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.
'A summer of freedom': Vaccine gives new meaning to July 4th
President Joe Biden wants to imbue Independence Day with new meaning this year by encouraging nationwide celebrations to mark the countryโs effective return to normalcy after 16 months of coronavirus pandemic disruption and more than 600,000 lives lost.
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. โTwo 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.
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 โ Polandโs ruling right-wing party has blamed violence, injuries and damage during recent national holiday event that it backs on hooligans and provocateurs. โUnfortunately, 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 Polandโs regaining of sovereignty after World War I, following over a century of partition and foreign rule.
A touch of heat relief, but more storms around to wrap up the holiday weekend
It was the hottest day of 2020 so far, as Roanoke hit 95 degrees and Lynchburg rose to 94. Those are the highest temperatures weโve seen in our area since an early October heatwave in 2019. Hottest day of the year in Roanoke and Lynchburg (WSLS)We should get a touch of relief from the heat today as many areas top out in the upper 80s or low 90s. Today's hourly temperature planner (WSLS)A cold front will be draped across the area today, providing the lift needed for extra clouds and a few storms. The good news to report is weโre not expecting any of those storms to become severe or cause flooding concerns.
Thomas Jeffersonโs Poplar Forest welcomes visitors for Fourth of July
FOREST, Va. โ Thomas Jeffersonโs Poplar Forest, one of Central Virginiaโs 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 Presidentโs 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. โA couple of weeks ago, we were very worried that we wouldnโt be able to do anything,โ Massie said. However, the house did not open to the public until Independence Day 1986.
Many White House attendees are not social distancing or wearing masks ahead of Trumpโs July 4th remarks
The Washington, DC, celebration does not appear to be following US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines concerning gatherings despite deputy White House press secretary Judd Deere telling CNN this week that the White House would enforce social distancing. CNN has asked the White House whether guests are being tested or having temperatures checked but has yet to receive a response. The White House stopped temperature checks of all those entering the White House grounds weeks ago. "Good question, but let me just see," Giroir, the assistant secretary for health for the US Department of Health and Human Services, said when asked if the White House event was setting a good example for other Americans. Trump's remarks, an aide told CNN, will seek to contrast those of former Vice President Joe Biden, which the aide called "truly shocking."
Heating up with the chance of Mother Natureโs fireworks staying low this Independence Day
Our hottest region today appears to be Southside with highs around 95 degrees. The New River Valley and Highlands will be a touch cooler with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s. Independence Day planner (WSLS)We expect mostly sunny skies for the holiday and rain chances appear low at just 20 percent. I canโt completely rule out storms around fireworks time, but the risk appears pretty low. Weโll also get a little relief from the heat tomorrow as highs peak in the mid to upper 80s, seasonable for this time of year.
WATCH: President Trump speaks from Mount Rushmore
President Trump is scheduled to start speaking at Mount Rushmoreโs Independence Day celebration on Friday night at 10:10 p.m., according to the White House. The White House says Trump is the first president since George H. W. Bush in 1991 to attend the celebration. Hours before the event, protesters blocked a road leading to the monument. Authorities worked to move the demonstrators, mostly Native Americans protesting that South Dakotaโs Black Hills were taken from the Lakota people against treaty agreements. Trump is expected to denounce the protesters he says are trying to โtear downโ the nationโs history.
July 4th celebrations taking new shape this year across Southwest, Central Virginia
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, places across Southwest and Central Virginia are changing or canceling festivities and fireworks shows. Cosgrove is putting on fireworks shows across the region and he is making sure that his crews have face coverings and maintain social distancing. He said heโs worried other families might not do the same. โIโm actually more worried about the social distancing this year than I am the fireworks,โ said Cosgrove. Renee Wood from TNT Fireworks in Roanoke said sales for at-home fireworks and sparklers have skyrocketed.
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 youโll be able to watch fireworks light up the nightโs sky. Theyโre set to begin at 9:30 p.m.Pearisburg: While Mountain Lake couldnโt host this yearโs 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 thatโs not included on this list?
Wytheville to host first ever Independence Illumination, July 4th decoration tour
โIt was very sad to me because I love the 4th of July,โ said Amy Wickham, Wytheville resident. โWeโve tried to stay away from the name โChristmas in Julyโ and we went with the name โIndependence Illumination.โ I thought that sounded really grand,โ 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. Iโm hoping that weโll 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.
Narrows moves ahead with 4th of July fireworks
Narrows, Va. โ Fireworks are on in Narrows this Fourth of July. The towns firework committee announced the โdrive-inโ 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.
Vinton cancels annual July 4 fireworks
VINTON, Va. โ If youโre looking ahead to Independence Day celebrations, you wonโt be catching fireworks in Vinton. Town officials announced Tuesday night they are canceling the annual July 4 fireworks display, as well as all other planned activities and entertainment for the townโs Independence Day Celebration. Officials said the move is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and Gov. Vinton is also not granting any permits for street closures or stage rentals for events, concerts and festivals during June. Town officials said they look forward to hosting the July 4 fireworks again in 2021.
NYPD Cops Buy Groceries for Woman Accused of Shoplifting at Whole Foods
Three New York City Police Department officers were feeling the love on Independence Day when they paid for a woman's groceries after she was accused of shoplifting. The person wrote that the woman was being held by security in a Whole Foods, accused of having food in her bag that she didn't pay for. Then three officers showed up to the scene, and they went above and beyond the call of duty. They paid for the woman's groceries. The photo showed her with her hands over her face, clearly emotional at the officers' kindness.
Virginia officials warn of state hospital bed shortage
Getty ImagesRICHMOND, Va. - Virginia mental health officials are warning that state hospitals could run out of room over the Independence Day holiday weekend. Dr. Hughes Melton, state commissioner of behavioral health and developmental services, issued a warning to mental health agencies, private psychiatric hospitals and law enforcement officials. Melton said there will be times over the weekend when there will not be any open staffed beds at state hospitals. That could force people to wait in temporary custody until beds become available in public or private psychiatric facilities. He said the state will not allow those patients to leave without treatment.
Thousands celebrate Independence Day at Martinsville Speedway
RIDGEWAY, Va. - Martinsville Speedway replaced its cars with a carnival for the Fourth of July. The speedway hosted an Independence Day celebration, which attracted thousands of people from around Southside Virginia. The celebration featured free carnival rides, two musical performances and fireworks when the sun went down. "It's an honor to celebrate our nation's independence and have this celebration with everyone in Henry County coming out to the speedway," Martinsville Speedway president Clay Campbell said. The celebration has been a Fourth of July tradition for the speedway for more than 20 years, and Campbell says he is not going to stop the tradition any time soon.
VFW Post 1264 organizes Independence Day ride for charity
ROANOKE, Va. - Members of Roanoke's Veterans of Foreign Wars post took a motorcycle ride for a good reason on Independence Day. VFW Post 1264 organized a "poker run" in support of two charities: the Wounded Warrior Project and Salem's Hope Tree Family Services. The riders left from the VFW post and made stops at several organizations around town, including Disabled American Veterans and American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 40. David Collier says the riders wanted to show their American pride by giving back to the community. The VFW post also hosted a raffle to raise additional money for the two charities.
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.
Weather to set off a few fireworks too this Independence Day
ROANOKE, Va. - Independence Day is here again, and with it comes the chance for a few of nature's fireworks. By tonight, the low pressure system responsible for these storms will sit near the area. It's east of that low pressure where storms will form around fireworks time. So, the chance for storms tonight looks to be scattered mainly east of the Blue Ridge Parkway. However, if low pressure can form along the coast - we may still have the chance for some showers next Tuesday and Wednesday.
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.
Fireworks: What's illegal in Virginia?
It's illegal to set off or possess firecrackers, skyrockets, torpedoes and other fireworks that explode, travel laterally, rise into the air or fire projectiles into the air. "Anything that goes off of the ground and into the air, you cannot sell those," said Robbin Lovelace, who sells fireworks at a TNT Fireworks tent in Roanoke. "The first thing they ask is they want something with a lot of boom," Wood said. Even if you buy fireworks in another state and bring them back into Virginia, Roanoke County Fire and Rescue community outreach coordinator Brian Clingenpeel said you're still liable. If you're caught owning, selling or using illegal fireworks, it's a Class 1 misdemeanor, and you could face up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
VT history students examine the Independence Day experience for African Americans
BLACKSBURG, Va.- - Independence Day means something a little different to everyone, and that's true for African Americans, too, according to a Virginia Tech research project. First year history students created the website, African American Fourth of July. The goal was to see how African Americans discussed and understood the holiday throughout those periods and in different parts of the country. Before the project, students read "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July" by Frederick Douglass. It's a speech he gave in 1852 in which he talks about the meaning of the Fourth of July celebration to African Americans.
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!