Kelly Clarkson‘s 4th of July opening of her Studio Sessions concert series, a residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, was canceled shortly before she was expected to take the stage Friday night. The singer said both […]
Morgan Wallen logs his 18th No. 1 — and the fourth from his album I’m the Problem — on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart as “Just in Case” ascends two spots to the top of the survey dated July 12.
The single surged 22% to 29.4 million audience impressions June 27-July 3, according to Luminate.
Wallen co-authored the song, and Joey Moi produced it.
Trending on Billboard
The ballad becomes the fourth Country Airplay chart-topper among the 37 songs on Wallen’s blockbuster I’m the Problem, which has led Top Country Albums and the Billboard 200 in its first six weeks of release. The title track dominated for eight weeks beginning in April, “Love Somebody” ruled for three weeks in February, and “Lies Lies Lies” led for a week last November.
Notably, as we pass the halfway point this year, Wallen’s latest Country Airplay No. 1 marks his third of 2025 — no other act has more than one. In 2024, he became the first artist to roll up five leaders in a single year since the list launched in 1990: “Lies Lies Lies”; “Cowgirls,” featuring Ernest; Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help,” featuring Wallen; “Man Made a Bar,” featuring Eric Church, and Thomas Rhett’s “Mamaw’s House,” featuring Wallen.
Rhett’s Milestone 25th Top 10
Speaking of Thomas Rhett, he claims his 25th Country Airplay top 10 with his co-authored “After All the Bars Are Closed.” The single pushes 12-9 (19 million, up 15%). It follows “Beautiful as You,” which hit No. 2 in November. His first top 10, “It Goes Like This,” became his first of 20 No. 1s in October 2013.
Bryan’s Top 10 ‘Country Song’
Luke Bryan scores his 37th Country Airplay top 10 as “Country Song Came On” lifts 11-10 (18.1 million, up 8%). “Love You, Miss You, Mean It” awarded the American Idol judge his prior top 10 (No. 2 last October). His rookie entry “All My Friends Say” hit No. 5 in 2007, while “Rain Is a Good Thing” became his first of 26 No. 1s in 2010.
Bryan ties Reba McEntire for the 10th-most Country Airplay 10s (surpassing Garth Brooks’ 36). Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and George Strait lead the pack with 61 each.
The music icon took the most political trek of her career to the nation’s capital.
Did First Lady Melania Trump really earn her chance to come to the United States the way she claims? That’s the question Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas seemed to be raising in a recent congressional hearing, expressing skepticism about the credentials that the First Lady would have needed to legally be in the United States.
During a House Judiciary Committee meeting last week, Congresswoman Crockett took issue with the “lack of integrity” regarding the First Lady’s process for coming to the United States. “Let me remind y’all that Melania, the first lady, a model—and when I say model, I’m not talking about Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford or Naomi Campbell level—applied for and was given an EB-1 visa,” Crockett said at the hearing, “and what that stands for is an Einstein visa.” This type of visa is reserved for individuals with special expertise in fields such as business or research or those who have achieved “sustained national and international acclaim.”
Crockett elaborated that “you’re supposed to have some sort of significant achievement, like being awarded a Nobel Peace Prize or a Pulitzer, being an Olympic medalist, or having other sustained extraordinary abilities and success in sciences, arts, education, business or athletics” in order to obtain such a visa. Noting that the First Lady lacked any of those accomplishments, Crockett told the hearing attendees that “It doesn’t take an Einstein to see that the math ain’t mathin’ here.”
Crockett: Melania, the First Lady, a model— when I say model I’m not talking about Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford, or Naomi Campbell level— applied for an Einstein visa. You’re supposed to have some sort of significant achievement… She had none of those. It doesn’t take an Einstein… pic.twitter.com/u0c1SXJE8I— Acyn (@Acyn) June 25, 2025
Critics say Melania’s visa story doesn’t add up
Crockett is not the first to question Mrs. Trump’s immigration journey. A 2018 Washington Post article noted that in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Melania Knauss, as she was then known, was Donald Trump’s girlfriend and a model whose biggest accomplishment at the time was an appearance in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. Yet after having worked in the United States and dated Trump under a series of short-term visas, she was one of only five people from her home country, Slovenia, to be granted the EB-1 visa in 2001. Some experts have questioned how she would have qualified for the visa, though others note that the standards are subjective. The visa allowed her to enter the U.S., start the path toward citizenship, and sponsor the permanent residency of her parents—a process known as “chain migration” that President Trump later opposed.
The Trump family’s immigration story sparks claims of double standards
The renewed scrutiny about Melania Trump’s immigration status comes as her husband’s administration continues to crack down on various forms of immigration. The administration’s aggressive use of ICE to hunt down unauthorized immigrants has created disruptions and fueled protests in cities like Los Angeles and elsewhere. The Trump administration has also sought to limit legal immigration. The Trump White House placed a dozen countries on a new travel ban, preventing citizens from these nations from coming to the United States. And the administration temporarily halted the visa process for international students amidst its feuds with several elite American universities.
In the midst of all these efforts to make it harder for people from other countries to come to the United States or stay within the country, the Trumps’ experience with U.S. immigration policy is facing scrutiny. As seems to be the case in many aspects of life and the legal system, it appears that the Trump family may have enjoyed a double standard, receiving favorable treatment that might not have been given to others.
LL Cool J pumped the brakes on a planned July 4 performance in Philadelphia due to a workers’ strike going on in the city. The rapper apologized to his fans and explained his support for workers trying to earn a “living wage” in the city.
The rapper posted on social media on July 3 to explain his decision to drop out of a planned Independence Day performance in Philadelphia in order to support a strike among city workers. In a video to his fans, LL said that “I never ever ever want to disappoint my fans” but explained that there is “absolutely no way that I could perform across a picket line.” The legendary Queens rapper showed love for the city of Philadelphia and announced that he would still be in the city on July 4 in case the strike is resolved.
Strike by city workers impacts Philly’s Fourth plans
LL had been scheduled to perform on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia for the July 4th Philly Wawa Welcome America concert. Other artists scheduled for the event include Philadelphia native Jazmine Sullivan, singer JoJo, and rapper Álvaro Díaz. However, LL pulled out of the event after learning about an ongoing strike by AFSCME District Council 33, which represents 9,000 city workers in Philadelphia. The striking employees, who include sanitation workers and security guards, among various service providers, walked out early Tuesday and have not yet reached an agreement with the city to return to work. The strike has halted services such as trash collection, but Mayor Cherelle Parker pledged to proceed with the Fourth of July celebrations as planned.
Mayor says she respects LL’s decision, but stands firm
Mayor Parker has spoken to the city and to LL in recent days. She posted a statement Thursday saying that she was aware of his decision. “I spoke personally with LL Cool J today. I respect his decision and understand his desire to see the city unified,” the mayor said, adding that LL “is always welcome in Philadelphia.” In a press conference Thursday, the mayor said that she “will not put the fiscal stability of the City of Philadelphia in jeopardy,” even “if that means I’m a one-term mayor.” Parker said that she had “put an offer on the table that no other municipal blue collar workers in the nation could be able to say that their city was providing mortgages for them to be able to become homeowners.” District 33 President Greg Boulware responded that the city had rejected the union’s proposal “and came back with very much the same proposal that they’ve had over the last three days.”
For now, the union and the city seem divided on how to move forward, thus extending the strike into Independence Day and possibly through the holiday weekend. And this holiday will go by without a performance from LL Cool J as he stands in solidarity with the workers.
The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day, is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, attending a parade, or simply enjoying fireworks, 4th of July trivia is a fun way to deepen your understanding of the holiday. Understanding the origins and significance behind these customs adds depth to the festivities and helps preserve the spirit of independence for future generations.
The 4th of July marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, marking the end of British rule in the newly formed United States of America. However, not all people living on the land renamed the United States of America that day were truly independent. Enslaved people who were kidnapped and brought to the land, and the Indigenous people who lived there before Europeans arrived, weren’t included in the independence that European immigrants celebrated that day. However, the 4th of July is still celebrated with parades, community events, barbeques, and fireworks each year.
From historical facts about the Founding Fathers to traditions and symbols that have become synonymous with American freedom, these trivia questions cover a wide range of topics, perfect for all ages. Test your knowledge or challenge friends with these engaging questions that celebrate the spirit of America’s birthday.
Founding Of The U.S. And American History
What year was the Declaration of Independence signed?
Answer: 1776
On what date was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
Answer: July 4, 1776
Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
Answer: Thomas Jefferson
Which founding father is known as the “Father of the Constitution”?
Answer: James Madison
Where was the Declaration of Independence signed?
Answer: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
How many colonies declared independence from Britain on July 4, 1776?
Answer: Thirteen
What’s the name of the document that officially ended the American Revolutionary War?
Answer: The Treaty of Paris (1783)
Which former presidents died on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence?
Answer: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson
What year was the first Independence Day celebration held?
Answer: 1777
When was the 4th of July first declared a national holiday?
Answer: 1870
American Symbols And 4th Of July Traditions
What do the American flag’s 13 stripes represent?
Answer: The original thirteen colonies
How many stars are on the current American flag?
Answer: 50
What does the color white on the American flag symbolize?
Answer: Purity and innocence
Which famous fireworks manufacturer is known as “America’s First Family of Fireworks”?
Answer: Fireworks by Grucci
What kind of food is most commonly associated with 4th of July celebrations?
Answer: Barbeque, including hot dogs and hamburgers
What song, written by John Stafford Smith and Francis Scott Key, is commonly played on the 4th of July?
Answer: The Star-Spangled Banner
Who wrote the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner”?
Answer: Francis Scott Key
What events were commonly held to celebrate Independence Day in the 19th century?
Answer: Parades and public readings of the Declaration of Independence
What’s a common 4th of July drink that uses lemonade and vodka?
Answer: A Star-Spangled Slushie, which layers lemonade and vodka with blue curaçao and grenadine to create a patriotic look
Which U.S. military branches have traditionally participated in Independence Day celebrations with air shows and demonstrations?
Answer: The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
Fireworks And 4th Of July Celebrations
Which city is famous for its large Independence Day fireworks display over the Charles River?
Answer: Boston, Massachusetts
What year were fireworks first used to celebrate the 4th of July?
Answer: 1777
Which U.S. president famously held the first fireworks display at the White House for the 4th of July?
Answer: Thomas Jefferson
Which city’s 4th of July parade is the oldest in the United States?
Answer: Bristol, Rhode Island
How many pounds of fireworks were used in the 2022 Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks in New York City?
Answer: Approximately 96,000 pounds of steel mortars
Which iconic landmark is often featured in fireworks celebrations in Washington, D.C.?
Answer: The Washington Monument
What colors are most commonly used in 4th of July fireworks?
Answer: Red, white, and blue
Which holiday is the largest day for fireworks sales in the United States?
Answer: The 4th of July, followed by New Year’s Eve
Which West Coast city is known for its large and elaborate 4th of July fireworks on the waterfront?
Answer: San Diego holds the Big Bay Boom fireworks celebration every year.
Fun Facts And Miscellaneous 4th of July Trivia
Which U.S. president was born on the 4th of July?
Answer: Calvin Coolidge
Which state is known for celebrating Independence Day with a town-wide picnic known as the “Old Home Day”?
Answer: New Hampshire
What is the name of the patriotic event that takes place every 4th of July in Washington, D.C.?
Answer: The “A Capitol Fourth” free concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building
Which 4th of July-themed movie stars Bill Pullman as the President of the United States?
Answer: Independence Day (1996)
What fruits are traditionally part of many 4th of July desserts?
Answer: Strawberries, blueberries, and other red and blue fruits because their colors mimic the flag
Which 4th of July event is considered the largest celebration in the country, drawing millions of people each year?
Answer: Macy’s Annual Fourth of July Fireworks in NYC
In what year did the 4th of July become a paid holiday for Federal employees?
Answer: 1941
What historical figure is often credited with lighting the first fireworks to celebrate the Declaration of Independence?
Answer: John Adams, though this is more legend than confirmed fact
What traditional pie is popular on the 4th of July?
Answer: Apple pie
State And Local Traditions
Which southern state holds the largest annual 4th of July fireworks display in the United States?
Answer: Texas
Which city hosts the “Freedom Fest,” a massive 4th of July celebration with concerts and fireworks?
Answer: Trick question. Several cities throughout the United States call their 4th of July celebrations “Freedom Fest.”
What is the name of the 4th of July festival held in Philadelphia, home of the Liberty Bell?
Answer: Wawa Welcome America Festival
In which city does the “Let Freedom Ring” ceremony occur every Independence Day?
Answer: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Liberty Bell is rung 13 times at exactly 2 p.m. to commemorate the 13 colonies that signed the Declaration of Independence.
What city holds a popular 4th of July “Red, White, and Boom!” fireworks event?
Answer: Columbus, Ohio
Which New England city celebrates the 4th of July with a “Freedom Trail” walk?
Answer: Boston, Massachusetts
In which state is the “Old Town Fourth of July” parade held, known as the oldest consecutive Independence Day celebration?
Answer: Rhode Island
Which city’s 4th of July event features a “Salute to America” with a military flyover?
Answer: Washington, D.C.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 4th of July?
The 4th of July marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, signaling the United States’ independence from Great Britain. It is celebrated annually as a national holiday with patriotic events, fireworks, and family gatherings. These 4th of July trivia questions can help you learn more about the holiday.
Why are fireworks associated with the 4th of July?
Fireworks symbolize celebration and have been used since the first Independence Day in 1777 to honor the nation’s freedom. They represent joy and festivity, lighting up the sky in red, white, and blue colors of the American flag.
Are there unique 4th of July traditions in different states?
Yes, while fireworks and barbecues are common nationwide, many states and cities have distinct celebrations, including parades, concerts, rodeos, and historical reenactments that reflect local culture and history.
Some Social Security recipients will see reduced benefits starting in July as the agency begins recovering the funds initially sent to Americans who received a boost in their monthly checks in recent years.
While the Social Security Administration has implemented several changes this year, its latest action aims to recoup overpayments made to millions of Americans in the past, according to USA Today.
What is an overpayment?
Overpayment can occur when a beneficiary fails to notify the agency of changes in their income, which prompts the SSA to overpay them or to miscalculate their monthly benefits.
Social Security paid almost $72 billion in improper payments to Americans who receive benefits from the government program during the 2015-2022 fiscal years, according to a 2024 report from the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General.
The report states that although the amount is less than 1% of total benefits paid, the Social Security Administration had $23 billion in uncollected overpayments by the end of 2023.
“Improper payments have been a longstanding challenge for SSA. While the Agency has taken actions to address this challenge, it needs to do more, and OIG’s recommendations can guide the Agency as it determines those corrective actions,” Michelle Anderson, assistant inspector general for audit and acting inspector general, said at the time, per Kiplinger. “Without better access to data, increased automation, systems modernization, and policy or legislative changes, improper payments will continue to be a major challenge for SSA into the future.”
What are the changes some recipients could face in July?
According to News Nation, some beneficiaries could see their benefits cut in half starting in July. This means that instead of collecting the entire benefits check, the agency will deduct 50% of the funds toward repayment, as announced in April.
The percentage is higher than the initial 10% being taken for overpayments. However, this changed in 2023 after the agency received negative feedback regarding the practice of deducting money from recipients’ benefits, according to Cox Media Group.
Former Social Security chief Martin O’Malley said at the time, “Innocent people can be badly hurt,” per the Detroit Free Press.
When did SSA notify recipients of the changes?
Overpayment notices were sent to recipients on April 25; those affected by the new policies would begin to see reduced benefits on July 24, according to the policy report on the SSA’s website.
The agency said that when a Title II beneficiary is overpaid, they’re notified to repay the full amount immediately and informed of their right to request a waiver, reconsideration or reduced withholding, typically within 90 days.
“If the individual does not request a lower rate of withholding, reconsideration, or waiver after the approximately 90-day period, we will recover the overpayment by withholding up to 50 percent of their Title II benefit payment (if there is no fraud or similar fault), until we fully recover the overpayment,” the SSA stated.
The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday upgraded a recall of organic blueberries to a deadly level due to potential contamination.
Alma Pak International LLC, located in Alma, Georgia, initially recalled over 400 boxes of 30-pound organic blueberries on June 9 due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes after routine testing, according to the FDA. The recall has now been elevated to a Class 1 recall.
What is a Class 1 level by the FDA?
The agency states that the three recall levels range from the highest and most deadly to mild. Class 1 is labeled as “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
People reported that the recalled blueberries were shipped to one customer in North Carolina. Officials have advised consumers who may have bought or come into contact with the contaminated fruits (marked with Lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096) to discard them immediately.
What is Listeria?
Listeria is a deadly bacterial infection that can spread through various types of food. It poses serious risks for pregnant women, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems. Foods commonly linked to contamination include soft cheeses, deli meats, and unpasteurized dairy products, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The recall on blueberries is the latest batch of produce to be pulled from supermarket and retail-store shelves over possible contamination concerns. In June, Blavity reported that there were two Class 1 deadly tomato recalls due to salmonella contamination in multiple states.
Nissan has recalled over 440,000 vehicles last week due to engine defects that could lead to failure and increase the risk of a crash.
The recall, listed under campaign number 25V437, affects several models, all of which are equipped with either a 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engine, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
What are the Nissan recalled models?
The recalled models include:
2021–2024 Nissan Rogue
2019–2020 Nissan Altima
2019–2022 Infiniti QX50
2022 Infiniti QX55
“The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure,” Nissan wrote of the potential risk factors in its announcement on the NHTSA’s website, noting that a failed engine can lead to a loss of motive power and increase the risk of a crash.
Here’s what owners need to know about the recalled Nissan models, including notification timelines and available reimbursement options.
Most of the recalled vehicles are 2021-2024 Nissan Rogues
Nissan confirmed in its announcement that 443,899 vehicles have been recalled, with the majority being Nissan Rogues, per USA Today and the NHTSA report.
2021-2024 Nissan Rogue – 348,554 vehicles2019-2022 Infiniti QX50 – 84,536 vehicles2019-2020 Nissan Altima – 5,685 vehicles2022 Infiniti QX55 – 5,124 vehicles
What Steps Is Nissan Taking to Fix the Problem?
According to the report, the car dealer will inspect the engine oil pan for metal debris at no cost to the owner.
If no debris is found, vehicles with the 3-cylinder 1.5L engine will get a new oil pan gasket, fresh oil, and an ECM update. For those with the 4-cylinder 2.0L engine, only an oil change is needed. Both services are free, Nissan said.
If metal debris is detected and confirmed, Nissan will replace the engine at no cost.
A mass shooting outside a restaurant and lounge in Chicago’s River North neighborhood left four people dead and more than a dozen injured late Wednesday night during a private mixtape release party for rapper Mello Buckzz.
According to Block Club Chicago, the shooting happened around 11:02 p.m. outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge when a dark-colored car drove past the venue, and someone inside opened fire on a crowd gathered outside, Chicago police said. The driver sped off immediately after the shooting.
Victim count and their known conditions as of now
The victims ranged in age from their early 20s to their 30s, with several in critical condition. Two women, ages 26 and 27, were shot in the chest and later pronounced dead at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, police said.
Two men, identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office as Leon Andrew Henry, 25, and Devonte Terrell Williamson, 23, were also killed. One was shot in the head, and the other in the chest, and both were taken to Stroger Hospital, where they died, per Block Club Chicago.
Williamson was reportedly the boyfriend of Buckzz, whose real name is Melanie Doyle. On Thursday, she posted a tribute to him on her Instagram Stories, writing, “My heart broke into so many pieces,” and asked for prayers. “I don’t wish this typa pain on nobody.”
According to reports, a close friend of Doyle’s was also killed.
At least 14 other people were injured and transported to local hospitals.As of Thursday, three women remained in critical condition, including a 24-year-old shot in the back, a 25-year-old shot in the leg and a 21-year-old shot in the mouth. Additionally, a 31-year-old woman was in serious condition with multiple gunshot wounds.
The remaining 10 victims, men and women between the ages of 24 and 32, were in fair to good condition, police said.’
The shooting happened at a private mixtape release party
The event was a private gathering to celebrate Doyle’s mixtape release, and the restaurant was not open to the public at the time of the shooting, Supt. Larry Snelling said during a news conference on Thursday. He said the shooting did not appear to be random.
“Obviously, there’s a motive there,” Snelling said. “It is safe to say this venue was targeted.”
A video from the scene showed partygoers celebrating inside moments before gunfire erupted outside. A separate video captured people standing in front of the business before the unidentified vehicle pulled up, and someone inside began shooting. The Victims were seen running, ducking for cover, and fleeing toward the nearby subway lines.
Alderman Brendan Reilly calls for Artis to be shut down permanently
Artis Restaurant and Lounge, a queer- and Black-owned Creole restaurant founded by spouses Brandi and Brittany Artis, was dubbed a cultural hub for the LGBTQ+ community and soft-launched its opening in April.
This is the second fatal shooting that has happened at this location. Fox 32 Chicago reported that in November 2022, one person was killed, and three others were hurt outside what was then the Hush Lounge. After the shooting, Chicago police and Alderman Brendan Reilly’s office issued a summary closure and revoked its liquor license.
On Thursday, Reilly called on the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection to immediately revoke Artis’ business license and close the establishment, arguing that the owners had been dishonest about their plans for the space.
“Despite early assurances from the new restaurant owner that this venue would support local artisans, foster inclusivity, and serve as a hub for connection, creativity, and joy—the owners decided to turn over their venue to promote a new rap album release,” Reilly said. “It is clear the new operators were dishonest with the City about their plans for the venue and have now contributed to a devastating act of violence—just weeks after opening as a BYOB ‘restaurant.’”
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