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The Short List

Thu Jul 2 2026

Rebecca Morin | Senior National News Reporter

@RebeccaMorin_

👋 Lots of celebrating happening this weekend! Rebecca Morin here, warning that you might have to rethink your holiday cookout.

In Thursday’s news:

•	All eyes are on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding this week.
•	There will be a major 250th Fourth of July celebration in Washington, DC.
•	The U.S. men’s national team is heading to the next round at the World Cup.

But first: What would you do if you were disqualified from a hot dog eating contest? 🌭Try and try again.

America’s own royal wedding

The United States may not have a royal family, but megastar Taylor Swift and multi-Super Bowl winner Travis Kelce are pretty darn close. And all eyes are on their nuptials. Swift and Kelce are rumored to have a star-studded wedding celebration on Friday at Madison Square Garden.

•	What does the outside of Madison Square Garden look like ahead of the reported Swift-Kelce wedding? USA TODAY's Ralphie Aversa is on the ground.
•	Taylor Swift’s friends have been spotted around NYC ahead of the reported wedding.
•	Why Taylor Swift may get married at home before Madison Square Garden.

Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs and Taylor Swift embrace after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas.

Ezra Shaw, Getty Images

United States’ milestone birthday 🇺🇸

Happy (early) birthday, America. It will be a historic Fourth of July on Saturday, one that marks the 250th year milestone since we declared our independence to become this powerhouse nation. There will be fireworks – record breaking ones – in the nation’s capitol, and celebrations across the country. But be sure to stay safe and hydrated as many states face epic heat.

•	What are your dreams for the future of America? Here’s what some had to say.
•	Why not every American is in a partying mood for the Fourth.
•	A day before his Fourth of July celebration, Trump is expected to speak at Mount Rushmore.

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 04: Fireworks explode near the Washington Monument during a 4th of July celebration at the White House on July 4, 2025 in Washington D.C. (Photo by Alex Brandon - Pool/Getty Images)

Pool, Getty Images

Real quick

•	An Olympic canoeist has been indicted after allegedly tampering with the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
•	An unlikely rivalry: Dolly Parton vs. Buc-ee’s. 🤔
•	Europe is also experiencing the heat, and it’s causing a debate over a very American luxury: AC. 💨
•	Eight days after the devastating Venezuela earthquakes, there was a miracle rescue. 🙏
•	The daredevil couple who climbed the Empire State building, got engaged and then were promptly arrested, well, they’ve now been released.

Cracking the Trump code

President Donald Trump is known for blowing up legislation, making surprise nominations and rage-posting online. And it’s not always an easy task for Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill to handle – unless you’re House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Johnson in an exclusive interview with USA TODAY’s Francesca Chamber detailed how he has maintained close ties with Trump despite losing grip on his own chamber in Congress.

VPC JOHNSON REFLECTS ON BALANCE OF POWER IN TRUMP ERA _THUMB.00_00_00_00.Still003.jpg

“There's a natural friction that is there between the branches." House Speaker Mike Johnson told USA TODAY about the tug-of-war between the legislative and executive branches in an exclusive interview.

Jack Gruber

U-S-A, U-S-A 🦅

Get your U.S. kit ready and blast “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” The U.S. men's national team is heading to the round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup, the first time they’ve won in a knockout round in more than two decades. The USMNT defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0, despite being down one player due to a controversial red card dealt to top star Folarin Balogun.

•	See how USMNT celebrated their win.
•	FIFA fever: Soccer ball imports reach a record high due to the World Cup.
•	As a Mexican-American, El Tri is making my heart so full – especially player Julián Quiñones.
•	So who’s already in the World Cup round of 16?

Weston McKennie (8), Giovanni Reyna (7) and Malik Tillman celebrate victory after the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026.

Francois Nel, Getty Images

A break from the news

•	Happy 40th birthday, Lindsay Lohan! Thanks for all your iconic roles that my mom and I still quote. 🎂
•	Did your favorite movie make the list? We ranked the best American films. 🎥
•	If you’re hot, your pet probably is too! Here’s some tips to keep them cool. 🐶🕶️

Rebecca Morin is a senior news reporter at USA TODAY. My favorite part of Fourth of July are the fireworks and cookouts (though it might be a little too hot for both this year! 😬) What’s your favorite part of the holiday? Let me know at rdmorin@usatoday.com.