When we reported in February that Macy's would be bringing the fireworks to the Hudson River again, screwing over much of New York, they told us that (despite having created and posted an entire graphic stating they would be on the Hudson River again) that nothing, in fact, had been confirmed yet. This gave false hope to those with an East River view, but today they ripped that hope away, announcing they'd be back on the Hudson this year. A Macy's spokesman released this statement: more ›

In 2010, nearly a billion dollars worth of fireworks were sold in the US. This year stands to be even more successful, and for most of the country, they're becoming an essential (and legal) part of the holiday. Just not in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts or Delaware, the only 4 states that ban them. Long Island resident Eric Smith, who lost his arm trying to set off a mortar last year, says it's for a good reason. "Don't light fireworks. Don't trust them," he tells Newsday (paywall), "That one-in-a-million chance will get you. It got me." more ›

It's a delicate dance that happens every year. The cops crack down on the city's firework vendors. New Yorkers drive to Pennsylvania to buy their Independence Day supplies. And neighborhoods band together to cover during the celebration, because Gee, Officer that firework could have come from any roof on this whole block. But the NYPD is trying even harder this year to pit neighbor against neighbor to find the city's worst offenders. more ›

Who said there were no fireworks on the East River last night? A family who had taken a holiday cruise down to the Statue of Liberty ended up in danger of almost capsizing as dusk approached yesterday evening. The Delorbe family had headed down for lunch on the Jersey side of the Hudson and were making their way back home to City Island when they hit a rough patch and water began entering their 15-foot jetboat near East 34th Street. Luckily for them, their state of peril was quickly spotted by a nearby water taxi named "Frank Sinatra" who put out a mayday call that was promptly responded to by an FDNY rescue boat. The four adults and three young children were pulled out just after 7 p.m. The rescuing captain told the News, "It was the right place at the right time. If we didn't get to them, they would have gone under." more ›

A man is in critical condition after being shot by an NYPD officer following a chase with cops early Saturday morning. Police approached 47-year-old Jesus Roldan in the Morrisania section of The Bronx around 3:45 a.m. Saturday when they noticed him "shuffling around with his waistband." Roldan quickly bolted and pulled out a gun as he was followed by the two officers along with an undercover trailing in an unmarked car. Officers said that they repeatedly told Roldan to drop the weapon, a claim backed up by a neighbor who spoke to investigators. Eventually Roldan changed course and faced officers, who again told him to put the gun down. When he didn't, one of the cops, a five-year-veteran, shot him three times, once in the torso and once in each arm. Police say Roldan has been arrested eight times since 1985 for robbery, weapons and drugs. A neighbor told the News, "It was loud and clear. I paid no attention to it because it's the Fourth of July." more ›

The Statue of Liberty's crown reopened to the public this morning after being closed down since 9/11, making today possibly the biggest reason to celebrate the Fourth inside Lady Liberty since she turned 100 and reopened from renovations in 1986. more ›

With the Macy's July 4 fireworks extravaganza on the Hudson River this year (to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage down the Hudson River), crowds will be lining up on both the New York and New Jersey sides of the river to catch a glimpse of the display. And while NY is used to the security and preparations required, NJ towns aren't: The NY Times reports, "The new location has left town officials in Hoboken, Weehawken, North Bergen and other waterfront communities confronting something they do not often have to deal with — the 100,000 or more spectators they expect to descend on the Hudson’s west bank." Local police and fire departments have warned about grilling regulations and some apartment buildings limited tenants' guests or said only tenants with ID will be allowed in (forget those parties!). There are also driving restrictions in Jersey City plus a zero-tolerance policy—"Open containers, public urination, public nuisance and destruction of property are all subject to a $1,000 fine per infraction," according to Hoboken Now, thanks to the rowdy St. Patrick's Parade behavior (which probably means having sex in public is "public nuisance" and pooping in the hallway is "destruction of property"). more ›

Time to bring back an updated rain graph. It came down to the wire, but yesterday evening's intense shower did not have what it takes to become the rainiest June ever. For the record, 10.06 inches of rain fell on Central Park, a mere 0.21 less than 2003. That's nearly triple the normal amount! One local news outlet prattled on today about how there was more rain in New York than Seattle last month, conveniently not mentioning that Seattle is almost always drier than NYC in June. Adding to the joy, last month was also the eighth coolest June since records began in 1851. more ›

The Today Show is broadcasting live from the Statue of Liberty's crown this morning with an exclusive scoop from Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar: For the first time since 9/11, the general public will be allowed up into Lady Liberty's diadem, starting July 4th. Officials hope the news will give a little boost to New York’s tourist industry, but really it's all worth it just to see this goofy video of NBC's morning show hosts gabbing from the crown. more ›