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The White House has released a July Fourth report criticizing the Smithsonian’s portrayal of American history as biased toward activism. President Trump has issued an executive order directing sidewalk signs outside the Smithsonian and a temporary exhibit to present what he calls accurate information, while Smithsonian leadership defends ongoing scholarship and a fuller account of the nation’s story.
The cease-fire with Iran has collapsed as attacks on shipping resume and the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile. U.S. and Iranian forces are trading strikes; oil prices have climbed above $100 again. The situation is accelerating, with no clear exit in sight and economic pressure mounting.
The Department of State has begun issuing Patriot Passports, featuring a living president’s portrait, at 27 passport offices nationwide. In-person applications are required on designated days; the gold-embossed interior shows the president’s signature. The move follows a wave of high-visibility tributes to the president, including coins and potential currency signatures.
Investigators say a No. 2 engine fan blade broke off shortly after takeoff from Thessaloniki, shattering a window and injuring a passenger. The aircraft returned safely to Thessaloniki; ultrasonic inspections showed prior bird strikes and engine parts remain under investigation.
Kyle Kirkwood has won the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in downtown Washington, D.C., finishing 3.09 seconds ahead of Christian Lundgaard after leading 128 of 147 laps. President Donald Trump has waved the green flag and taken a ceremonial lap; the race routed 25 drivers past the National Mall as part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations.
Today in Washington, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix has begun amid Washington, D.C.’s milestone anniversary celebrations. President Trump has waved the green flag for the IndyCar race, which features a 147-lap course through iconic sites; Alex Palou and Kyle Kirkwood start on the front row as action unfolds around Capitol Hill.
Lonnie G. Bunch III will leave the Smithsonian Institution by year’s end. The departure follows a White House report criticizing Smithsonian leadership and a broader push from the Trump administration to realign how American history is presented in national museums. The move comes as the institution faces renewed calls for changes to exhibits and leadership amid partisan pressure.
A federal judge has ordered the White House to restore press credentials for CNN, MS NOW and Politico for 14 days, finding the outlets likely were denied due process. Journalists were briefly barred Thursday despite the order; the administration says it needed time to reinstate badges as Chinese leader Xi Jinping visited Washington.
Three Smithsonian museums face heightened scrutiny as federal authorities advance measures over content and staffing, with officials insisting exhibitions remain scholarly while political signals suggest tighter oversight. Anniversary celebrations at the National Museum of African American History and Culture contrast with federal pressure on how history is presented.
Two giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, have been pledged to Zoo Atlanta as part of a long-running diplomatic program. Their arrival signals renewed US-China soft-power ties amid ongoing discussions on AI and trade during Xi Jinping’s state visit with President Trump. The animals will undergo quarantine before public viewing, with timelines for appearance at the zoo still unconfirmed.
Arlington County has filed a lawsuit against the National Park Service, arguing the proposed 250‑foot arch near Memorial Circle will harm residents, disrupt traffic, and alter views from iconic sites. The case seeks to halt ground‑disturbing work until proper environmental reviews are completed. The government says it is following all laws.