Festivities commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence ramped up across the United States on Friday as demonstrations of national pride - and hints of political polarization - were balanced with efforts to stay safe as much of the country baked under extreme heat.
President Donald Trump will travel to South Dakota to deliver a speech and watch fireworks at Mount Rushmore. And in a novel twist, there will be a ball drop in New York City's Times Square at midnight to usher in the July Fourth holiday with much the same revelry that is typically reserved for New Year's Eve.
