NBA legend LeBron James will sign with the Philadelphia 76ers nearly a month after informing the Los Angeles Lakers he would not return.

James kept NBA teams guessing for weeks about his next destination. The 41-year-old reportedly was deciding among Golden State, Miami, Cleveland and Philadelphia. Philadelphia made a major offseason move earlier this summer by acquiring Bostons Jaylen Brown.

James announced the decision Friday on X.

I thought I was done when the season ended, he said. I wasnt ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game. I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and decide if I still love this game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.

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The last few weeks have really been special. Ive never been able to have no clue what to do and take real time to just think. Ive had an incredible few months with all the people I love trying to figure it all out. This is my last decision. Im not going for money. Im not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship. I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team, and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time. Thank you, LA. Miami, Ill forever love, and Northeast Ohio will always be home!

Entering his 24th NBA season, James is at the top of numerous NBA records, including most points scored and most games played. He is also No. 4 all-time in assists and No. 23 in rebounds. He has made 22 NBA All-Star Games, three more than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

He has also appeared in 10 NBA Finals, winning four times.

ESPN reported that James contract is worth $8 million over two seasons, the minimum salary he could receive on a two-year deal.

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Philadelphia will be the fourth franchise James has played for. He started his career in Cleveland in 2003 before joining the Miami Heat in 2010. He returned to the Cavaliers in 2014, helping them to four consecutive NBA Finals appearances, which included a 2016 NBA title. He joined the Lakers in 2018 and won a title in 2020.

Even before James' addition, the 76ers were emerging as a potential favorite to challenge the Knicks for Eastern Conference supremacy. Alongside Brown and James, the 76ers have two promising young players in V. J. Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey. That's not to mention the 76ers have 2023 MVP Joel Embiid at center.

The U.S. House passed a resolution directing President Donald Trump to end hostilities with Iran in a largely symbolic vote, as Trump is not expected to sign legislation limiting his own authority.

The resolution passed 214-208, with four Republicans joining Democrats in support. It is unclear if the Republican-led Senate will consider the House's resolution.

The bill would require the president to withdraw U.S. troops from hostile actions against Iran and its government unless Congress authorizes the use of military force. The measure states it is not intended to prevent the military from defending against an imminent attack.

The resolution has become a politically difficult issue for Republicans, who are balancing support for the White House with concerns about the wars effect on gas and oil prices. On Thursday, Brent crude oil prices rose above $100 a barrel. The U.S. also has seen higher gas and energy prices in the months since the conflict began.

RELATED STORY | House Republicans pass $95B budget to fund Iran war, Trump priorities

The debate also has renewed questions about Congress authority over military action.

Under the War Powers Resolution, the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of initiating military action. The law allows U.S. forces to remain engaged for up to 60 days without congressional authorization.

However, multiple presidential administrations have conducted military operations without explicit approval from Congress.

Thursdays resolution came less than a day after the House passed a $95 billion spending bill that included $60 billion for the Pentagon. Democrats opposed the measure as they sought to limit President Donald Trumps ability to engage militarily with Iran.

Two U.S. service members were killed and another remains missing after ballistic missile and drone attacks on an American base in Jordan on July 17, according to U.S. Central Command.

Four additional service members were hospitalized and later released, while others treated for minor injuries returned to duty, CENTCOM said. The command said it will withhold the identities of the fallen until their families are notified.

"Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Saturday.

RELATED STORY | US escalates Iran attacks with strikes on bridges, ports, power infrastructure

The attacks come as Irans supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, warned of unforgettable lessons if the U.S. continues its attacks. Fighting has intensified in recent days after a ceasefire between the two countries broke down.

The U.S. has sought to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route used to transport more than one-fifth of the worlds oil supply. Although Irans military has been weakened by U.S. strikes, it has continued to maintain control over the strait, frustrating President Donald Trump and U.S. allies.

RELATED STORY | Why has the US restarted strikes against Iran now?

The attacks came as CENTCOM said it fired missiles into Iran for a seventh consecutive day, which are "designed to continue degrading Iranian military capabilities."

There have been 16 U.S. troops killed since hostilities began in Iran.

Sen. Darline Graham, sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, is being encouraged by President Donald Trump to run this fall for a full six-year term. Graham was appointed to fill her brothers seat through the end of the year.

Lindsey Graham had been up for reelection this fall, but his sudden death prompted South Carolina to schedule an emergency Republican primary ahead of Novembers general election.

We have known each other for a long time, Trump wrote on Truth Social. She is a spectacular person, and a true American Patriot. Lindsey was one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, and his sister shares his deep love of our Country, and the State of South Carolina. During her visit, I asked Darline, for the Good of our Nation, to run for the U.S. Senate in the Special Republican Primary on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey.

RELATED STORY | South Carolina governor appoints Lindsey Graham's sister to serve out his term

Graham has limited time to decide whether to run for the seat. South Carolina set a July 28 filing deadline for candidates seeking to enter the Aug. 11 primary.

Semafor reported that Graham is considering a run. Trumps endorsement could help clear the field, as several Republicans have been mentioned as potential candidates for the seat.

Rep. Ralph Norman announced Saturday on Fox News that he intends to run. Mark Lynch, who unsuccessfully challenged Lindsey Graham earlier this year in the original GOP primary, also announced another bid for the seat.

Whoever wins the Republican primary will immediately become the favorite in the November general election. Democrats have not won a U.S. Senate race in South Carolina since Fritz Hollings was reelected in 1998. Physician Annie Andrews won the Democratic primary in June and is considered a heavy underdog.

Immediate family members stepping into Senate roles is not without precedent. In 2000, weeks before the November election, Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan died in a plane crash. After Carnahan was posthumously elected to the Senate, his widow, Jean Carnahan, was appointed to the seat.

RELATED STORY | Lindsey Graham, influential GOP senator and Trump confidant, dies at age 71

Sen. Carnahan later lost a 2002 special election to serve the remainder of the term.

Like Darline Graham, Carnahan entered the Senate with no prior political experience.

Muriel Humphrey joined the Senate in 1978 after being appointed to temporarily fill the seat held by her late husband, Sen. Hubert Humphrey. Unlike Carnahan, she chose not to run to remain in the Senate.

A 27-year-old world record fell Saturday in London when Great Britains Josh Kerr ran the mile in 3:42.66, breaking Hicham El Guerroujs previous mark of 3:43.13 set in 1999.

Kerr made no secret that he was targeting the long-standing record at Saturdays Diamond League event in London. Earlier this week, he revealed he ran 2:42.45 in a 1,200-meter time trial. His sponsor, Brooks, dubbed the effort Project 222, referencing the number of seconds in 3 minutes, 42 seconds.

This is the moment Josh Kerr stands to make history and bring the mile record home, the shoe company said Friday.

Kerr has emerged as one of the worlds top middle-distance runners, winning bronze in the 1,500 meters at the Tokyo Olympics and silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Before turning professional, Kerr starred at the University of New Mexico, where he won multiple NCAA titles. He also set an NCAA indoor mile record of 3:35.01 in 2018.

There have been other high-profile attempts to break major distance records, though some were not recognized officially because they were held outside sanctioned competition.

Kenyan marathon star Eliud Kipchoge became the first person to run a marathon in under 2 hours in 2019, but the performance was not eligible for world-record status because it was not conducted under standard race conditions.

Kenyan runner Faith Kipyegon also attempted to become the first woman to run a sub-4-minute mile, though she fell short. Still, her time of 4:06.42 would have broken the womens world record had it been set during an official competition.

Kerrs record-setting run came during the Diamond League, an established international circuit of professional track and field events. American Yared Nuguse finished second in 3:45.69.

As many U.S. states battled poor air quality this week because of wildfires in Canada, one Republican senator wants to impose sanctions on the country.

Sen. Bernie Moreno said Friday he is proposing legislation that would hold Canada responsible for wildfire smoke entering the U.S. This weeks wildfires forced sporting events to be postponed and other outdoor events to be canceled or moved indoors.

The U.S. faced similar disruptions in May 2024, when massive wildfires in central Canada reduced air quality to unhealthy levels in the Midwest and Northeast.

RELATED STORY | Dangerous wildfire smoke chokes Midwest and Northeast

Morenos office said he would introduce legislation to sanction Canada and Canadian officials for their failure to contain wildfires impacting air quality across Ohio and the Great Lakes region. Canadas government failed to invest in wildfire prevention methods including forest thinning, fuel reduction, prescribed burns, and stronger enforcement against arson.

President Donald Trump also weighed in this week.

We are holding Canada responsible for the fact that they are not properly maintaining their Forests, and Brush therein, and the United States is being unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air, the quality of which is dangerous, and totally unacceptable! the president wrote on Truth Social.

Morenos legislation comes as four Republican members of Congress sent Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney a letter saying they are done accepting apologies. The letter was signed by Reps. John James, Lisa McClain, John Moolenaar and Jack Bergman.

If Canada will not manage its forests to prevent these fires, the United States will look elsewhere, and act on our own, to protect our people, the Republicans wrote. That means our own agencies exploring direct involvement in cross-border fuel reduction and firefighting capacity. It means reconsidering how much benefit of the doubt this relationship continues to earn on an issue where American lungs are paying the price for Canadian inaction, year after year. Sovereignty comes with responsibility, and the responsibility to prevent a foreseeable disaster from crossing into another countrys airspace has not been met.

But some Canadians say Republicans are trying to score cheap political points by blaming the Canadian government for massive wildfires that have burned large swaths of northern Ontario, a heavily forested region with a relatively small population.

Our No. 1 priority in Ontario is the safety of Ontarians, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources Mike Harris told the CBC, adding that no expense will be spared in fighting wildfires in the province.

RELATED STORY | Canadian wildfire smoke brings hazardous air to the US Midwest

I believe at this moment, there are over 500 fires burning across the United States, Harris added. Weve even had two fires from Minnesota cross the border into Canada and merge with fires in Ontario, so were all in this together and we all need to work and row in the same direction. I think a lot of these folks are misinformed.

Harris defended Ontarios response and noted that the province is more than twice the size of Texas.

Poor air quality is expected to continue in the Upper Midwest and Northeast on Saturday. Air quality is also expected to reach unhealthy levels in parts of the Pacific Northwest because of wildfires in central Oregon.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed Friday that lettuce supplied to Taco Bell in five states is tied to a massive outbreak of cyclospora in the Midwest.

The CDC said that 1,644 people in five states have been infected with cyclospora. Cases have been reported in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.

There have been 94 hospitalizations tied to the outbreak, but no deaths so far.

"FDAs traceback investigation has identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used by the Taco Bell locations where sick people ate," the CDC said.

RELATED STORY | Taco Bell removes some ingredients during nationwide cyclospora investigation

Taylor Farms produces the lettuce. Despite Taylor Farms lettuce and salad mixes being sold in stores, the CDC says lettuce sold in stores is not tied to the ongoing outbreak. Other lettuce brands are also not affected by the outbreak, the CDC said.

Multiple outlets now report Taylor Farms says it will remove all the affected lettuce from distribution within the U.S. The lettuce was sourced from Mexico, the reports said.

Scripps News has not yet independently verified the withdrawal.

Earlier this week, Taco Bell removed lettuce from its menu items.

Based on ongoing conversations with public health officials, and out of an abundance of caution, Taco Bell has taken immediate action to voluntarily remove potentially impacted lettuce from a supplier in select states, Taco Bell said in a statement. The affected ingredient from our supplier is being indefinitely removed from our supply chain nationwide and will be replaced within 24 hours in select states.

Cyclosporiasis is a foodborne illness caused by a microscopic parasite. People usually become infected through contaminated food or water, especially fresh produce. According to Scripps News medical expert Dr. Omer Awan, the parasite is commonly linked to lettuce, basil and other leafy vegetables.

RELATED STORY | Health officials eye lettuce in spreading Cyclospora outbreak

Thats usually been the culprit for the majority of the outbreaks that were seeing here in America, and the symptoms that people get usually occur about one week after exposure, Awan said. Most patients who get this typically have fatigue, cramping, nausea and explosive watery diarrhea.

Awan warned that the illness can cause severe symptoms.

This is not the typical stomach bug that youre used to because this diarrhea can persist for weeks to even months, he said. If you have diarrhea thats lasting more than three or four days, you should absolutely talk to your doctor and get treatment so you can feel better.

The CDC is encouraging the public not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt returned to the White House briefing room Thursday for the first time since April, providing updates on the Trump administrations priorities.

Leavitt last briefed reporters April 26, three days before officially beginning maternity leave. Her return came hours before President Donald Trump was set to deliver a prime-time address focused on election security.

RELATED STORY | White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt welcomes baby girl Viviana

Leavitt gave birth to a daughter May 1. She also has a 2-year-old son.

Leavitt addressed her return Thursday.

It is really good to be back with all of you, Leavitt told reporters after being asked about balancing life as a mother and press secretary. I don't think there is a secret. You just have to show up every day and keep going, and it really does take a village.

Ill take the opportunity to shout out my husband, who's home with our babies right now. I look forward to returning home later to be with them. But it's challenging. For me, I view this as more than a job. I view this as public service on behalf of a president who I firmly believe in, and everything this administration is doing is really creating a better country for my children and their future. I'm very grateful for that.

During her absence, senior members of the Trump administration, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, filled in and took questions from reporters.

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Days after the House voted in bipartisan fashion to make daylight saving time permanent, a group of doctors and lawmakers is backing an alternative that would make standard time permanent instead.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine said it supports the Sunshine for Our Kids Act. Like the Sunshine Protection Act, the bill would eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes. But the key difference between the two proposals is when the sun would rise and set.

The Sunshine for Our Kids Act is sponsored by Reps. Mary Gay Scanlon of Pennsylvania and Pat Harrigan of North Carolina.

RELATED STORY | House passes bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent

Under the Sunshine for Our Kids Act, the current standard-time schedule used from November through March would remain in place year-round. That would shift spring and summer sunrises and sunsets one hour earlier.

The Sunshine Protection Act, which passed Tuesday by a 308-117 margin, would instead move late fall and winter sunrises and sunsets one hour later.

A 2025 AP-NORC poll found that most Americans oppose changing clocks twice a year. Only 12% of respondents support the current system of setting clocks back in November and forward in March. Forty-seven percent oppose the changes, while 40% are neutral.

If Americans do not want to change clocks, would they prefer permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time?

It depends on whom you ask.

Overall, 56% of respondents prefer permanent daylight saving time over permanent standard time. Among self-described morning people, however, standard time holds a slight edge, with 50% support compared with 49% for daylight saving time.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine supports the Sunshine for Our Kids Act.

Permanent standard time is the healthier choice for all Americans, AASM President Dr. Fariha Abbasi-Feinberg, a board-certified sleep medicine physician, said in a statement. We are grateful to Representatives Scanlon and Harrigan for championing legislation that puts health and safety first and helps ensure that mornings are better aligned with natural light and human circadian rhythms.

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The group also said, Permanent daylight saving time would delay morning light exposure, making it harder for children and adolescents to wake, learn and travel safely to school during dark winter mornings.

If the Sunshine Protection Act became law, some places including Indianapolis would see sunrise times later than 9 a.m. around Christmas.

McDonalds announced it will offer a Caesar dipping sauce at participating restaurants for a limited time beginning July 21.

McDonalds described the sauce as a creamy, garlicky parmesan blend infused with notes of lemon thats giving fan-favorite chicken items a glow-up this summer.

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The new sauce will be available as a side for McCrispy Strips and McNuggets. It also will be featured on the Caesar Snack Wrap and Bacon Caesar McCrispy Sandwich.

The Caesar Snack Wrap includes a McCrispy Strip topped with shredded lettuce, shredded cheese and Caesar sauce wrapped in a soft tortilla. It will be available nationwide for $2.99.

The Bacon Caesar McCrispy Sandwich includes a McCrispy filet topped with Caesar sauce, applewood-smoked bacon, shredded lettuce, Roma tomatoes, crispy onions and crinkle-cut pickles on a toasted potato roll.

Few other fast-food restaurants offer Caesar dressing on their menus. Wendys sells a Caesar salad but does not offer the dressing for sandwiches or nuggets. Caesar dressing also is not available at competitors Burger King or Chick-fil-A.

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Caesar dressing was developed for salads in 1924 by restaurateur Caesar Cardini in Mexico. His original Caesar salad recipe included romaine lettuce, garlic, croutons, Parmesan cheese, boiled eggs, olive oil and Worcestershire sauce, according to the Association for Dressings and Sauces.

One day after the Department of Homeland Security told Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to temporarily halt most traffic stops, President Donald Trump said ICE agents should continue making stops.

We have to get them out, Trump wrote on social media, referring to people in the U.S. illegally. In order to do this, we must be strong, tough, and smart, and we CANNOT give up one of I.C.E.s most important and effective Crime Fighting tools, THE TRAFFIC STOP! Once we do, we are playing right into the criminals hands. The Radical Left Dumocrats would like to see this done, but it wont happen on my watch. I.C.E., be judicious, fair and smart, and go back and do your very important job.

The Trump administration on Tuesday ordered ICE agents to pause most traffic stops after deadly incidents in Maine and Texas. One day after the order, Trump ordered ICE agents to resume traffic stops, a White House official told Scripps News.

Agents were not wearing body cameras during the Maine or Texas incidents.

White House border czar Tom Homan said Democrats were to blame for agents not having cameras, citing delays in funding for ICE activities.

Homan added that ICE agents undergo extensive training on traffic stops. He said on Tuesday the decision on whether to resume traffic stops would fall to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and interim ICE Director David Venturella. Ultimately, however, it was Trump who intervened in the decision to resume traffic stops.

They're going to make sure that the training is sufficient, Homan said Tuesday. Did anything go wrong? I'm confident they're going to get back to their policy of vehicle stops, but they're doing what they believe is a necessary short-term pause just to look at it and make sure everything's good.

RELATED STORY | ICE pauses most traffic stops after deadly incidents in Maine, Texas

Joan Sebastian Guerrero, a 26-year-old Colombian man living in Maine, was fatally shot by ICE agents Monday during a traffic stop. Sen. Angus King said Guerrero was not the target of the immigration operation.

Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, urged the Trump administration to halt ICE traffic stops.

While the investigation of the Biddeford shooting is not yet complete, it raises sufficient critical questions that I spoke with DHS Secretary (Markwayne) Mullin last night and urged him to cease all non-urgent vehicle stops, she said.

The Maine Immigrants Rights Coalition said Guerrero was authorized to work in the U.S. and had been issued a Social Security number.

Homan said that if officers acted inappropriately, Theyll be handled.

Days earlier, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was fatally wounded during a traffic stop involving ICE in Houston. Like the shooting in Maine, Salgado Araujo was not the person ICE was trying to find.

RELATED STORY | Man struck and killed by truck after fleeing ICE agents in Florida

The incidents follow two fatal shootings in the Minneapolis area in January. In one of those incidents, Renee Good was fatally wounded by an ICE agent while driving a vehicle.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday and Thursday as he seeks Senate confirmation to permanently lead the Justice Department.

Blanche has served as acting attorney general since April, when he replaced Pam Bondi after she faced bipartisan criticism over her performance, including her handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

Before becoming acting attorney general, Blanche served as deputy attorney general, making him eligible to lead the Justice Department on an interim basis. Before joining the Trump administration, he was President Donald Trumps personal attorney. Blanche defended Trump in a 2024 New York case that resulted in Trumps conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

RELATED STORY | What to know about Trump's nomination of Todd Blanche to be attorney general

To win confirmation, Blanche needs support from a majority of senators. Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority, though Sen. Mitch McConnells hospitalization could temporarily narrow the GOP voting margin.

Republicans on the Judiciary Committee have highlighted endorsements for Blanche from the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriffs Association and dozens of former U.S. attorneys and Justice Department officials.

Democrats on the committee are seeking answers about what they describe as delayed, incomplete or ignored DOJ responses to requests involving politically sensitive matters. They also want the confirmation hearing to serve in part as an accountability hearing on the departments conduct under Blanche and Bondi.

RELATED STORY | Trump to formally nominate Todd Blanche as attorney general

The Trump administration ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to pause most traffic stops after deadly incidents in Maine and Texas, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.

Scripps News has sought confirmation from the Department of Homeland Security.

In a statement to Scripps News, the Department of Homeland Security said "We are always evaluating our procedures to keep our officers safe and criminals off our streets. We will not disclose or discuss law enforcement tactics."

RELATED STORY | ICE officers kill 1 in Maine while executing a warrant for a different person

Joan Sebastian Guerrero, a 26-year-old Colombian man living in Maine, was fatally shot by ICE agents Monday during a traffic stop. Sen. Angus King said Guerrero was not the target of an immigration operation.

Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, urged the Trump administration to halt ICE traffic stops.

While the investigation of the Biddeford shooting is not yet complete, it raises sufficient critical questions that I spoke with DHS Secretary (Markwayne) Mullin last night and urged him to cease all non-urgent vehicle stops, she said.

Maine's congressional delegation sent a letter to the agency on Tuesday calling for a full investigation into the incident.

The letter calls for a timeline of the shooting, a review of ICE's use-of-force policies and details about any recordings from the incident.

"Along with our constituents, we are deeply saddened by this loss of life. The facts surrounding this tragedy remain a matter of significant local concern and necessitate thorough, objective accounting," the lawmakers wrote.

The Maine Immigrants Rights Coalition said Guerrero was authorized to work in the U.S. and had been issued a Social Security number.

Days earlier, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was fatally wounded during a traffic stop involving ICE in Houston. Like the shooting in Maine, Salgado Araujo was not the person ICE was trying to find.

The incidents follow two fatal shootings in the Minneapolis area in January. In one of those incidents, Renee Good was fatally wounded by an ICE agent while driving a vehicle.

RELATED STORY | Video shows ICE shot a Mexican man. He wasn't the person they were trying to find

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelces Madison Square Garden wedding garnered significant attention, requiring a large presence from the New York Police Department and other officials.

According to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the wedding cost $160,000 in city resources, all of which was paid for by the newlyweds.

Taylor Swift has paid already the cost of the permit that was lodged, which was over $160,000 for that event and for the response to that event, and that was a permit that was finalized, I think, in just the days before the event itself, the mayor said.

RELATED STORY | Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are married in Madison Square Garden ceremony

Few other details from inside the venue have emerged since the couple tied the knot July 3. A publicist for Swift said Kelces brother, Jason, served as best man, while Swifts brother, Austin, was the man of honor.

Adam Sandler officiated the wedding, which was attended by a whos who of A-list celebrities.

Mamdanis comments came after some online speculated that the wedding was an expensive use of city resources. The use of the NYPD drew criticism from some lawmakers, including Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y.

RELATED STORY | You belong with me: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announce engagement

Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce should reimburse NYPD for the 130 officers needed per day to keep their multi-million dollar, thousand person wedding at MSG safe. Our officers are already working overtime for 4th of July festivities & NYC taxpayers should NOT be on the hook, she wrote before Mamdani announced that Swift would pay for the NYPDs overtime.

The wedding came during a busy time for the city, which also has hosted World Cup matches over the last month. It also held a special Times Square ball drop July 3-4 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend urging Americans to protect themselves against mosquito bites.

Federal health officials say West Nile virus cases are at a two-decade high to start 2026, with 48 cases reported through the end of June. The CDC said 38 of those cases involved severe neuroinvasive disease.

West Nile virus cases have been reported in 23 states so far this year.

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"These findings serve as an important reminder that mosquito season is well underway," CDC medical epidemiologist Dr. Erin Staples said. "As families gather outdoors to celebrate Independence Day, we encourage everyone to enjoy their holiday while taking simple steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from mosquito bites."

The CDC issued the following guidance for Americans this holiday weekend:

Use an insect repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. Wear long, loose-fitting shirts and pants to make it harder for mosquitoes to bite. Avoid being outside between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are most active. Use window and door screens or air conditioning, if available, to keep mosquitoes outside.

The CDC said the virus commonly causes fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Less than 1% of infected people develop severe neurologic disease, which can lead to long-term disability or death.

RELATED STORY | Want mosquitoes to buzz off? Try wearing these colors

Health officials said people 60 and older, as well as those with certain underlying medical conditions, are at increased risk for severe illness.

With July 4 falling on a Saturday this year, some organizations and businesses are closing Friday, one day ahead of Independence Day.

Most nonessential federal offices, including the Social Security Administration and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, will be closed Friday. Essential government operations, including the National Weather Service, will remain open.

One notable exception is the U.S. Postal Service, which will remain open Friday but close Saturday.

RELATED STORY | Poll: Americans excited to celebrate July 4, but divided on Trumps role

U.S. stock markets also will be closed Friday. Most banks plan to remain open Friday and close Saturday.

Many state and local governments also are closing nonessential offices Friday.

Most retailers and restaurants will operate with normal Friday hours. Costco will be closed Saturday. Some stores, including Trader Joes, IKEA and TJ Maxx, will have shortened hours Saturday.

RELATED STORY | Where to go for unique travel experiences celebrating America 250

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin surprised the hockey world Thursday by announcing he will return for a 22nd NHL season, postponing retirement for at least one more year. The contract is worth $4.75 million.

The Capitals said the NHLs all-time leading goal scorer signed a one-year contract to remain with the team that drafted him in 2004. Ovechkin has played 1,573 games over 21 seasons, ranking No. 15 all time in games played. If he plays all 82 games in 2026-27, he would move up to No. 8.

Ovechkin is the only player in the top 15 in games played to spend his entire career with one franchise.

Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzkys career goals record in April 2025 and last season became the first NHL player to score 900 regular-season goals. He enters the 2026-27 season with 929 goals.

Im back, babes, Ovechkin said as he signed his new contract.

Thank you to everyone for giving me and my family the time to make this decision. Im healthy. I love playing hockey and competing to win. Im excited to come back and join my teammates so we can fight for a playoff spot and have a chance to win, he said.

Thursdays announcement came as a mild surprise because Ovechkin had shrugged off questions about his future near the end of the 2025-26 season. In the regular-season finale, Ovechkin shooed away members of the Columbus Blue Jackets who wanted to exchange handshakes with him.

RELATED STORY | Ovechkin shines as he equalizes Gretzky's iconic goal record

After missing the playoffs in Ovechkins first two seasons, Washington qualified for the postseason in 17 of the next 18 years. That streak ended last season when the Capitals failed to make the playoffs.

The Capitals, who had the best record among teams that missed the playoffs, have retooled for the upcoming season by signing former Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner and former San Jose Sharks defenseman Vincent Desharnais.

We are excited to have Alex return and continue his illustrious career, team owner Ted Leonsis said. Ever since we drafted him, there have been two constants: his love for the game and his relentless drive to win. Alex has always shown a deep commitment to his teammates, this organization and the fans who have supported him throughout his career.

RELATED STORY | Womens pro hockey league expanding to Las Vegas and Hamilton, Ontario

Ovechkins only Stanley Cup title came in 2018, when the Capitals defeated the Vegas Golden Knights.

Numerous medical professionals and police departments are warning people against participating in the Benadryl Challenge.

The challenge first surfaced on social media in 2020, but hospitals and first responders say they have recently seen a resurgence in cases. The challenge involves participants taking large doses of Benadryl to induce hallucinations.

RELATED STORY | UK slaps social media ban on children under 16, including TikTok and YouTube

The drug is generally used to treat hay fever, upper respiratory allergies and cold symptoms. The Food and Drug Administration says the drug is generally safe when used as directed, but the agency warns against taking large doses.

Ingesting high doses of this medication can cause more serious health problems, including slurred speech, large pupils, increased body temperature, irregular heart rhythms, seizures and even death. As the dose increases, the risk for these serious side effects also increases. Everyone should be aware of the risks and harmful consequences of participating in this challenge, wrote Natalie I. Rine, director of the Central Ohio Poison Center.

The Grantville Police Department in Georgia is encouraging parents to talk with their children about the dangers of the challenge.

The challenge urges viewers to take as many as 12 tablets at a time to supposedly induce hallucinations, the department said. For perspective, the maximum allowed dose in a 24-hour period is six tablets for children ages 6 to under 12 and 12 tablets for adults and children 12 and older. Taking more than the recommended amount can lead to nausea, seizures or even death.

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The drugs relatively minor side effects include constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache and upset stomach. More serious side effects can include allergic reactions, vision changes and difficulty urinating.

Earlier this month, the Office of the Child Advocate in Connecticut said three children in the state died from diphenhydramine overdoses over a two-month span. The agency did not say whether the deaths were connected to the challenge.

Diphenhydramine is one of the active ingredients in Benadryl.

KOCO-TV also reported that a 15-year-old died earlier this month in Oklahoma after the teens family learned she had participated in the challenge.

Visitors to the United States for this years FIFA World Cup have been enjoying ranch dressing but it has apparently caused issues at airports.

According to the Transportation Security Administration, some tourists have been leaving bottles of ranch dressing in their carry-on luggage, violating regulations that ban liquids larger than 3.4 ounces on planes.

Are you kicking around the idea of flying home with your favorite dip? If youre traveling within the U.S., make sure to keep your carry-on sauces to 3.4 ounces or less and place any larger containers in your checked bags, TSA said in a statement, adding it does not advise chugging the condiment in the screening line.

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In response to the advisory, Kraft said it is working on a TSA-compliant way for travelers to carry ranch dressing onto planes.

Some visitors leave with souvenirs. Others leave with Americas favorite dressing. Introducing Kraft TSA Compliant Ranch, a travel-friendly way to bring the taste of America home, Kraft said in an Instagram post, teasing potential travel-sized bottles.

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A YouGov poll taken earlier this year found ranch was the only salad dressing that a majority of Americans said they had in their homes. Only 39 percent said they had Italian dressing. The only condiments more popular than ranch were ketchup, peanut butter, mayonnaise, mustard, jam or jelly, honey, and barbecue sauce.