Photos: July Fourth Protests in Los Angeles
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Newsweek
22 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Fourth of July Fireworks Explode on Boat, Injuring Multiple People
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Multiple people were injured after fireworks exploded on a boat in Alabama during a show to mark the Fourth of July. Newsweek has contacted the Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) for comment via emails sent outside regular business hours. The Context The incident occurred in the Blue Creek area on Lake Martin at around 9 p.m. local time on Friday as a large number of people had gathered to watch a fireworks show to mark the Independence Day holiday. What To Know Fireworks had been launched from the boat for several minutes when one exploded low near the vessel, the Alexander City Outlook reported. The entire vessel then caught fire and was burning for some time. Video posted to social media shows the moment the explosion on the boat occurred, prompting multiple fireworks to be set off at once. At least five people were injured, according to the Alexander City Outlook. However, the severity of their injuries was not immediately known. The newspaper reported that at least three medical helicopters flew to the area to transport some of those who were injured to area hospitals, while others were transported by ambulance. The Tallapoosa County Coroner confirmed to that there have been no reports of fatalities. Fireworks illuminate the skyline above the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and U.S. Capitol during U.S. Independence Day celebrations, as seen from Arlington, Virginia, on July 4. Fireworks illuminate the skyline above the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and U.S. Capitol during U.S. Independence Day celebrations, as seen from Arlington, Virginia, on July 4. Mohammad Reza Mousavi/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images Meanwhile, seven people were transported to the hospital with burns after their boat exploded on Lake Lanier in Georgia on Friday. The Hall County Sheriff's Office told Fox5 Atlanta that the vessel was being towed in Landshark Cove when it burst into flames at around 7 p.m. The person operating the boat rescued all seven people and transported them to paramedics in Margaritaville, the local news station reported. The two incidents on Friday come days after an explosion at a fireworks warehouse in rural Northern California. A barrage of fireworks exploded in the warehouse on Tuesday night, causing a massive blaze that collapsed the building and forced evacuations in the surrounding community. Rescue crews are continuing to search for seven people missing after the explosion. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. What People Are Saying Meteorologist James Spann wrote on Facebook alongside a video of Friday's incident: "This is video of an explosion during a fireworks show tonight on Blue Creek at Lake Martin. There have been multiple injuries and several emergency medical helicopters were dispatched. Law enforcement is asking for boaters to stay away from this area." What Happens Next? The ALEA's Marine Police Division is investigating the incident.
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Melania copies Trump's signature dance as first couple marks Fourth of July at White House
First Lady Melania Trump marked the Fourth of July celebrations by joining President Donald Trump in his signature dance on the White House balcony, a moment that quickly gained traction on social media. The 'Trump Dance,' often performed by the former president at his campaign rallies to hits like the 'YMCA,' involves rhythmically punching the air and swaying his hips. On Friday night, Trump showed his familiar moves when Melania joined in, waving her open palms and bouncing on her feet, while Trump watched on affectionately. The celebration coincided with Trump signing the sweeping 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' into law, as America marked its 249th Independence Day. The First Couple's lively moment captured the attention of netizens, who flooded social media with praise. 'SO deserve this moment,' one supporter wrote. Another added, 'A true leader and definitely for the American people! America First!' A third person commented, 'Absolutely love how he pulls her in close and kisses her. ❤️' 'Our First Lady is absolutely radiant! She's glowing. She never glowed like that in the first term,' another user remarked. The dance has also gained popularity beyond political rallies. Supporters have used it to celebrate key moments, such as a flash mob in Staten Island following Trump's re-election in November. The energetic moves have even been adopted as a victory dance by athletes in the UFC and WWE.
Saudi Gazette
an hour ago
- Saudi Gazette
Desperate search underway for two dozen missing girls after deadly Texas floods
TEXAS — Rescue teams conducted frantic searches early Saturday for approximately two dozen missing children from a girls' summer camp and many others following a catastrophic flash flood that swept through the Texas Hill Country, killing at least 24 people. Authorities warn that the death toll is likely to rise. The floodwaters of the Guadalupe River surged 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes before dawn Friday, washing away homes, vehicles, and devastating the area. Officials have issued flash flood warnings and watches for parts of central Texas, with additional heavy rainfall expected over the weekend. Rescue operations have involved helicopters, boats, and drones to locate missing victims and evacuate those stranded. Among the missing are around 24 girls who were attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp situated along the river. The total number of people unaccounted for remains unclear. Elinor Lester, 13, a camper at Camp Mystic, described the terrifying ordeal: 'The camp was completely destroyed. A helicopter landed and started taking people away. It was really scary.' She recalled how rescuers helped campers cross a bridge by tying ropes for support as floodwaters surged around their legs. At a news conference late Friday, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed 24 deaths, including children, and said about 240 people had been rescued. The unexpected flooding struck on the Fourth of July holiday night, catching many residents, campers, and officials by surprise. The Texas Hill Country, northwest of San Antonio, is a popular summer destination for camping and swimming. Questions have emerged about the adequacy of warning systems and preparedness. Officials defended their response but acknowledged the intensity of the downpour far exceeded forecasts, which had predicted only three to six inches (76 to 152 millimeters) of rain. Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, said, 'It did not predict the amount of rain that we saw.' Meteorologist Bob Fogarty from the National Weather Service's Austin/San Antonio office noted a river gauge near Camp Mystic recorded a 22-foot rise in about two hours before it failed after reaching nearly 30 feet (9 meters). 'The water's moving so fast, you're not going to recognize how bad it is until it's on top of you,' Fogarty said. More than 1,000 rescue personnel have been deployed, with U.S. Coast Guard helicopters assisting. Several people have been rescued from trees and other precarious locations. Erin Burgess from Ingram recounted her experience being swept by floodwaters while clinging to a tree with her teenage son. 'Thankfully he's over 6 feet tall. That's the only thing that saved me,' she said. Her boyfriend and dog were initially separated by the flood but were later found safe. Other residents, like Matthew Stone of Kerrville, said they received no emergency alerts before the flood struck. 'We got no emergency alert. There was nothing,' he said, describing the flood as a 'pitch black wall of death.' At reunification centers, families anxiously awaited news, some tearful, others relieved as loved ones were found. Barry Adelman shared how he and his family took refuge in their attic as floodwaters filled their home. 'I was having to look at my grandson in the face and tell him everything was going to be OK, but inside I was scared to death,' he said. Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick stated that warnings were issued about heavy rain but emphasized uncertainty about exact locations. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly acknowledged the county lacks a formal warning system and admitted no one anticipated such an extreme flood. The slow-moving storm system is expected to bring more heavy rain and flooding across central Texas through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Known locally as 'flash flood alley' due to its steep, thin-soiled hills, the region's terrain causes rainwater to rapidly run off rather than soak in, amplifying flood risks. The Guadalupe River is a cornerstone of the local economy, supporting tourism and well-established summer camps that draw children nationwide. Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, expressed concern for the community's future while coordinating relief efforts. 'It's generally a very tranquil river with really beautiful clear blue water that people have been attracted to for generations,' Dickson said. — Agencies
