INDEPENDENCE DAY

Trump endorsed the former news anchor just hours after she tweeted at South Dakota's governor asking for his addition to the national memorial.

The big highlight of Mexico's Independence Day has been the visit by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel.

This year, Independence Day in a shaken Afghanistan is one of contradictions from the Taliban and challenges from a vocal, young generation.

This year, Independence Day in a shaken Afghanistan is one of contradictions from the Taliban and challenges from a vocal, young generation.

Taliban fighters rough up news photographers, then seek to make amends by offering water and a Monster Energy drink.

Afghans crowded in the streets Thursday to protest the Taliban and celebrate Afghanistan Independence Day while surrounded by armed Taliban fighters.

Amrullah Saleh, who declared himself the acting president of Afghanistan after President Ashraf Ghani fled, urged the resistance.

Taliban finds it isn't so easy to set up its non-'democratic' Afghan government based on Sharia law

Indonesia’s president has pledged to improve COVID-19 testing and treatment in an address marking the country’s independence.

President Joe Biden next Tuesday will deliver an address about the actions his administration is taking to "protect the sacred constitutional right to vote."

President Biden on Tuesday will announce new steps to inoculate more Americans as the more contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus spreads.

All signs point to the couple saying “I do” within the custom-built Oklahoma estate the duo has long tried to keep under wraps

The Gun Violence Archive reports that shootings across the country this holiday weekend claimed the lives of more than 180 people.

Residents in the historically Black neighborhood celebrated Independence Day and freedom on their own terms in the event’s 70th year.

Democratic Rep. Cori Bush disputed the Fourth of July's message of independence on Sunday, saying the holiday only represents freedom "for white people."

Chicago suffered another violent weekend over the Independence Day holiday, with at least 88 people shot since Friday, 14 of whom were killed, according to new reports.

At least three people were injured in the explosion.

At least three people were injured in the explosion.

Sparkly pyrotechnics launched across the country, a year after the pandemic largely muted Independence Day festivities.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are hosting military families and essential workers on the White House's South Lawn.

Happy Independence Day! The heavy rainfall we saw earlier this evening is fading with just a handful of shower across SE GA. Weather is looking much better for fireworks tonight!

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg posted an Instagram video showing him toting the U.S. flag atop an electric surfboard. "Happy July 4th!," he wrote.

According to a White House official, Mr. Biden is expected to "celebrate the progress the country has made in its pandemic response" as well as mark the over 600,000 American lives lost to COVID-19.

America’s pastime on America’s birthday: J.P. Small Memorial Park was filled with fans and baseball players on Sunday for the annual matchup between the Westside Giants and the Eastside Reds.

The White House party for the July Fourth holiday has the hallmarks of both happiness and commiseration.

The White House has encouraged people to come together and watch fireworks displays to mark the country's "independence" from the coronavirus.

On this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” Edward Waters College is now officially Edward Waters University. President Zachary Faison joins us on the show to talk about what the historic change means for students, staff and the community. Also, Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic Calabro discusses the nonpartisan group’s view of the state budget that just went into effect this week. And the coordinated effort to protect American heroes from the horrors of war on this Independence Day: Elizabeth Sherr, the clinic director at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone, joins us.

Personal finance website WalletHub looked at how much Americans are planning to spend on celebrations this year. Here's where their money is going.

After a year lost to the coronavirus, New York City’s most well-known Fourth of July traditions were back.

The hopeful message of the moment is that in various ways we are finding our way — maybe even approaching the normal that we never imagined we could miss so much.

Fourth of July hasn’t always been a cause for celebration for many African Americans, writes Dennis Patterson in this guest opinion.

Former President Donald Trump questioned his successor's patriotism during an Independence Day celebration in Florida.

Paulette Thorpe was sitting on a friend’s porch last summer when she was hit by a stray bullet. A year later, Durham police are warning residents not to fire guns in the air this weekend.

Since January, 1,694 fires have burned approximately 91,000 acres throughout Florida.

Visitors are heading back to Jacksonville Beach this holiday weekend after several events were canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic.

This Fourth of July, many fully vaccinated Americans can gather in person, hooray! Also, we can gather in person, oh nooo.

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.

Record number of travelers expected as airlines grapple with staffing issues and gas prices surge.

Life is starting to feel normal, but Covid-19 is still with us.

The domestic box office has entered a strong period of recovery, but ticket sales over Fourth of July weekend may struggle to match pre-Covid levels.

"In some parts of the country where you see prevalence rising ... I think people should exercise more caution," the former FDA chief added.

The July 4 weekend starts Friday with dangerous swimming conditions at Lake Michigan beaches and cool weather, followed by a clear but hot few days, according to forecasters.

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

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

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

Les DeMerle and Bonnie Eisele continue to showcase the jazz music genre with another event on Amelia Island.  They have partnered with Story and Song Bookstore Bistro to put on 2 performances Sunday, July 4th at 2 pm and 5pm.  The musical stylings will focus on jazz, but also span to R&B, Brazillian influences and more.  There will also be a barbecue to open the day starting at noon.  Tickets are available for Red, White & Blues: A Jazz Tribute to Independence Day featuring the Dynamic Les DeMerle Quartet with Bonnie Eisele at <a href="http://storyandsongbookstore.com/specialevents" target="_blank">storyandsongbookstore.com/specialevents</a>.

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.

These fireworks-free ideas are all about calm, and some are about patriotism too.

<i>The </i>Local Station continues an Independence Day tradition by broadcasting the city of Jacksonville’s Fourth of July fireworks show live for at-home viewing.

Our agenda includes July 4 parties, a festival with music and childhood games at the Kennedy Center and the return of a beloved art-house theater.

Celebrate Independence Day without the danger of fireworks with these safe but fun July 4 alternatives

Celebrate Independence Day without the danger of fireworks with these safe but fun July 4 alternatives

Tired of watching someone else’s fireworks show every year? Here’s how to put on your own. Plus, what to know before shooting them off.

Annual fireworks, family barbecues and baseball games held to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence are coming back after a year of coronavirus-related restrictions

We set our calendars around national holidays — from December 25 for Christmas to July 4 for Independence Day, and, starting this year, June 19 for Juneteenth.

Southwest Airlines is urging employees to pick up shifts and offering overtime in early July to help it avoid flight disruptions during what's expected to be a surge in Independence Day weekend travel, according to internal company memos reviews by CNBC. The push to staff up quickly shows how airlines are struggling to respond to a surge in air travel after a slump in demand during the pandemic. U.S. airlines took $54 billion in federal aid in exchange for not furloughing workers. But thousands of employees at Southwest and other airlines took buyouts or leaves of absence at the urging of company executives. Southwest flight attendants will get double-pay for picking up open shifts over that period, Sonya Lacore, Southwest's vice president of inflight operations, wrote to in a separate memo to employees Monday.

Covid battered an already sluggish economy, weakened by poor growth, job losses and stagnant exports.

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

Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast/Photos via GettyWhen I think of Juneteenth, I can’t help but think about a famous speech by Frederick Douglass—and about the young Mexican American activist who told me a couple of years ago that he wanted to celebrate Juneteenth instead of the Fourth of July.On July 5, 1852, at an Independence Day celebration organized by the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society, Frederick Douglass asked “What to the slave is the Fourth of July?” And he answered that it i

About 65% of U.S. adults are at least partially vaccinated. Roughly 13.6 million would have to get their first shot over the next 18 days to meet Biden's goal.

Juneteenth may finally get its due from Congress

France is sending a mini Statue of Liberty to the U.S. It will stand across from the original Lady Liberty through the Independence Day holiday before being transported to the French Embassy in D.C.

45th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks will begin at 9:25 p.m. in New York and feature live musical performances.

News4Jax supports the National Month of Action to urge more Americans to get vaccinated before the July 4 holiday.

There’s a real chance America could reach President Biden’s goal of giving 70 percent of U.S. adults at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot by July 4. Yet Dr. Anthony Fauci has warned Americans not to “declare victory prematurely because we still have a ways to go.”

The Republican dog-and-pony show on Capitol Hill to mark Cuban Independence Day — starring a slate of Cuban Americans in Congress — had its moments.

The well-recognized Mexican holiday is celebrated annually in the United States with plenty of tacos, nachos and drinks but what is the really meaning behind the holiday?

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has sued the U.S. Department of Interior in an effort to see fireworks shot over Mount Rushmore on Independence Day.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem sued the U.S. Department of Interior on Friday in an effort to see fireworks shot over Mount Rushmore National Monument on Independence Day. The event drew national attention when former President Donald Trump joined Noem on July 3 to give a fiery speech. Noem's lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for South Dakota, argues that the decision was “arbitrary and capricious” and violated the powers granted to the agency in the Constitution.

EXCLUSIVE: South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem sued the Biden administration on Friday after it canceled the Independence Day fireworks celebration at Mount Rushmore, demanding the court "expeditiously" issue a permit for the event to take place.

Noem has directed her office to file a lawsuit against the National Parks Service after the agency rejected permits to hold the fireworks display.

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.

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.

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.

BRUNSWICK, Ga. – Commissioners in Glynn County voted unanimously Thursday night to ban alcohol from East Beach for the weekend of the Florida-Georgia football game. Glynn County commissioners ban booze on 'frat beach’ around #FloridaGeorgia game weekend to prevent furthering the spread of #COVID19 infections. https://t.co/c2MACtQc3C pic.twitter.com/dMIWTTUJTj — Brittany Muller (@BrittMullerNews) October 2, 2020The Nov. 7 game typically draws crowds to what’s been dubbed “Frat Beach” on St. Simons Island. The county is not shutting down the beach because that would be up to Governor Brian Kemp. He added they have contacted local universities and colleges to discourage coming to party at Frat Beach.

(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) President Donald Trump is speaking from Mount Rushmore. Click the photo below to watch live. He’s the first president since George H. W. Bush in 1991 to attend Mount Rushmore’s Independence Day celebration, according to the White House.

Red, White and Boom: Choose Your ViewWhile watching Channel 4's Independence Day broadcast from 8-10 p.m. Saturday, enjoy this second-screen experience from News4Jax. If you are away from your TV, listen to the program on our iHeart radio partner, 97.9 KISS FM, while choosing your view from some of our live cameras.

It’s the perfect time to put the red, white and blue out on display.

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.

Senate Community Affairs on Monday and the House Business and Professions Subcommittee on Wednesday are slated to take up nearly identical measures (SB 140, HB 65) by Sen. Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine, and Rep. Ana Maria Rodriguez, R-Doral. The proposals for the 2020 legislative session, which begins Jan. 14, would allow individuals to pledge to use the fireworks "solely and exclusively" during one of three designated holidays. RELATED: Proposals take aim at state's ban on fireworksBoth measures would allow the use of fireworks on Memorial Day and Independence Day. The Senate proposal also designates a third holiday on New Year's Eve, while the House version allows for the fireworks on New Year's Day. But fireworks companies -- including TNT Fireworks, Phantom Fireworks and Sky King Fireworks -- have strenuously opposed any changes to the law, warning of more injuries to consumers if the market is less restricted.

Fireworks lit up Downtown Jacksonville's skyline to cap off Independence Day. If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Floridians could add more sparkle to the Fourth of July and two other holidays, under the latest attempt to water down the states prohibition against fireworks. The push to make the sale of fireworks legal on Independence Day, Memorial Day and New Years Eve is being spearheaded by Sen. Travis Hutson, a St. Augustine Republican, and Rep. Ana Maria Rodriguez, R-Doral. State lawmakers over the years have tried and failed to amend the statute regulating the use and sale of fireworks, from repealing the ban altogether to proposing changes to the legal waiver. In the past, fireworks companies -- including TNT Fireworks, Phantom Fireworks and Sky King Fireworks -- have strenuously opposed any changes to the law, warning of more injuries to consumers if the market is less restricted. Despite numerous failed attempts to repeal the prohibition, some lawmakers continue to poke fun at Floridas fireworks ban.

An Independence Day celebration turns violent in Arkansas, as fireworks are set off on a street, hitting bystanders and even officers.

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. - Dozens of volunteers scoured the beaches Friday to clean-up trash and debris left behind from Fourth of July celebrations. The annual July 5th cleanup took place in Jacksonville Beach from 8 until 10 a.m. Volunteers like Sydney Stelly spent the morning removing litter and debris along the shoreline to enhance the beauty and safety of Jacksonville's beaches. Its just disgraceful, said Mary Mills, a volunteer with the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol. Before 10 a.m., crews and volunteers filled a truck with roughly three and a half tons of trash.

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.

A recent report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found thousands of people were treated in emergency rooms across the country for fireworks-related injuries in 2018. St. Johns County Fire Rescue said on the 4th of July, people need to take proper precautions to have a safe and fun holiday. Anytime you have a sparkler, it is legal but it is also active flames, explained Jeremy Robshaw, Deputy Chief St. Johns County Fire Rescue. As Floridians enjoy this Independence Day, its critical to always use simple safety tips when handling fireworks. Each July 4th, thousands of people-often times children and teens-are injured while using consumer fireworks.

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. - The Jax Beach Police Department has all hands on deck to handle the more than 200,000 people expected to hit the beaches to celebrate this Fourth of July. It's no day off for Jacksonville Beach police officers; in fact, it's one of their busiest days of the year. "On a holiday like this, youll see that they do truly overtake the roadway completely. A big part of the day for some officers is being proactive -- just walking around and talking with people. "More than 80 Jacksonville Beach officers are working on Independence Day, and just want people to have a safe and fun time.

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. - You can help keep Jacksonville's beaches pristine by volunteering to help with the annual July 5th cleanup following Independence Day celebrations. Volunteers must be 18 years old or be accompanies by an adult, wear sturdy footwear and sun protection and bring their own drinking water. Volunteers will remove litter and debris along the shoreline, enhancing the beauty and safety of Jacksonville's beaches. The cleanup will take place from 8 until 10 a.m. Friday. The City of Jacksonville and Keep Jacksonville Beautiful are partnering with the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol for the annual cleanup.

In honor of Independence Day, the stars have been taking to social media to share pics, videos and tweets about how they're celebrating the special holiday. "Happy 4th." Amazing day surrounded by friends and family Scooter Braun (@scooterbraun) July 4, 2019Prepping the grill Scooter Braun (@scooterbraun) July 4, 2019Happy 4th Scooter Braun (@scooterbraun) July 4, 2019Kristin Cavallari was up bright and early, sharing a cute photo of herself in American flag overalls in front of a giant grill. Lovebirds Pink and Carey Hart also took to Instagram to wish their fans a "Happy Independence Day," with photos featuring their two kids, daughter Willow and son Jameson. ""Happy 4th of July," added Pink.

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.

The Fairways Forest community in Arlington held its annual 1.7-mile parade in honor of Independence Day. This is the 19th year the homeowners association has hosted the event with military personnel marching. Hide Caption

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.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - If you are planning to get away for the holiday weekend, get ready for lots of company. In Florida, more than 2.5 million people are expected to get away with a majority of those hitting the roads. AAA said 2.3 million Floridians will travel by car, up more than 5% from last year. Low gas prices are added motivation for Floridians to travel for Independence Day, said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA-The Auto Club Group. This year, more travelers in Florida are also expected to fly despite more expensive airfares, according to AAA.

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.

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!

will conclude with a 15-minute fireworks display over the St. Johns River downtown on the Fourth of July. On Tuesday, News4Jax went behind the scenes with Pyro Shows, the fireworks company based in Tennessee, to see what it takes to put together a fireworks spectacular. The setup process has to be precise and crews need to be incredibly careful with how they handle the fireworks. WATCH: Best spots to catch the fireworks show this yearRELATED: WJXT Presents: Red White and Boom! Wristbands will be passed out at 7 p.m. to get access to the outside deck stage at River City Brewing Company.

From Independence Day celebrations to martial arts lessons, there's plenty to do when it comes to opportunities for learning and fun. When: Wednesday, July 3, 7 p.m.Where: Baseball Grounds Of Jacksonville, 301 A Philip Randolph Blvd. Where: JAMA Julington Academy of Martial Arts, 12489 San Jose Blvd. Price: One Month of Unlimited Youth Martial Arts Classes for One Child, $49 (67% discount off regular price). Where: Aikido Center of Jacksonville, 3627 Dupont Ave.Price: Three Aikido Classes for One Child, $35 (53% discount off regular price).

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.

Independence Day holiday travel is expected to reach new records this year. Distributed by LAKANA. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

News4Jax anchors Kent Justice and Mary Baer will host the special hour-long broadcast of Red White and Boom!, which ends with a 15-minute fireworks display over the St. Johns River downtown. Australian singer and songwriter Dean Lewis will also entertain the crowds at River City Brewing Company the night of July 4. Wristbands will be passed out at 7 p.m. to get access to the outside deck stage at River City Brewing Company. No VIP wristbands will be given out at the show. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.