California fireworks show likely sparked hotel rooftop blaze
November 26, 2022 GMTRIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) — A famous Southern California fireworks display likely sparked a small blaze Friday atop a historic inn's roof, officials said.
No injuries were reported in the fire, which occurred on the roof of the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa in Riverside, according to Battalion Chief Pat Hopkins.
Hungary fireworks go on but weather agency controversy stays
August 27, 2022 GMTBUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — An elaborate fireworks display took place Saturday under calm skies in Hungary’s capital after a postponement of the show last weekend caused controversy when it led to the firing of the country’s top meteorologists over their weather predictions.
Heads of Hungary weather service fired after wrong forecast
August 23, 2022 GMTBUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — The two top officials of Hungary's meteorological service were fired Monday after an inaccurate rain forecast prompted the postponement of a fireworks display on the country's most important national holiday.
Federal court denies Noem’s Mount Rushmore fireworks appeal
July 27, 2022 GMTSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A federal appeals court on Wednesday dismissed an appeal from South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem in her lawsuit that attempted to overturn the National Park Service's denial of the state's application to hold a fireworks display at Mount Rushmore to celebrate 2021's Independence Day.
South Dakota’s Noem applies for 2023 Rushmore fireworks
July 1, 2022 GMTSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on Friday said she has applied for permission to hold a fireworks show at Mount Rushmore to celebrate Independence Day 2023, persisting even though the National Park Service has denied her requests for the past two years.
Some cities nix July 4 fireworks for shortages, fire dangers
June 27, 2022 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — The skies over a scattering of Western U.S. cities will stay dark for the third consecutive Fourth of July as 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.
Bay City’s Liberty Bridge not expected to open by July 4
May 20, 2022 GMTBAY CITY, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan bridge is not expected to open in time for a popular fireworks display due to problems found by crews repairing the span.
The Liberty Bridge in Bay City currently is closed to all traffic, WNEM-TV reported Thursday.
2 convicted of killing father watching July 4th fireworks
March 16, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Two men were convicted by a jury on Wednesday of killing a Boston father who was shot as he and his pregnant wife watched a July Fourth fireworks display in 2018.
Michael Carleton and Travis Phillips were each convicted in Suffolk County Superior Court of first-degree murder and firearms charges in the death of Deondra Lee in the city's Dorchester neighborhood, according to prosecutors.
AP PHOTOS: In a flash, 2021 gives way to 2022
December 31, 2021 GMTWith flashy fireworks displays and subdued celebrations, with some in masks to protect against the coronavirus and others in light-up glasses, the world slipped from 2021 into 2022. As the fast-spreading omicron variant's stranglehold grows tighter, many are clinging to hopes that the New Year will bring better days.
New virus infections driven by omicron soar in Australia
December 31, 2021 GMTSYDNEY (AP) — New coronavirus infections soared again in Australia on Friday to a record of more than 32,000, just days after surpassing 10,000 for the first time.
Experts say the explosion is being driven by the highly contagious omicron variant and a recent relaxation of restrictions in Sydney and other areas.
Chicago plans largest NYE fireworks show with COVID measures
December 29, 2021 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — Chicago will host its largest New Year’s fireworks display in city history after canceling last year’s celebrations due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot told reporters Wednesday that the celebration after last year's hiatus was planned with COVID-19 safety in mind, including multiple opportunities to watch the show outside or at home.
France urges vaccine uptake, bans New Year’s concerts
December 17, 2021 GMTPARIS (AP) — French authorities on Friday urged people to get vaccinated against the coronavirus ahead of the holiday festivities as infections surge and the government tries to avoid another lockdown.
Pumpkin boats back on the water in Goffstown
October 16, 2021 GMTGOFFSTOWN, N.H. (AP) — Giant pumpkins are paddling down the Piscataquog River in Goffstown this weekend.
The town's annual Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off and Regatta is on Saturday and Sunday. The pumpkins arrived Saturday and are being carved into boats for the river regatta Sunday afternoon.
South Dakota reapplies for Mount Rushmore fireworks permit
September 29, 2021 GMTPIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is again applying to hold a fireworks display over Mount Rushmore to celebrate Independence Day.
The Department of Tourism submitted its application for a special use permit to the National Parks Service Wednesday on behalf of Noem for fireworks next year.
Explosion during Bismarck fireworks display injures 1
September 12, 2021 GMTBISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Authorities said one person was injured in an explosion during a fireworks display in southeast Bismarck at midday Saturday. It created a dense cloud of black smoke that could be seen throughout the city.
Fireworks ‘mishap’ sends four people to the hospital
July 9, 2021 GMTRAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Four people ended up in the hospital after what authorities are calling a fireworks “mishap” in a Rapid City suburb.
The Rapid City Tribune reported Friday that firefighters were called late Thursday evening to a report of grass fire in Rapid Valley.
Tragedy casts pall over July Fourth holiday in South Florida
July 4, 2021 GMTThe Fourth of July holiday was marked with somber tones in South Florida, where a collapsed building has left at least 24 dead and more than 120 missing under rubble.
Three arrested after fireworks display in store is ignited
June 22, 2021 GMTEAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Police in a Twin Cities suburb arrested a group of juveniles after a fireworks display was set on fire in a grocery store.
The display went up in flames Monday afternoon at the Hy-Vee store in Eagan.
Noem says she will try again for Mount Rushmore fireworks
June 16, 2021 GMTSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem indicated Tuesday she will try again to hold a fireworks display over Mount Rushmore to celebrate Independence Day on the heels of President Joe Biden's announcement that the White House will be hosting its own “independence from the virus” bash.
Vermont city to hold fireworks; Dartmouth grads get 2 guests
June 12, 2021 GMTBURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — A look at pandemic-related news around New England on Saturday:
VERMONT
The annual Independence Day celebration is returning to Vermont’s largest city.
Boston Pops July Fourth live show returning, with changes
June 11, 2021 GMTBOSTON (AP) — The Boston Pops traditional Fourth of July live show is returning this year but with some significant changes, the Boston Symphony Orchestra announced Friday.
Instead of holding the show on the banks of the Charles River in Boston, the Pops will play in front of a limited audience at Tanglewood, a show that will be livestreamed and broadcast live on television and radio, according to the announcement.
Macy’s July Fourth fireworks show will be back this year
June 10, 2021 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The traditional Macy's Fourth of July fireworks show will return to New York City this year after the pandemic forced changes to the celebration in 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Thursday.
Philadelphia’s July 4 to feature concert in different venue
June 2, 2021 GMTPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia's annual celebration of the nation's birthday returns this summer with the traditional July 4 free concert in a different venue but concluding as usual with a fireworks display over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Noem’s Mount Rushmore lawsuit sparks legal fight with tribe
May 18, 2021 GMTSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem's lawsuit against the federal government over a July Fourth fireworks display she wants to put on at Mount Rushmore has reignited legal tensions between her and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.
July 4 fireworks returning, but no entertainment, vendors
May 4, 2021 GMTCONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Independence Day fireworks celebrations are returning in New Hampshire communities, but with some changes...
South Dakota governor expecting many tourists this summer
May 3, 2021 GMTMOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MONUMENT, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem on Monday told South Dakota's tourism industry to gear up for a busy summer, as she expects an influx of visitors itching to travel after more than a year of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic...
Suspect linked to 2016 Nice attack arrested in Italy
April 21, 2021 GMTROME (AP) — Italian media say a 28-year-old Albanian wanted in connection with a 2016 truck attack in the French city of Nice that killed 86 people has been arrested in southern Italy...
Lakota activist: Mount Rushmore key in move to regain land
March 24, 2021 GMTSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — When then-President Donald Trump visited Mount Rushmore last year for a fireworks display, Lakota activist Nick Tilsen saw an opportunity to further a goal of returning to Native American tribes control of land they once held...
After a year like this, expect a strange New Year’s Eve
December 30, 2020 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — If ever a year's end seemed like cause for celebration, 2020 might be it.
Yet the coronavirus scourge that dominated the year is also looming over New Year's festivities and forcing officials worldwide to tone them down...
A Fourth with less fizzle during pandemic in New England
July 5, 2020 GMTThe Fourth of July had many of the traditional trappings in New England despite the coronavirus pandemic: Cheap lobsters, warm weather and barbecues...
`Huge bummer’: July Fourth will test Americans’ discipline
July 3, 2020 GMTThe U.S. headed into the Fourth of July weekend with many parades and fireworks displays canceled, beaches and bars closed, and health authorities warning that this will be a crucial test of Americans' self-control that could determine the trajectory of the surging coronavirus outbreak...
Trump plans huge July 4 fireworks show despite DC’s concerns
July 2, 2020 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s July Fourth celebration on the National Mall will feature one of the largest fireworks displays ever and as many as 300,000 face masks will be given away to those who want them — but despite health concerns from D...
US drops planned limit for toxin that damages infant brains
June 18, 2020 GMTThe Trump administration on Thursday rejected imposing federal drinking-water limits for a chemical used in fireworks and other explosives and linked to brain damage in newborns, opting to override Obama administration findings that the neurotoxin was contaminating the drinking water of millions of Americans...
Police: Security officer’s gunshot warning caused stampede
July 5, 2019 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — A stampede at a Fourth of July fireworks display that injured more than a dozen people at Chicago's Navy Pier started when a private security officer shouted for bystanders to take cover, police said Friday...
Trump books Lincoln Memorial for July 4th gala he’ll host
February 24, 2019 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he'll host a July Fourth celebration at the Lincoln Memorial...
France: Festive celebration in Paris; Macron defends agenda
December 31, 2018 GMTPARIS (AP) — Hundreds of thousands of people celebrated New Year's Eve on Paris' Champs-Elysees avenue in a festive and joyful atmosphere amid heavy security...
Postal worker pleads guilty to federal charge for firing into Minneapolis Federal Reserve during fireworks
December 17, 2018 GMTA 43-year-old U.S. Postal Service worker pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to firing a weapon into the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank building during a downtown fireworks display in July.
Longmont 2019 Budget OK’d Sans Fireworks Display
November 14, 2018 GMTLongmont City Council on Tuesday night approved ordinances setting a $363.24 million budget for next year but left the door open to at least one future change in the spending package.
As recommended by the staff in August, when it unveiled its suggestions for 2019 spending, the budget does not include funding for Longmont's annual Fourth of July fireworks show at the Boulder County Fairgrounds.
Fourth Of July Fireworks Postponed In W-B Due To Rain
July 5, 2018 GMTWILKES-BARRE — Thunderstorms and downpours on Wednesday led city officials to postpone the fireworks display and musical entertainment headlining this year’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July at Kirby Park.
Pocatello Fire Dept. encourages residents to keep fireworks displays “safe and sane” over Fourth of July
June 29, 2018 GMTPOCATELLO - A day of celebration is one of the busiest of the year for the Pocatello Fire Department.
Firefighters are asking citizens to remember the mantra of “Safe and Sane” during the days around the Fourth of July.
Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in San Antonio
June 26, 2018 GMTParking lots and highway overpasses don’t exactly scream Fourth of July. The reigning giants of Independence Day in S.A. — Woodlawn Park, Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld — get all the red, white and blue coverage, and rightfully so.
AP PHOTOS: New Year’s Eve observances around the world
January 1, 2018 GMTPeople around the world are welcoming 2018 with fireworks displays, partying and an array of local traditions...
Evening storms could ground holiday fireworks show
July 4, 2017 GMTThe leading edge of a disturbance that moved across Tennessee early Tuesday will likely reach central North Carolina in time to delay or ground holiday fireworks displays.
As the storms move east, they are picking up speed, which will put them in the central part of the state beginning at about 8 p.m.
Some Colorado resort cities cancel fireworks displays
July 2, 2017 GMTPhotos: Greenwich fireworks display
July 2, 2017 GMTMore fireworks featured at Woodlands July 4th celebration
June 24, 2017 GMTThe Woodlands' Fourth of July festival will pack its biggest punch in the celebration's 20-year history with fireworks lighting the sky from four locations.
The 20th Annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza, hosted by The Woodlands Township Parks & Recreation Department, starts at 6 p.m.
Fireworks show to be held next to Santa Fe Place mall
June 1, 2017 GMTThe city’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display, which in recent years has been launched from Ivan Head Stadium at Santa Fe High School, will be held this year at the park adjacent to the Santa Fe Place mall.
Steamboat Springs, Colo., an oasis of winter fun and natural beauty
March 3, 2017 GMTOn first glance, it may seem audacious for a town to crown itself “Ski Town, USA.” But whether you are walking down Main Street, carving down Mount Werner, cheering on jumpers at Howelsen Hill or just soaking it all in at a mineral hot spring, Steamboat Springs, Colo., earns its title.