Some cities nix July 4 fireworks for shortages, fire dangers
The skies over a scattering of Western U.S. cities will stay dark for the third consecutive Fourth of July as some big fireworks displays are canceled again, this time for pandemic-related supply chain or staffing problems, or fire concerns amid dry weather.
On historic day, Cuban exiles pledge to support democratic opposition despite communists’ threats
After tributes to José Martí on Wednesday in Havana to honor the national hero who died fighting against Spanish troops in 1895, Cuban exiles met on Thursday in Miami’s Little Havana to mark Independence Day.
Greek Independence Day events culminate in military parade
Military helicopters fly over Acropolis Hill during a military parade in Athens, Thursday, March 25, 2021. Greece celebrates the bicentenary of the start of the country's war of independence against the Ottoman Empire. Unable to watch the parade in person, many Athenians came out onto balconies in the center of the city to watch the flyby, snapping pictures with cameras and mobile phones. AdThis crucial blow enabled the Greeks to fight on and eventually gain independence in 1830. “Two centuries ago, a handful of determined fighters within and outside Greece, raised the banner of independence.
Mexico publishes heavily edited probe of exonerated general
FILE - In this Sept. 14, 2016 file photo, Secretary of Defense Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda arrives for a review of the troops that will participate in the Independence Day parade, in Mexico City. Mexican prosecutors on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, declared completely unfounded the U.S. case against Cienfuegos who was arrested on drug charges in the United States and then returned under pressure from the Mexican government. The report released Sunday by the Mexican Attorney General's Office included a 226-page stretch with every page blacked out, followed shortly thereafter by a 275-page stretch of blacked-out pages. In the few readable passages, he says the descriptions of him in the intercepted messages don't match his physical appearance. Cienfuegos was arrested in Los Angeles in October, but the U.S. government dropped its charges against him in November after Mexican officials threatened to restrict U.S. agents.
Florida seniors start getting coronavirus vaccine Wednesday — and then what?
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – As frontline medical workers have started getting the COVID-19 vaccine the past two days, senior citizens in long-term care facilities are now getting ready for the shots. On top of drug manufacturer Pfizer pushing out its vaccine this week, Moderna is expected to have its vaccine approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration later this week, Gov. A Johnson & Johnson vaccine could be approved in January, DeSantis said, and that one will only require one dose. The first shipment of Pfizer’s vaccine went to five major hospital systems in Florida, including Jackson in Miami-Dade and Memorial Healthcare in Broward. As for the Pfizer vaccine, an order is in for 205,000 more shots next week and 247,000 the week after, DeSantis said.
Poland blames violence at far-right march on hooligans
Protesters burn down bengal fire as they attend in the annual Independence Day march organized by far-right groups for participants to be inside cars or motorbikes because of the coronavirus social distancing, ready for the start of the event in Warsaw, Poland, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020. The march that marks Poland's sovereignty regained after World War I has often led to clashes with opponents. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)WARSAW – Poland’s ruling right-wing party has blamed violence, injuries and damage during recent national holiday event that it backs on hooligans and provocateurs. “Unfortunately, during the march there took place condemnable events that were the result of hooligans joining in," it said in a statement. The Nov. 11 national holiday marks Poland’s regaining of sovereignty after World War I, following over a century of partition and foreign rule.
Californians celebrate July 4 with virtual parades, masks
California's governor is urging people to wear masks and skip Fourth of July family gatherings as the state's coronavirus tally rises. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)LOS ANGELES – As the coronavirus surges in the state, Californians celebrated Independence Day with virtual parades featuring photos of flag-draped front porches instead of pancake breakfasts and crowded festivities. Half Moon Bay on the Pacific Coast south of San Francisco set up barricades to prevent access to its beaches. Nick Nicholas said Saturday afternoon that people appeared to have gotten the message that beaches in Orange County were closed. San Diego County beaches remained open and saw tens of thousands of visitors on Friday.
5 events worth checking out in Miami this week
From a freestyle rap contest to a rumba bar crawl and other Colombian Independence Day celebrations, there's plenty to enjoy in Miami this week. Cypher MiamiFrom the event description:Come out to Cypher Miami and see which rap artist ends up being the best freestyler. From the event description:Celebrate the can release of our Mango Biche Gose with a tribute to Colombian Independence Day. Join hundreds of revelers celebrating Colombian Independence Day. When: Saturday, July 20, 7 p.m.- Sunday, July 21 12 a.m.Where: SHOTS Miami, 311 N.W.
Protesters clash outside White House before Trump's July 4th event
The Secret Service intervened quickly to extinguish the fire. After the flag was extinguished, Johnson's group clashed with a group of pro-Trump protesters, who began chanting, "Trump 2020." Multiple protesters, including Johnson, were escorted from the scene in handcuffs by the Secret Service. The Secret Service tweeted a statement later Thursday that said there had been two arrests, though it included no names. One of those arrested was transported to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries, the statement said, as were two uniformed Secret Service officers.
Miss May swimming near New Jersey - all 10 feet, 800 lbs. of her
An 800-pound, 10-foot white shark named Miss May has been spotted electronically off the New Jersey shore just in time for Independence Day. Oceanographers tagged it in February in Mayport, Florida, so Miss May has come a long way to be here. (CNN) - Miss May is swimming on July Fourth. The 800-pound, 10-foot white shark has been spotted electronically off the New Jersey shore just in time for Independence Day. Oceanographers tagged it in February in Mayport, Florida, so Miss May has come a long way to be here.
Children seem to celebrate Independence Day at Homestead migrant facility
HOMESTEAD, Fla. - Protesters chanted "Shut it down" outside the Homestead child migrant detention center Thursday while children could be seen outside playing soccer and cheering during what appeared to be an Independence Day celebration. "What better way to demonstrate our patriotism than to come out and be advocates for the children," protester Greer Wallace said. "Born in the USA" and other music blared over a loudspeaker inside the gates of the Homestead Temporary Shelter for Unaccompanied Children. Some protesters gathered on America's birthday to share their displeasure with President Donald Trump's stance on immigration. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 3, 2019Protesters there said they hope the children will soon be reunited with their families.
7 ways to ensure you'll get ahh-worthy photos of fireworks with your phone
This feature tells your camera to combine a series of shots at different exposures to combine them into a single shot. Switch views on your phone camera, try different positions and absolutely play with editing later. Look into different smartphone apps that might supercharge your phones ability to make your photos even more beautiful. Plain and simple, you don't have to be a professional photographer to get some amazing photos. Follow the aforementioned steps and you'll be well on your way to getting some photos worth bragging about on Instagram.
2019 Independence Day events throughout South Florida, Keys
Spend the Fourth of July in Pompano Beach with live music and finish the night off with a fireworks extravaganza. HollywoodStar-Spangled SpectacularHollywood Beach Broadwalk5 p.m.-9 p.m.Hollywood Beach will celebrate Independence Day with live entertainment and musical performances by the Florida National Guard and the 13th Army Band. The night concludes with the largest free fireworks show in South Florida. This free Independence Day extravaganza features carnival rides, games, music, airboat rides and even alligator wrestling. There will be live music, a picnic big enough for the whole family and games.
There's a code for displaying American flag -- are you following it?
If displayed with other flags, the American flag should be at the center and highest point. When storing the flag, it should be completely dry and folded properly into a triangle with the Union visible. If you choose to display the flag on the porch, the Union (blue section) should be placed at the peak of the staff. If it's being displayed with another flag, it should be placed on your left when crossed. Click here to read the full code on the American flag.
Go big for July 4! Top fireworks and events across US
Check out these big July 4 events sure to please the fireworks fan, parade seeker and eating-contest enthusiast. Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, New York, New YorkWashington, D.C., Fourth of July CelebrationBig and Loud: This is how Washington's National Mall Fireworks are described on the National Park Service's website. Wawa Welcome America July 4th Fireworks, Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaBoston Pops Fireworks SpectacularEach year on July 4, the famed Boston Pops Orchestra puts on a patriotic music and fireworks show that sets the standard for the United States. -- St. Augustine, Florida: They're celebrating at the historic Castillo de San Marcos with a live concert of big band and patriotic music followed by fireworks. Before the fireworks are shot off from the 21st Street Bridge, people can enjoy live music, pony rides and even an ax throwing contest!
AAA to provide free rides for impaired drivers Independence Day week
Scott Olson/Getty ImagesMIAMI - In an effort to keep impaired drivers off the road during the busy Independence Day holiday, AAA will tow cars and their drivers for free. Absolutely no membership is required for the complimentary rides that will run from Wednesday through Friday morning. The "Tow to Go" promotion is a partnership between AAA and Budweiser, the Palm Beach Post reports. For a free ride or tow, call (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or 855-286-9246. Copyright 2019 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
DC airport to halt flights during Trump July Fourth event
(CNN) - Runways at the busy airport serving the nation's capital will be closed Thursday during President Donald Trump's Independence Day event, federal authorities said. The Federal Aviation Administration announced Tuesday that operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport would be suspended between 6:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. The last such runway closure was in 2015 for a commemorative flight of World War II-era planes. Micah Lillard, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, said officials "anticipate some flights at Reagan National to be affected during the late afternoon and evening." "We're going to have planes going overhead -- the best fighter jets in the world and other planes, too," Trump said Monday.
'Domestic' terrorists could target July 4 holiday events, but no known plots: Feds
Such bulletins are routinely distributed in the days before a major national holiday, but previous bulletins have often focused on homegrown terrorists inspired by overseas groups like ISIS or al-Qaeda rather than domestic terrorists radicalized by domestic issues such as abortion or white supremacy. Meanwhile, the FBI is currently investigating about 850 suspected domestic terrorists, the official said. And since late last year, the agency has seen a significant uptick in domestic terrorism investigations involving white supremacists, officials told ABC News. In fact, there have been more arrests and deaths in the United States caused by domestic terrorists than international terrorists in recent years, the head of the FBI's counterterrorism division, Assistant Director Michael McGarrity, recently told a House panel. We ask members of the public to maintain awareness of their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.ABC News
Car dealership gives away American flags, bibles and shotguns with each purchase
Chatom Ford / FacebookCHATOM, Ala. - You're going to get a little something extra if you buy a vehicle at one car dealership for Independence Day. And no, it's not the free undercarriage protection package or floor mats. Chatom Ford in Alabama is giving away an American flag, bible and 12-gauge shotgun to each customer who purchases a new or used vehicle. "This is a small gift to our valued customers and a (sic) opportunity for us to celebrate our independence," the dealership wrote in a Facebook post under the title God, Guns and Freedom. To qualify for the offer you must be 18 years or older and be able to pass all firearm background checks.