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Quest Means Business
Trump to Kick Off July 4th Weekend with Mount Rushmore Visit; Philadelphia Cancels Parade Amid Dangerous Heat; CNN Iside Iran Head of Supreme Leader's Funeral; New Year's London Marathon Set To Be A Two-Day Event; Americans Prepare For Fireworks And Parades In Record Heat; Host City Hotels Cash In On Higher Room Rates. Glammed Up Guests Seen Arriving At Madison Square Garden. Aired 4-5p ET
Aired July 03, 2026 - 16:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[16:00:28]
PAULA NEWTON, CNN INTERNATIONAL HOST: So U.S. markets are closed for the big independence day holiday, but those European stocks, they are higher
across the board. Those tailwinds from a big trading day yesterday in the United States. Oil now currently trading at about $72.00 a barrel.
Those are the markets and these are the main events.
Across the U.S., people are celebrating 250 years of independence from Philadelphia to Mount Rushmore. We will cover all the festivities.
The London Marathon is expanding next year to a two-day event. The CEO joins us live.
And Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, they are expected to get married literally in the next couple of hours, just a few blocks from here.
Cocktail hour set to get underway in minutes. We will have a report from Madison Square Garden.
Live from New York, it is Friday, July 3rd. I am Paula Newton, in for Richard Quest and this is QUEST MEANS BUSINESS.
And good evening, right across the United States, preparations are underway for July 4th celebrations as the country gears up to mark 250 years of
American independence.
Now, President Trump is heading to Mount Rushmore soon to deliver a speech at the legendary monument that pays tribute to four of America's most
revered presidents. He has, you'll remember, he said, that he would like his face on that mountain someday.
Now, all of that comes ahead of a day of events in Washington on Saturday, including what Trump is touting as the biggest fireworks show in history.
One factor threatening celebrations, though, the major heat wave sweeping parts of the United States and those temperatures are already topping 100
degrees Fahrenheit in some areas, and that includes Washington, D.C. That is 38 degrees Celsius. I know many in Europe have a recent reminder of what
that feels like.
Now, on the eve of America's big birthday, Pope Leo has been in the spotlight in Philadelphia, the birthplace of U.S. Independence.
The first American Pope was awarded the Liberty Medal, which he accepted virtually from the Vatican. Organizers say the pontiff was chosen for his
lifelong work promoting religious liberty and freedom of conscience and expression right around the world.
Danny Freeman is in Philadelphia. It all happened there 250 years ago. That's where the Declaration of Independence was signed. It is all
happening now, Danny, I don't have to remind you, starting today, tomorrow.
So give us a sense. Wrap this up. The Pope kind of got things started in a way, but there is a lot still to come despite the high temperatures.
DANNY FREEMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: No, that's absolutely right. And you are absolutely right, Paula. It all started here in Philadelphia, right behind
me, Independence Hall. That is where the Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago and it has been a nonstop party ever since then for
America to some extent.
But basically, in terms of this particular weekend, this particular heat wave, probably the best event so far has been that event honoring the Pope
for no other reason than, of course, it was really special for Philadelphia to have the first U.S. born Pope speaking virtually to a crowd here just a
few blocks away from where I am standing right here. But also, crucially, that event was air conditioned.
So let's talk about this heat because as you alluded to, Paula, it really has been brutal for a lot of cities up and down the East Coast, especially
where the country was founded. Here in Philadelphia earlier today, we were supposed to have this big, massive parade that featured people from all
over the country that unfortunately had to get cancelled.
Because, Paula, as you noted, we've been experiencing that triple digit heat. I just checked the CNN Weather app. It is 100 degrees currently right
now in Philadelphia. We saw those 100-degree days yesterday, and it is likely not going to let up tomorrow as well.
There was another event last night with Queen Latifah that was cancelled. This stage right here below us, this is supposed to be a stage set up for
Idina Menzel and the Philadelphia Pops. I don't love the sign, though, of these folks right here, putting away some of these chairs. But again, as of
now, that has not been cancelled. We are crossing our fingers that maybe some things will be pushed off towards the later parts of the evening.
But again, it is larger than just Philadelphia. Amtrak, that's our main train system that goes through, especially this part of the country, Paula,
as you know very well, over two dozen cancellations of trains that go between Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York and Boston.
[16:05:04]
And then sadly, there was also a person north of here, also in Pennsylvania, in Berks County, who passed away due to cardiovascular strain
due to heat exhaustion. A 68-year-old man who was outside trimming bushes.
It is a cautionary tale, Paula, because that's what so many of these event organizers are really concerned about. They don't want people to get sick.
They don't want people to get hurt because the heat is oppressive. But nonetheless, I can tell you, we've seen a ton of tourists out here on
Independence Mall taking a look at the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall behind me to try and celebrate, even in spite of this oppressive heat --
Paula.
NEWTON: Yes, it is a bit like a snowstorm trying to crash Christmas, but I have great confidence in Americans, Danny, you guys will be out there
celebrating for the next 24 hours any way you can and we are here to cover it.
Danny freeman, I hope you are getting some shade and some water. Enjoy the festivities there in Philadelphia.
FREEMAN: I've got my fan. I've got my fan.
NEWTON: Excellent. Look at you. Nothing better than a prepared correspondent at CNN. Danny Freeman, Happy Fourth to you.
FREEMAN: Thank you.
NEWTON: Thanks so much.
Now for the last 250 years, the United States has been known for its economic resilience. Right? Americans have been all about business right
from the beginning. Even some of the Founding Fathers, you'll be interested to hear speculated on the vast lands out West.
Since their time, the economy, though, of course, has changed dramatically. Here are a few numbers that we have to prove it to you. $345.00, that was
the mean household income for Americans in the 1770s. GDP per capita today sits at around $90,000.00.
Now, going to the Civil War era, 40 percent of the north, a full 40 percent was engaged in agriculture. In the South, pretty much everyone was 84
percent, yet, going to flash forward to today, farming is less than one percent of the economy.
Then came the age of factories. In June 1979, the U.S. recorded a peak of nearly 20 million manufacturing jobs. That number is just 12.5 million
today.
Some facts and figures there, but we do want to reflect a little bit on America's economic exceptionalism and we have Cullum Clark. He is of the
Executive Growth Initiative at the George W. Bush Institute, and he joins us now.
A happy early fourth to you. I want to thank you for being on the program.
CULLUM CLARK, EXECUTIVE GROWTH INITIATIVE, THE GEORGE W. BUSH INSTITUTE: Thank you, Paula. Happy Fourth to you as well.
NEWTON: Now, your latest essay is "Economic Independence: Americas Most Radical Idea." This caught my attention. And I am going to quote you here,
"Independence unleashed economic forces that led over several decades to stunning industrial and commercial expansion, radical new ideas on freedom
for workers and entrepreneurs, and economic opportunities unmatched in human history to that time."
After 250 years, how does the audacity of what you just said propel the economy that Americans live in today?
CLARK: Well, I think that the reason first of all, the thing I want to say in that essay is from the start, the United States put together a winning
formula and independence as such, arguably was about the most important decision in terms of its future economic consequences that our country ever
made.
Why do I say that? Because before independence, the United States or the colonies, I should say, were in a kind of a pre-modern setup as part of the
British Empire. They were locked into being just raw material suppliers, labor markets did not function in nearly as free a fashion as we came to
think, in the sense that someone could readily quit their job, go get a better job, go start a business, and independence meant that in one fell
swoop, all of those Imperial British rules went out the window and our founders were able to innovate and innovate they did and they created the
world's best model for innovation and economic growth from the get go.
And for 160 of the last 250 years, the United States has been hands down the biggest economy in the world.
NEWTON: Yes, that is quite a feature and quite a streak to keep up, as we are 250 years later. You've written about these key milestone moments that
shaped America's economy. It is a series of essays. O am wondering when you take on a project like this, what are your takeaways after spending this
time analyzing these truly exceptional economic milestones?
CLARK: Well, America's economic performance for these last 250 years really is stellar. It is a bit of a mystery from an economic point of view. Why is
it that the United States has performed so much better even than what we usually think of as our closest peer country?
So at the Bush Institute, we wanted to dig into this and try to understand it better and try to help our fellow Americans understand it better as
well, and you can say there are several components and they came together very early in the history of our country.
[16:10:10]
Number one, our founders invented a patent system unlike anything the world had ever seen before and a giant set of incentives to go out and invent new
useful products. It was one of the only policies that Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton agreed on.
Another important policy very early on that also was reinforced by a set of supreme court decisions very early on was in effect, to make America the
freest, best place to start a business anywhere in the world and that was in a world where, generally speaking, to start a business, you had to have
permission from the King or the Queen and here, we basically said, no, knock yourself out. Go start a business.
We built -- we had the audacity to build physical infrastructure on a scale that no other country had ever attempted early in our history, the Erie
Canal in New York was completed in 1825, was three times longer than any canal ever built by humanity before; the Transcontinental Railroad that was
really launched in Abraham Lincoln's time as President was without precedent in the world.
And one other thing we did in Lincoln's watch, and this was something he very much championed, even though he was busy fighting the Civil War was,
we passed something called the Moral Land Grant College Act, and this was perhaps one of the most audacious things we ever did, which was essentially
the federal government granting land to all the states to create universities that would be essentially about teaching practical skills to
ordinary people.
In effect, nobody had ever thought of that before. No one -- it never occurred to anyone in the world that college would just be for the elite.
NEWTON: Yes and what an inheritance that is for this country.
I do want to talk about the uncommon resilience of the American economy, and it runs through consumers, entrepreneurs, and even, yes, I dare say, it
is politicians and that runs through everyone to this day.
Do you think it is, of course, that whole issue of the American Dream that in this economy people still dare to dream? Do you think that's too trite?
Or is that -- does history bear that out?
CLARK: No, I think you're absolutely right, Paula. I think that if we want to try to understand why the U.S. economy has been so resilient in the face
of shocks and adversity along the way, I think really the first place you would look would be really at the spirit of the American people. If you
want to have a resilient economy, you need to have a population who believe the future is going to be brighter than today.
And when there is a setback, they, you know, they pick themselves up and carry on and they get laid off from one job, they go find another better
one, or they start a business and for all that to happen, you have to believe in a brighter future. You have to believe that the American Dream,
as it were, is actually within reach, that you can have a much better life if you work hard and, you know, build things in this country.
So I think that spirit has been the single most important thing. Beyond that, I think it has been really good news to have a hugely diverse
economy. There are so many different things happening that whenever we've had a setback in one part of the economy, there have been so many others
that were doing pretty well that we usually bounce back very well.
NEWTON: Professor Clark, you've given us a great a great overview in a short period of time on the economic history of this country. I thank you.
Happy Fourth to you and we will continue to watch what this truly exceptional economy does in the months and years to come Thanks so much.
CLARK: Happy Fourth. Thanks.
NEWTON: Now, ahead on the show, Iran is sparing no expense for the week long funeral of its late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. We will have a
report from our reporter on the ground in Tehran when we return.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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NEWTON: Iran is sparing no expense to memorialize its slain Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei four months after he was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli
strike. Now, the public part of the weeklong funeral begins Saturday and stretches across multiple locations, with millions expected to attend.
Coffins containing his body and several family members are lying in state in Tehran. You see some of the mourners there, and foreign delegations are
being greeted by senior Iranian officials there. You see, Russia's former president, Dmitry Medvedev arriving for the farewell.
Our Frederik Pleitgen is in Tehran. CNN operates in Iran only with the permission of the government, but we maintain full editorial control and
here is his report.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice over): As the U.S. and Israel launched their war on Iran in late February, one of the
first targeted assassinations, Iran's longtime Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed along with several family members in a massive air strike.
More than four months later, Iran is getting ready to hold possibly the largest funeral events in this country's history.
PLEITGEN (on camera): Final preparations are underway here at the gigantic Musalla Complex in Central Tehran, and security in the city is extremely
tight as millions of people are set to show up and pay their final respects.
PLEITGEN (voice over): Tehran is plastered with images of the late Supreme Leader posters, billboards and even statues on buildings and in public
squares, many vowing revenge against the U.S. and Israel for the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
(UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE speaking in foreign language.)
PLEITGEN (voice over): "We don't trust the U.S. for any type of negotiations," this woman says. "Trump is the most bloodthirsty enemy in
all the world."
And she says, "It is our message from here to all the world that all people should stand up, everyone should rise and give the slogan of death to the
oppressors, death to America."
(UNIDENTIFIED MALE speaking in foreign language.)
PLEITGEN (voice over): This man says, "We do not expect peace from the enemy. Our experience has proven this to us."
After the U.S. and Israel killed the Supreme Leader and parts of Iran's political and military leadership, Tehran regrouped quickly, naming
Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader who still has not been seen in public since taking the reins and only communicates by
written statements.
Iran also launching powerful missile and drone strikes and effectively shutting down the Strait of Hormuz.
with a shaky ceasefire holding for now, Iran's political and military leaders were some of the first to pay their final respects at the coffin
lying in state, including the President, Foreign Minister and Chief Negotiator.
Among the caskets, a tiny one containing the remains of Ayatollah Khamenei's granddaughter.
(UNIDENTIFIED MALE speaking in foreign language.)
PLEITGEN (voice over): "Without a doubt, this martyrdom has strengthened our resolve," this Revolutionary Guard General says. "Today, with even
greater determination, we address the enemies of the Iranian nation, the United States and the Israeli regime and say we will hold them accountable
for the blood of our martyred leader and all of our martyrs."
Vows of retribution even as both sides negotiators aim to achieve a peace agreement looking to end the decades long standoff between the U.S. and
Iran.
Fred Pleitgen, CNN, Tehran.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NEWTON: Authorities say the main suspect they are looking for in Monday's bomb attack in Monaco is a Ukrainian woman who disguised herself as a man.
The explosion wounded a Ukrainian businessman in a residential building, as well as a woman and child who were with him.
The rare act of violence has shaken the small city state.
Nick Paton Walsh reports.
[16:20:10]
NICK PATON WALSH, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice over): An extraordinary twist in the tale of a bombing of a millionaire in
a place of luxury, where absolutely none of this is meant to happen.
Monaco's prosecutors announced today they were seeking this woman, Anastasiia Berezovska, aged 39, Ukrainian, but resident in Germany as prime
suspect in the bombing of this Monaco residential building where this man, Ukrainian Millionaire, Vadym Iermolaiev and a woman and child were
critically injured by a bomb hidden in a shopping bag.
It all comes down to this individual caught on CCTV. Prosecutors said they twice scouted the scene with the shopping bag that carried the bomb, both
two and three days before the bombing.
But on the day before, they didn't and instead the exact same route was walked, bag in tow by this woman.
MORGAN RAYMOND, DEPUTY MONACO PROSECUTOR (through translator): It was then noted that on June 28th, 2026, the only day for which no observations had
been made by the individual wearing the baseball cap, a woman followed the same route around the site of the explosion.
Her route was the same as that of the individual wearing the baseball cap, and her behavior was similar when she was near the site of the explosion.
This led to the conclusion that this woman, who had dark brown hair, was heavyset and had a prominent tattoo on her right arm, might be the same
person who had planted the explosive device.
WALSH (voice over): The rest was easier in a place where there is a police officer for every 70 residents. Theres not much other crime to solve, and a
third of the residents are millionaires. Her rental car traced back to Germany, where she lived, and an Interpol Red Notice issued.
The why is still an issue. Why, Iermolaiev? Why the half sophistication, a homemade remote-controlled bomb and a suspect who got themselves filmed on
scene.
Residents in Monaco, about five years, Iermolaiev had no obvious links to the war in Ukraine. This apparent failed hit rattling a place sought for
the luxury and tranquility that beams off the waters around it.
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, London.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NEWTON: July 4th celebrations are about to kick off in earnest as President Trump prepares to deliver a speech at Mount Rushmore. A live report from
South Dakota is up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[16:25:33]
NEWTON: Hello, I am Paula Newton, and there is more QUEST MEANS BUSINESS in a moment when the world famous London Marathon will expand next year into a
two-day event. The CEO, Hugh Brasher, joins me, and guests are arriving just a few blocks from here, the Madison Square Garden for Taylor Swift and
Travis Kelce's wedding celebration.
Before that, though, the headlines this hour.
Iran has begun a week-long funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike earlier this year.
Millions of mourners are expected to attend commemorations spanning five cities in both Iran and Iraq.
Foreign dignitaries are paying respects as the Ayatollah's body lies in state.
International police are searching for the main suspect of Monday's bomb attack on a Ukrainian-born tycoon in Monaco. They have named the suspect as
39-year-old Anastasiia Berezovska, and she had disguised herself, police say, as a man.
The blast injured Vadym Iermolaiev and a woman and child who were with him.
Venezuela's government is facing tough questions about its earthquake response and the official death toll. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez says
nearly 2,600 lives have been lost. This, as the U.S. Geological Survey estimates tens of thousands likely died in last week's back-to-back
earthquakes.
So President Trump is expected to head to Mount Rushmore in the next hour to deliver a speech on the eve of U.S. Independence Day. Trump has often
floated the idea of adding his own face to the legendary monument.
Now, I will remind you who those faces are. It is Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. His speech comes at a time, of course, of national
discontent. A few recent polls, including from pew research, found nearly 70 percent of Americans dissatisfied with the way things are going in the
United States.
Jeff Zeleny is at Mount Rushmore and, Jeff, it is a good reason to celebrate Independence Day. I am looking at the live shot behind you and it
doesn't matter how many times I see it in pictures or in film, I've never - - unfortunately, I've never been there. It is still astounding.
Astounding why this thing was built, how it was built and again, a tribute to so much of what Americans want to celebrate on the 250th birthday.
JEFF ZELENY, CNN CHIEF NATIONAL AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: Paula, it is a feat of engineering, there is no doubt about it. I mean, if you think back to --
this was built from 1927 to 1941, specifically to promote tourism here in South Dakota, to bring people to come see the presidents. And that, of
course, has happened, a huge industry has sprung up in the Black Hills here.
But when you look behind me and just look at the presidents one by one from Washington to Jefferson to Teddy Roosevelt to Abraham Lincoln, this is
exactly where President Trump has chosen to be on the eve of the Fourth of July.
He loves this National Park. He was back here in 2020 during his first term in office, during his reelection campaign, when it was still in the height
of the global pandemic.
His speech at that point was protested. There were concerns about that. No more today.
This is going to be a packed crowd of his supporters, several thousand Trump supporters have tickets to hear him speak tonight. We are told he is
going to talk about American exceptionalism, also, his record.
We know that he is not necessarily a student of history, but he loves that he is in the unique and exclusive club of only 45 men to hold this office.
So you're right, he has talked several times about wanting to have his own face etched in stone there. Experts have said there simply is not room. It
is simply not possible.
However, the Interior Secretary, Doug Burgum, the former Governor of Montana, who is very close to the President, he has said there might be
some room up there, so we've been studying it for a couple hours here, Paula. I've been here a few times over the years.
It does not look to me like there is much room up there for a new president, but we will see if President Trump mentions that here tonight
when he delivers a speech, there is fireworks and then he is headed back to Washington for the spectacular on the National Mall.
But I can tell you it is cool here, it is in the 70s. It certainly has some higher temperatures waiting for him tomorrow on The Mall and certainly in
the speech tomorrow night.
NEWTON: And Jeff, just quickly about that, I am looking at the temperatures in Washington. He is saying he is going to do a long speech. I don't think
it is a good idea.
I mean, is there any sense he might postpone it? He might make it shorter. Anything?
[16:30:15]
ZELENY: We have not heard anything officially from the White House on that, but they simply could -- one advisor I was talking to, said, the weather
could be a way out of the issue of having smaller crowds.
President Trump is very sensitive to the size of crowds, particularly on the National Mall. We all remember back to his first inaugural. So, we will
see if any changes in plans are made. But, look, he is not arriving back in Washington tonight until 3:30 this morning.
And then, of course, having that speech tomorrow night. He said it would be a long one. We will see. As of now, though, we have not heard of any change
in plans, but, of course, the weather could dictate so many things. Paula?
NEWTON: Jeff Zeleny, you have clocked a lot of miles in your political career in this country. I hope you are enjoying being there at Mount
Rushmore, and Happy Fourth to you. We appreciate all your editorial guidance on the show.
(CROSSTALK)
ZELENY: I know. How can you not.
NEWTON: I know. How can you not.
ZELENY: Come visit. Come visit.
NEWTON: I really do. Because, like I said, every time I see it, I still can't believe it. I got to see it from my own eyes.
Jeff Zeleny for us at Mount Rushmore.
(CROSSTALK)
ZELENY: Well done, you, lastly.
NEWTON: I will. Thanks.
ZELENY: You bet.
NEWTON: Now, as the U.S. prepares to celebrate 250 years of freedom from Britain. Just to underscore that point, we want to head now to London, as
the city looks ahead to a unique edition of one of its own big celebrations. The world's famous London Marathon will expand next year into
a two-day event -- count them, one, two. That will allow a hundred thousand people to take part in identical marathons over a weekend.
A competition for a race bib will still be quite stiff. Organizers say 1.3 million people have already entered the ballot for next year's race.
Joining me now is Hugh Brasher, he is CEO of London Marathon Events.
Really good to have you on the program. I mean, look, this is an amazing event that not just people in London, but around the world look forward to.
I mean, look, congratulations, it's a very popular event. So, can you fill us in, given the fact that it will span two days, what do you believe this
will allow to happen, given the fact that you still have so much demand?
HUGH BRASHER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, LONDON MARATHON EVENTS: Yes. So, look, we are the most popular marathon on the planet. And as you say, 1.3
million people applied. That was over 92,000 Americans applied to run the 2027 TCS London Marathon.
We have got some pretty amazing goal. We want to raise over $200 million for charity, our runners are estimating. That's what should happen from the
double event. We will create economic and social benefit of more than half a billion dollars.
But, I think, above all we will really show that power of people working together, enjoying each other's company, helping each other on this
unbelievable quest of running 26.2 miles, which less than one percent of the world's population has ever done. And they will celebrate together, and
it really shows that together as humanity, we can create and do far more than we can when we are apart.
NEWTON: It is a great -- it is a great event.
I have certainly attended never run a marathon myself, certainly, not in London. I am wondering, though, from the charity point of view, is that
really the main reason to expand it? When you sit down and try and look at an event like this, did you think to yourself, we really want to break some
records here for the amount of money we can raise?
BRASHER: I think it is hugely popular, but I genuinely, this is about bringing the world together. The world will come to London, it will show
that the world working together, that we are far more similar than we are different,
And we have a mayor that is expansive in his thinking. London is such a diverse, multicultural city, and the energy, the positive energy that comes
out of an event such as the London Marathon. And last year, in 2026, I mean, earlier this year, we had the largest marathon on the planet, 59,830
finishes.
We had the fastest ever men's marathon. The first time in a competition a man had ever run under two hours for the marathon. We didn't have one man
doing it, we had two. Had the first time ever that three women had run under 216 for a marathon.
The first time a world record had been broken consecutively with men and women in the same race. We had the charity world record in terms of the
amount of money last year that was raised. More than $120 million was raised as a result of the event.
So, we are already at about $1.8 billion since the London Marathon started, and it was co-founded by my father back in 1981. And this -- the showing
that the unity that humankind can come together in one joyous celebration of that humanity was one of his founding goals -- him and John Disley,
[16:35:11]
So, we have a mayor, as I say, that really wants to show the power of London. It is the sporting capital of the world, the Kearney Index, that's
what it says. The more that we can bring people together, and sport and activity brings people together. You know, you've got the World Cup here in
the U.S., you are doing an amazing job with it.
I think, the celebrations, whether it's the Scots in Boston, whether it's the Norwegians rowing, I mean, it is just the most amazing celebration.
(CROSSTALK)
NEWTON: It is -- it is as you say --
BRASHER: More to caught (PH) to you guys are putting on.
NEWTON: It is, as you say, Hugh, it's a vibe. And I can see that that vibe will continue through London again over the two days.
Is this for one year only? Because, as you point out, demand is so strong. Do you see this really being the character of the event for many years to
come? Two days, more runners.
BRASHER: No, this is -- yes, this is -- this is -- this is one and done. There are so many logistical reasons not to do it, and the easiest thing
would be to say don't do it. But the reality of it is there is an opportunity to do it, and what we think that the moment is wrong now, and
some people say, what, you wait until our 50th anniversary, which is 2030.
That's like saying to someone who wants to run a world record, why not wait until your birthday? It doesn't make any sense. Just do it at the time that
is right, and I think this is the time that is right for the world, and it is definitely one and done.
You know, we do disrupt people's lives, and we have got to be really careful about that. We have to be really respectful of it. And how can we
make sure the London Marathon is loved by London and by the world, we have got to retain that love and not abuse it.
NEWTON: Hugh, we hear you. It is a marquee event, one time only, for now.
Again, I love the city of London. It is an endowment for the entire world, and we will wait to see what more you bring to us in terms of organizing
for this two-day event.
Hugh Brasher for us. Thanks so much. Really appreciate you being with us.
BRASHER: Thank you.
NEWTON: Now, she is, of course, a pop superstar, and he's a Super Bowl champ, but Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce could soon take on some new roles.
Yes, you see them there. Soon to be, or maybe already their husband and wife?
We'll have more on the celebration coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[16:40:03]
NEWTON: So, we have been talking about this heat wave in Washington, D.C. In fact, the capital could be one of the hottest places in the United
States between today and tomorrow, the 250th birthday of the United States. Our Karin Caifa has more.
KARIN CAIFA, CNN REPORTER: In cities like New York, Boston, and here in Washington, home to some of the most notable July 4th celebrations in the
country, officials were already stepping up security precautions ahead of this special celebration. Now, the historic heat wave has added to those
precautions.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CAIFA (voice over): As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, a dangerous heat wave has crashed the
party.
MURIEL BOWSER, MAYOR OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: The thing to remember, especially with this heat, is that's a long, long day.
CAIFA (voice over): In the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, cities have added to already intense July 4th security preparations with precautions for intense
heat, including Boston.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The Fourth should be joyful, and it should be memorable. And with this heat, it also has to be planned for carefully.
CAIFA (voice over): In New York City, officials said there are no specific credible threats ahead of a busy weekend of events, but visitors should
remain cautious.
ZOHRAN MAMDANI (D), MAYOR OF NEW YORK CITY: We ask that New Yorkers look out both for one another, as well as for the tourists who may not be used
to navigating our subway systems, our busy streets, or this week of extreme heat.
CAIFA (voice over): Here in Washington, July 4th temperatures could shatter a record that stood since 1919. The city's major events, including the
Great American State Fair on the National Mall, are adding water stations and cooling tents. And because of President Donald Trump's pre-firework
speech, Saturday's security will be particularly tight.
SCOTT H. BRECHT, CHIEF UNITED STATES PARK POLICE: Visitors will see increased security from years past. In addition to security screening,
there will be more pedestrian limitations.
CAIFA (voice over): Wherever Americans plan to enjoy the weekend, health experts warn heed any heat warnings and change plans if necessary.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Heat-related illness is almost entirely preventable. We just need to drink water, stay cool, and we don't have to push it during
the hottest part of the day.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CAIFA (on camera): And we have already seen some changes to some of the events here in the nation's capital because of the heat.
Last night, what is typically an open dress rehearsal for the big Capitol Fourth concert here. Was closed to the public as a precaution because of
the heat. And tomorrow, in advance of the big fireworks on the National Mall, the timeline for entry to secure areas has been pushed back to limit
the amount of time people spend in the heat.
In Washington, I'm Karin Caifa.
NEWTON: As if anyone needed a reminder, the World Cup is also contributing to what's expected to be a massive travel weekend in the United States. AAA
says more than 72 million Americans will head at least 50 miles from home during the holiday period.
Now, World Cup host cities are emerging as some of the top destinations. Vacation rental demand is up 68 percent in Miami, 59 percent in
Philadelphia, where matches are taking place alongside those Independence Day events.
We want to break it down for you. I'm joined by travel expert Sarah Kopit. She is editor in chief of Skift.
Thanks for being with us, as we continue to try and figure out what this crazy summer means to Americans and business here.
I love your opener, Sarah. You say the World Cup bracket has winners and losers, and so, do some of the host cities. So, it's been a bit out,
uneven. How so?
SARAH KOPIT, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, SKIFT: Yes. So, this one has been -- it's been in the news a lot. We at Skift write about it all the time, and it's
been, you know, a lead up that we just were not expecting. There is some -- there is some stress on U.S. tourism, inbound tourism coming into this
event.
So, really, our winners and losers that we've been looking at has a lot to do with hotels and a lot to do with rev par, which is revenue per room. And
so, prices have been up a little bit, but occupancy hasn't.
So, some of those hotels that really counted on this a lot for the years leading up to the World Cup, they haven't really seen the demand that they
were hoping for. But, you know, it's not been all dark everywhere. Kansas City has been a huge winner in this. You know, Mexico has been a huge
winner in this event.
So, it's been very uneven. Some places are seeing a lot of people come, and some places, like Seattle, not so much.
NEWTON: I was fascinated to hear that, though, that places like Kansas City, for instance, really took advantage of this.
(CROSSTALK)
KOPIT: Yes.
NEWTON: And they got a big payoff from it.
KOPIT: Yes. Yes, absolutely. So, a lot of those cities that just really wouldn't normally get the international traveler, especially, they really -
- they took this and they ran with it, and so, places like Kansas City.
And, you know, one of the -- one of the most joyful Internet phenomenon that I have seen, and I have covered a lot of Internet over my career, is
really the European tourists coming to the United States, and discovering ranch dressing, and discovering, you know, Costco, and all the other things
that we kind of take for granted.
[16:45:04]
So, seeing America through their eyes, especially, as we are coming into this, you know, 250th birthday holiday weekend has really been just kind of
a delight.
NEWTON: A delight, and quite a great vibe that might encourage people, other Americans, to just hit the road later on in the summer, anyway.
KOPIT: Yes.
NEWTON: But I do want to talk to you about this tailwind here, because you explain that Scotland may get a tourism boost in reverse.
KOPIT: Yes. So, we all saw the Tartan Army come into Boston, drink all the beer dry.
(CROSSTALK)
NEWTON: It did.
KOPIT: And charm everyone, quite frankly. Everyone was charmed by them.
And so, yes. So, the country of Scotland is really expecting to see a reciprocal boom. So, maybe some of those, is it Boston Tonyans? (PH), I
believe.
(CROSSTALK)
NEWTON: Yes.
KOPIT: Or, you know, even just the rest of us -- even just the rest of us who enjoyed watching the Scotts come and enjoy Boston. Maybe, you know, we
will want to go to Edinburgh next year. And they -- and they are expecting that to happen.
NEWTON: I know they have already planned some events. So, it's been fascinating to see, as I said.
Joyful to watch, and we certainly all needed some of that. Sarah, thanks so much for being with us. Really appreciate
it.
KOPIT: Thank you.
NEWTON: Now, they have become the Cinderella story of the World Cup, but can Cate Verde push past Lionel Messi's Argentina to make it to the final
16? We'll look at the odds ahead of tonight's match.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NEWTON: So, she has 14 Grammys, he has got three Super Bowl rings, and I hope he has an extra ring in his pocket right now, because in less than an
hour, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce may exchange wedding rings at New York's Madison Square Garden.
Now, dressed-up friends of the couple were recently seen leaving a new -- nearby hotel. I'm not going to lie, that's more than I thought we would
see. And SUVs have been arriving at the arena. Sources say a pre- celebration cocktail hour has just started.
Outside, though, fans have been braving the scorching New York heat, hoping to get at least a glimpse, but there have been privacy screens and fences
put all over the place.
Our Elizabeth Wagmeister is outside for all of it. OK, Elizabeth, what have you seen, and what have you heard? Because the time has arrived. Right?
ELIZABETH WAGMEISTER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: The time has arrived. And look, so many people, even the most devoted Swifties, thought
that this was not going to happen.
[16:50:00]
They thought that Madison Square Garden was a decoy. That it was all a hoax, and that maybe Taylor Swift would have a fan event or something at
MSG. But that she would get married somewhere else. But no, as you see right behind me, the guests are arriving, the day has arrived. They are all
inside.
In fact, all these guests are late for the cocktail hour, and I want to show you. You can see here, right behind me, Seventh Avenue is completely
shut down. Only Taylor Swift, for a private wedding, has the power to shut down the streets of New York City. You see all the black SUVs here. We
don't know who is in them, because the windows are tinted. But what we are seeing is how they are keeping this check-in very secure.
On the other side of the cars, they are rolling down their windows, and people are checking them in with some sort of iPad. So, obviously, they
don't want anyone to get in who does not belong there. And then, just behind me, they will make a right turn, and they arrive under a tent. The
SUV literally drives under a tent. The tent closes up, so, you can't see anything.
They are keeping the paparazzi out. Taylor wants to be able to release her own wedding footage when she can, and they also, first and foremost, beyond
the paparazzi, of course, want to keep this secure. When you are the most famous pop star in the world, and one of the most famous humans on the
planet, you are always a security target, and Madison Square Garden is a venue that you can secure.
It also is a sensible venue, because Taylor has performed there a number of times throughout her career. So, this venue actually means a lot to her.
But to my right over here, you may have just heard some screaming. There are Swifties. They are behind barricades. They were just singing love story
a few minutes ago. So, the Swifties are excited.
There are a few New Yorkers that are a little annoyed. This woman just told me, I miss my train because all the streets are closed, and how could they
do this to us public citizens? So, it is Mayhem here on the streets. A cocktail hour is happening right behind us. In about less than an hour, is
when the wedding is supposed to begin.
NEWTON: And the time has finally arrived. I'm not sure if the bride and groom have -- bride and groom have butterflies in their stomach. I do want
to say, though, as much as they have inconvenienced the city, they really did make an effort to give millions of dollars, in fact, 26 million, to
charities. Right? They really wanted to be able to share their joy, as they say.
WAGMEISTER: That's right. I confirmed yesterday with Taylor's representative that the couple jointly donated $26 million to a variety of
charities across the country, many of which are in New York City. And when that announcement was made yesterday, that's when some of the fans finally
started to say, OK, this must be real, and she must really be getting married in New York City.
They also made donations to organizations in Kansas City, of course, where Travis plays for the Chiefs, also Ohio, where Travis is from, Pennsylvania,
where Taylor is from, Nashville, where she got her start as a musician, in Rhode Island, where she, of course, owns a home, and that was once rumored
to be where they would have gotten married.
Obviously, that's not what happened, but they made donations to three children's hospitals, to music education, to food shelters. So, again,
this, of course, is a huge event. Shutting down the city streets, of course, this cost a pretty penny.
I spoke to a luxury wedding planner this morning, who is not affiliated with this wedding, but told me that an event like this can cost anywhere
from 25 to get this $100 million, A lot of that cost going to security. So, it is really great to see them making that $26 million donation to kind of
share their love with others.
NEWTON: And it is going on at this hour. We'll continue to cover it here at CNN. And no one -- no one will get anything by Elizabeth Wagmeister. So, we
are going to wait for the dress and the ring. OK?
We'll see how long it takes for us to get information on that.
WAGMEISTER: I'll try my best.
NEWTON: Thanks, Elizabeth. Appreciate it.
Now, Portugal's national team got a hero's welcome from the balcony of their Toronto hotel, after winning Croatia on Thursday, to move on to the
final 16.
Team captain Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first ever World Cup knockout goal in what will be his final tournament.
In today's action, World Cup underdog darlings, Cape Verde will face their biggest challenge yet in little more than an hour from now, as they look to
earn a spot in the final 16 with a win against tournament favorites, Argentina, led by superstar -- I don't have to remind you, Lionel Messi.
Right now, Australia and Egypt are fighting to a finish in their knockout match. Don Riddell has an update on that.
And I do have to start, Don, though, I mean, I was watching the game from Toronto yesterday, and I had said it before, right? Croatia and Portugal
both had -- were like a home team in that city, and I wasn't surprised to see that hero's welcome for Ronaldo off the balcony.
DON RIDDELL, CNN SPORTS ANCHOR: Yes, very, very cool. I can tell you that actually, we have got some breaking news for you. I'm glad you went a
little bit longer in your last chat with Elizabeth, because it meant I could watch the penalty shootout between Egypt and Australia. And Egypt
have won it.
(CROSSTALK)
NEWTON: Wow.
[16:55:02]
Mohamed Salah's Egypt team are through to the round of 16. It's the first time they have ever won a knockout game. They beat the Socceroos, 4-2 on
penalties. Egypt scored all of their kicks, Australia missed two of theirs. They sent a couple of central defenders up to take the first and the fourth
kick, and they both missed. And so, that is why Egypt are now going through to the next round.
So, historic day for them. Great to see Mohamed Salah still going in this tournament, and he -- and the Pharaohs will now await either. Lionel Messi
in Argentina or Cape Verde. Let's see how that one goes.
NEWTON: I mean, what a story that is, Don. I mean, the Cape Verde -- it's not -- describing them as underdogs actually doesn't quite do it justice.
RIDDELL: It's extraordinary. I mean, we must say they qualified fair and square. They won their qualifying group in their African zone. They
qualified ahead of, or at the expense of, Cameroon. So, they have deserved their place here in this tournament. They also didn't just squeak through
as one of the best third place teams in the group. They finished second in their group, thanks to an incredible draw against the reigning European
champion, Spain. They also drew against the two-time world champions, Uruguay.
And so, here they are, tiny Cape Verde on their World Cup debut, a country of barely half a million people going up against Messi and Argentina, and
it is David and Goliath stuff. It's an absolute fairy tale. Nobody really gives Cape Verde much of a shot, but hey, look at the way this tournament
has gone so far. So much late drama, so many close games, so many upsets. So, it could happen. It couldn't happen. And if so, I mean, it surely would
be one of the great World Cup upsets, if not the greatest.
Can't wait for this one to kick off, and we'll see how it goes.
NEWTON: Yes, Don, I remember your reporting from the last World Cup, and I know how excited you get about this, and I even sense from you that you are
a little startled by all the surprises we've had in this World Cup.
RIDDELL: It's honestly been amazing. I mean, when FIFA expanded it from 32 teams to 48, the feeling was there is going to be too many blown away
games.
(CROSSTALK)
NEWTON: Right.
RIDDELL: You know, games with no jeopardy in the group stage.
(CROSSTALK)
NEWTON: But then --
RIDDELL: And it's -- like these teams have all been, or mostly been, so competitive.
(CROSSTALK)
NEWTON: Yes, yes.
RIDDELL: And so, we have had great games, great drama, amazing story lines, and it's not slowed down.
(CROSSTALK)
NEWTON: And there is -- and more to come.
That is QUEST MEANS BUSINESS. I'm Paula Newton. "THE LEAD" with Jake Tapper starts now.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
END
