Geoff Brumfiel

National stand guard near the Washington Monument at the national mall, during an Independence Day event honoring the nation's 250th anniversary on Saturday.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Attendees gathered at the National Mall to mark America's 250th birthday have been ordered to evacuate the event and seek shelter as "severe storms" roll into the area, organizers said.

Law enforcement secure the area as people evacuate because of incoming storms that will delay the program at a Salute to America Independence Day event honoring the nation's 250th anniversary, Saturday, July 4, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington.

Law enforcement secure the area as people evacuate because of incoming storms that will delay the program at a Salute to America Independence Day event honoring the nation's 250th anniversary, Saturday, July 4, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington.

After a day of extreme heat and canceled events, President Trump closes out America's 250th birthday with a long speech and a fireworks display.

People begin to arrive after severe weather caused a delay in the Salute to America, an Independence Day event honoring the nation's 250th anniversary, Saturday, July 4, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington.

WASHINGTON — President Trump lauded America's storied history on Saturday night in a speech marking the 250th anniversary of its independence, while also praising his war in Iran, railing against "communists," and vowing to restrict mail-in ballots.

A race started by President Trump is leading to the rapid construction of new, experimental nuclear reactors. If they work, they could power data centers for artificial intelligence. But critics worry that the breakneck pace is compromising safety and public trust. NPR correspondent Geoff Brumfiel talks about the potential risks and benefits, and whether this may lead to a new nuclear age.Read more of Geoff’s coverage of the U.S.’s new nuclear reactors here.If you like this episode, check out our episode about what happens inside a top-secret U.S. nuclear facility?Interested in more science and tech news? Email us your question at [email protected] public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. It includes perks like bonus episodes, early access, archive access, curated playlists and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.

Transcript ANNOUNCER: You're listening to Short Wave from NPR. REGINA BARBER: Hey, Short Wavers, Regina Barber here.

The agreement gives American companies priority access to nuclear reactors and fuel to Saudi Arabia. It's expected to last decades and be worth billions of dollars.