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Communities around the U.S. are putting on epic fireworks shows for America's 250th birthday — but that spells trouble for dogs and cats. Here's a guide to help the animals in your life.

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This year's fireworks display in Washington, D.C., is scheduled toWhat to know about the massive July 4 firework show for America's 250th

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Around the time the United States was founded, Americans' diets included Parmesan ice cream and terrapin. But what you ate depended on your social status.

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The idea that there's a connection between federal student loans and what colleges charge dates back almost four decades. But it's unclear that link can lead to lower costs.

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In Venezuela, rescue teams are racing against time after twin earthquakes killed more than 1,400 people and left tens of thousands unaccounted for.

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The anxieties before the World Cup were many. But with the knockout round set to begin Sunday, it's fair to say: The North American World Cup has been a thrill.

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President Trump nominated Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper, to direct Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The agency hasn't had a Senate-confirmed director since the Obama administration.

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Firefighters working on the nation's largest current wildfire, burning in southern Utah, are being challenged by historic weather conditions. Extreme wildfire behavior is expected to continue through the weekend.

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The country is the first Central Asian nation to qualify for the World Cup, and Uzbek fans have reveled in showcasing their country and culture. The country's president calls the team a symbol of the "new Uzbekistan."

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NPR's Scott Simon reflects on the popularity of ranch dressing among international visitors to the U.S. during the World Cup games.

The U.S. government is asserting a new level of influence over AI, controlling which companies can access Anthropic's new models. OpenAI agreed to let the administration screen users of its new model.

Drugmakers are working on a potential new shot to prevent the tick-borne illness. How might it fare in the era of vaccine skepticism?

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The U.S. population was already aging and tilting toward decline. After the Supreme Court confirmed Trump's power to deport hundreds of thousands of foreign migrants, population decline could accelerate.

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Pochettino was the biggest name the U.S. men's soccer team had ever hired. His rebuild was bumpy at times — but now, with the U.S. headed to the World Cup knockout stage, the players are all in.

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Ukraine's long-range drones are striking deep inside Russia, up to 1,200 miles away, hitting oil refineries and depots. NPR recently spent time with one of the Ukrainian strike teams launching drones at Russian targets.

(Image credit: Serhii Korovvayny for NPR)

America's 250th birthday has brought more events and new crowds for Revolutionary reenactors and interpreters. They say Washington's life holds important lessons for our current political divide.

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Don't let your leftovers go to waste. Cookbook authors share clever storage techniques — like an "Eat Me First" box in your fridge — and cooking tricks to help you make the most of your food scraps.

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Aid efforts are intensifying after twin earthquakes killed nearly 1,000 in Venezuela, with international teams arriving but a slow government response hampering relief on the ground.

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It's about who produces the best, most succulent steaks, and how to prepare the meat. Argentina and Texas are two of the top cattle-raising areas of the world, where steak is deeply ingrained in diet and culture.

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The U.S. struck Iran on Friday in response to a drone attack a day earlier on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. It's the most significant test yet to an interim understanding reached a week ago by the two countries.

(Image credit: Julia Demaree Nikhinson)