As the United States prepares for its 250th anniversary, American brands have gone all out with red, white and navy blue.
Companies are launching patriotic promotional campaigns tied to the semiquincentennial of America. From $17.76 hamburger deals to coffee cups shaped like eagles to Coca-Cola collectible cans to limited-edition snack products.
Steak n Shake
Steak ‘n Shake offers two “Liberty Meals”, for only $17.76, throughout the month of July.
According to the chain, this meal comes with a double beef-tallow burger and fries, as well as a Patriot Milkshake.
All July, you can get two Liberty Meals for only $17.76! The burger chain posted on X. A Liberty Meal is a double beef-tallow fries and Patriot milkshake, plus a grass-fed Steakburger. “Mr. Five Guys, you can’t touch that.”
Steak ‘n Shake has announced that their Patriot Milkshake will now come with a Statue of Liberty made of dark chocolate and be available for $2.50 throughout the remainder of the year.
The Bank of America Cardholders can visit 250 museums for free during the July 4 Weekend.
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ celebrates the 250th anniversary of America’s birth with a special “Eagle Cup,” merchandise, and a menu for summer.
This collectible cup has a transparent base with a lid sculpted in the shape of an eagle. Dunkin’ customers will receive a medium drink for free when they purchase the collectible cup.
This cup includes a code that allows you to purchase medium Dunkin’ Zero or Refreshers for just $3 for a period of 30 days.
This drop will not last forever, like summer fireworks. The Eagle Cup is limited in quantity, so hurry to your nearest Dunkin’ before they fly off the shelves,” Dunkin’ announced on June 29.
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola’s America250 campaign features limited-edition packaging and custom bottles, as well as its first America250 mini-cans.
The mini-cans are tied to a specific state, Puerto Rico, or Washington, D.C., and feature local symbols like the Georgia peach, as well as California surf culture.
General Mills
General Mills has launched 79 limited-edition items inspired by America’s 250th anniversary across brands such as Cheerios and Pillsbury. Betty Crocker also released Fruit Roll-Ups, Blue Buffalo, Pillsbury.
There are also Betty Crocker America’s Birthday Cake Cookie Mix, Pillsbury Toaster-Strudel Stars & Stripes and Pillsbury red, white, and blue cookie dough.
Courtney Hamacher said, “General Mills is a cornerstone in American kitchens. Our brands are in 90% of American households.” As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, we are incredibly proud to be able to add joy to families’ tables, and to honor the small moments that really matter.
AMERICA’S 250th BIRTHDAY IS CELEBRATED ALL SUMMER LONG BY A FAVORITE PIZZA CHAIN
Oreo
Oreo has joined the patriotic movement with their Firecracker Pop cookies, which are reportedly available in stores as of May 4.
Dairy queen
From June 29 to July 5, Dairy Queen will offer a Stars & Stripes Misty Slush Float at $2.50.
This drink is layered with blue raspberry Misty Slush and soft serve, as well as cherry Misty Slush. It also has star-shaped sprinkles.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s has announced that it will bring back its fried Apple Pie at U.S. participating restaurants starting on June 23 for a short time. This is the first wide-scale rollout of its product in over 30 years.
Summer moves fast, but moments that are worth remembering do not. “With America’s 250th Birthday just around the corner we are bringing back the Fried Apple Pie, a favorite and national treasure that is perfect for slowing things down and enjoying the season.
Burger King
Burger King has added a Firecracker Cookie Pie. It is a dessert that comes in a frozen form, with cream and a sugar-cookie crust, and sprinkled stars of red, blue and white.
STEAK & SHAKE CHANGES THE POPULAR PATRIOT MILKSHAKE’ WITH A NEW, EDIBLE TURN AVAILABLE ONLY BY 2026
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme offers a collection of patriotic doughnuts featuring designs in red, white, and blue, such as a Cookies n’ Kreme filled USA Doughnut or a Firework Doughnut.
Ticker Security Change % BH BIGLARI HOLDINGS, INC. 420.92 +0.27 0.06% KO COCA-COLA CO. 84.14 +1.85 +3.51% MDLZ MONDELEZ INTERNATIONAL INC. 60.91 +1.56 2.63% MCD MCDONALD’S CORP. 280.63 +11.1 +4.16% DNUT CRIMPY KREME INTERNATIONAL 3.51 -1.21
Bank of America
Bank of America has announced that it will be expanding its “Museums on Us”, a signature program, for the weekend of July 4, offering free admission to eligible cardholders at 250 museums and other cultural institutions across the country as the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday.
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary with a national pricing campaign aimed at offering U.S. consumers a discount.
Michigan’s automaker has launched “American Value”. The “For American Values” Campaign offers employee prices to U.S. buyers on all new Ford and Lincoln models 2025 or 2026 until July 6.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel launched the “Fuel Your Summer Road Trip”, a sweepstakes, as an official America250 Partner. This promotion offers 250 Rewards members each $1,000 in fuel and food prizes.
Ticker Security Changed Last % F FORD MOTOR COMPANY 13.36 -1.28 -2.0% CBRL Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. 53.50 +1.60 +2.90% PEP PEPSICO, INC.
Cracker Barrel released a press release saying that the promotion was launched as Cracker Barrel prepares to celebrate its 250th Anniversary. This milestone is rooted in American travel traditions, and Cracker Barrel’s place in these experiences has been a part of the country for many generations.
Mountain Dew
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Mountain Dew is temporarily being rebranded “American Dew”, for summer.
PepsiCo owns this soda brand and has rebranded the cans with American flag themed labels.

The Fourth of July is the 250th Anniversary of the U.S.’s founding. While Americans celebrate the event, they can also reflect on the factors that made the U.S. one of the largest economies in the world and why it remains a good place to invest.
Joseph P. Quinlan is the head of CIO Market Strategy for Merrill Lynch and Bank of America Private Bank. He wrote a piece that outlines the reasons why Merrill has high hopes about the prospects of long-term investing in America.
Quinlan gives us 10 reasons for celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Diversity and economic dynamism are #1.
Quinlan stated, “Think about our economy as an hydra headed superpower leading the world on such diverse topics as agriculture, aerospace, finance, technology, health care, education, and many other fields.”
BANK of AMERICA LEGACY BUILDING AMERICAN DREAM
The U.S., he said, has just 4% of global population but accounts for about a quarter of gross domestic product. Its economic output as well as its per capita income are far superior to those of emerging nations like China and India.
Quinlan said, “Never before have so few individuals produced such a high level of output and wealth.”
Second Geographic Superpower
Quinlan stated that the U.S. is in a unique position compared to other world leaders of past centuries, as it has friendly neighbors on both sides and vast oceans surrounding its borders. Quinlan said the U.S. has “one of Earth’s most advantageous geographic locations” with the Great Plains and Mississippi River System, and the Great Lakes offering space for agriculture, commerce, and freshwater reserves that are unparalleled around the globe.
He noted that “at a time of increasing importance for water scarcity and food security as well as geopolitical tensions, America’s geographical advantages become more valuable, not less.”
AMERICA 250 – BLACKROCK’S LARRRY FINK SAID LONG TERM INVESTING COULD PERFORM A TYPE OF “CIVIC MIRACLE”
Start-up culture
The American economic metabolism differs from that of other countries. Quinlan writes that “no country destroys or creates with such a fervor as America”, noting the fact that, since 2010, approximately 40% of Fortune 500 companies have gone bankrupt, acquired, or ceased operation.
Census Bureau figures show that 6 million businesses were formed in the U.S. in the past 12 months, a new record and above average for the previous decade. This is evidence of the “startup bug” that has been growing in recent years.
The fourth magnet for foreign investments
Quinlan said that global investors still favor the U.S. because they move their money to the places where the capital is treated best.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, foreign investment in the U.S. reached around $50 trillion at the last count. He wrote that foreigners are bullish about America and their U.S. investments have nearly increased fivefold since the beginning of this century. No country has received so much capital from abroad this century.
AMERICA’S 250th BIRTHDAY IS CELEBRATED ALL SUMMER LONG BY A FAVORITE PIZZA CHAIN
#5 Brand Haven
BrandZ reports that nine out of the top ten global brands will be in the U.S. by 2026.
He wrote that “these brands are not just commercial successes; they’re expressions of American Soft Power.” They demonstrate “American technology, culture and business are far beyond the borders of America,” he said.
#6 Unmatched Hard Power
It is true that the U.S. Military is one of the best in the world. This military strength serves to protect America’s economy through deterrence, and also provides economic benefits against the background of the geopolitical threat from nations like China and Russia.
Quinlan writes that “America’s leadership in defense is more than a strategic advantage – it also provides an economic benefit, as it supports innovation within aerospace, cyber security, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.”
MCDONALD BRINGS BACK FRIED APPLE PIECE TO CELEBRATE AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY
Tech Leadership #7
Quinlan added that the U.S.’s entrepreneurial culture has allowed it to maintain its lead in technology innovation, despite China’s rapid economic growth. The market capitalization of companies like Nvidia and Alphabet-parent Alphabet is larger than the economic output of many other countries.
He said that the U.S. was the biggest market for R&D spending in the entire world. In terms of AI investment, the U.S. has a light-years advantage over Europe and other parts of the globe.
The #8 academic excellence
Quinlan writes that U.S. universities and colleges are its biggest assets. The Quacquarelli-Symonds ranking of world universities places 26 U.S. institutions in the top 100, four out of five, and eight from the top twenty.
Many of the most innovative businesses in the world were co-founded or founded by immigrants that first came to America as students. He noted that talent follows opportunities, but the U.S. still has a disproportionate amount of them.
The Bank of America Cardholders can visit 250 museums for free during the July 4 Weekend.
#9 Dollar dominance
The prediction of the demise of the US dollar has become an almost constant feature in modern finance. Quinlan writes that the dollar remains dominant as the global reserve currency and primary financial and trade medium. It is also the safest haven in times of crises.
The dominance of dollar in global trade, investment, and borrowing has allowed the U.S. to enjoy a “privilege” few other nations have been able to match. He also said that for now, there is no alternative to the buck that can be considered credible.
#10 Competitive drive
Quinlan stated that economic competitiveness is a key factor in allowing countries to innovate, adapt and attract talent. He added that the U.S. was “positioned to continue to be among the most competitive economies in the world.”
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Quinlan wrote: “To sum it up, America is still the leading financial, military, and technological power in the world, even after 250 years.” The entrepreneurial DNA from 1776 is still strong in our country – just think of the will to risk, to challenge convention, to attract talent and to reinvest. It’s worth celebrating.

Microsoft is being sued by residents of Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin who live near the Fairwater datacenter. They claim that the center emits excessive noise.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the class-action suit was filed in U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin on Wednesday. Plaintiffs are three residents of Sturtevant, a village located about 30 miles south-east of Milwaukee near the data centre.
The lawsuit claims that “through its operation and maintainance of the Data Center, Defendant continues to emit unreasonable and excessive sound onto Plaintiffs’ properties, causing damage through private nuisances and negligence.”
This lawsuit represents the most recent salvo of frustrated citizens, as data centres have taken over the nation in the race for AI development. Noise and air pollution were among the complaints, as well as excessive water usage and rising energy costs. In a few states, communities have protested and called for legislation that would stop the construction.
Microsoft has plans to construct several other buildings on campus, including the Fairwater Data Center. According to Wisconsin Public Radio, both Microsoft and electronics maker Foxconn which have a facility on the site plan to expand data centers there over the next few years.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources received complaints about this facility.
Plaintiffs allege that the HVAC systems (including chillers, cooling units, air handling units and condenser fan) and diesel generators “generate significant noise pollution.”
In the suit, it is also stated that noise from the plant “is not only excessive but constant and pervasive.”
Microsoft is accused of not having “implemented adequate acoustic walls, barriers or shields that would absorb, reduce and/or stop the escape of sound, thus resulting in excessive offsite noise emission beyond its property.”
Plaintiffs seeking unspecified damages
Microsoft’s spokesperson told The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “We are aware of the litigation related to the Village of Mount Pleasant.”
Microsoft’s statement stated that it was committed to be a good neighbour in communities where its data centers are built, owned and operated.
Microsoft has been contacted by The Independent for a comment.
Sean Ryan, Mount Pleasant Village’s communications director, said to The Sentinel he had received no complaints regarding noise after Microsoft changed the datacenter in mid-April due to a buzzing noise.
He said that village officials were ready to help if anyone reached out. They will also continue to make sure Microsoft remains a responsible corporate citizen.
Microsoft conducted an investigation in April to determine that the humming noises disturbing residents were coming from cooling fans at the data centers.
The company stated that they expected their systems to need some adjustments, and to make noise during the startup of the datacenter. However, the tone of the sound did not travel nearly as far.
In June, the tech giant claimed to have fixed the issue.
The company stated that “numerous neighbors have confirmed our findings, which we independently monitored: these mitigations completely resolved the problem.”
The residents living in the vicinity of a data center don’t just complain about the noise. According to WPR, dust from construction and light pollution as well as increased traffic are also bothering locals.
Larry Neumiller now lives directly across from the campus of the data center. He has been living in this area for almost 40 years. Not only was the constant sound of the dump trucks a nuisance, but the dust that is constantly blown around from construction sites has also been an issue.
He told WPR that he sometimes couldn’t even see his house when he was coming from Sturtevant because of the dust blowing on the road.
The construction workers use super bright lights, which even the blinds on the window can’t block out.
Roger Johansen, a resident who lives directly across from the data centre, also expressed his dissatisfaction with the brightness of the lights.
He told WPR, “Back then, it was dark and you could easily see the stars. Now, with the bright light, the stars are hard to discern.”
Brian Schue is another local who moved here a few year ago. He’s already thinking about moving away again because of the data centre.
He said the region had turned into a “dustbowl.”
He told WPR, “I washed the truck and now it is completely dusty.”
Microsoft stated on its website for the project that street sweepers would operate approximately 10 hours a day to combat dust. Microsoft says that construction at the site can take place between the hours of 6 am and 10 pm.
Mount Pleasant leadership supports the datacenter despite the complaints.

Americans are warning foreigners about what places and situations in America they should avoid, and it’s a mix of horrifying as well as funny
My uncle was killed while hiking in Death Valley, two years ago. He was experienced, and he had been hiking for many years. But it was still 118F. Heat exhaustion. “Don’t do it.”
The World Cup has brought a lot of people to America, which is a very large (and at times, very frightening) country. So when Reddit’s AskReddit asked, “Americans on Reddit: What places should foreigners stay away from in America?”, the community responded quickly with some interesting responses. Click here to see:
1. Do not swim in them. “Do not go swimming in them.”
2. Death Valley is a great place to visit in summer, especially if your climate is cooler and you are a good hiker. The name is not a coincidence.
3. Don’t go hiking in the Colorado wilderness (especially on 14ers) unless you know wilderness survival skills and your responsibilities. Every day, tourists die in our mountains or Rocky Mountain National Park. Do your research! “Altitude is not a joke.”
4. If you ignore the warning signs in a park, you will die. This is not a joke.
5. “Trespassing. You could be shot for trespassing on someone else’s property. No, we do not roam. We do, however, have the right of self-defense. “Some states have castle laws that consider trespassing as a sufficient reason for shooting someone in self defense.”
6. The Greyhound bus was the wrong choice for me as I am not American, but a tourist trying to save money. It was so cheap for a reason.
7. Tourist traps are anywhere with both a Rainforest Cafe as well as a Wax Museum in the same area.
8. San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf is now in the chat.
9. The Navy Pier is also in Chicago. Concept is very similar. Only for tourists. Not bad at all. “Not a true Chicago experience.”
10. “Pueblo, Colorado. Mass Tarantula migration.”
11. The deserts in the Southwest are dangerous if you don’t know what to expect and how to prepare. We often get people from Europe that decide to hike at night without water. They all died. “It’s easy to dehydrate and die, even in areas that are deemed safe. The danger is always lurking around the corner.”
12. Anywhere in South America in summer. “It’s too hot, fuckin.
13. “Avoid large chain restaurants. “The best American food comes from owner-operated small businesses.”
14. “Hollywood. There’s only one block in the area worth visiting — that with the Chinese Theater. The rest of the town is not what it appears to be. Many ‘entrepreneurs,’ who are trying to get their business sold are not afraid to come out and say it. You can’t even expect decent food. It’s not worth it to visit.
15. Most of Downtown Los Angeles by night. You can go to your hotel or another popular spot when the streets are quiet.
16. Please do not approach wildlife in Alaska. You will be killed by the bears and moose. Just no period. It’s not pretty to see so many tourists attacked by bears or moose. …”
17. “Nashville. Bachelorette parties are all the rage these days. Everywhere. Nonstop. “They never stop.”
18. “Trenton, New Jersey. The state capital has a nice museum. It looks bombed out and I will not even stop at a red light while in Trenton.”
19. New Orleans at Mardi Gras, and Manhattan during New Years Eve. Ignore my advice if you enjoy the smell of vomit and p*ss.
20. “Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Pigeon Forge. It’s too crowded and a tourist trap. The Smoky Mountains may be beautiful, but you’ll enjoy a less-crowded experience by visiting the nearby park in North Carolina. The Cherokee National Forest, too, is spectacular.”
21. Avoid staying in hotels that have an external entrance leading directly to your room.
22. If you’re looking for the culture of American Southern… Don’t. Go. To. Cracker. Barrel. Barrel is the most fake, worst version possible of whatever you are interested in. “It is what Olive Garden means to Italy.”
23. Last but not least, “Avoid thinking that a trip to a location in another state is only ten minutes away.”

Nearly 1 million power outages are reported in multiple states as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.
PowerOutage reports that 956 388 homes in states across the Midwest and Northeast are still without electricity due to severe weather conditions and heat.
This number will change throughout the day, as crews restore power. The number of affected people is therefore likely to be higher.
Outages are occurring as certain areas expect to be hit by severe weather conditions and scorching heat on Saturday.
According to Philadelphia ABC Station WPVI, millions of Americans will have to deal with the heat wave that has blanketed much of the United States. The Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade, which was scheduled for Friday, had to be canceled because of this dangerous heat wave.
The extreme heat of the District of Columbia forced organizers to cancel the America’s Independence Day Parade, scheduled for 10:10 a.m., on the 4th of July, in Washington, D.C.
The organizers have canceled America’s National Independence Day Parade scheduled for the morning of July 4th, 2026 due to the extreme heat that has been experienced in Washington DC. A statement posted on a website stated that the National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Warning in the District of Columbia. Heat index values are expected to range between 110degF – 115degF.
The statement stated that “this decision was taken after consultations with National Park Service and Freedom 250 and after careful consideration of safety of participants, staff, and spectators as our top priority.”
Due to the heat and extreme humidity, the Great American State Fair will now open on Saturday at 12 noon, rather than the original planned time of 11 am.
Freedom 250 has announced the latest change in schedule due to weather. Washington, D.C., is facing another dangerous day with triple-digit temperatures.