DC promises a 'very, very robust' police presence to maintain public safety over July 4 holiday
With a flood of visitors and tourists expected, officials in the nation’s capital are mobilizing additional police officers and dozens of teams of civilian peacekeepers in an attempt to keep rising violent crime rates from marring the holiday weekend.
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What exactly was Mark Zuckerberg riding in that viral Fourth of July video?
If you’ve been scrolling around on social media this month, then you may have noticed that over the Fourth of July weekend, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg was riding on some sort of wakeboard on a lake with an American flag in tow.
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Sorry Virginians, there will be no coronavirus restriction changes before Labor Day
ROANOKE, Va. Given spikes seen in parts of the country after Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, no coronavirus restrictions changes will be made ahead of the upcoming holiday weekend. Were seeing cases trend up, said Northam, when talking about the Southwest Virginia region. Virginia Department of Health map of regions and districts (Virginia Department of Health)On Tuesday, Radford reported 68 new cases. In the past two weeks, the city has seen an increase of about 577% in COVID-19 cases in the past two weeks, seeing 398 new cases in that time frame. As of Tuesday, there have been 121,615 coronavirus cases in Virginia, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
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Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest welcomes visitors for Fourth of July
FOREST, Va. – Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, one of Central Virginia’s strongest ties to the founding fathers, welcomed Independence Day visitors in a different way this year because of covid-19. Poplar Forest guests could still tour the Third President’s former home, but tours were limited to ten people at a time. Everyone at Poplar Forest had to wear a mask, and the museum organized several outdoor activities to keep people at a distance. “A couple of weeks ago, we were very worried that we wouldn’t be able to do anything,” Massie said. However, the house did not open to the public until Independence Day 1986.
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’It’s time to start owning some stuff’: Lynchburg Black Lives Matter rally touches on Black financial independence
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Lynchburg’s Black Lives Matter chapter did not take a day off for the Fourth of July. Instead, it invited people to Miller Park for a discussion about Black independence. About a hundred people came to the rally, many of whom wore black in solidarity with the cause. “We possess so much strength, wisdom and knowledge,” said Glover-Tucker, while quoting a fellow Black Lives Matter Lynchburg member who recently passed away. “In our community, it’s time to start owning some stuff.”Hobson said home ownership is especially important because renting leaves communities at risk of displacement.
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17 places to watch fireworks in Southwest, Central Virginia this 4th of July weekend
Many places cited coronavirus guidelines on social distancing as the reason for canceling. With that being said, there are still places this 4th of July weekend you’ll be able to watch fireworks light up the night’s sky. They’re set to begin at 9:30 p.m.Pearisburg: While Mountain Lake couldn’t host this year’s fireworks due to social distancing requirements, the fireworks show has been moved. Covington: The Covington Parks and Recreation Department is hosting fireworks at around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Jackson River Sports Complex. Know about an upcoming fireworks display that’s not included on this list?
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Wytheville to host first ever Independence Illumination, July 4th decoration tour
“It was very sad to me because I love the 4th of July,” said Amy Wickham, Wytheville resident. “We’ve tried to stay away from the name “Christmas in July” and we went with the name “Independence Illumination.” I thought that sounded really grand,” said Wickham. The first ever Independence Illumination will officially start Friday, July 3rd and run through Sunday, July 5th, giving families something to do this holiday while social distancing. I’m hoping that we’ll have such a great response that it will become an annual event for the town of Wytheville. If you would like to learn more about Independence Illumination, click here.
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Narrows moves ahead with 4th of July fireworks
Narrows, Va. – Fireworks are on in Narrows this Fourth of July. The towns firework committee announced the “drive-in” show this week. The Independence Day show kicks off at 9:45 p.m. According to the committee, the best viewing locations are:Most of the high school hill areaNHS parking lotAll businesses along 460 ( please note it is illegal to park in the median )Farmers Market - Center StreetDuck Pond - Mill Pond FieldDue to the global coronavirus pandemic, you are asked to stay around your car to prevent large gatherings and the spread of the virus. The show is put together on behalf of Narrows Parks & Recreation and Narrows Firework committee.
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Blacksburg, Christiansburg will still launch fireworks this Fourth of July
CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – While many locations have decided to not launch fireworks this Fourth of July, that’s not the case in Blacksburg and Christiansburg. Christiansburg detailsIn Christiansburg, the fireworks show will begin at about 9:15 p.m. from a property off Peppers Ferry Road. Blacksburg detailsBlacksburg’s fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m. from the old Blacksburg High School property on Patrick Henry Drive. If it does rain, fireworks will not be rescheduled. Anyone in either town who is planning to watch fireworks from their car is encouraged to stay in their vehicles during the show.
Portland shelters, animal hospital busy after the Fourth
CNN image(KPTV) - PORTLAND, Oregon -- Its a busy couple days for animal shelters and hospitals, as they care for more sick and stray pets from the Fourth of July. This Fourth of July they cared for 87 animals Thursday alone, compared to their 61 patients on an average day. We checked in with shelters in the area who also had quite a few lost pets. And Multnomah County Animal Services took in 21. As for this weekend, Multnomah County Animal Services will be waiving impound and board fees through Sunday as long as the pet is picked up by Tuesday.

Man arrested for pretending to be officer, pulling over deputy
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. - A Hillsborough County, Florida deputy sheriff arrested a 35-year-old man on Fourth of July after being accused of pretending to be a law enforcement officer. Hastings told him "he was a law enforcement officer and his credentials were at the office." He told the deputy he could follow him back to the "station" so he could obtain and show him his credentials. Shortly after exiting on Branch Forbes, Hastings was stopped by a Hillsborough County deputy, where he was detained while they interviewed the off-duty deputy. No handcuffs or firearms were located in the vehicle," the Sheriff's Office said.

Children celebrate Fourth by reading to pets
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. - This Fourth of July has been all about fireworks, good food and good books for some children in Franklin County. Dozens of children spent part of their holiday reading to cats and dogs at the Franklin County Humane Society. "I think it's a good experience for the children," said Anita Scott, director of the Franklin County Humane Society. "If you're struggling, if you're a new reader, if you're learning, reading to pets is a really excellent opportunity to learn, and it's beneficial both ways," sad Jennifer Fleisher, a volunteer. Thursday's program not only gave children a chance to practice reading; volunteers hoped it would also help calm the animals before all of the noise from Fourth of July fireworks.

World War II veteran crosses country on foot for second time
Over the course of two years and 10 months, over 2,631 miles, he crossed the country on foot, running from California to Georgia. At age 95, the World War II veteran has decided to do it again. He's clocked 175 miles into his second coast-to-coast trek, which he began in March when he left from Georgia's St. Simons Island. He hopes to run 13 miles a week through grueling heat or freezing cold for as long as he can. As he runs, the Navy veteran is raising funds to sail a restored World War II tanker to Normandy for a D-Day anniversary, a feat that he says will cost millions.

Happy Birthday, Malia Obama! First Daughter Turns 21 on Fourth of July
America's wasn't the only birthday celebrated on the Fourth of July, as first daughter Malia Obama turned 21 on Thursday. Former President Barack Obama took to social media to wish his and first lady Michelle Obama's oldest daughter happy birthday. "Happy Fourth of July, everybody! This is always a great day in the Obama family: a chance to celebrate America and Malia's birthday, too," Obama wrote on Twitter. That same year, her father spoke of the bittersweet moment of dropping her off to begin her college career.

Easiest way to get fishing license in minutes, without leaving the lake
Regardless, if fishing might be or already is on your to-do list this weekend and you don't have your fishing license for this year, we've got some good news: You can EASILY get it on your phone within minutes -- like, even if you're already on the waters with fishing pole in hand. In case you didnt know, the state of Virginia requires anyone 16 years of age or older to have licenses and permits in order to go fishing in public waters. Those who are younger are exempt from fishing license requirements. It will only take minutes and youll have a a viewable/printable lice in hand. Happy fishing!

Florida inmates will spend their Fourth comforting shelter dogs
Instead of watching fireworks, some Florida inmates will be cuddling dogs this Fourth of July. (CNN) - Instead of watching fireworks, some Florida inmates will be cuddling dogs this Fourth of July. Dogs often get frightened and anxious because of fireworks and other loud noises from July Fourth celebrations. So Brevard County designed a program to comfort the dogs as well as "help add purpose to the lives of inmates incarcerated at the Brevard County Jail." A 2007 study found that prisoners who participated in an animal program learned important values including patience and helping others.

WWII hero celebrates 99th birthday on Fourth of July
SALEM, Va. - A man who escaped death three times in World War II is marking a milestone. Retired Gen. Leo LaCasse will blow out 99 candles this Fourth of July. The Purple Heart recipient says he's not surprised at all that he's nearing his 100th birthday. He served in World War II as a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber pilot, completing 35 missions. He told me not too long ago he wasn't even talking about 99, he's waiting for the hundred.

What's open and what's closed on the Fourth of July
We're here to answer the most important Fourth of July questions: What's open, and what's closed? OPENStores and restaurant chains are likely to be open on July 4, but it's always good to call aheadTarget -- Open regular hoursWalmart -- Open regular hoursKroger-- Open regular hoursTrader Joe's -- All stores will be closing at 5, so don't procrastinateMovie theaters -- We can't think of a better way to ring in America's birthdayLiquor stores -- So, this depends. Your bank is probably closed, but if you need cash the ATM is always an option. Your favorite local spot -- Varies by location! In general, local restaurants will probably be closed, but some morning-only spots (things like your favorite bagel or doughnut spot) might still be open during the day.

Great white sharks invade Cape Cod just in time for the 4th
Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images(CNN) - Some fin is in the water in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Locals are bracing for an influx of tourists to flock to Cape Cod for the Fourth of July weekend, and they may have a few extra visitors joining them in the water. In the past week, researchers have tagged 12 great white sharks near Cape Cod Bay. While sharks have always been a part of the waters near Cape Cod's marine environment, researchers have seen their numbers grow over the years. Even so, beachgoers must be cautious when entering the waters in Cape Cod Bay.

Pool experts offer advice ahead of 4th of July swimming
LYNCHBURG, Va. - Many local pools are expecting hundreds of kids for the Fourth of July. In Lynchburg, officials say they save an average of 50 lives a year. Experts offer some tips on how o be safe when in the water. If theres no lifeguard around, then try to reach or throw an object to them before you reach the body of water, Freitas said. Miller Park Pool will be open Thursday at 1 p.m.
Hot weather to fuel wildfires in Alaska
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Meteorologists say a new wave of hot, dry weather is expected to fuel a wildfire burning on the Kenai Peninsula. Continued smoke and record-breaking temperatures are predicted for the Fourth of July holiday week across south-central Alaska. The Anchorage Daily News reports that a wildfire has been burning in an area of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge since June 5. Jonathan Ashford, a spokesman for the Alaska Incident Management Team, says that as of Sunday, the fire was at 106 square miles (274 sq. Meteorologists say that by Tuesday, another high-pressure ridge is expected to move over south-central Alaska.

July deadliest month for drunken driving
More people die in drunken driving crashes in July than any other month, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). "Backyard barbecues, fireworks displays and other festivities surrounding the Fourth of July holiday often include drinking, making it one of the deadliest holidays of the year," said Helen Witty, national president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, in a statement. The accompanying weekend is also prime for drunken driving. That year, 10,874 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes -- an average of one alcohol-impaired-driving fatality every 48 minutes. Staying off the roads, using public transit, and having a designated driver are all ways to stay safe this patriotic season.

Alabama car dealership giving away bibles, flags, shotguns
Chatom Ford(CNN) - In an appeal to patriotism, a car dealership in Alabama is giving away bibles, flags and guns for a Fourth of July special. In a promotional video titled "God, Guns and Freedom," manager Koby Palmer cocks a shotgun in front of a red truck with an American flag draped across the back. There are 161,641 registered firearms in Alabama, according to a 2017 survey from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. GOD, GUNS, AND FREEDOM CELEBRATING JULY 4th FROM NOW UNTIL JULY 31 HERE AT CHATOM FORD!!! EVERY VEHICLE... Posted by Chatom Ford on Wednesday, June 19, 2019The-CNN-Wire & 2019 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company.