WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump mixed partisan politics with patriotic appeals on Saturday as he commemorated the 250th anniversary of American independence, a moment he declared "one of the most joyous and glorious milestones of all time."

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrived at the Salute to America, an Independence Day event honoring the nation's 250th anniversary, on Saturday, July 4, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington.

Speaking in Washington after storms prompted roughly a two-hour evacuation of the National Mall, Trump honored veterans, including several from World War II and one of the first Black officers to lead a Special Forces team in combat in Vietnam. They stood before flags symbolizing some of the most significant and challenging moments in American history, from the one draped over Abraham Lincoln's casket to the one that flew on the Wright Brothers' plane.

Yet Trump also ventured into partisan territory unusual for an Independence Day address, which presidents typically use to unify the country. Instead, he campaigned for the SAVE America Act, an elections bill encountering resistance even from fellow Republicans in Congress. He highlighted his support for the Second Amendment and revived denunciations of communism, increasingly central to Trump's messaging ahead of November's midterms.

The speech capped a holiday that Trump shaped to his preferences. He was introduced by performers who regularly appear at his rallies, including Lee Greenwood, who performed "God Bless the USA." Event organizers were largely aligned with the White House, replacing a bipartisan organization launched by Congress a decade earlier.

"We will always be on top," Trump said. "We will never let our country fall. We will always be the best."

Trump spoke less about himself than during his typical rallies, though he included a joke about seeking a third presidential term and references to World War II's "greatest generation."

"They are the greatest generation," Trump said. "I hate to admit that, but they are."

Anticipation for the milestone holiday has built throughout the year, offering Americans a chance to reflect on their complicated history as former colonists who became a superpower. Organizers of months-long celebrations had to adjust or cancel activities as much of the East Coast endured heat approaching and often exceeding triple digits.

A woman has warned travelers after witnessing security staff confiscate numerous portable fans at Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport during the peak travel season. She shared photos of a confiscation bin overflowing with various handheld fans, likening it to a "mountain of fans," and urged travelers to carefully check baggage regulations before flying to avoid losing items at security checkpoints.

The woman posted on Threads on July 3, expressing surprise at how many passengers were unable to bring portable fans through security and had to abandon them in the confiscation bin. She urged international travelers to carefully review what they pack to avoid abandoning items at checkpoints.

According to Taoyuan International Airport's website, portable fans using lithium-ion or LiFePO4 batteries may only be carried in carry-on luggage and are prohibited in checked baggage. Fans using lead-acid batteries that do not meet IATA's A67 specifications are not permitted on aircraft in any form.

Power banks are also prohibited in checked baggage and must be carried on board. Batteries with capacity not exceeding 100 watt-hours can be brought aboard normally, while those between 100-160 Wh require airline approval. Batteries exceeding 160 Wh are not permitted on aircraft, and power banks cannot be used or charged during flight.

The airport also reminds passengers that they may carry one regular lighter in carry-on luggage only. Windproof lighters and blue flame lighters are completely prohibited. For liquids, gels, and sprays, containers must not exceed 100 milliliters each and must be placed together in a clear ziplock bag with total capacity not exceeding one liter. Sharp objects like knives and scissors are only permitted in checked baggage, with the exception of scissors with blades not exceeding 6 centimeters in length.

Thailand's women's volleyball team captain Chompoo Pornpranom expressed hope that the squad will win at least two matches during the final week of the 2026 Women's Nations League (VNL 2026) in Osaka, Japan, from July 8-12. Coach Kiarti Ratchatakienkaew led the team's departure on July 5, 2026, via Thai Airways flight TG672 at 8:25 a.m. Before leaving, Chompoo stated that after completing the second week with ample rest and good physical preparation, the team had fully recovered over the past 10 days and returned to intensive training, with all players ready for the third week of competition. "The final week's schedule is quite demanding. We don't know how well we'll perform against the top teams until we play, but we believe our preparation has been intense. Facing strong opponents will be challenging, but we're confident we'll compete fiercely," Chompoo said. "We'll face Japan, America, Turkey, and Brazil—I'm sure they're coming at full strength. But we believe we can compete. These will be tough matches, but good ones for us. Thailand's goal is to secure at least two victories, even though all four opponents are among the world's top teams," she added. Thailand's match schedule includes: Wednesday, July 8 vs. USA at 1:30 p.m.; Thursday, July 9 vs. Japan at 5:20 p.m.; Saturday, July 11 vs. Brazil at 1:30 p.m.; and Sunday, July 12 vs. Turkey at 1:30 p.m.

On July 5, 2025, police inspected an unauthorized cooking gas retailer in Krathumbaen District, Samut Sakhon Province, following reports that the shop was operating without a license and refurbishing expired gas cylinders by repainting them before resale. Inspectors discovered 538 gas cylinders—both empty and filled—valued at approximately 413,730 baht, including 38 expired units. The shop owner, who had operated for over 20 years, admitted to personally repairing damaged or old cylinders, sanding rust, and applying new paint without sending them for professional inspection and safety certification from authorized manufacturers.

Beyond the refurbishing practice, authorities found the shop lacked proper business licensing for a Class 3 controlled facility (cooking gas storage and retail location) and had no safety systems or fire prevention measures meeting standards. Cooking gas is a highly flammable, high-pressure substance; any leakage combined with an ignition source could cause severe fires or explosions, particularly dangerous given the shop's proximity to residential areas.

Officials stressed that reselling expired or improperly repaired cylinders without certification poses extreme risk. Cylinder structures deteriorate from use, rust, and corrosion, losing their ability to safely contain gas pressure. Exposure to heat or leakage could trigger explosions, causing widespread harm to lives and property.

While LPG is commonly used in homes, restaurants, and small businesses and is safe when properly filled, stored, and used, non-standard cylinders with uncertified modifications present serious dangers. All cylinders were seized for inspection, and criminal proceedings were initiated. Authorities urged the public to buy cooking gas only from licensed retailers, inspect cylinders for corrosion or damage before use, and report suspicious shops immediately.

The shop owner faces charges for operating a Class 3 controlled facility without authorization under the Fuel Oil Control Act 1985 (up to 2 years imprisonment and/or 200,000 baht fine) and for using non-standard gas cylinders under the Fuel Oil Control Act and Energy Ministry regulations (up to 1 year imprisonment and/or 100,000 baht fine).

Police in Muang Phayao district revealed their investigation into a theft ring operating within the police station grounds on July 5, 2569 (2026). Officers discovered that modified motorcycle exhaust pipes held as evidence in the front parking lot had gradually gone missing. Investigators determined the youth gang struck between 2:00-3:00 AM, when foot traffic was minimal. CCTV footage captured the suspects sneaking into the station compound and carrying away exhaust pipes. The thefts occurred on four separate occasions: June 27, June 28, July 1, and July 3.

After analyzing CCTV footage and conducting local investigations, police identified 11 local youths as the perpetrators. Officers tracked down and arrested 9 of them; the other 2 were already in custody on drug charges. Searches recovered 10 motorcycle exhaust pipes, 3 exhaust manifolds, and 1 motorcycle arm. All suspects confessed to stealing evidence property from Muang Phayao police station.

Authorities have seized all recovered items as evidence and detained the suspects for legal proceedings. Police are continuing their investigation to determine who purchased the stolen parts and whether additional accomplices or fences were involved in the operation.

General Decha Hemguraksa announced that the Chinese Cycling Association's chairman confirmed sending Balance Bike athletes to the Asian Balance Bike Championship in Thailand in 2027, contingent on approval from the ACC Management meeting. The second round of Thailand's national Balance Bike championship was held on July 5, 2025 at Kamalasai Sports Park (FBT) on Suwinthawong Road in Bangkok's Nong Chok district. General Decha, serving as vice president of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) and president of Thailand's cycling federation, presided over the opening ceremony alongside Kamal-Nang Paveena Chokpaibulkit, chairman of Thai Football Factory Sports Goods Company, and cycling association board members. The event was livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube TCA Channel, attracting over 10,000 viewers.

General Decha explained that this second round features a racing format over 300 meters, allowing athletes to demonstrate speed and cornering skills—different from the first round in Phichit, which featured a pump-track with wave terrain. Both formats provide foundational skills for children to progress to BMX racing. Parents largely praised the layout and spacious venue of this second round compared to previous competitions.

Rounds three and four, scheduled for July 19 and August 4 respectively, will be held at Central Korat shopping mall in Nakhon Ratchasima in an indoor, air-conditioned racing format with carpet flooring. Each round features variations in course design approved by the association's technical committee based on parent feedback.

General Decha further disclosed that during his June 26 meeting with Sun Wei Min, chairman of the Chinese Cycling Association (CCA), to strengthen bilateral cycling sports cooperation, he requested China send Balance Bike athletes to next year's Asian Balance Bike Championship. Dato' Amachit Singh Gill, ACC president, approved hosting the championship in Thailand again in 2027, pending ratification at the ACC Management 2026 meeting on August 6 in Nilai, Malaysia. The meeting is expected to approve Thailand as host. Sun Wei Min confirmed China will definitely send Balance Bike athletes, as the sport is hugely popular in China with thousands of competitors, though this year's tight June 6-7 schedule prevented their participation. Athletes from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other nations are also expected to participate, with approximately 15 countries anticipated.