Philadelphia cancels Independence Day parade

Washington, D.C., issued a Code Red Air Quality Alert on Sunday after a 40-minute July 4 fireworks display for America’s 250th anniversary left pollution at “unhealthy” levels, with seniors, children and people with medical conditions urged to limit outdoor time. Extreme heat and severe storms forced last-minute changes to the capital’s celebration schedule and a temporary National Mall evacuation. Philadelphia canceled its Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade as temperatures were expected to reach 104 degrees. President Donald Trump’s anniversary speech proceeded amid visible empty seats and subsequent disputes over turnout.