From Trump’s stormy 250th address to Taylor Swift’s Manhattan wedding: The weekend in review
President Donald Trump delivered his "Salute to America" address Saturday night for the nation’s 250th birthday — but the celebration on the National Mall was upended by a severe thunderstorm that forced thousands of attendees to seek shelter for hours. Trump finally took the stage around 11 p.m., thanking those who "did the right thing" by waiting. His remarks touched on America’s "golden age," the founding story, and military heroes, before pivoting to political themes, including the SAVE America Act and a sharp condemnation of communism as "the opposite of the American system." The event closed with a 40-minute fireworks display, despite lingering drizzle.
The holiday weekend unfolded under a brutal heat wave that had already killed at least 25 people, according to officials. Violence also marred Fourth of July celebrations in multiple cities, with at least five people shot dead. In a bizarre incident, a Delta flight descending into Chicago was struck by a firework, the airline confirmed.
Meanwhile, a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence — lost for 250 years and the only known example outside the U.S. — was discovered in London. Pope Leo XIV marked the anniversary by urging Americans to protect immigrants.
In the world of sports, the World Cup delivered a weekend of controversy and upsets. U.S. striker Folarin Balogun was reinstated for Monday’s round-of-16 match against Belgium after FIFA suspended his red-card suspension for a probationary year — a decision that followed a call from President Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, according to a source. Belgium’s soccer federation expressed "astonishment," arguing the ruling contradicted tournament regulations. Elsewhere, Norway’s Erling Haaland scored twice to knock out five-time champion Brazil and send Norway to the quarterfinals for the first time; Morocco eliminated co-host Canada with a 3-0 win; and France beat Paraguay 1-0 to stay on track for a third consecutive final. In Mexico’s buildup to face England, the team hopes to exploit altitude advantage at Estadio Azteca.
In U.S. politics, Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow suspended her Democratic Senate campaign, leaving Rep. Haley Stevens and former health official Abdul El-Sayed in a two-way primary race — a confrontation between the party establishment and its progressive wing. The winner will face Trump-backed former Rep. Mike Rogers in the general election.
Serena Williams withdrew from Wimbledon doubles after injuring her knee earlier this week, writing on Instagram, "I’m heartbroken … my knee just isn’t ready to compete." The 44-year-old had hoped to play alongside sister Venus.
And in celebrity news, Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce got married Friday at Madison Square Garden before a thousand VIP guests. While details remained scarce, two attendees shared glimpses of the ceremony.
Other headlines: A large Ukrainian drone attack hit St. Petersburg’s port and oil infrastructure; MLB announced All-Star Game starters in Philadelphia; China promoted two new generals after an anti-corruption purge; Beyoncé dropped a surprise single, "Morning Dew (Donk)"; and Paul Pelosi faces potential hit-and-run charges in Napa County.
Originally published by NBC News.