July 4, also known as Independence Day, marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the 13 North American colonies officially separated from Great Britain. As the Fourth of July draws nearer, here's a brief rundown of what happened that day in 1776, approximately 249 years ago.

After delivering a speech highlighting the destruction of Iranian nuclear facilities, his supporters in Congress and elements of the “Big Beautiful Bill”, President Trump signed his first legislative victory of his second term.