NPR News: 07-03-2026 5AM EDT

Nora Raum· Host0:01

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Nora Rom. A dangerous heat wave is gripping more than half the nation ahead of the Fourth of July weekend. As millions of people crank up their air conditioners along the East Coast, utilities are bracing for a surge electricity demand. Miriam Wasser from member station WBUR reports.

Miriam Wasser0:21

Peak electric demand usually occurs between four and eight PM on hot summer days. That's when people come home from work and solar production tapers off. Mary Kate Kalapetrio with the New England Grid Operator says that while they expect to have just enough power to meet demand this week, they're still suggesting people try to use less.

Mary Kate Kalapetrio· Soundbite0:39

You're able to shift using energy-intensive appliances, things like running your dishwasher, doing a load of laundry, or charging an EV, can sort of shift the demand and help reduce how much electricity is being used.

Miriam Wasser0:51

Other tips, pre-cooling your home before peak hours, closing blinds, and unplugging unnecessary appliances. For NPR News, I'm Miriam Wasser in Boston.

Nora Raum· Host1:01

A former Olympian is being charged with vandalism, a felony, of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. David Hern said he'd been riding his bike and stopped to touch the newly peeled coating. Janine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, says Hern had harmed the pool intentionally. She says he ripped up recently installed sealant and caused more than a thousand dollars in damage.

Janine Pirro· Soundbite1:24

Our evidence further shows that the National Park Service employees