Severe monsoon rains in Himachal Pradesh have caused landslides, resulting in 69 deaths, extensive damage, and ongoing chaos across the region.

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Severe weather events continue to dominate global headlines, with monsoon havoc in Himachal Pradesh leading to tragic losses. As of July 4, 2025, reports indicate that 69 lives have been claimed due to relentless rains and landslides.

5 Key Takeaways Daily Crossword features a dinosaur puzzle.

Monsoon havoc in Himachal Pradesh reported.

Landslide hits Shimla’s Lindi Dhar village.

69 fatalities due to recent rains in India.

Flash floods cause destruction in Seraj.

The devastation has left dozens missing and caused damages amounting to Rs 700 crore. Video footage from Shimla’s Lindi Dhar village shows the extent of the destruction, highlighting the urgent need for disaster preparedness and response.

Fast Answer: The ongoing monsoon in Himachal Pradesh has resulted in 69 fatalities, extensive damage, and rising concerns about climate resilience in vulnerable regions worldwide.

This situation raises critical questions about our readiness for natural disasters. Are we doing enough to mitigate the impacts of climate change? The following points highlight key concerns:

Rapid urbanization increases vulnerability to flooding.

Infrastructure often fails to withstand extreme weather events.

Community awareness and preparedness are lacking in many regions.

The ongoing monsoon crisis in Himachal Pradesh underscores the urgent need for global climate action and improved disaster management strategies.

As we witness the effects of climate change intensifying, it’s crucial for governments and communities to collaborate on effective strategies to enhance resilience and safeguard lives.

Ken Griffin, known for purchasing a Stegosaurus skeleton and a rare copy of the U.S. Constitution, recently acquired Abraham Lincoln’s handwritten copy of the 13th Amendment.

Griffin purchased the document at a Sotheby’s auction for $12 million, with the final price reaching $13.7 million including the buyer’s premium.

He also acquired a signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation at the same auction for $4.4 million.

Griffin stated his purchases represent a profound step forward in abolishing slavery and advancing equality.

Palm Beach land baron Ken Griffin likes old things.

Like dinosaur bones. Last year, he paid $44.6 million for a late Jurassic-era stegosaurus skeleton that was subsequently named Apex.

And paper stuff. In 2021, he spent $43.2 million on an exceedingly rare copy of the U.S. Constitution — one of 14 printed for delegates to the Constitutional Convention ― breaking Bill Gates’ 30-year-old record as the buyer of the world’s most expensive document, Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Leicester, for which Gates paid $30.8 million in 1994.

And now, this.

Griffin is the no-longer anonymous successful bidder who snagged Abraham Lincoln’s hand-signed copy of the 13th Amendment, which sold last week at a New York auction house.

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The document was the premium lot of Sotheby’s “Fine Books and Manuscripts, Including Americana” sale, which took place June 26. Bidding for the piece was described as “spirited,” before Griffin, bidding by phone, beat the competition with a $12 million bid.

The document is one of only four still in private hands and was estimated to bring between $8 and $12 million. With the buyer’s premium, the final get was $13.7 million, a new record.

At the same sale, Griffin acquired a hand-signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln’s 1863 order declaring that all enslaved people in the Confederate states would be free. That document, which was signed in 1864, cost Griffin $4.4 million, also a record. Its estimated fetch was $3 million to $5 million.

Griffin said he intends to loan the documents to a U.S. institution.

Griffin issued a statement about his buys, which he said “marked a profound step forward, abolishing the scourge of slavery and advancing the ideal that all people are created equal.”

“As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we all have a part to play to strengthen and renew the promise of our nation. Each generation must experience the sacred documents of our democracy — to learn from them and be inspired to carry our country forward,” he continued. “I care deeply about the future of our nation and hope to inspire all Americans to uphold the vision set forth in our Constitution and the 13th Amendment.”

Griffin lives in Miami, where his Citadel LLC hedge fund and his Citadel Securities are headquartered. But he remains the largest landholder in Palm Beach, with a South End estate of more than 27 acres, assembled over several years at a cost estimated by the Palm Beach Daily News at more than $500 million.

He is building a mansion for his mother, Catherine Gratz Griffin, on part of that land, which is mostly undeveloped.

Forbes estimates his net worth at $45.9 billion.

Griffin, who donated $100 million to conservative political candidates last year, is an active and generous philanthropist, particularly to cultural causes.

Locally, he is a major supporter of the Norton Museum of Art, the Cox Science Center, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the Navy SEAL Foundation and Phipps Ocean Park.

“The record-breaking results for the Thirteenth Amendment and Emancipation Proclamation speak to more than just their rarity and historic importance — they affirm the enduring resonance of these texts and the impact they continue to have on our national consciousness,” said Selby Kiffer, International Senior Specialist in Sotheby’s Books and Manuscripts Department.

According to Sotheby’s, the copy of the Thirteenth Amendment is one of only 15 recorded manuscript copies signed by Lincoln. The copy Griffin bought bears the most signatures of the supporting legislators of any other known, the auction house said.

The Emancipation Proclamation is one of 48 limited edition copies produced to be sold for $10 each to benefit the Sanitary Commission, which provided medical care and support for Union soldiers. Of the 48 limited edition copies printed for this purpose, only 27 are known to survive, Sotheby’s said.

The previous record for a 13th Amendment at auction was $2.4 million, for a copy sold at Sotheby’s in 2016, while that for any Emancipation Proclamation sold at auction was $3.8 million, sold at Sotheby’s in 2010, the auction house said.

NYT Strands

July 4, 2025:

The

New York Times

published its inaugural crossword puzzle on February 15, 1942, in the Sunday Magazine. Created by Charles Erlenkotter and edited by Margaret Farrar, it was the first major newspaper to feature a crossword puzzle.

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Over the years, the NYT has introduced several beloved games, including the Mini Crossword in 2014, followed by Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and Tiles. In 2022, the NYT launched the wildly popular Wordle, followed by additional games like Connections and Strands.

NYT Strands is the latest addition to its puzzle offerings. This engaging daily game presents players with new themes each day, challenging them to uncover all the words on the grid.

One of the game’s highlights is the special

Spangram

, which stretches across two sides of the board. With its innovative approach to word puzzles, Strands quickly became a fan favourite, adding to the diverse and exciting puzzle lineup of the New York Times.

NYT Strands July 4 2025 – Hints, answers, Spangram

Having trouble solving today’s NYT Strands puzzle? We’re here to help with some easy hints to fuel your curiosity even more. Plus, we’ve got today’s answer waiting for you – just keep reading.

Today’s NYT Strands puzzle theme

The theme for today’s Strands is “Let’s have a picnic!”

Hints for today’s Strands

Below, we’ve shared the hints, answers, and Spangram for today’s NYT Strands puzzle. The hints may give away part or all of the Strands, so proceed with caution. Scroll down to continue:

Hints

Hint #1

: A cold, uncooked salad typically made with finely shredded cabbage and carrots, often tossed in a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing.

Hint #2

: A big, juicy fruit with a green outer rind and sweet, red flesh, commonly eaten in the summer.

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NYT Strands July 4, 2025 – Hints, answers, Spangram

Spangram for today

Barbecue

is the Spangram for today’s NYT Strands puzzle.

Today’s Strands’ answers:

BURGERS

SALAD

COLESLAW

BRATS

BEANS

WATERMELON

What are NYT Strands and how to play the game?

Strands is a puzzle game that blends elements of Connections, Spelling Bee, and classic crossword puzzles. Players are given 48 letters arranged on a 6 x 8-inch grid, along with a daily theme. The goal is to solve the Spangram and uncover all the theme-related words.

To play, connect letters on the grid to form words by dragging your mouse or fingers (on a touchscreen) in horizontal, vertical, or diagonal directions.

Start by identifying the central theme word or Spangram, which will help you understand the puzzle’s theme.

In addition to the Spangram, you must also find other words related to the theme hidden in the grid. Once you’ve uncovered them all, the puzzle is complete.

Tips for solving NYT Strands puzzle

Identify the theme words: Fill in the grid with the theme words. Once found, they will be highlighted in blue and won’t overlap with each other.

Find the Spangram: Identify the Spangram, a key part of the puzzle that connects two opposite sides of the grid. It encapsulates the theme and may consist of two words. The Spangram will be highlighted in yellow once you’ve located it.

The Mini Crossword at

Times of India

offers a quick yet engaging puzzle challenge that refreshes daily. It’s perfect for players who enjoy solving puzzles but have limited time. Whether you’re new to crossword puzzles or a seasoned pro, our mini version offers the perfect mix of challenge and fun.

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Start your day with a brain-teasing puzzle that will sharpen your vocabulary and improve your problem-solving skills. With new puzzles updated daily, this crossword is ideal for players looking to relax or take a short break during a busy schedule.

The Mini Crossword follows the classic

crossword puzzle

format but in a condensed form, allowing you to solve it quickly while still enjoying the thrill of figuring out the clues.

Simply read the hints, enter the correct answers, and fill in the grid. The simple interface ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for all ages. If you’re looking for more games, TOI has a wide range of other puzzles and brain teasers to explore. Stay sharp with Sudoku, Word Search, and many more options available at your fingertips!

How to play Mini Crossword

Get going

Take a moment to familiarise yourself with the crossword grid and the clues provided.

Crack the clues

Begin by selecting a clue from the list. Categories are Across and Down. Read the clue carefully, then think of the corresponding word or phrase that fits the grid.

Input answers

Click on the first box of the word you want to enter. Start typing the letters of your answer. Keep going until you’ve completed the word or phrase.

Utilize functions

Need a hint? “Reveal Character” uncovers one letter. But be wary, using it incurs time penalties which increases with every usage.

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It’s best to use this sparingly to maintain a good completion time.

Watch the clock

Keep an eye on the timer displayed. Faster completions with minimum penalties fetch higher ranks.

Regular practice

The more you play, the better you’ll become. Experiment with different solving strategies to find what works best for you.

Mini Crossword today’s link for 4 July 2025

Today’s Mini-Crossword Adventure!

Welcome, puzzle enthusiasts!

Today we’re exploring winter transportation,

entertainment mediums

, transactional arrangements, and security states.

Ready to decode these intriguing clues?

1. Vehicle on runners for traveling over snow

When winter meets mobility…

Snow transportation?

→ Winter glider

→ Snow runner

→ Final hint: What children ride down snowy hills

[Think about it…]

2. Movie or thin covering layer

When entertainment meets coating…

Dual-purpose medium?

→ Cinema creation

→ Protective coating

→ Final hint: What Hollywood produces and cameras use

[Consider the possibilities..

.]

3. Distribute cards or business arrangement

When games meet commerce…

Transactional action?

→ Card distribution

→ Business agreement

→ Final hint: What poker players want and executives make

[Almost there…]

4. Protected from danger or harm

When security meets peace of mind…

Protected state?

→ Danger-free condition

→ Secure environment

→ Final hint: What parents want their children to be

[One last effort..

.]

Ready to Complete Today’s Puzzle?

From winter transportation to security states, From entertainment mediums to transactional arrangements, We’ve explored quite a range today!

Remember, crossing letters can help illuminate your path to the solution.

Keep solving!

Mini Crossword related FAQs

What is the Mini Crossword?

The Mini Crossword is a smaller, quicker version of a traditional crossword puzzle. Typically featuring a 5×5 grid, it is designed to be completed in just a few minutes, offering a bite-sized puzzle experience that’s perfect for busy players or those new to crosswords.

How do I play the Mini Crossword?

Playing the Mini Crossword is simple. Just read the clues and fill in the corresponding boxes with the correct answers. Horizontal clues fill the “across” spaces, while vertical clues correspond to “down” spaces.

How is the Mini Crossword different from a regular crossword?

The Mini Crossword is shorter and simpler than a regular crossword, usually containing fewer and shorter words.

It can typically be completed within a few minutes, making it an excellent option for casual puzzle solvers or those looking for a quick brain teaser.

Can I play the Mini Crossword on mobile devices?

The Mini Crossword is shorter and simpler than a regular crossword, usually containing fewer and shorter words. It can typically be completed within a few minutes, making it an excellent option for casual puzzle solvers or those looking for a quick brain teaser.

How often are new Mini Crossword puzzles released?

The Mini Crossword is shorter and simpler than a regular crossword, usually containing fewer and shorter words. It can typically be completed within a few minutes, making it an excellent option for casual puzzle solvers or those looking for a quick brain teaser.

Are the puzzles free to play?

The Mini Crossword is shorter and simpler than a regular crossword, usually containing fewer and shorter words.

It can typically be completed within a few minutes, making it an excellent option for casual puzzle solvers or those looking for a quick brain teaser.

What if I get stuck on a clue?

If you’re stuck on a clue, don’t worry! You can skip to other clues and return later, or use the “hint” function to reveal a letter or word, helping you solve the puzzle more easily.

How do I improve my Mini Crossword solving skills?

To improve, try solving puzzles regularly.

As you practice, you’ll start to recognize common word patterns and develop strategies to solve puzzles more quickly and accurately. You can also review past puzzles for additional practice.

Already played today’s game? Practice more from the archives

AI-assisted summary Multiple Lake County cities are hosting Fourth of July events, including fireworks displays, parades, and live music.

A variety of events are scheduled throughout July, including a luau pub crawl, a performance of “The Child Stealer,” and a Carver High & Lake County Training School reunion.

(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information)

Lake County, in all its waterfront splendor, offers the perfect backdrop for Independence Day fireworks.

Speaking of big booms, the new Jurassic Mall Exhibit’s lifelike dinosaurs have thumped into Lake Square Mall.

There’s also a patriotic 4th of July parade in Mount Dora, or enjoy live music in The Villages. More below.

4th of July fireworks throughout Lake County

Leesburg kicks off the Fourth of July weekend with free festivities beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 4, at Ski Beach in Venetian Gardens, 201 Lake Harris Drive. Live entertainment, rides and vendors will be featured along Ski Beach.

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Eustis’ Hometown Celebration coincides with its First Friday street party on Friday, July 4, from 5 to 10 p.m. in Ferran Park, which will be filled with food trucks and craft vendors. Live music from a band that put out a catchy hit in the 1990s. Admission is free, and as with other celebrations, bringing a chair or blanket is recommended.

UPDATE: The Tavares parade has been canceled, but the entertainment and fireworks are still happening.

Lake County’s capital also says Happy Birthday to America on Friday, July 4, starting with a party along Main Street in Tavares at 4:45 p.m. A patriotic parade marches on the downtown corridor at 5 p.m. At that time, a seaplane flyover will also dazzle the crowd. Groveland and Clermont are also getting in on the fun. Read more in our Fourth of July guide at dailycommercial.com

Independence Day Parade in Mount Dora

Head to downtown Mount Dora for Mount Dora’s July 4th Independence Day Parade on Friday, July 4, at 10 a.m. on Donnelly Street. Bring your flags and the family, and line the streets for one of the historic downtown’s favorite traditions filled with music, floats, and fun. Details: CarsonC@CityofMountDora.com

Warehouse Club 6th Anniversary Celebration

The Warehouse Club, a sports pub ‘n’ grill-meets-first responder-nonprofit, invites you to celebrate its anniversary on Friday, July 4, with another big family-friendly shindig. At 3 p.m., the Warehouse will serve burgers and hot dogs, with sides, including “Ms. Linda’s amazing Potato Salad.” The club is asking for a donation of $5. Toiya Lee performs at 3:30 p.m. At 5:30, the Mudds, a local jazzy blues band, takes the stage. The Warehouse can be found at 312 S. Second St., Leesburg, two blocks south of Main Street. Details: 352-616-1911.

Celebrate grand opening of Lake Square’s ‘Jurassic Mall’

Lake Square Mall’s Jurassic Mall Event grand opening festivities will celebrate a lifelike prehistoric display at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 5. The attraction will be on view in one of its storefronts through Sept. 30, featuring more than 70 creatures, designed with accurate scientific specifications, including feathered Avian theropod dinosaurs. A Godzilla panel, “Jurassic Park” panel and more may also be featured at mall events.

Also, Lake Square Mall will be 45 this September, a feat for indoor shopping malls. Read our story at dailycommercial.com for more about the exhibit’s designer and long-range plans for Lake Square.

It costs $5 to see the Jurassic Mall Event. Kids 5 and younger get in free. An unlimited individual pass is available for $50. The exhibit will feature bi-weekly events and the possibility of unveiling new dinosaurs and will be open four days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday to Sunday. Those interested in attending can visit Lakecollectacon.com for more info or visit exhibit room 310 at Lake Square Mall, 10401 U.S. 441, for schedule and updates.

Live bands at Lake Sumter Landing in The Villages

The Villages’ Lake Sumter Landing Market Square will host the Zee-R Band, originally from Brazil but plays hits from all eras, from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 5. Think Big Band keeps the crowd “toe-tapping and dancing from the first down-beat to the last encore” from 5 to 9 on Sunday. Find out more at thevillagesentertainment.com/lake-sumter-landing

A look ahead …

Bushnell Music Camp for kids

Bushnell Methodist Church will sponsor a free summer music camp designed to introduce children 8 to 12 years old to music. Lessons will be provided at the church and will include guitar, piano and voice. Signup for the camp begins immediately as lessons begin on Tuesday, July 9, and will run each Wednesday through Aug. 6. Light snacks will be provided. Limited guitars will be provided; first-come, first-served. Apply at the church at 221 W. Noble Ave. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Details: 352-793-3221.

Downtown Leesburg Luau-style pub crawl

The Summer Shenanigans series continues with the Downtown Leesburg Luau Pub Crawl on Saturday, July 19, from 4 to 8 p.m. The tropical twist on your favorite local night out starts with a check-in at Turner’s Bar + Kitchen beginning at 3:30 p.m. Ticket includes self-guided or guided group option. Guided groups will leave from Turner’s at 4 p.m. Admission is $25 (plus $3.52 fee).

Venues also include McCracken’s Irish Pub, Marmaduke’s Lodge, Burns Drugstore Speakeasy Lounge, Sipping Garden & Bistro, Brick & Barrel Public House, Great Chicago Fire Brewery, Wolf Branch Brewing, Mystic Ice Cream, Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe, Hamrick Family Vineyards, The Warehouse, Prime 3 Steakhouse and Vanderbrew Coffee Shop. Details: dtleesburgevents@gmail.com.

Grace Bible performance of ‘The Child Stealer’

The Academy of Arts at Grace Bible Church will perform “The Child Stealer” at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 13, at Grace Bible Baptist Church.

The hourlong production tells the true story of Amy Carmichael, an Irish missionary who bravely went to India as a single woman. Her daring and courage became widely known as she opened a safe house to rescue children from trafficking in Hindu temples. She served in India for fifty-five years without a furlough, and her faith has inspired many Christians to become missionaries and remain steadfast in their faith. The church is located at 1703 Lewis Road, Leesburg. Admission is free. Details: 352-326-5738.

Carver High & Lake County Training School Reunion

Many might not know that a good number of Leesburg citizens attended segregated schools. The first was founded in 1876, and two of its church locations were destroyed by fire. In 1922, the school board opened the school, renamed Lake County Training School, with fewer than 100 students and five faculty members. The first high school class graduated in 1933, and enrollment had increased to 300 students.

In 1954, Carver Heights High School opened and held classes until 1968, when integration was finally enforced in Leesburg. Their team was the Trojans.

During the weekend of July 18-20, alumni from both schools will gather for their annual reunion celebration. Registration to attend events on Friday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A scholarship banquet will take place later, 7 to 10 p.m. On Saturday, July 19, participants can enjoy a historic bus tour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. That evening, a reunion dance will gather alumni from 7 to 10 p.m. Participants will gather for a worship service on Sunday, July 20, at 10 a.m., followed by a farewell luncheon. For more information, call Bessie Rawls at 352-396-0221.

Stepping Out for Education kicks it in Leesburg

Stepping Out for Education, the Education Foundation of Lake County’s fundraising version of “Dancing with the Stars,” will feature a big-top circus theme and bring its 2025 ballroom festivities to the Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Circle, Leesburg, on Friday, July 25, and Saturday, July 26.

The local celebs in this year’s event include Leesburg City Commissioner Allyson Berry; Justin Allender, a community banker and commercial loan officer at the First National Bank of Mount Dora; West Germeroth, sales and project manager, Lake Jem Farms; Ariel Rolon, project manager at Wharton-Smith; Marlene Straughan, regional executive director for Lake County Schools; and Ericka Wright, assistant vice president and branch manager at Addition Financial.

Details: E-mail edfoundation@lake.k12.fl.us or visit edfoundationlake.com. Read our story, “Stepping Out for Education,” at dailycommercial.com for more about the foundation, the event and its fundraising successes.

Jimmy Buffet luau show at Grand Oaks Resort

Parrothead alert: Stellar Stage Multimedia Productions and Legends Entertainment will present on Saturdays, July 26 and Aug. 23, “Jim & Annie’s Island Party,” a luau-style event with tunes by the late great Jimmy Buffett. The Grand Oaks Resort is located at 3000 Marion County Road, Weirsdale. For details and reservations, email stellarstageshows@gmail.com