In today’s newsletter: As July Fourth approaches, NBC News polled Americans on their views about flying the Stars and Stripes.The U.S.
and Iran continued to trade strikes over the weekend, prompting Trump to warn of reviving the conflict.And experts say interest in the space race isn’t new, but the spike in public-private partnerships is.Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscriptionGet exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.Here’s what to know today.As the nation turns 250, many Americans say the Stars and Stripes is now a red flagBruce Watson at his home in Montague, Mass., on June 21, 2026.Hannah Beier for NBC NewsThe American flag is a symbol with many meanings, whether it’s hung on front porches, waved in parades or used in protests.
But as the polarized nation marks its 250th birthday, Americans have varied reactions to showcasing the Stars and Stripes.This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your day.Sign up here to get it in your inbox.“I couldn’t be prouder to be an American,” Dave Cavannah said.
“I believe Americans should be proud to fly the flag and fly it the right way.What’s shameful is that people who hate Trump are flying the flag upside down.”Some say displaying the flag is more about peer pressure than patriotism.“I feel that if I don’t have a flag displayed somewhere, people will think I’m against our country or something,” said a Newtown, Pennsylvania, woman, who also asked to remain anonymous.NBC News asked readers to share their feelings and practices around the flag in a moment, polls suggest, when patriotism, national pride and optimism for the country’s future are all fraying.
Read more about the sentiments readers shared here.Read more: Trump’s Great American State Fair attendees say they haven’t noticed politics overshadowing the celebration.For subscribers: The Fourth of July fireworks show set for the National Mall is forcing Washington dog owners to rethink their plan...