The Morning: Independence Days

Plus, Labour's victory in Britain, President Biden and Andy Murray.

View in browser|nytimes.com July 5, 2024 By Lyna Bentahar Good morning. We're covering Independence Days around the world — Labour's victory in Britain, President Biden and Andy Murray. In Hoboken, N.J. Jeenah Moon for The New York Times Americans declared independence from the British 248 years ago. Throughout this long weekend, people will celebrate the holiday with a hot, sticky spectacle of national identity. Towns hold parades and shoot fireworks, families have barbecues and crowds wear red, white and blue. The Times publishes the Declaration of Independence in full. Dozens of other countries have seceded from the British Empire. Even more have seceded from other empires, and many countries mark their liberty with holidays that display their national identities, too. We wanted to share how other countries honor their independence each summer. Here's a look: Algeria | July 5 In Algiers.  Mohamed Messara/EPA, via Shutterstock Algeria lived under 132 years of colonial French rule. After a brutal war, the country declared its independence on the anniversary of the French invasion of Algiers. Across the country, Algerians hold parades and dress in traditional tribal clothing. The president issues pardons to thousands of prisoners including, in some instances, anti-government activists. Iceland | June 17 Iceland was part of Denmark until it held a referendum during the Nazi era. Icelanders now celebrate independence on the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, a major figure in the Icelandic independence movement. People hold parades across the island; they often include a woman meant to personify Iceland. She wears a traditional dress and recites a poem. Indonesia | Aug. 17 A greased-pole race in Jakarta, Indonesia.  Mast Irham/EPA, via Shutterstock A four-year war ended Dutch colonial rule in Indonesia. Indonesians hold games and competitions to celebrate, like sack races and eating contests. One of the most popular games is "panjat pinang," where players attempt to climb a greasy pole to get the prizes sitting on top — including, often, bicycles. Jamaica | Aug. 6 Jamaica commemorates its turn from a British colony to a Commonwealth country with around a week of parades. Jamaican artists also participate in a competition to write an original, patriotic song. (Here are some of the winning songs over the years.) Niger | Aug. 3 Niger's independence day, commemorating the end of French colonial rule, coincides with its National Arbor Day, which encourages Nigeriens to plant trees. In the last few decades, over 200 million new trees have grown in southern Niger. North and South Korea | Aug. 15 Sisters holding flags in Seoul. Jeon Heon-Kyun/EPA, via Shutterstock North and South Korea both celebrate their independence from 35 years of Japanese imperial rule. It is one of the few holidays the countries share. North Korea knows the day as "Liberation of the Fatherland Day." In South Korea, where the holiday's literal translation is "Restoration of Light Day," buildings are decorated with the national flag. Pakistan and India | Aug. 14 and 15, respectively Pakistani troops at the border with India.  Shahzaib Akber/EPA, via Shutterstock After decades of colonial rule, Britain left the Indian subcontinent in 1947, partitioning the region into two new countries: India and Pakistan. Pakistan and India both still celebrate the partition as their independence. On their border, Indian and Pakistani soldiers perform a daily symbolic ritual of rivalry to roaring crowds. But on this special occasion, forces also share sweets and gifts with their counterparts on the other side, a gesture of peace. Peru | July 28 In Lima, Peru. Aldair Mejia/EPA, via Shutterstock Peru celebrates its independence from Spain by celebrating for multiple days. Schools hold winter break during this period, workers receive bonuses and the military holds a parade. Presidents or vice presidents are also inaugurated on the holiday. Philippines | June 12 In Manila. Rolex Dela Pena/EPA, via Shutterstock Filipinos celebrate their declaration of independence from Spain after more than 300 years of colonial rule. Today, people honor their heritage online by writing alternative Philippine history and sharing memes about events from the past. Celebrating this weekend? Here are some tips: Grill with a good meat thermometer, wear face sunscreen and wash your swimsuit without hurting it. THE LATEST NEWS British Election In London.  Andrew Testa for The New York Times The Labour Party won a landslide victory. Keir Starmer will be Britain's next prime minister, ending 14 years of Conservative government and heralding a new era. Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, has led a remarkable turnaround for the Labour Party. Read more about him. The Conservatives had the worst defeat in the party's nearly 200-year history. Liz Truss, a former prime minister, lost her seat. Reform U.K., an anti-immigrant party, the Green Party and pro-Palestinian independent candidates won formerly safe Labour seats. More International Elections Economic turmoil is spreading across the globe, including in Kenya, Bolivia and France. The response has been protests, attempted coups and elections of far-right politicians. More French youths in particular are voting for far-right politicians. Here's why. Iranians are voting in a runoff for its next president. The outcome is difficult to predict. President Biden President Biden Doug Mills/The New York Times Wealthy donors are discussing plans to pressure President Biden to step aside. He appears committed to remaining on the ballot. Biden told a meeting of governors he needs more sleep and less work at night, including curtailing events after 8 p.m. The president's appearances since the debate are being scrutinized. Any fumbled words become a news story. Weather In Cancun, Mexico. Paola Chiomante/Reuters Hurricane Beryl, now a Category 2 storm, is hitting Mexico today. See the hurricane's probable path. Ravaged Caribbean islands are assessing the devastation. Other Big Stories A wildfire in Northern California slowed, allowing some residents to return home. Earth is about to reach its greatest distance from the sun, known as the aphelion. A driver plowed into a crowd in a park on Manhattan, killing two people, the authorities said. The police said they suspected alcohol had been involved. Opinions If Biden steps aside, who should lead the Democratic ticket? Six columnists weigh in. Donald Trump is the living, lying contradiction of the idea that actions have consequences, Frank Bruni writes. Is Kamala Harris underrated? The Ezra Klein Show considers what her candidacy could look like. The Games Sale. Offer won't last. Games for relaxation. Games for concentration. We have them all. For a limited time, save 50% on your first year of a New York Times Games subscription and enjoy new puzzles every day. MORNING READS Above New York City. Todd Heisler/The New York Times New York: In the city's skies, observation decks are one-upping one another for visitors' attention and dollars. Gut problems? They may be the most overlooked Covid symptom. Inner beauty: Summer camps are asking kids to leave their skin care routines and Sephora hauls at home. Diagnosis: Read about the experience of one woman diagnosed with autism at 43 from The Cut. Digital life: One Million Checkboxes has been called the most pointless website on the planet. It's a case study in internet behavior. 36 hours in Boston: Visit Fenway Park, walk along the waterfront and explore the John F. Kennedy presidential library. D.I.Y. travel: Experience the adventure of the Orient Express journey for much cheaper than the luxury train. Work: Some countries are trying a four-day workweek. Greece wants six. Lives Lived: V. Craig Jordan was a pharmacologist who discovered a key breast cancer drug and helped save the lives of millions of women. He died at 76. SPORTS Andy Murray Hannah Mckay/Reuters Tennis: The English tennis legend Andy Murray bid an emotional goodbye to Wimbledon yesterday after losing in doubles. N.B.A.: The Golden State Warriors acquired the sharpshooter Buddy Hield, who has made the second-most 3-pointers in the league in recent years — behind new teammate Stephen Curry. Competitive eating: At the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, Miki Sudo won the women's title with a record 51 hot dogs and Patrick Bertoletti won the men's title. The reigning champion, Joey Chestnut, barred from the event, held his own contest later in the day. ARTS AND IDEAS Dress sightings near Sixth Avenue. Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times The internet can't decide what makes a sundress a sundress. Does it need to be bright and floral? Can it be white or, even more controversially, black? What about the shape? Some feel it should be tight, others say loose; and no one can agree on the length. The Styles section has put together a sundress survey: Take the quiz, and see if you can find common ground with other Times readers. More on culture Cindy Crawford Amy Harrity for The New York Times Decades ago, Cindy Crawford invented the model-to-brand playbook being used by the current generation. "I always say, 'I modeled,'" she said. "It's a verb to me. It's not an identity." "Spermworld," a Hulu documentary about men who connect with would-be parents looking for sperm donors via the internet, is on a list of the best documentaries of 2024 so far. THE MORNING RECOMMENDS … David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. Combine dill pickles and tzatziki for an easy dip that goes with practically everything. Enjoy these stand-up specials. Bring these gadgets on your next trip. Crack open one of the best hard seltzers. Take our news quiz. GAMES Here is today's Spelling Bee. Yesterday's pangram was jollying. And here are today's Mini Crossword, Wordle, Sudoku, Connections and Strands. Thanks for spending part of your morning with The Times. See you tomorrow. Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox. Reach our team at themorning@nytimes.com. Editor: David Leonhardt Deputy Editor: Adam B. Kushner News Editor: Tom Wright-Piersanti Associate Editor: Lauren Jackson News Staff: Desiree Ibekwe, Sean Kawasaki-Culligan, Brent Lewis, German Lopez, Ian Prasad Philbrick, Ashley Wu News Assistant: Lyna Bentahar Saturday Writer: Melissa Kirsch Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for the Morning newsletter from The New York Times, or as part of your New York Times account. To stop receiving The Morning, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. 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