A record-breaking heatwave spread across the eastern U.S. on Wednesday (1 July), placing tens of millions of people under heat alerts just days before the country's 250th Independence Day celebrations.
Forecasters warned "real-feel" temperatures could reach between 38C and 46C across parts of the Midwest, Northeast and South, increasing the risk of heat-related illness and adding pressure to already strained power grids.
In Chicago, officials urged residents to check on elderly relatives and vulnerable neighbours, while in New York City, hundreds of cooling centres were opened and "cool vans" were deployed with water, meals and medical supplies.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city had also extended public pool opening hours and expanded outreach to homeless residents.
Energy providers in New York urged customers to reduce electricity use during peak hours, as rising demand for air conditioning added to wider pressure on the electricity grid.
The extreme heat is expected to persist into the 4 July holiday weekend, when Americans will mark the nation's 250th anniversary with large-scale celebrations.
The White House's Freedom 250 Commission has planned what organisers say could become the world's largest fireworks display, with more than 860,000 fireworks set to be launched in Washington.
The 40-minute "Salute to America" show is expected to be the centrepiece of the celebrations, despite concerns over the weather and public safety in the intense heat.
The U.S. heatwave mirrors deadly conditions in western Europe, where extreme temperatures have already claimed more than 1,000 lives in Spain. Scientists say such heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more intense because of human-driven climate change fuelled by greenhouse gas emissions.
Iran and the U.S. have concluded indirect talks in Doha without a major breakthrough, with discussions focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Ho...
Alphabet's Google has lost its final appeal against a multibillion-euro European Union antitrust penalty over its Android mobile operating system, han...
Kazakhstan will hold a snap parliamentary election on 23 August under a decree signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, paving the way for a new con...
Syria is open to direct talks with Hezbollah if its national interests require it, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani said during a visit to Lebanon o...
Hundreds of firefighters are battling multiple wildfires across France, amid strong winds and dry conditions, as the country’s heatwave persists. ...
Iran and the U.S. have concluded indirect talks in Doha without a major breakthrough, with discussions focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and frozen Iranian funds. Both sides are expected to meet again after the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Alphabet's Google has lost its final appeal against a multibillion-euro European Union antitrust penalty over its Android mobile operating system, handing regulators a major victory in efforts to curb the power of Big Tech.
Kazakhstan will hold a snap parliamentary election on 23 August under a decree signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, paving the way for a new constitutional system in the Central Asian state.
Syria is open to direct talks with Hezbollah if its national interests require it, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani said during a visit to Lebanon on Thursday (2 July).
A Russian couple climbed to the top of the Empire State Building and unfurled a banner urging world peace before, in an apparent elaborate marriage proposal that ended with their arrests.
Iranian and U.S. negotiating teams were due in Doha this week, but Iran said on Monday no meeting had been scheduled as weekend missile fire from both sides tested the interim ceasefire to end the four-month-old war.
Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran mediated by Qatar in Doha have concluded, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi has said.
Mexico ended their 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout win, while Erling Haaland sent Norway through and Kylian Mbappé fired France into the last 16.
Iran and the U.S. have concluded indirect talks in Doha without a major breakthrough, with discussions focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and frozen Iranian funds. Both sides are expected to meet again after the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Alphabet's Google has lost its final appeal against a multibillion-euro European Union antitrust penalty over its Android mobile operating system, handing regulators a major victory in efforts to curb the power of Big Tech.
Hundreds of firefighters are battling multiple wildfires across France, amid strong winds and dry conditions, as the country’s heatwave persists.
A powerful heatwave sweeping across Europe has triggered deadly conditions, with authorities issuing urgent warnings as extreme temperatures continue to climb.
A breakaway Catholic group dedicated to preserving the traditional Latin Mass has ordained four new bishops in Switzerland, despite a direct appeal from Pope Leo XIV to halt the ceremony.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 2nd of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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