Philadelphia's 250th celebrations tempered by heat as parade canceled and Pope Leo XIV honored

Extreme heat forced the cancellation of the Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade in Philadelphia, but other 250th events continue: the Liberty Medal ceremony honoring Pope Leo XIV is held at the National Constitution Center with remarks broadcast live from the Vatican, the Pops on Independence concert with Idina Menzel is moved to 8 p.m., and a One Philly: Unity Concert is still on. Expect pop-up performances around Old City, a 400-drone Independence Illumination Show, and continued museum and historic programming, all under an ongoing extreme heat advisory with temperatures around 104°F and high heat indices. Organizers emphasize safety with water stations and cooling measures.