FOURTH OF JULY

Delta passengers won't have to pay a fare difference to change trips booked from July 1 through July 4.

Envoy Air pilots will get triple pay if they fly open trips from July 2-31.

This Fourth of July, we want to hear from people who immigrated to the U.S. about what the day means to you. How do you celebrate? Did America live up to the promise it held when you moved here?

According to Google Trends, searches for watermelon and feta cheese salads have spiked every July for more than a decade. The distinct and refreshing combo is something I could eat several times a week during watermelon season. You can use large, baby, red or yellow watermelons, whatever is available.

The Taliban is asking for international aid after a devastating earthquake in Afghanistan killed at least 1,000 people. CBS News foreign correspondent Charlie D'Agata explains how this disaster is adding to an already extensive humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

With the Fourth of July quickly approaching, many dog owners are bracing for a holiday celebration that only amounts to stress for their beloved pets.

With summer getting into full swing, that means activities such as barbecues, celebrations with fireworks, and of course, vacations.

News4Jax will televise and stream the city’s fireworks spectacular as well as others around Northeast Florida.

Jewish community in West Rogers Park, despite recent antisemitic vandalism, resolute about not living in fear.

Kevin Boyle examines how the decade upended Americans’ sense of stability.

The Florida company whose software was exploited in the devastating Fourth of July weekend ransomware attack, Kaseya, has received a universal key that will decrypt all of the more than 1,000 businesses and public organizations crippled in the global incident. Kaseya spokeswoman Dana Liedholm would not say Thursday how the key was obtained or whether a ransom was paid. Ransomware analysts offered multiple possible explanations for why the master key, which can unlock the scrambled data of all the attack's victims, has now appeared.

Departing the White House on Friday, President Biden responded to a reporter’s asking if he had a message to social media companies like Facebook regarding COVID-19 misinformation. Biden said, “They’re killing people,” and added, “The only pandemic we have is among the unvaccinated.”

The COVID-19 curve in the U.S. is rising again after months of decline, with the number of new cases per day doubling over the past three weeks, driven by the fast-spreading delta variant, lagging vaccination rates and Fourth of July gatherings. Confirmed infections climbed to an average of about 23,600 a day on Monday, up from 11,300 on June 23, according to Johns Hopkins University data. “It is certainly no coincidence that we are looking at exactly the time that we would expect cases to be occurring after the July Fourth weekend," said Dr. Bill Powderly, co-director of the infectious-disease division at Washington University’s School of Medicine in St. Louis.

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.

Biden administration reportedly 'running out of ideas' for boosting pace of vaccinations

Good morning, Chicago. Here are some of the top stories you need to know to start your day.

A caller told a 911 dispatcher that Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks was about to go into convulsions after he was struck in the chest with an errant Fourth of July fireworks mortar blast at a Michigan home.

Dozens of arrests were made in downtown Chicago on the Fourth of July after a crowd of young adults and juveniles launched fireworks at officers and danced on police cruisers.

NHL goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died in a freak accident on the Fourth of July when a firework blasted into his chest during a house party in Michigan.

No citations have been issued related to illegal fireworks, the Boise Fire Department said.

No suspects in the homicides have been identified, police said.

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks died of chest trauma from an errant fireworks mortar blast in what authorities described Monday as a tragic accident on the Fourth of July. The 24-year-old Kivlenieks was in a hot tub and tried to get clear with several other people, police Lt. Jason Meier said. The fire department and EMTs got to the private home shortly after 10 p.m. and took Kivlenieks to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Meier said.

As the sun rose Monday, more than 250 volunteers scoured Jacksonville Beach to clean up trash and debris left behind after Fourth of July celebrations.

Two teenagers are dead after apparently exchanging gunfire that wounded three others at a downtown Cincinnati park where hundreds of teens were gathered late on the Fourth of July, police said. It's possible others were involved in the conflict Sunday at Smale Park, but police aren't searching for any other particular suspects, Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac said Monday. Sixteen-year-old Milo Watson died at the scene, and 19-year-old Dexter Wright Jr. died later at a hospital, police said.

The annual parade was still on pause, but the park’s Fourth of July committee brought out carnival games, food trucks, art and music to bring an all-ages picnic to life after a year of social distancing.

The activities scheduled as part of the city of Jacksonville’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at Riverfront Plaza have been postponed until further notice, the city said about 5:40 p.m. Sunday.

The 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. “July 4 is ordinarily a time to gather with our loved ones and to celebrate our freedom and our independence, and this year the holiday looks very different," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. A vigil was planned for Sunday night in Miami Beach for the victims of the fallen Champlain Towers South condominium complex in Surfside, Florida.

What started as a kids’ parade in the 1950s has become a city-wide attraction in the last few decades thanks to its multicultural approach and homegrown traditions.

The sun erupted with a surprise solar flare on Saturday (July 3), the largest since 2017, in an early explosion of cosmic fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July.

While many Americans will celebrate the Fourth of July with a day off from work, astronauts at the International Space Station are spending their holiday preparing a cargo ship's return to Earth.

The FWC is cracking down on boaters under the influence as part of a statewide initiative called Operation Dry Water.

Businesses rushed Saturday to contain a ransomware attack that has paralyzed their computer networks, a situation complicated in the U.S. by offices lightly staffed at the start of the Fourth of July holiday weekend. The Swedish State Railways and a major local pharmacy chain were also affected. Cybersecurity experts say the REvil gang, a major Russian-speaking ransomware syndicate, appears to be behind the attack that targeted a software supplier called Kaseya, using its network-management package as a conduit to spread the ransomware through cloud-service providers.

Deep tropical moisture continues to hang over the area. The result has been for days and days of off and on downpours. Rainfall amounts have been heavy for some (greater than 3″) whereas most places have seen just the constant anytime threat, along with an actual downpour. Like Friday, we will see a shift in these conditions. Subtle but important.

St. Johns County officials are expecting the county’s beaches to be busy over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Setting off fireworks is a popular way of celebrating the Fourth of July. But whether you’re lighting them or watching someone else do it, it’s important to keep safety in mind over the holiday weekend.

Happy Independence Day! Arguably the best day for fireworks is here.

Your drink of choice on the Fourth of July might be an ice-cold beer or the always-faithful White Claw, but in case you want to celebrate with a colorful cocktail, we’ve got a few recipes for you to add in some fun.

There is no better way to celebrate the red, white and blue than with red, white and blueberries, right?

Police are investigating whether alcohol may have been a factor in a crash that killed a 31-year-old man.

We asked Washington Post readers how they chose to celebrate or ignore the Fourth of July. Here's what you responded.

The July 4th holiday weekend is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors to Duval County’s beaches over the three-day weekend and city officials are preparing for the post-pandemic tourism surge.

The Transportation Security Administration is expecting plenty of people to travel this coming Fourth of July weekend.

Tourism officials expect that this Independence Day weekend could draw the biggest crowds since the pandemic began, and possibly be one of the busiest travel weekends in years.

AAA predicts nearly 44 million Americans, including 2.4 million Floridians, will hit the roads this Fourth of July weekend.

With Independence Day on the horizon, there will be plenty of celebrations and fireworks. While it might be a party for you, it’s not so much for your pets.

The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and there is nothing better to do (or more American) than grilling up some meat and veggies while sipping on a cool beer or cocktail.

Many people are starting to stock up on fireworks for the Fourth of July. While it can be a fun way to celebrate, it’s important to keep safety in mind so no one gets hurt.

Many people are starting to stock up on fireworks for the Fourth of July. While it can be a fun way to celebrate, it’s important to keep safety in mind so no one gets hurt.

Details on the Fourth of July celebrations in Lexington, Wilmore, Georgetown, Midway, Richmond, Berea and Versailles.

Jill Biden teamed up with former Dallas Cowboys great Emmitt Smith in the fight against COVID. Here’s what they had to say.

Experts fear Americans may be in for a costly summer at the pump.

Experts fear Americans may be in for a costly summer at the pump.

Experts fear Americans may be in for a costly summer at the pump.

Experts fear Americans may be in for a costly summer at the pump.

Experts fear Americans may be in for a costly summer at the pump.

The July 4 holiday can be thrilling for humans, but it's actually a dangerous time for pets -- and one of the busiest days of the year in animal emergency hospitals.

Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris’ husband, said in Chicago Wednesday that as he’s traveled the country in recent months to talk up vaccination efforts he hasn’t once heard people talk about getting inoculated in political terms.

If you’re looking for a fun and informative way to spend Independence Day, then look no further.

"We need to think about a different vaccine delivery strategy to get the people who are still reluctant," Gottlieb said.

"We need to think about a different vaccine delivery strategy to get the people who are still reluctant," Gottlieb said.

Letters to the editor on having a Fourth of July parade in Boise, education task force, breaching dams, saving Murgoitio Park, camping with dogs and misleading COVID-19 statistics.

Locally, people within the community are celebrating the 12th federal holiday.

The decision on the Acosta Bridge in Jacksonville, Fla., which came after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a much-debated transgender girls sports ban on the first day of Pride Month, appears to have been reversed Wednesday amid mounting blowback.

All the states with the highest adult vaccination rates went to President Biden in the 2020 election. But the vaccine divide is not just about politics.

Fewer than half of adults have received the vaccine in some states.

Following a year of skyrocketing demand for fireworks amid the COVID-19 pandemic, retailers nationwide are facing a shortage as the Fourth of July holiday nears.

Jacksonville’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration will return this year at multiple locations throughout the city to celebrate the nation’s independence.

More than 56% of American adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, but demand has dropped off.

More than 56% of American adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, but demand has dropped off.

ST. JOHNS, Fla. This labor day weekend will look much different than Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. St. Johns County is getting ready for all the people expected to visit the beaches. Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest times at county beaches. St Johns County is gearing up for the influx of people expected to hit the beach. St. Johns County is offering a free shuttle service from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday through Monday, weather permitting.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It was a violent Fourth of July weekend for the River City. We now have details about two deadly Jacksonville shootings that happened within 90 minutes of each other on Sunday, and a third that happened Sunday evening. The second happened on Broadway Avenue, where police found a man shot to death in a yard. Sunday’s shootings follow multiple shootings that happened on Friday and Saturday. In total, 10 people in Jacksonville were injured or killed in shootings this weekend.

St. Johns County fireworks store sees boom in salesPublished: June 29, 2020, 6:06 pmPhantom Fireworks is working to keep shelves stocked as many families are putting on their own shows this year due to COVID-19

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – With the Fourth of July right around the corner and social distancing still a major concern, many counties have canceled or postponed their firework shows. Candice Bryant, general manager of Phantom Fireworks off County Road 210, told News4Jax the store has seen a climb in sales over the last week. RELATED: St. Johns County COVID-19 cases nearly double in a weekAaron Lundy and his family walked the aisles of Phantom Fireworks Monday afternoon, looking for the perfect fireworks display. Tony Fiano, who lives in St. Johns County, wants to make sure the holiday still spreads joy despite these trying times. And with the increase in sales, the store is doing its best to keep the shelves full.

By launching 4th of July fireworks from 6 spots, city hopes to spread out crowdsPublished: June 28, 2020, 6:43 pmMayor’s chief of staff says it’s more important than ever to have something for people to look forward to

Jump in coronavirus cases comes ahead of Fourth of July weekendIf you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – Nassau County has issued an executive order prohibiting professional fireworks in the county, including for the Fourth of July. According to the executive order, which was signed Saturday by County Manager Michael Mullin, the ban does not include fireworks on a private residential property. READ: Nassau County Executive Order No. 15The order shows the county is prohibiting professional fireworks this year because the increase of COVID-19 cases in Nassau County and the state “causes concerns for activities that increase public gatherings.”A violation of the order is considered to be a second-degree misdemeanor, and anyone who violates it could face a $500 fine and/or up to 60 days in jail.

Four talented singers competed Thursday night in the “Oh Say Can You Sing” finale at 1904 Music Hall, for a chance to sing the national anthem just before the fireworks display over the St. Johns River on the Fourth of July. At the end of the night, Karim Zabaneh was crowned the winner! In addition to singing the national anthem during Channel 4′s “Red, White and Boom” special, Zabaneh receives a $500 prize. Like most annual events and milestones that should have happened for the past few months, the 2020 “Oh Say Can You Sing” contest was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike previous years, open audition calls that usually created long lines at local malls and gathering places had to be moved online.

JACKSOVILLE, Fla. – Mayor Lenny Curry announced Thursday that not only will the city put on its normal Fourth of July fireworks display over the St. Johns River, but Jacksonville will also provide fireworks in other parts of town to ensure people can celebrate the nation’s birthday without congregating downtown. “This year we’re looking to make it bigger, better and safer,” Curry said. As we do every year, News4Jax will televise and stream the city’s fireworks spectacular as well as others around Northeast Florida, although those will be in short supply this year. Jacksonville Beach postponed its Independence Day fireworks show to New Years Eve. St. Augustine canceled its display, but more recently decided to reconsider that decision as the event gets closer.

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Jacksonville Beach leaders decided Monday to postpone the annual Fourth of July fireworks show. Staffopolous said other communities in Florida are also choosing to cancel or postpone the Fourth of July events. Evanoff said even though she’ll miss the fireworks this year she understands the reason for postponing. “It’s definitely another impact, another thing we have to lose out on but we have to do it for the community to be safe,” Evanoff said. Jacksonville and St. Augustine are still debating their fireworks decisions.

The signature dessert was served exclusively in the restaurant until 1980, when it made its street debut at the very first Taste of Chicago, a one-day event on the Fourth of July, held on Michigan Avenue. It was a smash. It became so successful that the cheesecake company thrives as a third generation family-owned business with Elis son Marc Schulman and granddaughter Elana Schulman, a James Beard award winner for her work as a video producer previously at Vice Munchies.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The city of St. Augustine addressed concerns over whether or not the annual Fourth of July Fireworks display will be held this year amid the coronavirus pandemic. A Special City Commission meeting was held Monday night where they decided to cancel the fireworks celebration based on a presentation from City Manager John Regan about similar firework cancellations in neighboring communities. Regan then issued an apology Tuesday for presenting inaccurate information about decisions from Jacksonville Beach and Daytona Beach. “I presented information regarding the City of Jacksonville Beach and the City of Daytona Beach fireworks’ celebration that was not fully vetted for accuracy. Flagler Beach has cancelled their fireworks and parade,” Regan said.

New York City's annual Fourth of July celebration will go on "one way or another," Mayor Bill de Blasio said Wednesday. He said that there will definitely be fireworks, although they city is still deliberating how and where they will be done. "Since 1976, Macy's Fireworks have lit the skies over many of New York City's waterways and neighborhoods. "This year's show will be a celebration of the strength and resilience of New York City and will honor frontline workers across America," he said. On Monday, de Blasio announced the city is canceling concerts, festivals and parades, including the 2020 Pride march, through June.

He headed for the amusement park’s first aid center after his wife noticed blood soaking his shirt. It seems like every year a new round of reports trickle in about people injured or killed by celebratory gunfire. The same CDC report found the majority of celebratory gunfire injuries are to the chest, head or shoulders. “It could come down on an object, a person or it could come down on you and injure you or even kill you. Since it’s illegal, you could also face criminal charges even if you don’t hit anyone.

Flagler deputy running radar dressed as Uncle Sam during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. - Flagler County deputies made 370 traffic stops during the long Fourth of July weekend, 43 people were arrested, seven of them for driving while intoxicated, according to authorities. One deputy dressed up as Uncle Sam holding a sign that read; We want you to keep your money! The Flagler County Sheriff's Office Marine unit stopped 4 boats but no arrests were made in its boating under the influence crackdown. There were no traffic deaths in Flagler County during the holiday weekend.

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.

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.

Dozens of volunteers scoured the beaches to clean up trash and debris left behind from Fourth of July celebrations. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. - A two-and-a-half-year-old girl sang "God Bless America" for the Fourth of July, and now everyone wants to know her story. Little Amelia Day Bubenik learned to sing the national anthem at just 29 months old -- and mastered this tune in just a few days. Her mom started teaching her the lyrics right after memorial day. Amelia's mom says the tot loves watching the videos of herself singing. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

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.

And Bags too, a Twitter user called @King_Of_Shade tweeted, along with a photoshopped image of George Washington crossing the Delaware in an airport. #RevolutionaryWarAirportStories trended on Twitter as users aired their contemporary travel problems with a 1776 twist. Trump immediately went on to speak about the star-spangled banner flying at Fort McHenry, as if this historical anecdote was also about the Revolutionary War. We are at a disadvantage #RevolutionaryWarAirportStories Rizzo Campbell (@RizzoCampbell) July 5, 2019Will my Emotional Support Animal require an extra seat? #RevolutionaryWarAirportStories pic.twitter.com/ihgZ6A0Rca LionO*s_Jungle (@jungle_os) July 5, 2019On Friday, Trump chalked up his mistakes to teleprompter problems and the rain.

If you end up ditching the grill and decide to eat out, here are the places you'll want to check out or avoid. Hungry bargain-hunters headed up to the Pecan Park Flea market may need to look elsewhere for food. Once again, inspectors found rodent droppings- 45 of them throughout the floors and under a drink machine. Krispy Kreme Reward members can get a free dozen of Glazed donuts with the purchase of a dozen others. 4 Rivers Smokehouse is offering a free classic sandwich to all military members, veterans and first responders.

Miss the fireworks show? Maybe you just want an encore? Here's the fireworks show from downtown on the Fourth of July.

The earthquake that hit Southern California on the Fourth of July knocked products off of many shelves in a local Walmart store. Distributed by LAKANA. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

During the national "Operation Dry Water" campaign officers will focus on removing impaired operators from the water and educating boaters about safety. The Fourth of July holiday is one of the busiest boating holidays all over the U.S., including here in Florida. MORE: FWC 2018 Boating Accident Statistics LinkHaskins said the FWC is just making sure everyone stays safe and makes it home. The accidents and tragedies that happen because individuals choose to drive impaired, on land or on the water, are preventable. The national Operation Dry Water weekend will take place July 5 through 7.

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.

Joey "Jaws" Chestnut ate 71 wieners and buns to secure his 12th title at Nathan's Famous annual Fourth of July hot dog eating contest on Thursday, just a few hot dogs shy of breaking the record he set last year. Joey Chestnut eats during the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest on July 4, 2019, in New York City. Kena Betancur/Getty ImagesWhen asked how he felt after the contest, Chestnut said, "I feel like I should eat a couple more." Spectators with foam hot dog hats, plastic noisemakers and homemade signs descended on Coney Island's famed boardwalk for the contest. Miki Sudo eats during the women's portion of the annual Nathan's Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest on July 4, 2019, in New York City.

Trumps Fourth of July speech inserts politics and protests into national celebrationA plane flies through cloudy skies past a screen on the National Mall showing the American flag. (Brendan Smialowski / AFP/Getty Images)

Consumers are buying fewer items of clothing, and apparel with the flag or its colors fits the description of a timeless look. Flag Code, any clothes with the flag on it are technically illegal. "Every item of apparel that they're wearing that has an American flag on it: shirt, shorts, bikini, hat, technically is in violation of the flag code," said Marc Leepson, author of "Flag: An American Biography." The federal flag code says that "The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever." The code also bans the material of a flag from being converted into clothing of any kind.

Cramer: Tech stocks are overvalued, but 'it's not like we've gone..."After a big run, you always hear that there are just too many bulls, too much excitement, too much optimism," but Jim Cramer's not buying it. Mad Money with Jim Cramerread more

Gasoline prices could continue to rise into the weekend, as the East Coast market adjusts to the loss of the Philadelphia refinery, which was 27% of the region's refining capacity. But even with anticipated price increases, the national average price likely peaked in May at $2.89 per gallon, he said. Another factor in the recent rise in gasoline prices was the jump in crude oil prices in the past several weeks, in part the result of tensions in the Middle East. "The Fourth of July weekend is here, gasoline prices I expect to be more or less stable over the next week. Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Vermont and Rhode Island also raised taxes slightly.