America marks its 250th birthday with heat, hot dogs, fireworks - and the Brooklyn Bridge catching on fire

Key Points:

• America celebrated its 250th birthday amid extreme weather, including a heatwave and severe thunderstorms, which led to the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks in New York City being moved earlier and a fire breaking out on the Brooklyn Bridge with no reported injuries.
• In Washington, D.C., the National Mall was evacuated ahead of President Donald Trump’s planned speech due to storms, though he vowed to speak regardless of the delay, while celebrations nationwide continued with traditional BBQs, parades, and fireworks.
• Heatwaves caused cancellations and adjustments to events, such as Washington’s main Independence Day parade being canceled, but smaller gatherings and marches, including one by the white nationalist group Patriot Front, still took place without arrests.
• The holiday highlighted deep political and social divides in the country, with speeches from Trump, New York City’s mayor, former President Bill Clinton, and Vice President JD Vance reflecting contrasting views on America’s challenges and identity.
• Traditional festivities also included iconic events like the Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest, won by Joey “Jaws” Chestnut for the 18th time, and a message from astronauts on the International Space Station broadcast to a World Cup match in Houston.