Why do we celebrate birthdays? The practice is so ingrained, so ubiquitous that we might not stop to consider the purpose.

We celebrate birthdays because we love the person whose birth we remember. We celebrate because of the resulting goods — the joys, the comforts, the laughs — with which we’ve been blessed since that person entered the world and our lives. Finally, we celebrate them because life itself is a good, and remembering individual lives reminds us of its goodness.

Birthdays mostly concern human beings, but they also can and do pertain to nations. We Americans were born on the Fourth of July in 1776. We are a July Fourth people.

Before our founding, we had our ancestors — forefathers whose words and deeds still make up part of our DNA. The political philosophy of Ancient Greece instilled the importance of reason and the universality of justice for political life. Ancient Rome showed the importance of structure in government and the need for proper administration of law. The biblical witness of Ancient Israel and the early church also displayed the concept of human dignity and equality before God.

We Americans then gestated for centuries within the British empire. As colonies, we practiced the art of self-government, largely left alone by the mother country. We were nourished not only by our ancestral heritage but by new articulations of free government from men such as John Locke and the French thinker Montesquieu.

The battles with the king and parliament in the 1760s and 1770s were our labor. We pushed and fought to be born anew as our own nation with our own principles. That birth finally came on July 4, 1776. It was announced in the Declaration of Independence.

But that declaration did more than simply announce a new birthday. It stated why we should evermore celebrate this birth.

America claimed for itself goods it had inherited and learned from others. It dedicated us to the “self-evident” truth of human equality. It decreed that humans possess natural rights bestowed on them, in their own making, by a benevolent creator. And it dedicated all good governments to protecting those rights by consent of the governed.

America’s history has been far from perfect. But it has been a triumph for liberty and human equality. It has garnered our love because she is our own, but also because she is good. She has our affection, too, for the many goods she has given us across the generations.

This July Fourth, we have much to concern us. The American experiment is never completely safe. Each new generation must take up the mantle of our cause both to perpetuate and to enhance it. Our goal is not just to have our children better off economically than ourselves. It is to leave America a more just and good place, more aligned with its noble purposes, than how we found it.

America is in a struggle over our future. Do we return and maintain or break away from our past? Do we celebrate this birthday in perpetuity or increasingly become embarrassed by it?

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Let us celebrate heartily what our Founders did that first July Fourth. Let us strive to form ourselves more to their wisdom. And let us continue to work to leave our country better for our children than we have it now.

That is a worthy birthday gift to the country and to ourselves. Because, in the end, we all, as Americans, were born on the Fourth of July.

Adam Carrington is an associate professor of politics at Hillsdale College.

With the Independence Day holiday comes a myriad of safety recommendations from public health agencies and politicians alike.

Government warnings about food safety, fireworks precautions, and sun protection are part of the Fourth of July holiday, and although the advice may seem like common knowledge, hospital and emergency room visits tend to spike over Independence Day week.

On average, nearly 91,000 people visit emergency rooms on July 4 and 5, according to the Pew Research Center. That is compared to a national summertime average of nearly 41,000, making Independence Day one of the most dangerous holidays of the year.

Here is some of the best advice from government public health agencies on how to protect yourself from simple mistakes this holiday.

Food poisoning

Last month, a photo of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) with cheese on a raw hamburger patty in a staged Father’s Day grilling scene went viral, leading to an onslaught of criticism of the 73-year-old legislator.

The kerfuffle also sparked increased interest in safe internal temperatures for meat as well as proper storage.

“Set off fireworks of flavor – not foodborne illness!” the U.S. Department of Agriculture‘s annual Fourth of July safety message reads.

For those who like smoking their meats over low heat for extended periods, the USDA recommends keeping the temperature between 225 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends throwing out sauces and marinades that have touched raw meat to avoid bacteria cross-contamination.

Both the CDC and the USDA promote the acronym CSCC, or clean, separate, cook, and chill, as a simple reminder to keep food safe from contamination.

Fireworks safety

Fireworks caused approximately 9,700 injuries and eight deaths last year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. About 42% of the injuries were burns.

Of the 1,500 emergency room visits, 700 were due to sparkler injuries, and 800 were associated with firecrackers.

“Nobody wants to spend July 4th in the ER with their kid,” the USCPSC posted on X. “Let kids look at sparklers, but since it’s a stick burning hot enough to melt some metals, handle it yourself.

The agency reported that the most common fireworks-related injury was to hands and fingers, recommending that those who light fireworks do so quickly and then distance themselves immediately.

Sun protection for skin

With July being UV Light Safety Awareness Month, Independence Day is ripe for messages on sunscreen use.

“Like many Americans, I’m looking forward to getting outside this week to celebrate our nation’s independence,” Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) said Wednesday on X. “Whether you’re barbecuing, going swimming, or watching a parade, it’s always a good idea to protect your skin from harmful rays!”

The CDC recommends staying in the shade during peak sun hours and using sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher to lower the risk of skin cancer. Sunglasses are also good eye protection.

On this Independence Day, the patriotism of Americans is continuing to waver, but the United States remains the greatest nation on Earth.

According to a recent Gallup poll, only 41% of U.S. adults say they are “extremely proud” to be an American, while 26% say they are “very proud.” This combined share of Americans with strong pride in their country is near the record-low number from 2020 and among the lowest ever recorded by Gallup. Moreover, 10% say they are “only a little” proud to be an American, with 5% saying they had no pride at all.

While 59% of Republicans are “extremely proud” of their country, only one-third of Democrats say the same. Even so, this is close to the record low for Republicans, who were historically even more proud of their country. Democrats, on the other hand, hit rock bottom in 2019, when only 22% were “extremely proud” to be Americans.

The partisan differences in patriotism have been high since polling results were recorded, with the proportion of Democrats proud of their country always being much lower than Republicans, even when a Democrat was in the White House. This says something deeper about the state of the Left, which rejects so much of what America is and has been.

It is the Left pushing anti-American conspiracy theories like the 1619 Project, the Left setting up pro-terrorism encampments and sharing literature that says “Death to America,” and the Left who thinks that spreading American values abroad is colonialism. Conservatives, on the other hand, recognize that the nation we live in is fundamentally good, even when they may disagree with the direction it is heading.

Even so, patriotism is low across the board for many reasons, not the least of which is that the upcoming presidential election is between a walking corpse and a guy Americans already voted out of office.

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However, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future of the United States. Our constitutional system remains secure, with every challenge being easily thwarted by a Supreme Court which still knows how to read the law. Our economy remains one of the strongest on Earth, even when our elected leaders make every wrong decision possible. Life has consistently gotten better for decades, and while there is a lot of work to be done, the U.S. in 2024 is the best place to live in all of human history.

There are thousands of reasons to be patriotic. Don’t let political disagreements make you lose sight of the greatness of America.

Two hundred forty-eight years ago, American independence was proclaimed. Today, the America First Policy Institute is following the tradition of our Founding Fathers and igniting the spirit of the Revolution in the minds and hearts of modern Americans.

Unfortunately, under the current administration, we’ve seen a shift away from traditional American values. From removing the celebration of the meaning of Easter in favor of a so-called “trans holiday,” to overshadowing Memorial Day with the anniversary of George Floyd’s death, there’s been a concerted effort to undermine our national heritage.

So, as we gather to celebrate American independence, we must remember that this day isn’t just about fireworks, barbecues, and parades. It’s about understanding the importance of freedom and what it means for our children’s futures — and it’s about reflecting on our nation’s incredible journey and the enduring spirit of liberty that binds us all.

On July 4, 1776, a brave group of patriots declared our nation’s independence, setting forth a vision of a land where liberty and freedom reign. But actually achieving American independence, establishing it as an enduring fact, required something not only after July 4, 1776, but also in the years leading up to it.

What was required after that historic day was obvious enough: The newly born United States had to fight and defeat the most powerful nation in the world. The Americans knew the odds, and yet, they pressed forward with their fight anyway.

What was required before the Declaration of Independence was something else altogether. The American Revolution was underway over a full year before it. We must then look to June 4, 1774, when a group of people gathered in then-frontier Pennsylvania to issue a set of resolves. These men, gathering at Hanover, have been mostly forgotten by history, eclipsed by the great events that rapidly succeeded them. Timothy Green, Thomas Copenhaver, and several of their neighbors formed a militia and issued a declaration that read, in part, “In the event of Great Britain attempting to force unjust laws upon us by strength of arms, our cause we leave to Heaven and our rifles.”

What happened at Hanover was echoed across the American colonies, as men looked to power and said, “No more.” This is precisely what former President John Adams meant when he wrote that the real work of revolution was achieved long before July 4, 1776:

“[W]hat do we mean by the American Revolution? Do we mean the American war? The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people, a change in their religious sentiments of their duties and obligations. … This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people, was the real American Revolution.”

Today we reclaim the spirit of Independence Day. We stand as proud Americans, committed to preserving the liberties and freedoms that make our nation exceptional — committed to the “minds and hearts of the people,” the safeguards of our liberties.

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At the America First Policy Institute, that is where our labor lies every day.

From the America First Policy Institute family to yours, Happy Independence Day.

Brooke Leslie Rollins is the President & CEO of the America First Policy Institute and former Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council.

Gun owners in Louisiana can start enjoying additional freedoms on Independence Day, thanks to a new law allowing them to conceal carry without a permit.

The new law applies to all state residents who are at least 18 years old and do not have any restrictions preventing them from owning a gun due to previous felonies. Republican state Sen. Blake Miguez, who wrote the legislation for this law, explained that residents should be free to exercise their Second Amendment rights to protect themselves and their families and that criminals in the state should “fear the consequences of their actions.”

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“Louisiana now proudly joins the ranks of states that recognize the fundamental right to carry a firearm without the need for a government-issued permit,” Miguez wrote on Facebook. “As we enjoy the fireworks and festivities, let us also uphold the responsibilities that accompany our Second Amendment rights. We must handle our freedoms with the utmost care and respect, ensuring safety for all our communities.”

There are a few restrictions to this new law that gun owners should be aware of, including no concealed carry in a private residence without permission from the owners. Additionally, concealed carry will still not be allowed in locations where firearms are prohibited. 

The law was signed by Gov. Jeff Landry (R-LA) back in March, who also signed a bill that expanded death row execution methods to include electrocution and nitrogen gas. Landry explained that he signed these bills “to start to make Louisiana safe.”

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Online data surveying the safety of all 50 states indicated that Louisiana is the third most dangerous state in the country, behind New Mexico and Arkansas. 

Louisiana’s new concealed carry law makes it the 29th state to allow gun owners to conceal carry without a permit. Other states include Wyoming, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Texas.

A new study found that owners of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are more likely to experience problems than those who own gas-powered cars.

J.D. Power recently announced its 2024 Initial Quality Survey, showing that new EV owners reported problems at a far greater rate than those driving traditional combustion vehicles. 

The study analyzed data gathered from more than 99,000 buyers and lessees of 2024 model cars, showing EV drivers reported a rate of 226 problems per 100 vehicles in comparison to 180 problems per 100 gas-powered cars.

The most commonly reported problem related to false or unnecessary warning messages, including vehicle’s driver assistance systems, reverse automatic emergency braking, and backseat warnings.

Controls and displays were the second-most common problem, with EV drivers reporting such concerns 30% more often than those of traditional combustion cars.

Infotainment errors, including those related to connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems, were another commonly reported frustration among drivers.

“It is not surprising that the introduction of new technology has challenged manufacturers to maintain vehicle quality,” Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power, said. “However, the industry can take solace in the fact that some problem areas such as voice recognition and parking cameras are seen as less problematic now than they were a year ago.”

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The McKinsey and Company’s Mobility Consumer Pulse Survey also recently found that nearly half of EV owners in the United States desire to purchase a gas-powered car as their next vehicle.

Another study found that nearly one in five charging stations in the U.S. are considered faulty, causing EV drivers significant frustration and “range anxiety.”

Fox News notched the top viewership spot among cable networks in the second quarter of 2024.

The network saw double-digit gains in its prime time and total day viewers, including the key 25-54 age demographic, according to Nielsen data shared with the Washington Examiner.

Leading all late-night talk shows, Gutfeld! averaged 2.1 million overall viewers. It also drew an average of 295,000 viewers in the 25-54 age demographic, which topped all cable news programs.

Gutfeld!’s second-quarter viewership quadrupled that of The Daily Show’s 500,000 total viewers and more than doubled its 146,000 in the key 25-54 age demographic. Jon Stewart recently returned to host The Daily Show part-time amid a cast of rotating hosts. 

Jesse Watters Primetime also earned the top viewership among 8 p.m. Eastern prime-time shows, averaging 2.7 million total viewers and 260,000 viewers in the 25-54 age demographic. 

Meanwhile, The Five drew an average audience of 3.1 million viewers in the second quarter and 270,000 in the 25-54 age demographic.

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When comparing Fox News‘s second quarter viewership to other cable news networks, it saw a 12% increase in total viewers and a 10% increase in the 25-54 age demographic, while CNN saw a 2% increase at 473,000 total viewers and an 11% decrease in the demographic at 85,000 viewers between the ages of 25 and 54. 

Similarly, MSNBC saw a 2% increase in total viewership with 810,000 viewers but was down 13% in the 25-54 age demographic at 83,000 viewers.

Joey Chestnut will compete in a Fourth of July hot dog eating contest after all — against soldiers at a Texas Army base.

Chestnut, who became known for his dominance at the annual 10-minute Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest in Brooklyn’s Coney Island, was disqualified in June from the competition after becoming a sponsor for Impossible Foods, a rival company that sells a variety of plant-based meat.

Refusing to sit at home idle, Chestnut will take his competitive eating talents to Fort Bliss, in El Paso, Texas. There he will compete against soldiers in a five-minute hot dog eating contest.

Chestnut said he hopes the soldiers will come ready to compete, adding that he will try to beat the combined total of hot dogs eaten by four soldiers, according to a report.

“If they (each) break ten, that’d be pretty good,” Chestnut said.

Ahead of the event, he prepared for the competition by fasting on water, lemon juice, and liquified calories.

The hot dog eating contest will be part of Fort Bliss’s “Pop Goes the Fort” celebration, where soldiers and their families will also take in fireworks and performances by the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and the 1st Armored Division Band.

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Chestnut had competed against the world’s best competitive eaters in the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest since 2005. He held the title of champion since 2016 and set the current record of eating 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes in 2021. Last year, Chestnut won the contest, eating 62 hot dogs in 10 minutes.

The hot dog eating champion will also compete in Netflix‘s live hot dog eating contest airing on Labor Day.

A good credit score can go a long way.

The rating, based on one’s ability to fulfill financial commitments, can be the driving force behind whether or not a lender will sign off on a loan or mortgage. A higher score can provide borrowers with lower interest rates and even open the door to new credit opportunities with better perks and cash-back options. A good credit score is not just about bragging rights: It shows responsibility to lenders and paves the way to financing your dreams.

Despite their importance, simple mistakes can mean the difference between a good score and a bad score. The way you balance your finances and manage payments plays an instrumental part in maintaining your rating, and these scores can often drop without you realizing the true cause.

Here are a few common mistakes many people make that can lead to a drop in credit score.

Late payments

Probably the most common explanation for a slip in ratings is people being late on paying back their loans. Whether it be for a mortgage or simply zeroing your monthly credit card balance, lenders expect to get their money back by the deadline set. Because over 30% of credit score is tied to payment history, accumulating overdue amounts can significantly deplete the overall number.

If creditors have not been paid for over a month, the loan might be reported to the credit bureaus and included on a credit report. If the borrower continues to postpone payment, companies may take more serious measures, such as hiring a debt collector or placing a “charge-off” on the account.

Charge-offs

Charge-offs occur when a delinquent account has evaded payment for so long that the creditor has decided to give up their pursuit. When they decide to charge off the account, a stain is left on the borrower’s reputation as the user reported to the credit bureau. While this may sound like a creditor has given up and set the borrower free, the money owed is still expected, still accruing interest as it becomes dealt with by higher organizations. The remnants of a charge-off will remain on the borrower’s account for seven years from the date of delinquency and will plummet one’s credit score, regardless of eventual repayment.

Only paying the monthly minimum

While it may seem like simply paying off your minimum monthly loan payment is the best option, the amount of interest compounded monthly will actually increase. If you can, pay beyond the baseline and it will likely lower your interest rates and improve your overall credit score.

Applying for a large amount of credit in a short period of time

When someone applies for a loan, it is customary the lender will perform what is called a “hard inquiry,” taking a deep dive into their credit report. Because hard inquiries affect your credit score, applying for multiple loans at once or in a short period of time will generate the reputation of a risky borrower.

If you are simply shopping for a lender rather than filing for multiple loans, you might still be subject to a hard inquiry from each individual firm. If the loans are attached to a mortgage or auto contract, as well as loans for new utility providers, the firms will likely file their individual hard inquiries under one examination. But for other loans, such as credit cards, you might face multiple hard inquiries, further hurting your credit score.

Closing out your credit card

Another factor involved in calculating a credit score is the “debt-to-credit ratio.” This determines how much credit you are currently using compared to what is available to you. Lenders prefer the number to reflect more credit than debt, ideally below 30%. Closing out on a credit card, along with opening up new accounts to try and mitigate debt, can impact your debt-to-credit ratio.

Closing a credit card can also disrupt the diversity of accounts in your credit report, as lenders like to see a wide variety of accounts held over a long period of time. Even if it is paid off, you will be better off keeping them open. But do not leave them around collecting cobwebs. If you do not use a credit card for a long period of time, lenders may reduce your line of credit or close it for you anyway.

Choosing the wrong card

While choosing a credit card without a credit limit is not inherently damaging, you may be tempted to overindulge with how much you spend. Eventually, you will have to pay off that money, which is why choosing a card with a credit limit, as well as manageable interest rates and fees will ensure that you will be able to pay everything off each month. That way, you will not be late on your payments or lower your score.

Defaulting on your loans

If you miss more than one payment and do not pay it off, your account will be marked as defaulted. Similar to a charge-off, lenders will contact the credit bureaus and factor this into your data. Defaulted loans paint the borrower as a high-risk individual who might not pay back loans. This makes it harder to be accepted by creditors.

Declaring bankruptcy

While it is hardly a surprise that bankruptcy will damage your credit score, the extent of the damage often can be underestimated. Declaring bankruptcy is a legal maneuver relieving borrowers of their debtors and giving them the ability to start anew. While bankruptcy may discharge outstanding payments, it can also take a large chunk out of your ratings, even reducing a respectable credit score of 780 by as much as 240 points.

Having no credit history

It may seem like the easiest way to pay off your credit card is to never actually apply for one at all, but, more often than not, you will eventually need the help of lenders in buying a home or car. This is why you need their trust. If you have never taken out a credit card or applied for a loan, creditors will not have any information to base their judgements on when you apply.

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To prove you are a reliable borrower, it is recommended that you start out a credit card, only purchasing small items that can be paid off on time. That way you will create a pattern of trust and experience while also learning how to stick to a payment schedule.

Maintaining a good credit score may seem intimidating, but with a proper understanding of the ways many borrowers fail and ways to combat them, you should be able to maintain the proper reputation needed to apply for loans. Most importantly, paying loans off on time will ensure that you and your financial plans are able to flourish.

As Americans celebrate freedom nationwide on July 4, some of those charged with preserving that liberty are still living in squalor months after a damning Government Accountability Office report exposed some of the worst conditions, several lawmakers said in a letter to Army brass.

A dozen lawmakers demanded the military branch take swifter action at its stateside bases, including North Carolina’s sprawling Fort Liberty; formerly Fort Bragg.

Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., whose district includes the 250-square-mile installation, led a recent letter calling on Army Secretary Christine Wormuth to fix “completely unacceptable” conditions, while acknowledging some, however insufficient, progress has been made.

“We need to know whether the Army is doing all it can to quickly implement effective solutions to improve housing conditions like we’ve seen at Fort Liberty/Fort Bragg,” Hudson separately told Fox News Digital.

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“Not only is better quality housing key to help meet recruitment and retention goals, it is critical to ensuring our military’s readiness.” 

The letter, addressed to Wormuth, three generals and a sergeant major, demanded “swift action” to address “substandard indoor environmental conditions” they consider major health risks.

“[They] are contributing to long-term chronic illnesses and growing liabilities. These living environments have become a detriment to our recruiting and retention, as well as the readiness and resiliency of our warfighters,” Hudson wrote along with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa., and Greg Pence, R-Ind., brother of the former vice president.

Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, Don Bacon, R-Neb., Brian Mast, R-Fla., August Pfluger, R-Texas, Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., Pat Fallon, R-Texa,s and Dan Bishop, R-N.C., were also party to the letter.

The letter cited a 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on hazardous conditions at 12 unnamed military installations. The report included photos appearing to show feces spilling over the floor of a restroom, water-damaged ceilings and clumps of black mold. 

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At the time, the GAO determined Pentagon officials had not been able to provide proper oversight and left solutions up to each military branch to rectify.

The timing of the June 24 letter, published on Tuesday by Hudson, suggested some of the issues and evidence in the report had not been properly addressed.

However, the lawmakers added the Pentagon made some progress in its “Strategy for Resilient & Healthy Defense Communities” program, including public commitments to meet external health certification requirements for air, humidity, light and water.

The letter cited corrective actions taken at Fort George G. Meade near Columbia, Maryland, in that regard, lawmakers said.

Smucker said military families in his Lancaster-area district directly expressed to him their concerns about the matter.

He said military families there told him they found the conditions “appalling,” while adding there is no excuse for such “substandard and dangerous” environs.

“The Department of Defense must act without delay to respond to our concerns,” Smucker said.

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Fitzpatrick, a former counterintelligence specialist who was embedded with U.S. special forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom, said Wednesday there is no greater calling than military service and that soldiers deserve better.

“Especially at a time when there are people illegally crossing our border and being housed in luxury accommodations, it is of the utmost importance that we make our military families a priority,” Fitzpatrick said.

In the letter, the lawmakers demanded Army officials specify what actions they will take with remaining 2024 funding to address the issues, and asked what is preventing timely health-related upgrades on-base. They also asked for plans to use empirical standards and benchmarks to ensure future progress.

In response to lawmakers’ concerns, a U.S. Army spokesperson agreed enlisted men and women deserve safe, high-quality barracks.

“Army senior leaders are committed to continuing to improve barracks conditions through concrete actions to ensure a living experience that enhances well-being, readiness, recruitment, and retention,” Matt Ahearn said.

Ahearn added Army officials plan to respond directly to the lawmakers.

Fox News’ Michael Lee contributed to this report.