Power outages hit 842,000 as US marks 250th
The United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary of independence today with massive events across the country, though nearly a million people are facing power outages during a severe heatwave. President Trump has officially launched the festivities with a speech at Mount Rushmore that combined national pride with warnings about political opponents and immigration.
If you are in an area affected by the heatwave, you may face power outages as over 842,000 people are currently without electricity across multiple states. The outages are occurring as scorching temperatures blanket much of the country, creating safety risks for those without air conditioning during the holiday weekend. Residents are advised to monitor local utility updates and seek cooling centers if power remains out.
President Trump kicked off the "semiquincentennial"—the term for a 250th anniversary—at Mount Rushmore with a speech focused on American exceptionalism. During the address, he warned of a "communist menace" and linked this rhetoric to his stance against immigration. The event marks the start of a weekend of celebrations that will include the largest fireworks display in history and military flyovers in Washington, D.C.
Communities from one end of the country to the other are marking the milestone with parades and public gatherings. In the capital, the main celebration is expected to feature 850,000 fireworks and a lengthy presidential address.
Check the app’s News section for more on local holiday event schedules, heat safety tips, and reflections from Americans on the country's 250-year history.