Record heat blamed for at least 25 deaths as July Fourth festivities are dampened

A record-setting heatwave is suspected in at least 25 deaths across the Deep South, Midwest and East Coast as temperatures top 100F and heat alerts cover roughly 156 million people; the heat disrupted Fourth of July events, prompted emergency aid for heat-related illnesses at venues like Washington, D.C.'s National Mall, and contributed to widespread power outages and storm threats. Forecasters expect a cooldown from the north in the coming days, but dangerous overnight warmth and humidity will persist.