NPR News: 07-03-2026 7PM EDT

Ryland Barton· Host0:00

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. Fourth of July celebrations in some parts of the country are being canceled amid record-breaking temperatures. NPR's Cat Lohnsdorf reports that the National Weather Service has issued extreme heat warnings in 23 states.

Cat Lohnsdorf0:15

The high temperatures are largely due to a heat dome looming over the northeastern US, stretching from southern Maine to the Mid-Atlantic, and as far west as Missouri. Multiple governors issued warnings for residents to be mindful of the heat while celebrating, telling people to stay hydrated and take air-conditioned breaks. Philadelphia canceled its Fourth of July parade due to heat concerns. The event was supposed to be one of the largest in the country. Several other cities also canceled their celebrations, including some in the DC area. But official events in Washington, including a massive fireworks display on the Fourth, are still proceeding as planned. Cat Lohnsdorf, NPR News.

Ryland Barton· Host0:50

A wildfire burning southwest of Denver has forced thousands of residents to evacuate and destroyed more than 160 structures. The Aspen Acres fire is one of about 40 uncontained large blazes burning mostly in the West, fueled by months of dry weather and a record lack of snow this past winter in some places. Pope Leo is traveling to a tiny island off the coast of northern Africa to shine a spotlight on the plight of migrants. NPR's Jason DeRose reports many see the visit as a rebuke of the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Jason DeRose1:19

Pope Leo is visiting the Italian island of Lampedusa in the southern Mediterranean. It's often the first stop in Europe for migrants fleeing Africa. The visit comes just after Leo received