Making a Cake for America’s 250th Birthday

7/4/2026 3:00 PM Open Story
In her quest to mark the nation’s 250th with a unifying dessert, Grace Pak had to navigate the pitfalls of a polarized Washington.
Democrats Clash With Trump, as Political Tensions Rise on America’s 250th

7/4/2026 3:04 PM Open Story
Gavin Newsom and Wes Moore, potential 2028 contenders, cast President Trump’s record as a betrayal of American ideals, while the president disparaged their party as extreme.
‘Who Should I Vote for?’ Voters Turn to A.I. Before Casting Their Ballots

7/4/2026 2:00 AM Open Story
It takes effort to be an informed citizen. Artificial intelligence tools offer an alluring shortcut — but they’re not without risk.
Huge Crowds Mass in Tehran for Ayatollah’s State Funeral

7/4/2026 1:39 PM Open Story
As days of public mourning ceremonies began, Iranians viewed the casket of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the start of the U.S.-Israeli attacks.
The Funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei

7/4/2026 1:22 PM Open Story
Iran’s new leaders are commemorating Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed on the first day of the U.S.-Israeli war against the country, with a funeral unlike any other in recent history.
Nearly a Million Investors Lost a Total of $3.8 Billion on Trump Crypto Coin

7/4/2026 3:28 AM Open Story
A report from a cryptocurrency analytics firm details how those who bought the Trump memecoin have fared, with most retail investors having lost money while sophisticated traders did better.
Justice Alito Gives No Indication He’s Ready to Step Down From the Supreme Court

7/4/2026 6:02 AM Open Story
This term, Justice Alito delivered major wins for conservatives on voting rights, immigration and guns. He’s given no indication that he’s ready to step down.
What to Know About Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Wedding Festivities

7/4/2026 5:38 AM Open Story
Yes, they got married. Yes, they held a huge event inside Madison Square Garden. No, the guests did not post much about it. (At least they haven’t yet.)
Founding Father vs. Foundering Toddler

7/4/2026 4:00 AM Open Story
No. 1 puts No. 45/47 to shame.
Five Words That Shook the World

7/1/2026 1:07 PM Open Story
It wasn’t Thomas Jefferson who made “All men are created equal” actually mean something.
The Texas Hill Country Flood, One Year Later

7/4/2026 5:23 PM Open Story
A year after a catastrophic flood killed 139 people in the Texas Hill Country, communities along the Guadalupe River are still rebuilding.