{"id":742983,"date":"2026-07-04T15:43:12","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T15:43:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/742983\/"},"modified":"2026-07-04T15:43:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T15:43:12","slug":"july-4th-live-updates-as-celebrations-across-the-usa-mark-americas-250th-birthday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/742983\/","title":{"rendered":"July 4th live updates as celebrations across the USA mark America’s 250th birthday"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

21m ago<\/p>\n

Miki Sudo wins women’s round of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest<\/p>\n

Miki Sudo has won the women’s round of the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York City after wolfing down 38 3\/4 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This marks the 12th championship win for Sudo, who also took home the prize last year after eating 33 hot dogs and buns. Sudo did not beat her record of 51 hot dogs.<\/p>\n

Ten women competed for the coveted Mustard Belt and $10,000 cash prize on Saturday morning. In second place was Michelle Lesco, who took home the title in 2021. Lesco fell far behind Sudo, eating just 22 hot dogs and buns during the competition.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The men’s event will be held at 12:30 p.m. EDT. Reigning champion Joey Chestnut is set to compete.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Read more here.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

36m ago<\/p>\n

Philadelphia celebrates independence with concert and fireworks<\/p>\n

There’s a packed calendar of July Fourth events in Philadelphia<\/a> \u2014 the city where the Declaration of Independence was adopted 250 years ago to the day.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Highlights include the One Philly: Unity Concert for America<\/a> on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The show starts at 5 p.m., followed by fireworks beginning at midnight.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Headliners include Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott and The Roots, who are set to bring Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff, Meek Mill<\/a> and other artists on stage. Wanda Sykes is hosting.<\/p>\n

The city also has a World Cup match at 5 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Many communities in the Philadelphia area, Jersey Shore and Delaware have holiday events and fireworks planned \u2014 see a list here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Philadelphia’s Salute to Independence Parade on Friday was canceled<\/a> due to extreme heat.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

10:34 AM<\/p>\n

King Charles shares message to the U.S. as America celebrates July 4th<\/p>\n

King Charles III shared a message to President Trump and the American public on Saturday, celebrating the two nations’ “shared values” as the U.S. celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“The story of the relationship between our two nations is one of extraordinary evolution, from overcoming conflict to forging one of the closest and most productive alliances the world has seen,” the monarch wrote, adding that the ties between the U.K. and the U.S. are “unique and far-reaching.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Together, we face the challenges of today, and the opportunities of tomorrow. As I said in my address to the joint Houses of Congress, our shared roots run deep, and they are still vital,” Charles wrote. Charles visited the United States in April.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The monarch said that as the two countries “look ahead to the next 250 years, I have no doubt we will continue to defend our shared values,” including liberty and the rule of law.<\/p>\n

“The connection between our peoples is one that I trust will only grow stronger with time,” Charles wrote.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

10:16 AM<\/p>\n

What are Freedom 250 and America250? Concert confusion highlights dual groups planning celebrations<\/p>\n

The decision by many performers to back out<\/a> of a concert series for the holiday weekend almost as soon as the lineup was announced in May revealed confusion surrounding plans for America’s big birthday bash in the nation’s capital.\u00a0<\/p>\n

There are two different organizations planning various celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary. One \u2014 Freedom 250 \u2014 is a White House-connected, public-private partnership that’s hosting a “Great American State Fair” on the National Mall, along with the concert series and a UFC match<\/a> at the White House.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The other \u2014 America250 \u2014 was established by Congress a decade ago to plan nonpartisan celebrations nationwide.<\/p>\n

Read more here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

9:47 AM<\/p>\n

A guide to Miami’s biggest America 250 and July Fourth events<\/p>\n

South Florida communities are preparing for one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in recent memory as cities across Miami-Dade<\/a> and Broward<\/a> counties mark the nation’s 250th birthday with fireworks, parades, concerts, drone shows and family festivals.<\/p>\n

From beachfront fireworks and patriotic parades to major concerts featuring national recording artists, South Florida residents will have dozens of options to celebrate throughout the holiday weekend.<\/p>\n

Read more here<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

9:23 AM<\/p>\n

Some Colorado communities cancel fireworks due to wildfire risk<\/p>\n

A number of communities in Colorado have canceled plans for July Fourth fireworks displays due to high-risk conditions for wildfires. Colorado Springs<\/a>, Douglas County, Arvada<\/a>, Durango and Vail are among those calling off fireworks<\/a> as dry conditions and high winds raise concerns.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Several wildfires continue burning in southern Colorado. The Aspen Acres Fire has destroyed dozens of homes<\/a> and forced new evacuations Friday in Colorado City<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

8:53 AM<\/p>\n

New York City celebrating with double the fireworks, historic parade of tall ships<\/p>\n

New York City is celebrating this July Fourth with a fireworks display like no other. For the first time, Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks<\/a> will place on both the lower East River near the Seaport and the lower Hudson River, in collaboration with Jersey City.<\/p>\n

The fireworks show has alternated between the two sides for years. This is the first time both viewing locations will be accommodated.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Other events in the city to mark America’s 250th birthday include the largest parade of tall ships<\/a> ever assembled.<\/p>\n

\"Military<\/p>\n

The tall ship Bowdoin sails along the East River during a preliminary parade on July 3, 2026, in New York City.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jeremy Weine \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n

\"Tall<\/p>\n

A tall ship sails near Sandy Hook, New Jersey, ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, July 3, 2026.<\/p>\n

Vincent Alban \/ REUTERS<\/p>\n

“You will see a New York like you’ve never seen before,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “We also have to remember that for 250 years, America has stood as that beacon of hope to the rest of the world, and here in New York City, it has always burned brightest.”<\/p>\n

Saturday’s celebrations include an international flyover saluting the Statue of Liberty. The procession of ships down below is expected to include 20,000 sailors overall.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

8:13 AM<\/p>\n

King Charles shares message to the U.S. as America celebrates July 4th<\/p>\n

King Charles III shared a message to President Trump and the American public on Saturday, celebrating the two nations’ “shared values” as the U.S. celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“The story of the relationship between our two nations is one of extraordinary evolution, from overcoming conflict to forging one of the closest and most productive alliances the world has seen,” the monarch wrote<\/a>, adding that the ties between the U.K. and the U.S. are “unique and far-reaching.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Together, we face the challenges of today, and the opportunities of tomorrow. As I said in my address to the joint Houses of Congress, our shared roots run deep, and they are still vital,” Charles wrote. Charles visited the United States in April.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The monarch said that as the two countries “look ahead to the next 250 years, I have no doubt we will continue to defend our shared values,” including liberty and the rule of law.<\/p>\n

“The connection between our peoples is one that I trust will only grow stronger with time,” Charles wrote.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

7:55 AM<\/p>\n

America’s Block Party to celebrate July Fourth with Los Angeles benefit concert<\/p>\n

America’s Block Party celebrates the nation’s 250th birthday with a benefit concert<\/a> in Los Angeles, hosted by Queen Latifah, along with events in communities around the country.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The concert at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum features performances by Chris Stapleton, Maren Morris, The Smashing Pumpkins and more, followed by a drone show and fireworks.<\/p>\n

The event is promoting “Giving 4th,” an initiative that aims to make Independence Day the largest single day of charitable giving in U.S. history.<\/p>\n

Download the official America’s Block Party app<\/a> to find a block party near you, access the livestream, and participate in Giving 4th.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

7:15 AM<\/p>\n

Where to watch July Fourth fireworks in the Chicago area<\/p>\n

July Fourth fireworks and celebrations hold extra meaning in 2026 as the United States celebrates the 250th birthday of the nation. Here’s where to see Independence Day fireworks<\/a> in Chicago, surrounding suburbs and in northwest Indiana.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

6:46 AM<\/p>\n

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular celebrates America 250<\/p>\n

Many cities and towns across Massachusetts are celebrating America 250 with fireworks displays.<\/p>\n

The largest celebration in the state will be the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular<\/a> on the Charles River Esplanade the night of July Fourth. Chance The Rapper, Lainey Wilson, and Trombone Shorty will join the Pops for this year’s concert.<\/p>\n

Many other communities in Massachusetts held their own fireworks in the nights leading up to the holiday, and more are planned for the Fourth and the coming days and weeks.<\/p>\n

See the complete list here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

6:19 AM<\/p>\n

Ball drops in Times Square mark arrival of July 4 in every American time zone<\/p>\n

The celebration of America’s 250th birthday in New York City’s Times Square is taking a page out of the New Year’s Eve<\/a> playbook, with ball drops<\/a> \u2014 eight of them \u2014 to mark the arrival of Independence Day in every American time zone.<\/p>\n

The first, at 10 a.m. on Friday, marked midnight in the U.S. territories of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The ball drop at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time was then followed by time zones across the nation, with the finale at 7 a.m. marking midnight in American Samoa. \u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Times<\/p>\n

The Times Square ball drops to mark America’s 250th anniversary in New York as July 4 arrives\u00a0in each time zone.<\/p>\n

John Lamparski \/ Bloomberg via Getty Images \/ John Lamparski 2026<\/p>\n

“This is more than a countdown. It’s a moment that brings the entire country together, one time zone at a time,” said Rosie Rios, chair of America250<\/a>, the group organizing the event, which aims to support Giving 4th<\/a>, a day of charitable giving.<\/p>\n

\"Times<\/p>\n

A crowd cheers the ball drop in New York’s Times Square.<\/p>\n

John Lamparski \/ Bloomberg via Getty Images \/ John Lamparski 2026<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

6:04 AM<\/p>\n

National Guard, law enforcement providing tight security in Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n

There’s heightened security around\u00a0Washington, D.C., for the\u00a0America 250 celebrations<\/a>, which include a fireworks display that is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people.<\/p>\n

The main events on the Fourth of July are deemed a “national special security event,” which is the highest possible designation. It’s a rare status that is usually reserved for inaugurations and Super Bowls that puts the Secret Service in charge.<\/p>\n

“I will tell you that you’ve had hundreds, if not thousands, of law enforcement professionals planning this event for several months,” said Tara McLeese, the special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Washington field office.<\/p>\n

President Trump said he will speak during the festivities on Saturday around 9 p.m. before the fireworks show at 10:30 p.m. Officials say there are no specific, credible threats this weekend.<\/p>\n

\"US-POLITICS-ANNIVERSARY-STATE<\/p>\n

National Guard members walk past of a replica of President Trump’s planned Triumphal Arch and the grounds of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Kent Nishimura \/AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n

The U.S. Marshals Service has sworn in hundreds of officers from 44 local law enforcement agencies nationwide to protect the capital.<\/p>\n

“When I say that we are ready, I am staking my reputation on it,” said Marshals Service Director Gadyaces S. Serralta. “Our nation is ready to celebrate the birth of freedom in this country.”<\/p>\n

Read more here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

6:04 AM<\/p>\n

D.C. parade canceled due to extreme heat<\/p>\n

An extreme heat warning is in effect for Washington, D.C., as much of the eastern half of the country continues to bake under a heat dome<\/a>. A forecast high of 102 would top the city’s highest recorded temperature for the date, 100 degrees, set in 1919.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Organizers announced they were canceling D.C.’s America’s Independence Day Parade, which had been set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, due to the heat.<\/p>\n

“This decision was made after extensive and careful consideration of the safety of our participants, spectators, and staff as the top priority,” they said in a statement, noting that the heat index was expected to climb to between 110 and 115 degrees.<\/p>\n

The Great American State Fair, taking place on the National Mall, shut down in the early afternoon Friday but reopened for the evening. It is scheduled to open at noon Saturday, with free water distribution, cooling tents and air-conditioned cooling buses available for visitors, organizers said.<\/p>\n

Some fireworks displays in surrounding suburbs were canceled or postponed because of the heat.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

6:04 AM<\/p>\n

How to watch CBS’ primetime special, “The Great American Block Party 250”<\/p>\n

CBS is celebrating this July Fourth with “The Great American Block Party 250,”<\/a> a primetime special hosted by “CBS Evening News” anchor Tony Dokoupil and “Entertainment Tonight” co-host Nischelle Turner.<\/p>\n

Hosted live from the Washington Monument in D.C., the show features a star-studded roster performances by artists including the Zac Brown Band, Jon Batiste, Goo Goo Dolls, The War and Treaty, Queen Latifah, The Roots, Jill Scott and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Share in celebratory moments from cities nationwide before the show wraps up with a fireworks display that organizers billed as the largest in history over the nation’s capital.<\/p>\n

Tune in at 8 p.m. ET on CBS stations<\/a> and stream it on Paramount+<\/a> and CBS News 24\/7<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

6:04 AM<\/p>\n

D.C. celebrations to include flyovers, “largest display of fireworks our city has ever seen”<\/p>\n

July Fourth celebrations in Washington, D.C., will include hours of military flyovers and an enormous fireworks show commemorating the nation’s 250th birthday.\u00a0<\/p>\n

D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Interim Chief Jeff Carroll said earlier this week that the festivities would feature “the largest display of fireworks our city has ever seen.” The display is set to start around 10:30 or 11 p.m. ET,<\/a> according to Freedom 250, the show’s organizer, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. It’s also expected to run longer than it has in previous years.<\/p>\n

President Trump plans to speak in the 9 p.m. hour, ahead of the fireworks.<\/p>\n

By Maria Sullivan, Gabriella Biello<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

6:04 AM<\/p>\n

How hot will it get for your Fourth of July?<\/p>\n

Much of the central and northeastern U.S. is under heat advisories through Saturday night, including some areas with extreme heat warnings.<\/p>\n

Zoom in on any location on the map below, or search for your city or town by name, to see the forecast high temperatures, how hot it will feel, and the overnight lows.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

6:04 AM<\/p>\n

Air traffic shutdown planned at Reagan Washington National Airport<\/p>\n

Air traffic will be shut down in Washington, D.C., in the afternoon and evening as Fourth of July festivities ramp up across the nation’s capital.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Federal Aviation Administration said it would implement “traffic management initiatives” at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport before, during and after certain celebratory events, including flyovers and fireworks displays.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Flight operations at the airport will be temporarily paused from noon until 11:59 p.m. ET.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The FAA said the changes have been planned for months “to help ensure the safe and efficient movement of air traffic during celebrations of America’s 250th birthday.”<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

6:04 AM<\/p>\n

Heat-related illnesses a concern as crowds gather in scorching weather<\/p>\n

The combination of heat and high humidity<\/a> across the eastern half of the U.S. could be dangerous for crowds spending extended time outdoors because the human body can’t cool off as effectively when sweat stays on the skin.<\/p>\n

Warning signs to look for to prevent heat-related health emergencies include fatigue, light-headedness, muscle cramps and upset stomach. If anyone exposed to the sun is experiencing such symptoms, doctors say they could be suffering from heat exhaustion.<\/p>\n

“For heat stroke, the differential factor is that altered mental status, that confusion,” Dr. Catrina Cropano, the medical director of the emergency department at New York City’s Mount Sinai West, told CBS News’ Tom Hanson<\/a>. “If you are experiencing any symptoms of heat stroke, you really need to make sure you come into the emergency department as quickly as possible.”<\/p>\n

There are a few steps you can take to help reduce your risk, Dr. Danielle Warren, an emergency medicine specialist at Carroll Hospital Center in Maryland, told CBS News Baltimore<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“Decrease your exposure to the heat. Make sure you are drinking fluids. And then you want to make sure that you are eating a little bit every few hours,” Warren suggested. “If you are drinking alcohol that’s going to make you more sensitive.”<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

6:04 AM<\/p>\n

CBS News poll: America’s successes, and its challenges, at 250<\/p>\n

Two hundred fifty years on, Americans generally see their nation as a success story \u2014 even if it’s one that they feel still has work to do.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A big majority say the nation has succeeded in achieving its founding ideals<\/a>, at least a fair amount, if not a great deal, a CBS News poll found.<\/p>\n

We, the people, think of ourselves \u2014 America’s people \u2014 as the best thing about the country<\/a>. Most of us like having a nation of many different ideas and cultures, and we share common views on what constitutes “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” \u00a0<\/p>\n

And for a country that produced the light bulb and the internet, today it is still the ideas laid out in the founding that many offer up as America’s best invention<\/a> of all.<\/p>\n

Yet, Americans also see a nation facing challenges today.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Almost half the country marks this milestone feeling that America’s best days are in its past, and the American Dream is seen under pressure, often unattainable. And just as economic opportunities are entwined with our political history, they’re seen today just as defining as democracy itself. But those who think opportunity is only for a few feel democracy, too, is under threat.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Read more here.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\u00a0 21m ago Miki Sudo wins women’s round of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest Miki Sudo has…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":742984,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[277893,23,218523,304462,3,21,19,22,20,25,24],"class_list":["post-742983","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-united-states","tag-4th-of-july","tag-america","tag-america-at-250","tag-july-4th","tag-news","tag-united-states","tag-united-states-of-america","tag-unitedstates","tag-unitedstatesofamerica","tag-us","tag-usa"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/742983","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=742983"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/742983\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/742984"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=742983"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=742983"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=742983"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}