US marks 250th birthday with fireworks, flyovers and extreme weather
US President Donald Trump's speech included some of his political agenda but also honoured war veterans and American history.
Tauron American Film Festival Readies for 17th Edition – and U.S. in Progress Continues to Be an ‘Essential Part of the Fabric of American Independent Cinema’
Poland’s Tauron American Film Festival will celebrate its 17th edition from Nov. 17-22 – and its industry sidebar U.S. in Progress will, once again, connect European buyers and Polish post-producers with American indie filmmakers. “I’ve attended three times, and each time somethi
Meet Czech Interpreter Helena Koutná Who Gives Voice to the Stars of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival
With Hollywood and European stars and directors from around the globe descending on the Czech festival every year, THR looks behind the scenes of the art of interpreting with a familiar face from the big KVIFF events.
Israel Is Not Invincible
There is suddenly daylight between the Trump administration and Netanyahu.
Huge Crowds Mass in Tehran for Ayatollah’s State Funeral
As days of public mourning ceremonies began, Iranians viewed the casket of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the start of the U.S.-Israeli attacks.
‘Murciélago’ Manga Gets 2027 TV Anime Adaptation on HIDIVE
Yoshimura Kana’s manga “Murciélago” is being adapted into a TV anime set to premiere in 2027, with HIDIVE announcing exclusive streaming rights for the U.S., Canada and several other markets. The adaptation was unveiled at Anime Expo 2026. Serialized in Square Enix’s Young Gangan
Chinese underground church figure Jin Mingri freed from prison
The Zion Church founder's release comes after a direct plea to Xi Jinping from Donald Trump.
‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Author Tomi Adeyemi “Will Not Watch” Film Version: “Officially Separating My Name”
With a cast that includes Amandla Stenberg, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Viola Davis, Gina Prince-Bythewood's feature adaptation of the 2018 YA novel is set to hit theaters early next year from Paramount.
In Fourth of July Speech, Trump Celebrates America and Derides Foes
A centerpiece address for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration devoted time to American history, but had all the hallmarks of a Trump rally.
It Failed in France. It Would Be a Disaster in California.
California might bet its future on the notion that billionaires won’t leave. But they are already fleeing the state.
NASA's Hubble spots a stellar sparkler for the Fourth of July
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured a spectacular red, white, and blue view of one of the Milky Way's oldest star clusters to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. Hidden within the ancient cluster are clues to how exploding stars helped transform the young universe in
NASA's Hubble captures a crimson stellar nursery sparkling with blue and white stars
Hubble has captured a spectacular view of LH 95, where about 2,500 young stars are still on their journey to becoming full-fledged stars. Scientists discovered these growing stars can keep pulling in gas and dust for millions of years, extending an important stage of stellar deve
NASA's Hubble captures a star-spangled sea of 500,000 stars
Celebrating the United States' 250th anniversary, NASA released a stunning Hubble portrait of Messier 3, an ancient globular cluster with more than 500,000 stars. The remarkable cluster is helping scientists unravel the Milky Way's past thanks to its rare stars and possible origi
The Brooklyn Bridge Briefly Catches Fire During a Fireworks Display
The fire appeared to have been extinguished by shortly after 10 p.m., the police said. No injuries were reported.
Beyoncé Releases First New Song in Two Years Amid Upcoming Album Speculation
The track, "Morning Dew (Donk)," starts a 60-day countdown to the 20th anniversary reissue of 'B'Day,' first released in 2006.
This California Town Banned Fireworks. Then Came the Dogs.
People flock to the coastal town of Cambria, which has become known for its fireworks ban, to give their dogs some respite on the Fourth of July.
Crowds Evacuated as Storms Menace Washington Ahead of Trump Speech
Thousands of people stood in security lines for hours in severe heat to reach the National Mall, only to be ordered to leave as events were set to start. Some refused.
Founder of prominent underground church released from prison in China
Ezra Jin, founder of Zion Church, lands in the US and reunites with family who are ‘overwhelmed with joy’ The founder of one of China’s most prominent underground churches has been released from prison and reunited with his family in the United States. Ezra Jin, the founder of Zi
Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce Wedding Details Emerge: An Original Adam Sandler Song, “Blank Space” Handkerchiefs at “Intimate” Garden Ceremony
Jason Kelce's daughters reportedly served as flower girls, with Swift's aunt, Robin Gentry, sharing to the media as she left the event, "They cried, and they laughed, and they danced, and they hugged, and they kissed."
The Texas Hill Country Flood, One Year Later
A year after a catastrophic flood killed 139 people in the Texas Hill Country, communities along the Guadalupe River are still rebuilding.
‘The Pitt’ Star Noah Wyle Was Offered Roles in ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and ‘Good Night, and Good Luck’ but ‘Couldn’t Get Out’ of Filming ‘ER’
“The Pitt” star Noah Wyle recently told the “Still Here Hollywood” podcast that he missed out on roles in “Saving Private Ryan” and “Good Night, and Good Luck” because he couldn’t get out of filming the long-running medical series “ER.” When asked if he had any roles that got awa
Moment of destiny for France's Le Pen in verdict to decide her future in presidential race
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen is appealing against a verdict which found her guilty of misusing EU funds.
Democrats Clash With Trump, as Political Tensions Rise on America’s 250th
Gavin Newsom and Wes Moore, potential 2028 contenders, cast President Trump’s record as a betrayal of American ideals, while the president disparaged their party as extreme.
Technology Ruined Our Lazy Days at the Lake
Living at the lake house taught me about risk taking and other life lessons.
Cynthia Nixon’s Wife Reportedly Lands NYC Public Schools Job Amid ‘Sex and the City’ Star’s Mamdani Support
Christine Marinoni is working as the chief of mass engagement for the Family and Community Empowerment division of the Department of Education.
Making a Cake for America’s 250th Birthday
In her quest to mark the nation’s 250th with a unifying dessert, Grace Pak had to navigate the pitfalls of a polarized Washington.
Vin Diesel Shares Behind-the-Scenes Look at ‘Fast Forever’: ‘We’ve Been Grinding’
Vin Diesel took to Instagram on Thursday to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at “Fast Forever,” the 11th and final film in “The Fast and Furious” franchise. It hits theaters on March 17, 2028. “I’m on set. People are grinding. Incredible crews are working,” said Diesel in the p
New Google commercial imagines a Declaration of Independence written with help from AI
Two hundred and fifty years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a new commercial asks: What if the Founding Fathers had access to Google Workspace?
Archaeologists uncover ancient Byzantine city in Egypt’s western desert
Well-preserved fourth-century quarters reveal details of daily life, urban development and economic activities Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered a well-preserved Byzantine-era city in the western desert. The fourth-century quarters had residential and religious structures, i
The Funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei
Iran’s new leaders are commemorating Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed on the first day of the U.S.-Israeli war against the country, with a funeral unlike any other in recent history.
Abdullah Mason vs. Albert Bell Boxing Livestream: How to Watch TNT Sports’ ‘The Fight’ Online for Free
Boxing fans are celebrating Independence Day with a big made-for-TV event tonight, as WBO champion Abdullah Mason defends his lightweight title against Albert Bell live from Cleveland. The title fight is part of TNT Sports’ inaugural “The Fight” broadcast, which will feature a mo
Eala wins 'for all the girls with ruffled socks and chubby cheeks'
Alexandra Eala dedicates her stunning win over defending Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek to "all the girls with ruffled socks and chubby cheeks".
Lena Dunham Reportedly Made Gasp-Worthy Football Joke at Swift-Kelce Wedding Celebration: “Straight Guys Reenacting Gay Porn”
The 'Daily Mail' reports that the ‘Too Much’ writer, one of Swift’s longtime close friends, uttered the quip during a pre-wedding gathering on Thursday night.
Scenes From Taylor Swift’s NYC Wedding: Fans, Stars and More
The scene outside Taylor Swift’s wedding in Manhattan had the drama and emotion of one of her albums.
NASA launched an emergency mission to stop the Swift Observatory from crashing to Earth
Engineers from Katalyst Space Technologies testing Link. | Image: NASA/Scott Wiessinger The Swift Observatory was launched in 2004, but recent solar storms have pushed its orbit lower, and it's in danger of burning up in Earth's atmosphere as soon as this year. To try and stave
How America's 250th birthday became a test of AI-powered collective intelligence
Imagine if you could bring 250 people together in a massive room and have them discuss and debate an important issue, arguing the points and counterpoints, and converging on answers that accurately reflect their collective knowledge, wisdom, values, and sensibilities. Now imagine
‘I Will Find You’ Star Britt Lower on Rachel’s ‘Spidey Sense’ and Why [SPOILER] as the Murderous Villain Was ‘Perfect Casting’
SPOILER ALERT: This story includes key storylines and details about “I Will Find You,” now streaming on Netflix. Harlan Coben’s latest Netflix murder mystery series, “I Will Find You,” appears to have captured most everyone’s attention. Just look at the numbers. As Variety’s Jenn
AMC Theaters CEO Lets Slip Details of Taylor Swift’s Wedding Before Deleting Post
Adam Aron posted a lengthy insider's account of the Swift-Kelce ceremony on X.
Ukraine hits major oil terminal in Russia's St Petersburg
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says the target is key infrastructure "that generates revenue for Russia's war".
Trump Takes Stock of Other Presidencies, Shedding Light on His Own
In his second term, the president has increasingly mused about his predecessors, comparing himself with some and distancing from the failures of others.
Five Questions That Will Determine America’s Next 50 Years
The truth worth celebrating this summer is that our country is still being made.
Inside Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Wedding: Everything We Learned About the Star-Studded Ceremony at Madison Square Garden
As you’ve probably heard, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce got married on Friday and summoned a firestorm of non-stop media coverage. In case you’ve had a hard time keeping pace, let this be your guide to all the most important details of the star-studded ceremony at Madison Square
Hollywood Movies Have Always Been About America. On the 250th July 4, Are They Still?
A few days ago, the New York Times ran a provocative listicle entitled “What Is the Definitive Movie About America?” Their writers came up with a couple of inspired choices, like “Dazed and Confused,” along with a handful of head-scratchers (“Disclosure Day”? “The Florida Project
Midjourney wants Hollywood studios to reveal the details of their AI usage
As part of an ongoing legal dispute with three Hollywood studios, Midjourney is seeking to compel those studios to reveal how they use AI themselves.
Dior dress, Adam Sandler and a man of honour: What we know about Taylor and Travis's wedding
The couple tied the knot in New York on Friday, after months of speculation about when, where and how it would happen.
At the tall ships parade, a historic bell rings out.
Jesse Eisenberg on Why He Doesn’t Want to Be Associated With Mark Zuckerberg
In a Karlovy Vary Film Festival talk, the actor-writer-director also discussed his lack of social media use and having a child.
Maggie Gyllenhaal Explains Her Love of Directing And Why It’s Like Being a Mother
At the Karlovy Vary film festival in the Czech Republic, she also discussed directing still being “predominantly a male job.”
Injury ends Williams' Wimbledon comeback
Serena Williams pulls out of her planned Wimbledon doubles appearance with older sister Venus because of a knee injury.
Putin Visits Battlefield and Vows to Take More of Ukraine
The Russian leader denounced Ukraine’s “imaginary achievements” on the battlefield of late, calling its leaders “play actors.”
Maggie Gyllenhaal on Subverting Female Stereotypes and Why She Never Set Out to Break Taboos: ‘I’m Just Trying to Make Space for My Own Experience to Be Expressed’
In only two directorial outings, Karlovy Vary Film Festival honoree Maggie Gyllenhaal has managed to subvert more than 100 years of cinematic female stereotypes — “The Lost Daughter” acknowledged the darker aspects of motherhood and what’s expected of women, while “The Bride” gav
Review: Supergirl is not the disaster its low box office suggests
It’s a pretty good movie, but it needed to be a great movie to thrive in an oversaturated superhero market.
How Taylor Swift’s Wedding Puts a Cap on Her 20 Years of Writing About Marriage, From ‘Love Story’ to the Bitter ‘You’re Losing Me’ to the Triumphant ‘Eldest Daughter’
“I wouldn’t marry me, either,” Taylor Swift sang — bitterly, it’s fair to say — just a few years ago. Remember when the world’s biggest pop superstar was writing about how she had been deemed Not Marriage Material? You don’t? Most people probably wouldn’t. That particular line ca
Beyoncé Drops Unreleased Song ‘Morning Dew (Donk)’ Ahead of ‘B’Day’ 20th Anniversary Reissue
Beyoncé is ringing in July 4 with a treat for her fans, dropping the long-unreleased song “Morning Dew (Donk)” ahead of the 20th anniversary of her sophomore album “B’Day.” “Morning Dew (Donk),” which hit streaming services early Saturday morning, begins a 60-day countdown to the
Alibaba reportedly bans employees from using Claude Code
Alibaba has reportedly classified Claude Code as high-risk software.
Box Office: ‘Minions & Monsters’ Scares Up $16 Million on Friday
Universal and Illumination’s army of Minions is taking over the box office for Independence Day weekend. “Minions & Monsters” claimed the No. 1 spot on Friday with $16 million from 4,243 North American theaters. Through the weekend, the animated sequel should gross $39.5 million
Jesse Eisenberg Says He Doesn’t ‘Want to Be Associated’ With Mark Zuckerberg: ‘If This Guy Is the Creator of This World, I Don’t Want to Live in That World’
Actor-director Jesse Eisenberg, who is at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival as the recipient of this year’s President’s Award, spoke about not reprising his role as Mark Zuckerberg in Aaron Sorkin’s upcoming “The Social Reckoning,” the sequel to David Fincher’s 2010 drama “The Socia
White House deletes thousands of web pages about energy conservation as heatwave slams US
The US Department of Energy reportedly deleted about 6,000 pages related to energy conservation as a historic heatwave tears across the country. The deletion was suspiciously timed, following Republican outrage over Mayor Zohran Mamdani asking New Yorkers to help reduce strain o
Matic’s robot vacuum is getting a $250 price hike in September
The Matic is our favorite robot vacuum by a pretty comfortable margin. If you’ve been thinking about buying one, you may want to plan on doing it sooner than later. The company will raise its price by $250 on September 9th, going from $1,245 to $1,495. Matic told The Verge that t
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ First Look Revealed in ‘Meet Haymitch’ Featurette
Happy Reaping Day, and happy birthday to Haymitch Abernathy. A “Meet Haymitch” featurette debuted Saturday in celebration of this auspicious date in Panem. It gives a first look at the origin story of Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, winner of the 50th Hunger Games and star of