Thursday, July 2, 2026 • 3 min read

Wake up with The Yodel

by Natasha Frost with Alan McGuinness

Good morning, everyone. Celebrating America’s 250th birthday this long weekend? Check out some of the best red, white and blue deals and freebies on offer. Now for the news.

Need to know

A woman lying on the grass before a large building.

A person lies on the grass on the National Mall while attending the Great American State Fair. | Nathan Howard/AP

The country is preparing for a short week, as the federal holiday for Independence Day falls a day early on July 3. Here’s what’s happening.

In Washington, D.C.: Crowds are expected to throng the National Mall for Fourth of July celebrations, including fireworks and concerts — and likely leading to snags like road closures and security screenings, as well as a “really long speech” from President Trump. Here’s what’s happening and where to see the fireworks. [USA Today]
In New York City: The World Cup, Taylor Swift’s wedding, America’s 250th birthday celebration — oh, and a searing heat wave. The NYPD plans to deploy thousands of officers to handle one of the biggest weekends in decades. See what we know about the Swift-Kelce wedding plans. [AP/CBS News]
Weather effects: Extreme heat is reshaping weekend plans, with temperatures forecast to reach 110 degrees in some places. Independence Day events in Pennsylvania have been shortened or scrapped, while some fireworks displays in the west have been canceled due to wildfire risks. [AccuWeather]

In case you missed it

Folarin Balogun of the United States celebrates scoring his team's first goal. | Alex Pantling/FIFA via Getty Images

U.S. World Cup win

Stop the presses: The USMNT won a World Cup knockout match for the first time in 24 years and only the second time ever, after a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Catch up on the match. Team USA will face Belgium on Monday in the Round of 16. [Yahoo Sports]

Trump’s new jet

The president yesterday made his first trip aboard the new $400 million Air Force One plane gifted by the Qatari government. “It’s really quite something,” he said. The Boeing 747-8 replaces the military-grade 747-2 that has served presidents for three decades. [CBS News]

Empire State Building stunt

In a death-defying feat, two masked climbers scaled the Empire State Building’s spire, unfurled a pro-peace flag, got engaged — and then got arrested. See who they are. Police said they had accessed the spire via a 102nd floor maintenance hatch. [Yahoo Entertainment]

ICE arrests nun

Questions about why ICE arrested a nun who was walking to mass continue to grow, after her release from custody on the same day. Sister Leticia Ugboaja is a Nigerian national who has lived in Texas for 10 years. The DHS declined to comment. [ABC News]

Danny Glover’s diagnosis

Actor Danny Glover, who starred in Lethal Weapon and The Color Purple, revealed that he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2023 and shared what it's like to face the disease. "I don't feel like it's the end of my life," he said. "There's work to do." [People]

What’s happening today

Michelle Buteau; Wanda Sykes. Credit: JC Olivera/Getty; Kristina Bumphrey/Variety/Getty

Now streaming

The third and final season of comedy-drama Survival of the Thickest dropped on Netflix, with guest appearances from D.L. Hughley, Ashley Graham, Wanda Sykes and Jenna Lyons. See the wild question Sykes asked before agreeing to join the cast. [People]

In the World Cup

On day 22, play begins at 3 p.m. ET, with Spain facing Austria, followed by Portugal vs. Croatia at 7 p.m., then Switzerland vs. Algeria at 11 p.m. All matches are on Fox One and Telemundo. Here’s what to watch. [Yahoo Sports]

On the diamond

The Padres play the Dodgers at 10:10 p.m. ET on MLB.TV, after the Athletics defeated Los Angeles last night to end their four-game losing streak. Check out the latest MLB power rankings. [AP/Yahoo Sports]

And don't forget to...

Read your daily horoscope. Play the crossword (or the mini). Check the forecast in your area.

Today in history

Credit: Getty

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the historic Civil Rights Act into law, a monumental achievement that outlawed segregation in businesses, public places and schools. [CBS News]

Feel-good moment

Credit: Courtesy of Oona Zlamany

A quarter-century ago, artist Brenda Zlamany decided to let her newborn daughter choose her own name. After reading aloud some 100 options to her over five days, there was one clear winner. See what her daughter chose, and how she plans to honor her mom’s zany approach. [People]