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Taylor Swift's Wedding Takes Over MSG; Millions Under July 4th Heat Advisories; "Capitol 4th" Concert Faces Cancellation. Aired 4:30- 5a ET

Aired July 03, 2026 - 04:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[04:30:00]

SALMA ABDELAZIZ, CNN ANCHOR: Later today for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Sources say the celebrity couple will get married at New York's Madison Square Garden under very heavy security. We're told there will be a cocktail hour and then a reception that will last late into the night. About a thousand guests are expected to attend.

A dangerous heat wave is scorching half the country heading into the 4th of July holiday. At least 20 locations up and down the east coast have broken or tied their daily record high temperatures and that trend is expected to continue today. The use of air conditioning to beat the heat is straining power grids and has left thousands without electricity.

And we will find out today if the annual Capitol 4th concert will go ahead this weekend. In Washington, organizers canceled Thursday's rehearsal due to the extreme heat. President Trump has acknowledged it will be hot, but he plans to deliver a long speech before Saturday night's fireworks.

Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez says the death toll from the twin earthquakes has climbed to nearly 2,600 people. She says that includes almost all of the local government leaders in the hardest hit area.

Venezuela has declared a period of national mourning, but search and rescue efforts are ongoing. Rodriguez is denying accusations that the government response was slow amid the tragedy, a remarkable rescue.

Emergency crews pulled a man alive from the rubble eight days after the earthquake struck. CNN's Isa Soares spoke with one of the rescuers and reflected on the amazing moment.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ISA SOARES, CNN ANCHOR CORRESPONDENT: It was really moving seeing Hernan being pulled out of the rubble. A convoy of rescue workers were carrying him on both side of his stretchers and then the rest created a pathway, of course, after looking after him for something like eight days. And then the look on his face. He was dazed but alert.

This was something out of a blockbuster movie. And everyone here could sense it, could feel it. Because with applause and there was a lot, by the way. Also came relief after so many days, of course, of loss right here in Venezuela.

For a moment, just imagine being at nun, stuck under piles, tons of rubble, unable to move and in pitch black for days. I was really struck by the Herculean effort from teams from all over the world who for days, taking turns, were delicately cutting through the cement, trying to get him out. And this was, by the way, an incredibly complex operation.

Hernan was a security guard at this parking lot here on level mines 2 when the earthquake shook Venezuela. He was in his little cabin. I was told by a rescue worker that he probably was sitting on his chair because they found him under the chair.

But that little cabin, imagine that created an air pocket and that kept him safe. They kept him alive by giving him fluids, by giving him electrolytes, even baby food through a tube. And while this was all happening outside, his wife waited day and night to be able to hug her husband.

I can't help but mention this little nugget that was shared with me by a Portuguese rescue worker who in the early days of the rescue really bonded with Hernan over football. Have a listen to this.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We identified ourselves as a rescue team, as usual, and I told him that I'm from Portugal, I told him my name is Armando Maria, and that was there to help him, when almost immediately, he yelled "Cristano Ronaldo."

SOARES: Personally, after days reporting on so much loss and misery here in Venezuela, Hernan's rescue really moved not just me, in fact, by my entire team.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ABDELAZIZ: For more information about how you can help the earthquake victims, please go to cnn.com/impact.

Ukraine's capital is now observing a day of mourning to honor the victims of Russia's latest attack on the city. Search and rescue operations are ongoing for a second straight day in the rubble of buildings that took direct hits. And there's concern that more people could be buried under the debris.

A short while ago, Ukraine said the death toll from Thursday's strikes reached at least 30 people, with more than 90 others wounded. And Ukraine's president is appealing to allies to send more air defenses. Our Sebastian Shukla is live this hour with us in Berlin with the very latest.

Good morning to you, Sebastian. what do we know now about the victims heading into this second straight day?

[04:35:10] SEBASTIAN SHUKLA, CNN PRODUCER: Yes, good morning, Salma. Well, as you said, we now know that 30 people have tragically lost their lives as a result of this most massive attack. That's the way that the Ukrainian authorities are describing it. And the video that is coming from Kyiv is really truly quite shocking.

That one apartment block in the southern part of the city was effectively blown away. Those are the words of the mayor of Kyiv as well. And you can see the devastation that this attack has wrought on the Ukrainian capital and another night of ferocious bombardment aimed to degrade the morale of the Ukrainian people as this war drags on longer into its fifth year. And what we're seeing, Salma, over the course of the last few months now is that this is the cadence of this war.

Now, lots of the focus has been diverted away from the eastern battlefields of the Donbas. And it is now taking place in the skies above Moscow and above Kyiv as both sides attack each other's what they determine, critical infrastructure. We've seen the Ukrainians launching similar attacks on Moscow and Moscow retaliating in kind.

The Kremlin saying that this particular attack that happened last night or two nights ago rather, was retaliation for a major attack that the Ukrainians launched on Moscow as well.

So this is becoming a much more pervasive, much more targeted campaign and series of attacks that we're seeing. And it is all aimed at trying to destabilize, to change the narratives, to be able to remind people that there is a war that is going on and particularly for the Ukrainians to be able to try to force the message on the Russian people to say, despite what the President tells you in your newspapers and on your TV. There is a war that's going on in this country, in our country, and we are bringing it home to you. And the reminder here is that you may not necessarily be winning it, Salma.

ABDELAZIZ: And as you were speaking there, Sebastian, we saw what remains of that apartment block. But as you touched on there, I mean key for weeks now has been firing these long-range missiles from the Black Sea to Moscow. It's even forced President Putin to admit the country was facing quote, "problems and fuel shortages." Does this Russian attack now slow Ukraine's momentum in the war or does keep still have the upper hand here?

SHUKLA: No, I think it's very much the determination --determination of Kyiv and all of its European and Western partners that the Ukrainians have the upper hand. At the moment. The Russians are losing somewhere between 30,000 to 35,000 people, men a day in the Donbas. The way and the persistent nature and the very targeted campaign launched by the Ukrainians in these so-called mid-range strikes, particularly targeting the Crimean peninsula, occupied part of Ukraine and other different parts of Russia, too.

Cities, critical infrastructure, military bases are being targeted almost relentlessly now by the Ukrainians. And the way that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy describes his attacks is our sanctions. And he's talking very specifically about missiles and drones slamming into these Russian targets as a way to show the Kremlin that the Ukrainians are the ones with the upper hand here. And all of it is designed to try to force the Russians to the table.

They want to be able to drive home the advantage that they have at the moment. They are supported by the Europeans in this tactic with the simple aim to try to force President Putin to come to the negotiating table severely weakened, which he is right now. The question is, Salma, how and where does the Russian president go next?

ABDELAZIZ: Sebastian Shukla there with analysis for us from Berlin. Thank you so much.

A big moment for superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who helped propel Portugal to the next round of the World Cup. We'll have all the latest action for you.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[04:42:38]

ABDELAZIZ: Another three countries have now qualified for the Men's World cup round of 16. Switzerland made it through just a few hours ago with a 20 victory over Algeria in Vancouver. The Swiss will face the winner of the Colombia Ghana match which is set to be held later today. But the most exciting showdown from Thursday was Portugal versus Croatia.

Superstar captain Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal ever in a knockout round. He hammered home a penalty kick, sparking Portugal's comeback and leading them from a one goal deficit to victory. Portugal has now secured a date with powerhouse neighbor Spain in the round of 16.

Those are Spanish fans back home in Madrid celebrating on Thursday after a dominant victory over Austria. It was a very straightforward affair in Southern California. Spain scoring three times with no goals for Austria.

And later today, we're going to find out which of these six countries will also advance to the quarter finals and who will be heading home. Cape Verde have already made it much further than expected, but they remain the only ultimate underdogs against defending champs Argentina.

Joining me now from here in London is Johnny Dutch. He is a music artist and host of the football podcast "The Thing About Arsenal." Thank you so much for being on with us this morning.

Just going through these games. I mean, what surprises have we seen here? Paraguay knocked out Germany. Morocco eliminated the Netherlands. England was struggling against the DRC. Belgium had to fight hard to beat Senegal.

Is this the World Cup of underdogs?

JOHNY DUTCH, HOST OF THE FOOTBALL PODCAST "THE THING ABOUT ARSENAL": It is. And it's the World cup of absolute cinema and excitement so far, which has surprised me. Going into the World Cup, I was. I didn't know if it was going to be as good as it's been, and it is truly been amazing.

There's been some great storylines and great narratives and it's only just starting.

ABDELAZIZ: And I think some of the results have just made my jaw drop. But I'm -- I'm not the expert here. You are.

Is this World cup going as you expected it would, or are you just as surprised as me?

[04:45:01]

DUTCH: I'm very, very surprised. Like I say, I've been thoroughly entertained so far. We'd have to be staying up us in London and Africa. We've had to be staying up late into the night to, to absorb all of the action. But it's been brilliant so far.

And as I say, you've got so many opportunities for even more drama. With Cape Verde playing later, Messi gets to respond to his great rival later and there's. And there's potential. The big, big showdowns are yet to come over the weekend and going into next week with the Spain, Portugal, England, Mexico.

Obviously, I mean, I'm in England. So I'm an England fan and that's going to be a real challenge for us. But yeah, such great drama yet to come, I'm sure.

ABDELAZIZ: And of course I have to ask about England. I'm in London, you're in London. The pubs are going to stay open late for this. Me and my partner are arguing Sunday night in Mexico against Mexico. Do they actually stand a chance here?

DUTCH: Yes. Well, do Mexico or England? Which ones?

ABDELAZIZ: England. I mean, come on, we're in London. We know who we're rooting for.

DUTCH: England. Well, listen, on paper, on paper, England are a far better team. But with the momentum the Mexicans have with 130 million people behind them and the altitude, which the England players won't be used to, playing at a fairly 50-50 game for me, and it's all about who starts better.

Mexico are a very high energy team and they've got some quality in that midfield and on the flanks. But if England can manage it, their dominance and their talents should overpower Mexico in theory as the game progresses.

But anything can happen and we've seen it already at this World Cup. Literally anything can happen and will happen. So, I'm not banking on an England win, but I'm certainly hoping for it. And I will be up until the early hours of Monday morning watching it in a pub somewhere.

ABDELAZIZ: And I want to ask you about my other homeland, America, USA. What are their chances here?

DUTCH: America, I feel momentum is everything as a host nation and Canada, Mexico and America are all still in it. I feel like they played well. They somehow, they scored after losing a man when Balogun got sent off the other night. I feel that the nation is fully invested.

That's one thing that surprised me a lot about this World Cup is how invested Americans are into their team because they're winning. So anything's possible. We've seen host nations go a lot further than they should. They weren't the favorites before the tournament. But if they get past this next round, they'll have a chance.

ABDELAZIZ: And I want to put you on the spot here. Who is going to lift the trophy and which teams will reach the semifinals that maybe nobody is expecting?

DUTCH: Okay, I feel like -- I feel like Spain. I said before the tournament that Spain, I think Spain are the only team that can take down France. Everyone's favorites of France. But I feel like Spain have France's number and they're a good, good team and they're just warming up.

But a team that I'm thinking of a team that could surprise everyone. I still say Norway. I think Harland has been scoring goals. Norway have -- Norway have got Brazil coming up as well. Brazil, sorry. Norway are the only team Brazil haven't beaten in their history. They beat him at the last World cup that Norway in 1998.

I think there's a big surprise on the way with Norway.

ABDELAZIZ: Johnny Dutch there with the hopes and dreams of so many nations still at play. Thank you so much.

DUTCH: Thank you so much, Salma. Take care.

ABDELAZIZ: We'll be right back after this break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[04:52:42]

ABDELAZIZ: America's newest presidential library will open to the public this weekend. The museum brings to life President Teddy Roosevelt's legacy, even making it possible to talk to an AI version of the country's 26th President. CNN's Jeff Zeleny gives us a preview.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEFF ZELENY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voiceover): The bison and the badlands both drew Teddy Roosevelt to North Dakota nearly a century and a half ago. And now a new presidential library paying tribute to his legacy rises in the distance. A 450-million-dollar project that somehow seems to blend in to the sweeping vistas. Until you step inside and begin to see the enormity of it all. ZELENY: One of the first things you see is dirt. These walls are incredible and they are actual forms of dirt that look like the badlands. And when the light comes in from the top, it is really striking how layer upon layer upon layer forms the entry to the country's newest presidential library. You're taken back to his childhood in New York City, literally looking into the windows of where he grew up on 20th street in Manhattan.

ZELENY (voiceover): For the first time, Roosevelt's personal diary is on public display with an X marking the day his life would forever change.

ZELENY: February 14, 1884, the light has gone out of my life. Young Theodore Roosevelt wrote those words when his mother and his wife died on the very same day in the very same house.

ED O'KEEFE, CEO, THEODORE ROOSEVELT PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY FOUNDATION: He really, truly thought that his life, for the better part, was lived and over. He was 25 years old.

ZELENY (voiceover): Ed O'Keefe is CEO of the library.

O'KEEFE: He recovered, he healed in nature. He later said, I never would have been president except for my experiences here in North Dakota. Nature, the outdoors, literally saved his life.

ZELENY (voiceover): From a replica cabin of his Elkhorn ranch to his legendary service in the Spanish American War, Roosevelt's life unfolds like a storybook and builds toward the presidency.

ZELENY: This room really brings to life Teddy Roosevelt's style on the campaign trail and his oratory as well, including this whistle stop simulation train tour where you stand here and visitors really get a sense of what it was like to look out into the crowd and see so many people listening and hanging on every word.

[04:55:10]

O'KEEFE: Well, when we set out, we said we want to digitize the archive of an analog president. The advent of AI during our project gave us the opportunity to make Theodore Roosevelt the first president available in AI. You can actually talk with T.R.

Come on up. Why was conservation so important to you as president?

ZELENY (voiceover): He thinks for a moment and answers. If you ask a modern-day question, he punts.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT AI: I'll leave today's politics to the living.

O'KEEFE: We are building this museum in the 2020s, not the 1920s. We are here to humanize, not lionize T.R. History is not pretty. There are rough spots.

There are opinions and statements by even our most treasured leaders that we wish they had never said. But we don't hide them here. ZELENY: And of course, one of the most famous speeches from Roosevelt is in the arena where he talks about people cannot be on the sidelines. The credit belongs to the man actually in the arena.

ZELENY (voiceover): The library formally opens here Saturday. On the edge of the Theodore Roosevelt national park outside Medora, a tiny western town with a new landmark. Jeff Zeleny, CNN, Medora, North Dakota.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ABDELAZIZ: And please be sure to join CNN for America's 250th birthday with the biggest fireworks and stars. Anderson Cooper will host the fourth in America celebrating 250 Live this Saturday, July 4th. You can also stream it on the CNN app.

Thank you so much for joining us. I'm Salma Abdelaziz in London. CNN Headline Express is next.

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