
Trump announces he will kick off Independence Day weekend with 'very special' patriotic event
"I am thrilled to announce that I will be traveling to one of my favorite places in the World, beautiful Iowa, on Thursday, July 3rd, to kick off the very beginning of our exciting Celebration of America's 250th Anniversary!" Trump posted to Truth Social Tuesday afternoon.
"Iowa voted for me THREE TIMES, because they love my Policies for our Wonderful Farmers and Small Businesses, and they LOVE AMERICA! This will be a very special event, honoring our Great Country, and our Brave Heroes who fought to keep us FREE," he continued, and included a link for people to RSVP. "I'll also tell you some of the GREAT things I've already done on Trade, especially as it relates to Farmers. You are going to be very happy with what I say — Should be a BIG Crowd!"
The event is slated to be held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines and is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Central Time, according to the event's website.
"This special event serves as the magnificent start of a dynamic, year-long commemoration across our beautiful country, unveiling a vision for a renewed commitment to America's future," Monica Crowley, the principal media representative for America250, said in a press release previewing the event.
The 250th anniversary of American independence will be held on July 4, 2026, with Trump repeatedly touting his administration will plan a year of patriotic events celebrating the anniversary.
The president's upcoming trip to Iowa follows the Senate passing Trump's "one big, beautiful bill" Tuesday afternoon, which is a massive piece of legislation that works to advance Trump's agenda on taxes, immigration, energy, defense and the national debt.
Trump was alerted to the news during a roundtable while visiting the Florida Everglades to tour a new illegal immigrant detention center, celebrating the news in separate Truth Social posts shortly after.
"Our Country is going to explode with Massive Growth, even more than it already has since I was Re-Elected. Between the Growth, this Bill, our Tariffs, and more, "THE ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL" sets the United States down a fiscal path by greatly reducing our Federal Deficit, and setting us on course for enormous Prosperity in the new and wonderful Golden Age of America," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday afternoon. "To my GOP friends in the House: Stay UNITED, have fun, and Vote "YAY." GOD BLESS YOU ALL!"
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Travel + Leisure
an hour ago
- Travel + Leisure
Calpak's Fourth of July Sale Has Deals Up to 60% Off—From Editor-approved Suitcases to Oprah-loved Duffels
Whoever coined the phrase 'a Jack of all trades, a master of none' clearly wasn't referencing California-based travel brand Calpak. Originally launched in 1989 as a handbag and wallet supplier, the company has grown to successfully launch everything from diaper bags to long-haul trunk suitcases—all with quality, durability, and functionality at the forefront. It's no wonder that the Oprah-loved brand is a favorite of ours to test here at Travel + Leisure ; whether you need a work-friendly travel tote, a set of packing cubes, or an all-in-one luggage set, Calpak does it all (and quite well , we might add). That's why we're especially stoked about the Calpak 4th of July Sale happening this weekend. This event includes deals up to 60 percent off colorful luggage sets, roomy laptop backpacks, compact carry-ons, and rolling duffel bags. Curious to know which deals we're most excited about? Keep scrolling for the 11 Calpak pieces we recommend shopping for Fourth of July, starting at $32. $175 $77 at Take it from someone who tests and reviews travel products for a living: The Calpak Terra collection is fantastic from top to bottom. This collection of wallets, sling bags, carry-ons, and travel accessories is made with recycled materials and water-resistant ripstop polyester that is, dare I say, practically impossible to scuff up or get dirty. I recently took the Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack on a carry-on-only trek to Puerto Rico and have been using the Terra 35L Tote Bag for beach trips. Both have been absolute lifesavers for staying organized. Now, I'm eyeing this Terra Laptop Backpack to add to my collection. Not only does it come with a myriad of zippered internal and external pockets and a luggage trolley sleeve, but it also has a padded laptop compartment that can be used for a hydration reservoir, transforming it from a commuter bag to a hiking pack. And just like the other bags in Calpak's Terra collection, this two-in-one duffel backpack is made from recycled plastic bottles and has a slick exterior that wipes clean. $165 $66 at What's hot pink, has wheels, and is 60 percent off? This one-of-a-kind Stevyn Rolling Duffel, of course! Previously $165, this $66 carry-on duffel has a large zippered bottom compartment to keep your shoes or bulky items separate from the rest of your clothes, a pass-through trolley sleeve, interior and exterior pockets, two spinning wheels, and reinforced grab handles. When you're tired of carrying it by hand, you can stand it upright and use the telescopic handle to pull it behind you in the airport. $48 $32 at Some adventures call for a smaller bag, and this Luka Mini Belt Bag, 35 percent off, is large enough to hold your most important items without weighing you down. On top of a spacious main compartment, this belt bag comes with a hidden back pocket for stashing your keys, ID, or cash, and has an adjustable nylon strap that can be worn on your waist or across your chest. Hundreds of Calpak shoppers have given a perfect five-star rating, with one reviewer noting that its mini size is perfect for 'everyday use.' $48 $39 at This might just be the cutest way to carry a water bottle. Made easy-to-clean, wipeable materials, this cinch-top water bottle holder is insulated to help keep your beverage cool, and is outfitted with three exterior pockets that can hold your sunglasses, sunscreen, wallet, or keys. The bungee cord opening allows for easy access to your drink, and the adjustable carrying strap can be worn as a crossbody or closer to your chest as a sling bag. $80 $56 at Upgrade your toiletry game with this Fit Hanging Dopp Kit that's flush with storage options. On sale for $24 off, this dopp kit comes with multiple interior mesh pockets, elastic loops, a hanging loop, and a large clear PVC zippered pouch that can be removed and used on its own for shorter trips. It's also made with an antimicrobial lining to keep bacteria and odors at bay. One five-star reviewer called it a 'must-have' for travel. 'I've been on the hunt for a TSA-compliant storage kit that also includes non-liquid storage for literal years, and I'm happy to say that my search is over,' they wrote. 'This product is both sleek and roomy, and can easily accommodate everything I need for trips up to 2 weeks.' $545 $273 at Starting your luggage collection from square one? Scoop up all the bags you'll ever need in one fell swoop thanks to Calpak's Evry Starter Bundle. This complete set comes with a carry-on, a large checked suitcase, three packing cubes, a laundry bag, a shoe bag, and a luggage tag. The suitcases are stacked with features, including 360-degree spinning wheels, interior divider pockets, TSA-approved locks, and two inches of expansion. $265 $212 at Don't let the fun color options fool you: This front pocket carry-on means business. Great for those who travel for work, it comes with a drop-down front lid pocket that has a padded laptop sleeve, a separate pocket for stashing notebooks or important documents, and a zippered mesh pocket for housing the essentials you need quick access to. TSA-approved combination locks, dual spinner wheels, and a side grab handle make moving through the airport a breeze. $98 $59 at Road trippers, soccer parents, and commuters, rejoice: This is the solution you've been looking for to maintain a tidy, organized car. This fully collapsible car organization system expands to create three spacious compartments to keep your essentials separate and easy to grab. Each compartment comes with a mesh separator pocket for documents and small items, and both ends have built-in carry handles for easy transportation. Whether you need a place to stash snacks or a change of clothes, there's no shortage of uses for this organizer. One five-star reviewer even shared that it was an 'unexpected lifesaver' while evacuating a wildfire and became a 'huge help' for housing items they almost left behind. $265 $159 at This Ambeur carry-on boasts a combination of functionality—and style—that is nothing short of impressive. This sleek metallic suitcase comes with four smooth-gliding 360-degree wheels, side handles for easy lifting, interior zippered dividers and pockets, and a TSA-approved combination lock for safekeeping. The coolest feature, though, is the drop-down exterior compartment: It contains two padded laptop sleeves, plus a deep, open pocket that's large enough to hold all of the essentials you need to quickly access while traveling. Each shiny colorway of this carry-on is on sale for over $100 off—while supplies last, that is. $115 $81 at Calpak's Luka collection has a large, dedicated internet fanbase, and this Fourth of July weekend, you can pick up this widely-beloved Luka Expandable Laptop Tote for 30 percent off, marking its original price down to $81. Made with a trendy, puffy exterior, this spacious tote comes with a padded laptop sleeve, a discreet zippered side pocket (perfect for stashing your passport), and an expandable zippered bottom that can add 3.5 additional inches of storage space. $265 $212 at Overpack to your heart's content thanks to the Hue Medium Trunk. It expands up to two additional inches and is 27.75 inches tall, allowing you to pack longer, larger items like trekking poles, knee-high boots, poster tubes, or wrapped gifts with ease. This travel trunk comes with all of Calpak's best luggage features, including 360-degree wheels, a TSA-approved lock, and cushioned grab handles for easy transportation. $180 $99 at If you're in the market for a reliable yet stylish work bag, look no further than the gorgeous Haven laptop tote, 45 percent off. You can customize this tote to suit your needs, too, thanks to the adjustable, removable shoulder strap, removable laptop sleeve, and removable multi-pocket organizational insert. Complete with a trolley sleeve and protective metal rivets at the bottom, this tote is perfect for commuting and business trips alike. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.


CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
Death toll from Texas floods rises to 24 as search underway for more than 20 girls unaccounted for
Update: Date: 33 min ago Title: Trump calls Texas flooding "terrible" and promises federal aid Content: President Donald Trump called the central Texas flooding 'terrible' and pledged federal support in the aftermath. 'It's terrible. The floods? It's shocking. They don't know the answer yet as to how many people, but it looks like some young people have died,' Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he traveled to his New Jersey golf club. Asked if there will be federal aid, he responded, 'Oh yeah, we'll take care of them. We're working with the governor. We're working with the governor. It's a terrible thing.' At least 24 people have died in Kerr County, Texas, after severe flooding inundated the area, according to County Sheriff Larry Leitha. Update: Date: 32 min ago Title: More than 20 campers unaccounted for, more than 200 people rescued across Kerr County, officials say Content: Between 23 and 25 people at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas, are still unaccounted for following severe flooding in the region, authorities said Friday night. Early Friday morning, about 107 game wardens and an aviation group tried to access the camp, according to officials. Shortly after midday, they were able to enter the camp and start rescuing children. Authorities were in contact with about 18 camps along the Guadalupe River and said Camp Mystic was the only camp with people still unaccounted for as of Friday evening. 'The far majority of those camps have their campers and have already contacted their families and working to reunite those families together,' Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, said at a news conference Friday. 'We are focused on the ones that cannot help themselves right now, and that is our primary area of concern.' More than 200 people have been rescued across Kerr County, and emergency response efforts are still underway. 'As of a few hours ago, we had rescued or evacuated 237 people and 167 of those were by helicopter,' Major General Thomas M. Suelzer said at a news conference Friday night. 'So we are having a very good helicopter response when the weather allows.' On Saturday, personnel will be sent to help manage evacuee shelters with tracking efforts to help confirm those located to date, he added. Suelzer said three additional helicopters are also on the way to help support the community. Update: Date: 32 min ago Title: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issues disaster declaration following deadly flooding Content: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Friday he has issued a disaster declaration after severe flooding left at least 24 dead and more than 20 missing in the state. The declaration was issued for several of the hardest hit counties in central Texas: Bandera, Comal, Concho, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimball, Llano, Mason, McCullough, Menard, Reeves, San Saba and Tom Green. It will ensure the counties 'are going to have access to every tool, strategy, personnel that the state of Texas can provide to them, which will be limitless,' he said. 'We'll put in everything we have in the entire state,' Abbott said.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Trump says Iran has not agreed to inspections, give up enrichment
(Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran had not agreed to inspections of its nuclear program or to give up enriching uranium. He told reporters aboard Air Force One that he believed Tehran's nuclear program had been set back permanently although Iran could restart it at a different location. Trump said he would discuss Iran with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he visits the White House on Monday. "I would say it's set back permanently," Trump said as he traveled to New Jersey after an Independence Day celebration at the White House. "I would think they'd have to start at a different location. And if they did start, it would be a problem." Trump said he would not allow Tehran to resume its nuclear program, adding that Iran did want to meet with him. The U.N. nuclear watchdog said on Friday it had pulled its last remaining inspectors from Iran as a standoff deepens over their return to the country's nuclear facilities bombed by the United States and Israel. The U.S. and Israel say Iran was enriching uranium to build nuclear weapons. Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Israel launched its first military strikes on Iran's nuclear sites in a 12-day war with the Islamic Republic three weeks ago. The International Atomic Energy Agency's inspectors have not been able to inspect Iran's facilities since then, even though IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has said that is his top priority. Iran's parliament has passed a law suspending cooperation with the IAEA until the safety of its nuclear facilities can be guaranteed. While the IAEA says Iran has not yet formally informed it of any suspension, it is unclear when the agency's inspectors will be able to return to Iran. Iran has accused the agency of effectively paving the way for the bombings by issuing a damning report on May 31 that led to a resolution by the IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors declaring Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations. The U.S. and Israeli military strikes either destroyed or badly damaged Iran's three uranium enrichment sites. But it was less clear what has happened to much of Iran's nine tons of enriched uranium, especially the more than 400 kg (880 pounds) enriched to up to 60% purity, a short step from weapons grade.