fed’s benchmark interest rate is short-term interest rate, so the maximum year terms will affect short-term assets such as Treasury bills, Canavan said. So a quarter-point Fed rate cut would likely have a similar impact on such a Treasury bill, he said.
However, while only about 20% of the Treasury’s outstanding obligations are in such short-term securities, almost all new obligations are short-term due to high long-term interest rates, Canavan said.
More than half of the obligations are 2-10-year Treasury debt, he said, with the remainder being long-term securities, variable-rate debt and other assets for up to 30 years. These securities will be affected by Fed rate movements as they affect investors’ expectations regarding future Fed actions, Canavan said.
But only in part. Because investors hold these assets for a long period of time, they are primarily affected by factors such as economic outlook, inflation expectations, the size of the federal deficit, and investors’ trust in the Treasury Department as a safe and reliable investment.
“If the market determines that the US Treasury’s Trump is cutting too much,” Canavan said, meeting the lower US Treasury borrowing costs, investors are likely to worry about future inflationary spikes and demand higher fees to lend government money. Otherwise, inflation could erode the value of their bonds, he said.
In that case, he said, “there could be a rise in long-term fees,” despite the Fed’s lowering its short-term rate.
In other words, by questioning the Fed’s independence to investors, Trump’s demand for interest rate cuts could have the consequences he most wished for, assuming he acquiesced to the plea.
“Monetary policy only works if the Fed is reliable,” Ajiilore said.
Canavan said government savings due to short-term fee drops (which must be refinanced more frequently) are hard to say more than offset losses from rising long-term rates.
Pugliese said it is likely that the US Treasury will still be coming out soon. But “it’s probably going to cost you money in the long run,” he said.
In contrast, if the Fed cuts the rate twice this year and twice as expected by authorities in 2026, investors will be sure that inflation is easing and that staff is in motion, not because of political pressure.
The result is lower short-term and long-term rates and lower government interest payments.
