July 4th 2026

[phkrause]

July Fourth ball drop

The New Year's Eve ball design for America's 250th birthday. Image: Damon Haimoff/America250 via AP After the crystal ball drops on New Year's Eve in Times Square, it'll rise again, sparkling in red, white and blue to usher in 2026 and launch months of celebrations for the nation's upcoming 250th birthday, AP's Sue Haigh reports. The patriotic touches at this year's Times Square gathering, including a second confetti drop, offer an early glimpse of what's ahead: hundreds of events and programs nationwide. America250 plans a second Times Square ball drop on July 3, the eve of the nation's birthday. That'll mark the first time in 120 years of Times Square ball drops that one was held outside New Year's Eve. Go deeper.

[phkrause]

How much do you know about the Fourth of July? Test your knowledge

Test your knowledge of U.S. presidents, founding myths and famous Independence Day moments.

https://apnews.com/article/quiz-fourth-of-july-independence-day-trump-adams-jefferson?

[phkrause]

A sweaty Fourth of July ahead for the US as extreme heat descends on 20 states

WASHINGTON  — As outdoor celebrations and events marking the nation’s 250th anniversary and the World Cup reach their peak, local officials across the country are urging caution amid a heat wave blanketing many East Coast and Midwestern states. 

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/07/02/repub/a-sweaty-fourth-of-july-ahead-for-the-us-as-extreme-heat-descends-on-20-states/?

ps:Well it got to 100 today and it's been thundering and pouring rain on and off since around 3 pm, so not sure if any of the fireworks in our area will be going off today!!