This Week in Explainers: How the US celebrated 250 years despite heat and storm

America was set for one big party this weekend. It’s a milestone birthday after all: the US just turned 250. However, all didn’t go as planned, as the weather played spoiled sport.

First, extreme heat disrupted Fourth of July weekend celebrations across the US, including the cancellation of a parade in Washington, DC. It also forced the temporary shuttering of the Great American State Fair in the capital. Then came the storm, leading to the cancellation or delay of events. Firework displays in New York were brought forward, while Baltimore was delayed.

The storm delayed the US President Donald Trump’s speech at the National Mall in DC. However, he said there was no way the weather could stop him. “I want to thank everybody, because they did the right thing. They saw lightning, and I said, there’s no way if we have to speak in front of one person at 4 o’clock in the morning, I’m going to be here. There’s no way we can be deterred,” Trump said, as the crowd cheered.

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People take shelter from the rain while waiting to reenter The Great American State Fair on the National Mall as inclement weather moves across the area and visitors were instructed to leave, in Washington, DC, on July 4. Reuters

While the US celebrates, Iran mourns. It is holding a six-day funeral for slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the start of the West Asia war. The funeral is being held across five cities in Iran and Iraq, from July 4 to July 9, culminating with the burial on the final day in the holy city of Mashhad. Millions of people are expected to attend, including world leaders. Bihar governor Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita will represent India.

The Iran and US war has ended, but another conflict might be in the offing in Asia. Tensions have once again risen between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as they are locked in an on-off cycle of cross-border strikes.

In Europe, the heatwave continues. Record-breaking temperatures, soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, left France, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland struggling. The brutal summer has triggered deaths and illnesses and led to the collapse of infrastructure in several countries on the continent.

Meanwhile, Venezuela continues to reel from the devastating twin earthquakes, which hit the country on June 24. More than 2,500 people have died, and tens of thousands are still missing.

In our weekly roundup, we cover all this and more.

1. Donald Trump made the America 250 festivities all about himself. He promised an “unforgettable birthday party” with his rally at the National Mall. However, extreme heat, rain and thunderstorms disrupted some celebrations. The inclement weather delayed the US president’s speech. As he took centre stage later, he thanked the crowds who made it despite the storm and earlier evacuations. He spoke about the “American dream”, condemned communists, and made grand statements about the country’s future. Here are the takeaways.

2. America is celebrating 250 years of independence. Wonder what the significance of July 4 is? It was on this day in 1776 that the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress. But what is this document? It is a set of ideas that has served as both the architectural blueprint for modern democracy and the focal point of America’s longest-running cultural warfare. This story takes a deep dive.

3. For centuries, the US has been about the American Dream. However, Donald Trump has a different idea of it. He wanted to end birthright citizenship. This week, the US Supreme Court upheld the 150-year-old policy, delivering a big blow to the president’s bid. The decision means that those born in the country have a constitutional right to citizenship. Here’s why this ruling is important for Indians in the US.

4. Donald Trump is the richest president in American history. His financial earnings in 2025 were released this week. His biggest source of wealth is no longer real estate — it’s crypto. He reported more than $1.4 billion in income from his family's crypto ventures. But beyond the profits lies another fact. A part of this business has formal links with Pakistan. We explain.

5. With the war ending, Iran has finally decided to go ahead with the burial of Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader who was killed on February 28 in a US-Israel attack. The funeral is a six-day affair with processions held in Iran and Iraq from July 4 to July 9. Millions are expected to attend, including world leaders. However, the new Supreme Leader and Ali Khamenei’s son is likely to keep away. Here’s why.

A man places a turban over the coffin of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 during Israeli and US airstrikes on Iran, during a farewell ceremony for him at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran, on July 3. Reuters

6. Pakistan and Afghanistan are clashing once again. There have been cross-border strikes, drone attacks, and retaliatory military operations. Both sides announced fresh military action on Tuesday (June 30). Pakistan claimed to have intercepted and destroyed four rudimentary drones that allegedly crossed from Afghanistan into Balochistan. The Taliban launched cross-border airstrikes on Islamic State bases. Are we looking at a full-scale war next?

7. There have been more than 4,000 deaths. The roads are melting, tramps are buckling up. The late-June heatwave has some of the most advanced European economies struggling. It is not over yet. The days ahead are expected to be hot too. According to weather experts, another heat dome could envelope the region between July 7 and July 10. Here’s what to expect.

A man holding an umbrella walks in the city centre during a heatwave in Vienna, Austria. Reuters

8. It’s grim in Venezuela. The twin quakes have claimed thousands of lives, and many are still missing. Amid this, the miracle rescues come as a silver lining. A man was pulled out alive after being trapped for eight days in the rubble of a collapsed building. Identified as Hernán Gil, he was removed more than 100 hours after being located. But how did he survive for so long?

That’s all from us. Happy Sunday. You can find more such explainers here.

PS: A couple scaled the Empire State Building for a dramatic proposal, only to be arrested. Who are they?