Fourth of July

Visitors and tourists to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., seek relief from the hot weather in the memorial's fountain on July 3. Due to extreme temperatures and high humidity, D.C. has declared a heat emergency, urging residents to take precautions outside and to stay hydrated.

National

Heat, storms and fire risk: Fourth of July weather is nothing to celebrate

10:59am July 04, 2023

by Camila Domonoske

Dangerous heat and elevated risks of wildfires are present in parts of the West, with climate change and El Niño both playing a role. Meanwhile, thunderstorms threaten the Midwest and the East Coast.

The celebratory hot dogs await their impending doom.

Arts

How force-feeding ourselves hot dogs became a 'sacred American ritual'

9:42am July 04, 2023

Competitive eating has found a particular foothold in the American zeitgeist — even becoming entwined with ideals like patriotism.

More than 50 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the upcoming July Fourth weekend. Traffic in Austin, Texas, is seen here in April.

National

Traveling over the Fourth of July weekend? So is everyone else

5:01am June 30, 2023

by Laurel Wamsley

AAA is forecasting record-high travel this weekend, when more than 50 million Americans are expected to get out of town. That could mean clogged roads and snarls at airports.

Fourth of July food costs more this year: Hot dogs: +6.3% since last year. Produce: +7%. Shrimp: +8.2%. Buns: +10%. Ground beef: +11.8%. Soda: +13%. Chicken breast: +24%. Beer: +25%. Wings: +38%.

Economy

Fourth of July parties will cost more this year but you can save with a bit of math

10:27am July 01, 2022

by Jacqueline GaNun

Hosting a July 4th barbeque is 11 percent more expensive than last year, thanks to inflation. The prices of chicken wings, ground beef and beer have all skyrocketed. Still, there are ways to save.

Fireworks explode during a show in Las Vegas on July 4, 2020.

National

What's open and closed on July 4th

7:56am July 01, 2022

by Shauneen Miranda

Nonessential government offices and buildings, the post office and banks will be closed Monday, but most major retailers will stay open.

Spectators watch as fireworks explode overhead during the Fourth of July celebration at Pioneer Park, on July 4, 2013, in Prescott, Ariz.

Some cities cancel Fourth of July fireworks because of shortages and fire concerns

8:46pm June 27, 2022

by The Associated Press

Some major fireworks displays are canceled again this year — some over wildfire concerns amid dry weather and others because of enduring pandemic-related staffing and supply chain issues.

Photo illustration of Mary Louise Kelly and her father Jim Kelly.

A Father, A Daughter And A Georgia July 4th Running Tradition

7:00am July 02, 2021

by Mary Louise Kelly

This weekend, Mary Louise Kelly continues a family tradition — running the Peachtree Road Race. It won't be in person, but it will bring her a chance to run with her father's spirit in her heart.

A man looks at a memorial Tuesday with pictures of some of the missing from the partially collapsed 12-story Champlain Towers South condo building in Surfside, Fla.

National

As South Florida Grieves Condo Victims, Miami Beach Cancels Its July 4th Celebrations

12:41pm June 30, 2021

by Avie Schneider

The city of Miami Beach is cancelling its fireworks and other July 4th festivities out of respect for the families and victims of the condominium collapse in neighboring Surfside, Fla.

A mini replica of the French-designed Statue of Liberty will reach the U.S. on July 1. Here, the statue awaits its move in Paris on Monday.

Little Lady Liberty: France Is Sending The U.S. A Second, Smaller Statue Of Liberty

2:41pm June 10, 2021

by Josie Fischels

France is sending a mini Statue of Liberty to the U.S. It will stand across from the original Lady Liberty through the Independence Day holiday before being transported to the French Embassy in D.C.

Fireworks companies in Maine are struggling after many displays have been cancelled. A 2012 display in Scarborough, Maine is shown here.

National

Maine Fireworks Businesses Struggle As Public Displays Are Canceled

3:37pm July 02, 2020

by Willis Ryder Arnold

Pyrotechnics companies are struggling to make ends meet during what is usually their peak season. One company has seen more than 90% of its business dry up amid the pandemic.