Latest news with #IndependenceDay
The Hill
41 minutes ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Trump takes wait-and-see approach to Iran
Morning Report is The Hill's a.m. newsletter. Subscribe here or using the box below: Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here President Trump has bought more time to make a decision on U.S. military intervention in Iran, capping off a whirlwind week that saw his administration approach the brink of direct action before hitting pause. 'Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiation that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go in the next two weeks,' Trump said in a statement Thursday read aloud by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Trump's decision puts on hold any immediate move by the Pentagon to directly engage in strikes or other actions targeting Iran and its nuclear program, something the president has openly mulled this week amid escalating tensions between Israel and its biggest regional rival. The updated timetable would put Trump's self-imposed deadline for potential strikes on the eve of Independence Day weekend. In the week since Israel launched a barrage of missiles into Iran — targeting Tehran's nuclear infrastructure and high-ranking generals — the world has been holding its breath as Trump weighs whether to directly involve the U.S. in the conflict. Iran's main nuclear enrichment facility, Fordow, is located in a mountain bunker only U.S. missiles could penetrate. Trump has been briefed on both the risks and the benefits of bombing Fordow, and he believes that disabling it is necessary because of the risk of weapons being produced in a relatively short period of time, CBS News reports. ▪ The New York Times: Forced to wait for Trump, Israel faces a strategic dilemma in Iran. ▪ NBC News: U.S. intelligence says Iran has a large stockpile of enriched uranium but isn't close to creating a weapon. ▪ ABC News: What do we know about Iran's nuclear program amid different assessments? Leavitt sidestepped a question Thursday over potential U.S. involvement in a regime change in Iran. When pressed on how close the president thinks Iran is to completing the production of a nuclear weapon, Leavitt said that at this point, it's up to the Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to decide to move ahead with final stages. 'Iran has all that it needs to achieve a nuclear weapon. All they need is a decision from the supreme leader to do that,' she said. 'And it would take a couple of weeks to complete production of that weapon.' Some military experts estimate Israel and Iran have sufficient remaining munitions to continue pounding each other for a few more weeks. Iran is weaker on the missile ledger. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly spoken with Trump since Israel began attacking Iran, pushed Trump to support Israeli strikes over the course of a series of meetings, Time magazine reports. The president initially said the U.S. would not involve itself in the conflict while reiterating he could not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. Trump, who in his first term withdrew from the Obama-era nuclear agreement with Iran, had been pressing for talks to hammer out a new agreement in his second term. Those negotiations have been on ice for weeks, but European foreign ministers are slated to meet with Iranian officials in Switzerland today to press them to de-escalate and to offer a rollback of Iran's nuclear activities. White House officials are watching those talks with interest as Trump suggests that he would wait to let discussions unfold. But Iran's foreign minister said his country is not seeking negotiations with anyone as long as Israel continues its strikes. Next week's NATO summit at The Hague will offer another opportunity to glean what the president is thinking about any negotiations with Tehran. ▪ The Economist: The Europeans plan to keep the NATO summit short and snappy. ▪ CNN: In a veiled message to Trump, the Chinese and Russian leaders present a united front over the Israel-Iran crisis. ▪ CBS News: The Trump administration is boosting monitoring of possible Iran-backed cells in the U.S. The conflict in the Middle East is also dividing Trump's MAGA base, with some of the president's key supporters urging him not to get the country involved in a new Middle Eastern war. The anti-interventionist arm of the Republican Party — alongside Democrats — is watching with alarm as Trump has moved from solely seeking a diplomatic solution with Iran to considering engaging in direct strikes. Former Trump adviser and conservative firebrand Steve Bannon told the Christian Science Monitor at a breakfast event on Wednesday that Israel can finish its task in Iran without roping in the U.S. military. 'My mantra right now, the Israelis have to finish what they started,' Bannon said. 'They started this, they should finish it. They have air superiority.' Other Trump supporters want the president to take direct action. Robert O'Brien, Trump's former national security adviser in his first term, said on social platform X that the president is 'delivering a master class on how to conduct an America First foreign policy' and 'has gracefully given an enemy multiple chances to avoid war.' During Thursday's briefing, Leavitt sought to reassure 'everyday Trump supporters' who have concerns about U.S. involvement. 'Trust in President Trump,' she said. NEW HEADWINDS: Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and his GOP colleagues are eyeing polling and economic forecasts that suggest next year's elections could be tougher than expected. The Hill's Alexander Bolton reports this morning on new exclusive polling figures showing Trump's frequent clashes with federal courts are unsettling to likely voters in Senate battleground states. The survey of 1,000 likely voters from Democratic-aligned firm Global Strategy Group found 53 percent disapprove of Trump's handling of the courts, including 39 percent of self-identified, non-MAGA Republicans. Senate Republicans are facing pressure this month to advance Trump's 'big, beautiful bill,' which can only make the trip to the president's desk if it attracts a bare majority of Republican votes. And as June rushes past, GOP support has still not gelled. Lawmakers are weighing public hand-wringing about proposed Medicaid changes and cutbacks to programs that help lower-income families at a time when inflation and economic uncertainty are hitting hard, including in many red states. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults held an unfavorable opinion of the version of the legislation that narrowly passed the House last month, according to a recent survey. The bill includes proposed tax breaks and spending cuts that affect key federal programs that have bipartisan backing. Meanwhile, the president is juggling steep tariffs, inflation fears and potential U.S. military intervention against Iran, an idea that's unpopular with his MAGA base. His job approval numbers on most issues except immigration are underwater six months into his presidency. The White House reached out to MAGA influencers to try to quiet dissent as Trump mulls the situation in Iran and urges a return to negotiations. Trump fumed on Thursday on social media about a Fox News poll released this week that found 58 percent of adults surveyed disapprove of his handling of the economy, compared with 40 percent who approve. On his handling of inflation, 64 percent of respondents disapproved. The president urged the network to change its pollster. CURVEBALL: The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday clashed over the presence of federal agents outside the stadium grounds. The baseball organization and the Trump administration differed over which federal agents showed up Thursday morning at the stadium, whether the agents were asked to leave the grounds or exited voluntarily, and whether government vehicles and personnel were there for immigration enforcement. DHS conceded that Customs and Border Patrol personnel gathered in the parking lot, but said they were not tied to any immigration enforcement. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is a different DHS entity, asserted that a Dodger post on X, which attracted a firestorm of media attention, was 'false.' The Los Angeles Times published photos of masked, geared-up federal agents, but reported the purpose of their presence was unclear. The home team's message: 'This morning, ICE agents came to Dodger Stadium and requested permission to access the parking lots. They were denied entry to the grounds by the organization. Tonight's game will be played as scheduled.' ⚾ The Dodgers lost to the San Diego Padres in a fiery 5-3 game with some bench-clearing drama. Major League Baseball has a rich history of Hall of Fame and star players from other nations who made their mark on America's pastime. Los Angeles officials say tensions remain high in reaction to federal efforts to round up migrants who lack legal status and to deport them, especially from Democratic-led cities the president and his immigration team said this week they're targeting. Trump says his administration's crackdown honors voters' wishes and removes criminals while securing U.S. borders. White House border czar Tom Homan told reporters on Wednesday that 'worksite enforcement' to round up migrants without legal status employed at farms and hotels will not abate, despite the president's recent expression of support for industries complaining about the impact of his immigration policies on workers and businesses. 'The message is clear now,' Homan said, 'that we're going to continue doing worksite enforcement operations, even on farms and hotels, but based on [a] prioritized basis — criminals come first.' Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, interviewed Thursday by NewsNation, urged undocumented migrants to self-deport or risk being rounded up at worksites. 'We're not going to take any option off the table,' she said. The Hill: Absenteeism in America's schools, already a problem in education, is worsening because of the U.S. immigration crackdown, according to a recent study. UKRAINE: Russian President Vladimir Putin denied in remarks published Thursday that Moscow was targeting civilians and said he was open to meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, even while still questioning his legitimacy. Meanwhile, Russia continues to attack Kyiv and recently destroyed apartment blocks in a strike that killed 28 people. 'We are ready to meet, and by the way, I said I am ready to meet with everyone, including Zelensky,' Putin said. 'But that is not the question. The question is who will sign the documents,' he said, repeating a central piece of propaganda that denies Zelensky's political legitimacy. American aid to Ukraine appears to be drying up. While the U.S. approved a $50 million sale of military aid to Ukraine earlier this month, it came only after Kyiv signed off on a deal to share rare earth minerals. The White House has yet to dip into some $3.9 billion earmarked to fund military aid to Ukraine that former President Biden was not able to spend before the end of his term. ▪ Al Jazeera: In its war on Ukraine, is Russia's vast size becoming a liability? ▪ France24: Russia and Ukraine on Thursday completed another exchange of prisoners of war. ▪ Politico: The Ukrainian official Washington loves to hate. And finally … 👏👏👏 Congratulations to this week's Morning Report Quiz winners! While pondering a big U.S. jewelry robbery (and the fate of the alleged criminal masterminds this week), we quizzed readers about notable heists. 🧩 Here's who stole away with a perfect score: Richard Baznik, Stan Wasser, Lynn Gardner, Joe Atchue, Jess Elger, Russ Lowenthal, Alan Johnson, Peter Sprofera, Rob DiMaggio, Pam Manges, Rick Schmidtke, Linda Field, Mark Williamson, Brian Hogan, Michael McGinnis, Robert Bradley, Luther Berg, Stanton Kirk, Chuck Schoenenberger, Steve James, Carmine Petracca, Savannah Petracca and Jose Ramos. Seven California suspects were charged Tuesday with stealing gold, diamonds, rubies and emeralds in what prosecutors called the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history. The 2022 haul was worth $100 million. In Canada's largest heist, thieves in 2011 made off with tons of maple syrup. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston displays empty frames that once held masterpieces stolen in 1990 in a still-unsolved art caper. Inspired by a plot in a Sherlock Holmes story, British robbers tunneled their way into a Lloyds Bank in London in 1971, making off with what today would be $51 million in cash before being caught. Thanks for reading! Check out more newsletters from The Hill here. See you next time!
Chicago Tribune
44 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Fireworks 2025: All the Fourth of July shows in the Chicago area
With the Independence Day holiday comes fireworks — read on to find the best displays near you. Downtown Chicago fireworks at Navy Pier are every Wednesday at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 10 p.m. through Aug. 30, including at 10 p.m. Saturday, July 5; more at Almost a hundred Chicago-area communities are listed below, many with celebrations spread out over the Independence Day weekend (July 4 falls on a Friday this year). If no time is mentioned, most displays begin at dusk (about 9:15 p.m.) and last about half an hour. Antioch: Parade at 10:30 a.m. July 4, followed by festivities at 4 p.m. and fireworks at a new site at Sequoit Creek Park (845 Main St.); Arlington Heights: The local Frontier Days Festival at Recreation Park (500 E. Miner St.) is back, running July 2-6. The parade is 10 a.m. July 4; more at But no community fireworks display for 2025. Aurora: The city of Aurora will host an Independence Day fireworks display on July 3, best viewed from Aurora Transportation Center (233 N. Broadway Ave.) with music from DJ Suave Smooth; and McCullough Park (150 W. Illinois Ave.) with music from DJ Pena. Parade in downtown Aurora (from Benton and Broadway) at 10 a.m. July 4; Barrington: Main Street parade at 10 a.m. July 4, then fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at Barrington High School (616 W. Main St.); Bartlett: The town's Fourth of July Festival returns to Community Park (corner of South Bartlett and Stearns Roads). Skydivers at 7:35 p.m. July 4, then fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Festivities continue through the weekend, including a parade at 10 a.m. July 5; Batavia: The Batavia Sky Concert will be 9:30 p.m. July 4 in Engstrom Family Park (326 Millview Drive), with fireworks set to music; Beecher: The Fourth of July Commission for the town of Beecher will host the 4th of July Festival from July 2-5. Look for fireworks at 9:30 p.m. July 4 at Firemen's Park (675 Penfield St.); Bensenville: The Independence Day Parade kicks off the celebration at 10 a.m. on July 4, starting at Town Center (12 S. Center St.) and ending at the Redmond Recreational Complex (545 John St.). LibertyFest begins at 6 p.m. Fireworks will be launched from the Public Works facility at 9:30 p.m.; Berwyn: Gates open for fireworks at 8 p.m. July 3 at Morton West High School (2400 Home Ave.); Blue Island: The Fourth of July Parade will run from Prairie Street on Western Avenue, beginning at noon July 4. Fireworks have not yet been announced; Bolingbrook: Grounds open at 3 p.m. July 4 for music and food vendors at Bolingbrook Golf Club (2001 Rodéo Drive), with fireworks at sunset; Bridgeview: The annual fireworks at Commissioners Park (8100 S. Beloit Ave.) have not yet been posted; more information at Brookfield: The Brookfield Fourth of July Parade has a new route for 2025, starting at Garfield Avenue and heading south on Grand Boulevard. Fireworks have not yet been announced; Buffalo Grove: The annual celebration at Willow Stream Park (651 Old Checker Road) begins with a patriotic-themed concert at 7 p.m. July 4 with the fireworks display at 9 p.m.; Burbank: Party in the Park with a carnival, music and food will be June 26-29 in Narragansett Park (77th St. and Narragansett), with Saturday night fireworks at 9:45 p.m. June 28; Burr Ridge: The Pleasant Dale Park District's fireworks will be at dusk July 3 in Walker Park (7425 S. Wolf Road). Food vendors and family fun begin at 5:30 p.m.; Crystal Lake: Fireworks at dusk July 6 at Main Beach (300 Lakeshore Drive). The parade will kick off at 1 p.m. at City Hall, finishing at Lakeside Festival Grounds; Deerfield: The Deerfield Family Days is back in Shepard Park (440 Grove Place) with live bands, carnival games and food vendors from 5:30 p.m. July 3 and fireworks at dusk. Then a parade at noon July 4 begins at Deerspring Pool (200 Deerfield Road); DeKalb: The celebrations are in Hopkins Park (1403 Sycamore Road), with music and festivities starting at 4 p.m. July 4. Fireworks at dusk; Des Plaines: The community plans a fireworks display June 29 at Oakton College (1600 Golf Road), with gates opening at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Then a parade at 10 a.m. July 4 from the intersection of Center Street and Wicke Avenue; Downers Grove: The Village of Downers Grove Independence Day Parade is 1 p.m. July 4, from Main Street and Grant. The joint Woodridge-Downers Grove fireworks display is 9:30 p.m. July 4 (corner of 75th Street and Lemont Road); Elburn: The Lions Club of Elburn will present a fireworks show on July 12 at Lions Park (500 Filmore St.). Food and nonalcoholic concessions will be sold; Elgin: The parade kicks off at 9 a.m. July 4 at the intersection of Douglas and Slade. Later, there will be food, a pie-eating contest and concerts in Festival Park (132 S. Grove Ave.) and the night will end with a fireworks display on the Fox River; Elk Grove Village: The village's celebration begins with a concert with Cheap Trick music at 8 p.m. July 4 on Rotary Green (164 Lions Drive) and fireworks at 9:30 p.m., sponsored by the Lions Club; Elmwood Park: The village's Fourth of July parade will start at 9 a.m. July 4 at 78th and Fullerton Avenues, ending in the Circle. Gates open for the holiday celebration at Elmwood Park High School (8201 W. Fullerton Ave.) at 6 p.m., Sucker Punch plays at 7:15 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; Evergreen Park: The 55th annual community parade and fireworks will be on June 27, with the parade at 6:30 p.m. from 95th and Springfield, followed by fireworks at dusk at Martin B. Duffy Park (92nd and Ridgeway); Evanston: Parade at 2 p.m. July 4 on Central Street, a live band in Dawes Park at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at the lakefront; Fox Lake: Celebrate Fox Lake has a parade that starts at Grant Community High School at 10 a.m. June 28, then an event 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Lakefront Park (10 Riverview Ave.) with fireworks at dusk; Fox River Grove: The town's annual fireworks event opens 6 p.m. July 12 at Picnic Grove Park with music and food before the show; Frankfort: The celebration begins at 7 p.m. July 4 at Main Park (200 S. Locust St.) with music and fireworks at 9:15 p.m.; Glencoe: Party in the Park at Lakefront Park (99 Park Ave.) begins 5 p.m. July 3, with live music, food trucks and fireworks over the lake from 9 p.m. The Independence Day Parade steps off at 1 p.m. July 4 in downtown Glencoe; Glen Ellyn: The Fourth of July Parade begins at noon at Memorial Park, with fireworks at dusk at Lake Ellyn Park (645 Lenox Road); Glendale Heights: The annual Glendale Heights Fest is back July 10-13, with a carnival and live music, plus fireworks at 9:30 p.m. July 13 in Camera Park (101 E. Fullerton Ave.); Glenview: Northwest suburban Glenview has a parade at 11:20 a.m. July 4 and fireworks show at 9:20 p.m. in Gallery Park (2001 Patriot Blvd.) with music beginning at 6 p.m. and the Glenview Concert Band at 7 p.m.; Gurnee: Fireworks are 9:45 p.m. nightly July 3-5 inside Six Flags Great America (with regular park admission); Also village fireworks for Gurnee Days on Aug. 9; Harvey: The city's celebrations begin at 2 p.m. July 4, with a parade, a carnival and fireworks at 8:30 p.m.; Hawthorn Woods: Fireworks are planned for 9:15 p.m. July 3 at Community Park (5 Park View Lane), with the park opening at 3 p.m. for live music and food vendors; Highland Park: The village plans Independence Day events beginning on July 3 with a festival at the Preserve of Highland Park (1207 Park Ave. W). After a remembrance ceremony at 9 a.m. July 4, the downtown parade returns at 11 a.m., beginning at First Street and Laurel Avenue. No city fireworks or drone show for 2025; Hoffman Estates: The Northwest Fourth-Fest runs July 2-6, including a carnival, live music, a parade along Illinois Boulevard at 9 a.m. July 4, a drone show at 9:30 p.m. July 4 at Village Green, and fireworks 9:30 p.m. July 5 at NOW Arena (5333 Prairie Stone Parkway); Huntley: After a Main Street parade at 4 p.m., the Independence Day fireworks show begins at about 9:30 p.m. July 4 in Deicke Park (11419 IL-47); Itasca: The Village of Itasca has announced that Fourth of July fireworks have been canceled for 2025 due to construction around Hamilton Lakes; Joliet: Joliet Slammers baseball games include fireworks the nights of June 20 and July 4 at Joliet Slammers Stadium (1 Mayor Art Schultz Drive); La Grange: Fireworks from La Grange Country Club will be 9:30 p.m. July 3. The usual viewing space for nonmembers in Waiola Park (corner of 47th Street and Waiola) is closed for construction through October; Lake Forest: The 18th Annual Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks will be July 4 at Deerpath Community Park (400 Hastings Road), set to music. Gate opens for a concert at 5 p.m., fireworks at dusk; Lake Zurich: The annual Independence/Family Day at Paulus Park (200 S. Rand Road) begins 10 a.m. July 4 with music and food vendors. Then fireworks are launched over the lake at about 9:15 p.m.; Lemont: For Freedom Days 2025, a July 3 celebration at Centennial Park (16028 W. 127th St.) opens at 4 p.m., with live bands at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; program guide at Libertyville: The fireworks event at Butler Lake Park (835 W. Winchester Road) begins with a concert by the Village Band at 7:30 p.m. July 4 at the Band Shell, followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; Lincolnshire: The annual Red, White and BOOM! festival will be July 3-4, with food and entertainment July 3 in North Park (1025 Riverwoods Road), followed by a 10 a.m. parade, 2 p.m. cardboard boat regatta and 9:30 p.m. fireworks on July 4 in Spring Lake Park (49 Oxford Drive); Lisle: The village will have July 3 fireworks at Community Park (1800 Short St.) at 9:30 p.m. Also, live music begins at 5:30 p.m. on the Van Kampen Stage. On July 4, a parade kicks off at 10 a.m. from Lisle Junior High School (5207 Center Ave.); Lockport: City of Lockport and Lockport Township Park District are hosting the annual fireworks show on July 3 at dusk in Dellwood Park (corner of Woods Drive and Highway 171); Lombard: The village plans to host fireworks at dusk on July 4 at Madison Meadow Park (East Madison Street and South Ahrens Avenue); McHenry: The city's fireworks will be 9:30 p.m. July 13 as part of Fiesta Days at Petersen Park (4300 Petersen Park Road). Fiesta Days will be July 10-20 with carnival rides, live music, an art fair and a July 20 parade; Mokena: The village's annual fireworks will be at 9:30 p.m. July 3, with music starting at 5 p.m. in Main Park (10925 W. La Porte Road); Morton Grove: The Morton Grove Days festival July 3-6 has fireworks July 4 at dark at Harrer Park (6140 Dempster St.). Plus a parade at 2:30 p.m., as well as live music and a carnival all weekend; Mount Prospect: The 86th annual Mount Prospect Lions Club Festival will be July 2-6 at Melas Park (1500 W. Central Road) with a carnival, music and fireworks on July 2 (short show) and July 4 at 9:30 p.m.; Mundelein: The Mundelein Community Days 2025 will be June 29 to July 6, mostly near Seymour Avenue and Crystal Street. Fireworks are 9:30 p.m. July 4, with a parade from Mundelein High School (1350 W. Hawley St.) at 1 p.m. July 6; Naperville: The Naperville Salute will not be held this summer, but community fireworks will be 9:30 p.m. July 4 at Frontier Sports Complex (3380 Cedar Glade Drive); New Lenox: Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. July 4 at New Lenox Village Commons (101 Veterans Parkway), with music by Billy Gray Music at 6 p.m., followed by music by the Joliet American Legion Band for the display; North Riverside: The Fourth of July Parade will start at 10 a.m. July 4 on 9th Avenue and 26th Street. Then music and food vendors, including a concert by Hello Weekend, starting at 7 p.m. at Village Commons (2401 S. DesPlaines Ave.), followed by fireworks provided by the Riverside Golf Club; Northbrook: Fireworks at dusk July 4, which can be seen from Techny Prairie Park and Fields (1750 Techny Road) and Meadowhill Park (1479 Maple Ave.). Plus other events all day, including a parade at 4 p.m. from Westmoor School (2500 Cherry Lane); Oak Brook: The annual Taste of Oak Brook returns at 4 p.m. July 3 at the Village Sports Core Fields (700 Oak Brook Road). Fireworks and drone show at dusk; Oak Lawn: Fireworks at dusk (at 9 p.m.) July 4 at Richards High School (10601 Central Ave.). Come back between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. July 5 to help with cleanup; Oak Park: The Village of Oak Park plans a parade at 10 a.m. July 4 from Longfellow Park (Ridgeland Avenue and Adams Street), but no fireworks this year; Orland Park: Independence Celebration begins on July 4 with a pet and kids bike parade at 5 p.m., then a concert at 5:30 p.m., followed by Presentation of Colors and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. in Centennial Park West (15609 Park Station Blvd.); Oswego: Fireworks will be at dusk July 4 at Prairie Point Park (4120 Plainfield Road); Ottawa: A fireworks event begins at 8:45 p.m. July 4 on the Fox and Illinois Rivers at Ottawa Township High School (201 E. Main St.); Palatine: The Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest runs July 2-6 in Community Park (256 E. Palatine Road). Fireworks at dusk July 3 and a parade beginning on Wood Street at 11 a.m. July 5; Palos Heights: Inflatables and games from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 3 in Community Park (south of Route 83 on 76th Avenue). At 5 p.m., food and music start in Memorial Park (7600 W. College Drive), followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m. A parade kicks off at noon July 4 on Harlem Avenue; Park Forest: A concert featuring Carla Prather at the Village Green (349 Main St.) followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m. on July 4; Park Ridge: Live music at 8 p.m. and fireworks at dusk July 3 at Maine East High School (2601 Dempster St.); Pingree Grove: The community's Independence Day Celebration will be July 11-12. A parade starts at 4 p.m. July 12 at Alta Vista Drive and Wester Boulevard, and Mad Bomber fireworks are planned at 9:30 p.m. at Cambridge Lakes (1125 Wester Blvd.); Rochelle: After a Municipal Band concert, the fireworks will be at dusk July 5 in Atwood Park (10th Avenue and 20th Street); Romeoville: Three simultaneous fireworks shows at 9:30 p.m. July 3 at Lukancic Middle School (725 Normantown Road), Volunteer Park (1100 Murphy Drive) and Discovery Park (300 S. Highpoint Drive); Rosemont: The west suburban Parkway Bank Park (5501 Park Place) hosts an annual 'Rockin' In The Park' free concert series. A concert featuring a Bob Seger cover band at 7 p.m. July 4 will have post-show fireworks; Round Lake: Fireworks will be 9:15 p.m. July 5 near the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center (2007 Civic Center Way), with bands and festivities for Beachfest beginning at 5 p.m.; Sandwich: The annual Sandwich Freedom Days is back with a 10 a.m. July 5 parade, then fireworks at dusk at Sandwich Fairgrounds (1401 Suydam Road); Schaumburg: The popular way to see fireworks in Schaumburg is to catch a Schaumburg Boomers baseball game at Wintrust Field (1999 S. Springinsguth Road). There will be fireworks after select home games, including July 3-5; Skokie: The town hosts a downtown parade at noon July 4. It's followed by a family festival at 6:30 p.m. at Niles West High School (5701 W. Oakton St.), with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; Sleepy Hollow: A daylong holiday celebration July 4 includes a parade at 11:30 a.m. in Sabatino Park (Winmoor Drive and Thorobred Lane). Then the fireworks are 9:30 p.m. July 6, with gates open at 7 p.m.; South Holland: A Family Fun Festival runs noon to 4 p.m. July 4 at Veterans Memorial Park (500 E. 160th Place), followed by fireworks at dusk; Spring Grove: The July 4 celebration will include a noon parade at Winn Road and Highview Street and fireworks at dusk, best viewed from Thelen Park (8516 Winn Road); St. Charles: The St. Charles Park District is planning fireworks at dusk on July 4, launching from Langum Park. Best viewing will be on the south side of downtown St. Charles, plus parts of Langum Park (50 Devereaux Way) and Mt. St. Mary Park along Geneva Road (look for a red balloon during the afternoon to check your view); Tinley Park: Festivities in McCarthy Park (16801 S. 80th Ave.) kick off with live music by Five Guys Named Moe at 4 p.m. July 4, with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; Vernon Hills: The parade will start at 9 a.m. July 4 at the corner of Deerpath and Atrium Drive. Music begins in Century Park (1002 Lakeview Parkway) at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks around 9:15 p.m; Wauconda: The Big Bang fireworks celebration is dusk July 3 at Bangs Lake; Waukegan: Music for ROCK in the U.S.A. begins at 6 p.m. July 4 at Green Town on the Rocks (175 N. Harbor Place). Fireworks will be 9:30 p.m. at the Waukegan lakefront; Warrenville: Organized by the Warrenville Friends of the 4th, the celebration kicks off with festivities in Cerny Park (4S150 River Road) at 5 p.m. and a parade at 6 p.m. July 3. Then fireworks at 9:15 p.m. July 4; Westmont: The Independence Day Celebration will begin at 4 p.m. July 4 at Ty Warner Park (800 Blackhawk Drive), with fireworks at 9:30 p.m., launched from the Willow Crest Golf Club north of the park. Also, food trucks and music; Wheaton: Independence Day will be celebrated with a carnival from 5:30 p.m. and fireworks and drone show around 9 p.m. July 3 in Graf Park (1855 Manchester Road), plus a downtown parade at 10 a.m. July 4; Wheeling: The village's Rock 'n' Run the Runway event is June 28, with bands from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m., all at Chicago Executive Airport (1080 S. Milwaukee Ave.); program at Wilmette: Fun & Fireworks is planned for July 3; festivities and music begin at 5 p.m. and fireworks at dusk at Gillson Park, on the lakefront north of the harbor; Winnetka: The Fourth of July parade starts at 10 a.m. July 4 at the corner of Elm Street and Glendale. Concert and the Jesse White Tumblers begin at 7 p.m. at Duke Child's Field (1321 Willow Road) before fireworks at 9:20 p.m.; Woodridge: The annual 4th of July Picnic is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Castaldo Park (3024 71st St.) Later, the joint Woodridge-Downers Grove fireworks display is 9:30 p.m. July 4 (corner of 75th Street and Lemont Road); Woodstock: Fireworks begin at dusk on July 4 in Emricson Park (900 South St.). The park opens 7 p.m.; Yorkville: The town is planning a July 4 celebration with a parade starting at 9 a.m. at Yorkville High School and ending at Town Square Park. Fireworks begin at dusk near the corner of Route 47 and Countryside Parkway; Email us to add a show to this list.
South China Morning Post
3 hours ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong schools warned on US Independence Day celebrations
Hong Kong's education authorities have reminded schools to be vigilant about any attempts to promote United States Independence Day celebrations on campus, the Post has learned. This follows an online claim that authorities had told schools to discourage students from attending July 4 events at the US consulate. Furthermore, the claim suggested teachers should seek approval from their principals before attending any consular events. A school principal confirmed receiving a verbal reminder from the Education Bureau in recent days about attempts to encourage US Independence Day celebrations on campus. Another principal said the bureau would circulate reminders about safeguarding national security occasionally, but did not believe the timings coincided with specific events, adding that the last time they received a reminder was last week. The notice reportedly came from the bureau ahead of the United States' Independence Day on July 4. A Facebook page under the name 'Edu Lancet' claimed on Wednesday that in recent weeks, schools had received 'friendly reminders' from the bureau's regional education offices that students taking part in American Independence Day events in Hong Kong could violate national security.
HKFP
3 hours ago
- Politics
- HKFP
Schools must be national security ‘gatekeepers,' gov't says after principal warns against US consulate event
A Hong Kong school principal has warned teachers not to take part in Independence Day activities hosted by the US consulate after the city's authorities reportedly warned that participation may violate national security legislation. The unnamed school principal's remarks were quoted in a Wednesday post by Edu Lancet – a social media page run by former Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) subject manager Hans Yeung. A screenshot of the principal's message attached to the post reads: 'Per a reminder received from the Education Bureau's regional education office, teachers are reminded to be careful about Independence Day activities held by the US consulate in Hong Kong.' The principal advised against taking part in the celebrations 'to avoid violating the national security law and Hong Kong laws.' The message said, 'If you learn that there are students participating, please put the protection of students first and discourage them from doing so.' 'Clear guidelines' In a reply to Ming Pao, the Education Bureau (EDB) said: 'Schools have the responsibility to properly carry out their role as gatekeepers and enhance teachers' and students' sensitivity to national security.' However, the EDB did not confirm whether it had issued such a directive, nor did it clarify whether participating in US Independence Day events would amount to a violation of Hong Kong's national security laws. The bureau pointed out that Hong Kong would soon mark the fifth anniversary of the enactment of Beijing's national security law and said its multi-pronged approach included activities inside and outside the classroom to enhance students' understanding of the law. Meanwhile, in an interview with the Beijing-backed newspaper Wen Wei Po, published on Wednesday, Secretary for Education Christine Choi said that Hong Kong should be the first line of defence against what she called 'soft resistance' – a term used by government officials since 2021 without a clear definition. Choi said that the EDB had issued 'clear guidelines' to schools, including ordering them to conduct background checks on external organisations to ensure there were no 'anti-China disruptors' and to review their own off-campus activities and books to prevent the proliferation of 'illegal and harmful information'. Choi did not spell out those vetting guidelines or provide examples of partner organisations that were off-limits to schools for national security reasons. HKFP has reached out to the EDB and the US consulate for comment. The education chief also appeared to take aim at Edu Lancet. Without naming the page, she accused it of exaggerating safety concerns about Hong Kong schools' study tours in mainland China. Beijing inserted national security legislation directly into Hong Kong's mini-constitution in June 2020 following a year of pro-democracy protests and unrest. It criminalised subversion, secession, collusion with foreign forces and terrorist acts – broadly defined to include disruption to transport and other infrastructure. The move gave police sweeping new powers and led to hundreds of arrests amid new legal precedents, while dozens of civil society groups disappeared. The authorities say it restored stability and peace to the city, rejecting criticism from trade partners, the UN and NGOs.
Business Wire
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Bloom Energy and Tarana Wireless Stars & Strides Run and Walk
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Independence Day holiday kicks off early with the 5th Annual Bloom Energy and Tarana Wireless Stars and Strides Run, a 5K–10K run/walk and Kids Fun Run that benefits Valley Health Foundation. The event takes place in Discovery Meadow in Downtown San Jose. For media assets—including a powerful video chronicling former patient Bastian Michel's remarkable recovery after a life-threatening accident, and images from previous Stars and Strides events—please click here. WHAT: Opening Ceremony (7:30 AM) – Features opening remarks from local elected officials, a costume contest, and a performance of the national anthem by 16-year-old Siena Alexandra Guardino to kick off the festivities. 5K-10K Run/Walk (8:00 AM, sponsored by First Citizens Bank and Amazon) – Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Jonsen and Sheriff's Office recruits will lead the official start of the race on a flat, fast, and fun course for people of all ages and fitness levels and abilities. Double Helicopter Arrival (9:35 AM, sponsored by HP Inc.) – The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office and Calstar helicopters land in the festival area with superheroes and special guests onboard, kicking off the Kids Fun Run with a grand entrance. Special Guest & Healthcare Heroes Ceremony: Following the helicopter landing, we will honor special guests Bastian Michel (former SCVMC patient) and Susan Benton, RN (Assistant Nurse Manager, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center), recognizing all Healthcare Heroes who make a difference in our community, as they kick off the Kids Fun Run. Kids Fun Run at Discovery Meadow Park (10:00 AM, sponsored by Sanmina Corporation) – A ¼-mile course for children between the ages of two and seven, with parents welcome to join with their children. Live music from Idol Hands, (comprised of talented Santa Clara Valley Medical Center/Valley Health Foundation personnel), a beer/mimosa bar courtesy of Hapa's Brewing Company and Joseph George Fine Wines (a free drink for participants 21+), lawn games, food trucks, face painting, bubbles, pictures with superheroes, and more. Join the Contests: Race participants can take part in the following: Alaska Airlines Costume Contest: 2 free roundtrip airline tickets awarded to the "Best Independence Day Theme," 2 free roundtrip airline tickets for the "Best Non-Independence Day Theme" and gift baskets for the best 'Group Costume Contest.' Luxury Tropical Getaway: Team members from the top three largest teams will be entered into a drawing to win a 5 day luxury tropical getaway. For more details, click here. WHEN: Saturday, June 28th. The 5K-10K Run/Walk starts at 8:00 AM, and the Kids Fun Run starts at 10 AM. The Sheriff's helicopter will land at approximately 9:30AM with our special guest introduction at 9:50 AM. WHERE: Discovery Meadow in Downtown San Jose, adjacent to the Children's Discovery Museum. WHY: Proceeds from this year's race will benefit Valley Health Foundation, a nonprofit leader in community health and healthcare that fundraises to support, innovate, and advocate better health for residents in Santa Clara County. In the first four years of the Stars & Strides run, nearly $1.2 million has been raised and donated to the Valley Health Foundation, which supports our four public hospitals and 14 Speciality and Primary Care Health Centers, which collectively serve more than 1 million of our neighbors each year.
