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Saturday, July 4, 2026
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Happy Fourth of July! On this day in 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the American colonies’ separation from Great Britain and giving birth to a new nation.
As our nation commemorates its 250th birthday this weekend, we’ll be sending out shortened editions through Monday so The Flyover staff can celebrate the holiday with friends and family. Our regular edition will return on Tuesday. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend!
Are you the one setting off fireworks, or the one lying awake wishing they’d stop? Somewhere on your street tonight, someone’s going till midnight while the dog shakes under the bed and half the block wonders if they’re the only ones who’ve had enough. Fireworks are the sound of the Fourth, the whole country looking up at once. But they’re also sparking wildfire fears, veterans bracing at every crack, and thousands of ER visits a year. So are they worth it? Tune in to today’s Flyover Podcast as Amy shares both sides of the story. Which side are you on? Tune in here!
We’re always interested in products that take an everyday task and simply make it easier. That’s what caught our attention about today’s sponsor, the Sonic Glow Brush. If you’ve ever wished brushing your teeth was quicker without sacrificing a thorough clean, this is worth a look.
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 Heat Wave Blasts July 4 Celebration Plans
A dangerous heat wave pushing temperatures past 100 degrees across the Northeast has forced dozens of 250th-anniversary events to be canceled, postponed, or moved indoors.
On the National Mall in Washington, D.C., organizers kept the Great American State Fair open while adding hydration stations, misting fans, and climate-controlled tents.
The National Weather Service forecasts highs of 102 or above in Washington on July 4, with heat index values pushing well past 110, after Washington, New York, and Boston all hit 100 on Thursday. Entry to the National Mall for today’s “Salute to America” fireworks has been pushed back to 5 p.m. to limit heat exposure.
Elsewhere in the Northeast, parades in Norristown, Pa., and Haddon Township, N.J., were scrapped over safety concerns, Philadelphia canceled its Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade outright Friday morning, and Gettysburg National Military Park moved all outdoor activities indoors. See the full list of changes to events.
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Rare ‘Declaration’ Copy Found in London
A volunteer at Britain’s National Archives has discovered a rare 1776 printing of the Declaration of Independence, one of only 11 surviving “Exeter Declarations” and the only copy known outside the United States.
The document was seized on Christmas Eve 1776 when the Royal Navy captured the American privateer Dalton off Portugal after a seven-hour chase. Logged simply as “another paper,” it sat unnoticed for 250 years.
“Exeter Declarations” are a specific batch of early printed copies of the Declaration of Independence, produced by printer Robert Luist Fowle in Exeter, New Hampshire, between July 16 and 19, 1776, roughly two weeks after the original was adopted in Philadelphia on July 4.
Volunteer Michael Scurr found it while cataloguing Navy correspondence. It will go on display in the Archives’ Revolution 250 exhibition, running through November.
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Ranking: America’s Highest Points by State
America stands tall, particularly west of the Mississippi River, according to a new map charting the highest natural point in all 50 states.
The nation’s extremes are dramatic: Denali rises 20,310 feet, the tallest point in North America, while Florida’s Britton Hill tops out at just 345 feet near the Alabama border.
All 13 U.S. states with mountain peaks above 10,000 feet sit west of the Mississippi, while five of the flattest states never crest 1,000 feet. See where your state’s elevation ranks here.
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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:
➤ As America turns 250, its most beloved holiday tradition is facing growing pushback from cities, neighbors, and fire officials alike. (Hear More)
➤ Federal regulators want to pay hospitals less for routine imaging, escalating a long-running payment fight. (Listen Now)
➤ You could see radiation-detecting aircraft and drone-takeover technology overhead this weekend, as security for the nation’s 250th birthday hits the highest level. (Podcast Available)
  
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Flying together with our sponsor
A Smarter Way to Brush in Just 30 Seconds
Most of us spend two minutes brushing our teeth twice a day. The Sonic Glow Brush takes a different approach. Its soft, U-shaped mouthpiece surrounds your teeth and uses sonic vibrations to clean them all at once, delivering a full brushing routine in as little as 30 seconds.
It’s easy to see why so many people are making the switch. Whether you’re trying to get out the door faster in the morning, simplify your evening routine, or just want an easier way to stay consistent, this brush offers a refreshing alternative to a traditional toothbrush. It also features multiple cleaning modes, built-in blue light whitening technology, and a rechargeable battery that’s perfect for home or travel.
If you’re looking for a smarter, faster way to brush, see how the Sonic Glow Brush works here.
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➤ The Justice Department declined Thursday to release additional unredacted records from its Jeffrey Epstein investigation, telling a federal judge it had already adequately complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. (More)
➤ Pop superstar Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce were married Friday evening by comedian Adam Sandler at Madison Square Garden, with about 1,000 guests in attendance under tight security. (More)
➤ A federal appeals court on Thursday temporarily blocked a lower court order that would have required the National Park Service to restore signs and exhibits removed by the Trump administration for “disparaging” Americans. (More)
➤ A Los Angeles Lakers jacket bought by an alert shopper for $3.07 at an Oregon Goodwill and later authenticated as worn by Wilt Chamberlain is expected to sell for between $150,000 and $250,000 at Sotheby’s. (More)
➤ More than a third of U.S. employees worked remotely at least part of the time in 2025 despite stricter return-to-office mandates, up slightly from the year before, new Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows. (More)
➤ A passenger tried and failed to sneak two live smoke grenades past TSA in a checked bag at Indianapolis International Airport, including one stuffed inside a jar of peanut butter. (More)
Flying together with our sponsor
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Today’s Trivia
