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Disney Celebrates America live updates: Eagle-eye view of Great American State Fair

ABC News' Mary Bruce took viewers to the top of the fair's Ferris wheel.

Last Updated: July 4, 2026, 5:04 PM EDT

ABC is marking America's 250th anniversary with 24 hours of unparalleled programming called "Disney Celebrates America."

The multi-platform broadcast, led by ABC News "World News Tonight" anchor David Muir, features coverage across all 50 states and runs through the night of July 4.

2 hours and 4 minutes ago

DC prepares for National Mall's largest fireworks display

Washington, D.C., is preparing for its largest fireworks display ever held on the National Mall Saturday night.

The fireworks are expected to begin between 10:30 and 11 p.m. and will launch from 10 sites around the National Monument, officials told ABC News. The show is expected to last approximately 35 minutes.

Officials said the secured viewing area on the Washington Monument grounds has a capacity of approximately 150,000 people and is expected to fill early.

The Secret Service is coordinating the broader security operation for the celebration, which has been designated as a National Special Security Event, bringing extensive coordinated federal, state and local security resources to D.C.

U.S. National Guard members provide security ahead of July 4th festivities on July 3, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

“While we are confident in our planning, we recognize that we are in a heightened threat environment,” Secret Service Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office Tara McLeese said.

“This weekend, hundreds of federal agents and officers, including Secret Service specialized tactical units, counter drone teams, National Guard members, and a variety of additional unseen resources will be used to disrupt any bad actor,” McLeese said.

National Guard members distribute water to people waiting in line for "The Great State Fair" on the National Mall, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, in Washington, D.C., July 4, 2026.
Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

-ABC News’ Beatrice Peterson

2 hours and 57 minutes ago

Coast Guard surges resources to protect July 4 celebrations

ABC News’ Pierre Thomas embeds with the U.S. Coast Guard as they work to secure air, land and sea in the Washington, D.C.-area ahead of July 4th celebrations.
4:19
ABC News exclusive look as the military security preps for July 4th weekendABC News’ Pierre Thomas embeds with the U.S. Coast Guard as they work to secure air, land and sea in the Washington, D.C.-area ahead of July 4th celebrations.
ABCNews.com

The Coast Guard is surging resources to help secure July 4 celebrations in Washington, D.C., and around the country, the head of the agency said.

"We've surged over 1,000 additional people, in addition to our regular Coast Guard forces, 79 boats to 13 cities to make sure we are prepared for any contingency, and we can prevent or respond to any threat," Adm. Kevin Lunday, commandant of the Coast Guard told ABC News' Chief Justice Correspondent Pierre Thomas.

For the first time, a large swath of the Potomac around the D.C. monuments will be closed to boaters to make way for a larger than normal fireworks display on the Fourth.

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2:37 PM EDT

New citizens take oath at Jefferson's estate

ABC News' Steve Osunsami takes viewers to President Thomas Jefferson's estate in Monticello, Virginia, where 75 people were naturalized as citizens in a special ceremony. The new citizens hail from countries including Alegria and Ukraine.

ABC News' Steve Osunsami reports on the ceremony for 75 people who were naturalized as citizens at the estate of Thomas Jefferson.
4:41
New citizens take oathABC News' Steve Osunsami reports on the ceremony for 75 people who were naturalized as citizens at the estate of Thomas Jefferson.
ABCNews.com
1:45 PM EDT

Appalachian Mountains among '7 Natural Wonders of America'

ABC News’ Diane Sawyer revealed the Appalachian Mountains as one of the “7 Natural Wonders of America,” a list curated by ABC News and National Geographic celebrating awe-inspiring locations in the United States.

The Appalachians stretch 2,000 miles from Alabama to Canada, including the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Among the other locations that made the “7 Natural Wonders of America" list are the Florida Everglades, the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park.

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