The family of Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old Black athlete, is seeking answers regarding his death during a July 4 boat trip off Mississippi's Gulf Coast. An independent autopsy was inconclusive, and conflicting accounts, coupled with the state's legacy of racism, have deepened distrust as authorities investigate.
SCMP's weekly report features China's Xi Jinping sending a July 4 message to Trump, setting a new precedent amid diplomatic efforts to stabilize US-China relations. Other highlights include Hong Kong's top IB scorers and China's role in Cabo Verde's FIFA journey.
A Tennessee Incline Railway operator was fired after a July 4th video of him telling passengers "if you disagree, you can leave" went viral. The operator defended his remarks as patriotic, while the transit authority apologized and stated zero tolerance for demeaning language.
Tibet's tourism authority is awarding 500,000 yuan ($73,500) to influencer @Liyaode for a viral road trip video promoting local tourism. The video, showing a 2,200km taxi journey from Chongqing to Lhasa, garnered 15 million likes in a day.
The family of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old Mississippi teen found dead on Horn Island, has hired civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump. Wells went missing after a July 4th trip with friends. His family seeks answers and an independent autopsy as the investigation continues.
The family of Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old college football player found dead after disappearing during a July 4 boat trip to Horn Island, Mississippi, has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump. Investigators are working to determine the circumstances of his death, with his mother appealing for information.
President Trump informed Turkish President Erdogan that the US will lift sanctions imposed due to Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems. Trump also discussed Ukraine settlement with Putin and Zelensky, Greenland's strategic importance, and US-Europe relations.
Barron Trump was absent from Donald Trump's July 4th celebration at the Great American State Fair, despite his mother attending. The event faced disruptions due to heat and severe weather, and Trump was reportedly unhappy with crowd size.
President Trump stated he personally intervened to prevent the cancellation of the National Mall's July 4th celebration after severe weather caused a mass evacuation. Despite delays and a reduced crowd, the event proceeded with a campaign-style speech and fireworks.
President Donald Trump provided varying and unconfirmed crowd size estimates for his July 4 "Salute to America 250" event on the National Mall, which was affected by severe weather. Media reports questioned the figures, noting Trump's history of exaggerating attendance.
America celebrated its 250th birthday with political speeches and fireworks. Iran held a funeral for Ayatollah Khamenei amidst a shaky truce. The U.S. men's soccer team faced Belgium in the World Cup. Stories also covered immigration challenges and advice on eating out affordably.
China's President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to US President Trump on the 250th anniversary of US independence. The message, conveyed by Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, follows recent diplomatic efforts to stabilize US-China relations.
Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) 2020-21 Series-IX investors can now redeem their bonds prematurely from July 4, 2026. The Reserve Bank of India has fixed the premature redemption price at Rs 14,366 per unit, reflecting a 190.22% return on initial investment.
A Delta Air Lines flight reported being struck by fireworks while descending into Chicago Midway International Airport on July 4th. The pilot described a "big bang" at a low altitude. The FAA is investigating the incident, though the aircraft landed safely with no reported damage or injuries.
Washington D.C. experienced the world's worst air quality on Sunday following a massive July 4th fireworks display. Authorities issued a 'Code Red' alert, advising vulnerable groups to stay indoors. Hundreds required medical assistance during the event.
On America's 250th birthday, Michael and Susan Dell announced a $250 donation each to 25 million qualifying American children signing up for 'Trump Accounts,' a government-backed investment vehicle. This initiative aims to give the next generation a stake in the economy.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum contradicted President Trump's claims that vandalism caused algae blooms at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, stating the algae was a "momentary thing" from pipes. Burgum did confirm "gashes" totaling 350 feet in the pool's coating, attributing them to a "small group of people" attempting to "destroy" it, while denying that vehicles on the surface contributed. The $15 million renovation project, initially estimated at $2 million, faces further delays and reapplication of coating.
Eight people, including four children aged 6 to 14, were shot during Fourth of July fireworks in Coney Island, New York City. A 21-year-old woman is in critical condition, while the others, aged 6 to 37, are stable. A firearm was recovered, but no arrests have been made.
Egypt has inaugurated 'The Octagon', its new State Strategic Command Headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. This advanced facility, spanning 22,000 acres, is described as one of the world's largest military headquarters and a 'miniature administrative and defence city'.
President Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Russian President Putin on Saturday, discussing the Ukraine conflict and upcoming NATO summit. Zelenskyy expressed optimism about ending the war, while Putin's call focused on the Ukrainian settlement.
Fort Lauderdale officials demonstrated firework dangers using a watermelon, cantaloupe, and mannequin hand to urge caution during July 4th celebrations. The goal is to prevent injuries as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
A severe heat wave in the eastern US has pushed electricity demand to near-record levels, prompting PJM Interconnection, the nation's largest power grid operator, to implement emergency measures to reduce consumption and prevent blackouts. Millions remain under heat warnings as soaring temperatures strain the grid, leading to high wholesale electricity prices and disruptions to July 4th celebrations.
South Korean boy group BTS has been named "honored guest" of Argentina's La Plata city. The designation, approved by the city council, recognizes BTS for its global cultural influence, youth rights advocacy, and contributions to international cultural exchange. The group is scheduled to perform in La Plata in October.
President Trump reportedly "livid" over poor turnout at his Great American State Fair kickoff, prompting staff to delete photos. Concerns rise for a similar low turnout at his July 4th National Mall event due to heat, security, and late start time.
