Get ready to blow stuff up! 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 ›

Staten Island residents love their own fireworks displays—you don't have an "all-out brawl" otherwise—but the Staten Island DA's office and NYPD are warning them not to participate in the illegal activity. In fact, the NYPD is flooding certain SI neighborhoods with 100 cops: Borough Commander Stephen Paragallo said the cops would be "broken up into mobile field forces to address complaints of fireworks." more ›

On Monday America celebrates Independence Day with fireworks and barbecues and beer, but according to a new Marist Poll one in four Americans don't even know what country America declared its independence from. And only 58 percent of residents know that the U.S. broke off in 1776. U.S.A.! more ›

Despite the blazing heat, droves of people rode the ferry to Governor's Island yesterday to hear She & Him, their performance being part of the free "Gone to Governors" concert series this summer. The enormous line at the Battery Maritime Building Manhattan departure point proved a bit of a hassle; the advertised four-minute travel time from there to the island turned to twenty-some minutes. more ›

The last Guess The Year post was a little too easy (read: find-able on the internet), so all we're going to tell you about this one is that it was taken on July 4th... do you know the year? We'll update later with the answer, and more details about the photograph. more ›

If you don't have any plans to head for the beach or the hills this weekend, don't you dare feel envious of those who are making the great schelp out of town. Fourth of July weekend is always a great one to stay put and savor the extra elbow room, and to help make sure you're well nourished, here are some great dining deals and other food specials going on around town. Click on the images for all the details. more ›

Enjoy the mild weather today as the heat will be back with a vengeance this weekend. The temperature will climb to the low 80s this afternoon under clear blue skies. The surface high pressure system that's brought us the very pleasant weather moves eastward, and that's going to bring serious heat to the region. The warm up (and, coincidentally, the Warm Up) begins tomorrow when the high will reach the upper 80s. more ›

John Adams once wrote to his wife Abigail, "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival." July 2nd? The authors of Inside the Apple remind us that America actually declared its independence from Great Britain today. Before you clock out, however, they also add that "only 12 of the 13 original colonies had voted to declare independence on July 2—the delegates from the thirteenth colony, New York, did not feel they had been invested with such power and retreated from Philadelphia to discuss their options. Meanwhile, on July 4, the Continental Congress agreed to print the Declaration." On July 9th a copy arrived here, where George Washington's troops were stationed, and it was on that day that New York agreed to be the thirteenth and final colony to declare independence. And yes, this totally means we should celebrate Independence Week from July 2nd to 9th! Someone draft a petition, it's what Thomas Jefferson would have done. In the meantime, check out the Beach Boys rocking Central Park on July 2nd, 1967. more ›

As if Macy's could move the 4th of July fireworks from the East to the Hudson River and not hear about it from Brooklyn. Council Member David Yassky issued the following statement yesterday regarding the huge dis to the borough: “The annual Fourth of July fireworks show on the East River and over the internationally-recognized Brooklyn Bridge is one of our City’s greatest spectacles. Moving the show to New Jersey would negatively impact thousands of tourists and residents who come to Manhattan and Brooklyn to enjoy the show, and the countless local business that stand to benefit from the event. I urge Macy’s to split the show so that Brooklyn residents are not robbed of this important tradition and influx of economic activity during this moment of economic uncertainty.” The Brooklyn Paper seconds that emotion today with a number of quotes from disappointed residents, including Marty Markowitz himself, who reminds the retailer that the borough is also linked to Henry Hudson's journeys. The paper notes that "the change will hinder views from the Columbia Street Waterfront District all the way to Greenpoint — and inland to Fort Greene, Park Slope and beyond." more ›

Last July 4th word came out that the Statue of Liberty's crown may have a shot at reopening, after being closed off to the public following 9/11. Now the Daily News reports that, according to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar (who visited the crown in January), the grand reopening could take place on America's 233rd birthday. more ›

Yesterday's Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest had a lot to live up to after last year's heavily-hyped and record-breaking victory that saw Joey Chestnut bring the Mustard Belt back to America by snapping the six-year victory streak of legend Takeru Kobayashi. How did they manage to top it? Overtime! more ›

While the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular was definitely spectacular (see the photos), the show's organizers moved the displays further south, closer to the Williamsburg Bridge, in order for more of the NYC skyline to be seen in the TV broadcast. Not only did NBC broadcast from Brooklyn, but NBC also added a chyron (graphic) noting that the fireworks were taking place near at least seven times during the half-hour show. more ›

We hope all of you have a happy and safe July 4th. Whether you're enjoying tonight's fireworks display or just a quiet day, take a moment to remember why we celebrate the day. more ›