US 250th birthday: Record heat wave cancels July 4 events

The United States celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence on Saturday, but a historic heat wave is disrupting events nationwide. A heat dome over the East Coast has pushed temperatures near 40°C, with heat-index values reaching up to 46°C. More than 185 million people are under weather alerts. Several cities have suspended or rescheduled their July 4 celebrations. The main event remains on the National Mall in Washington, where President Donald Trump will speak and the largest fireworks display in history is planned. The semiquincentennial—the 250th anniversary—marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776.