Latest news with #FourthofJuly
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Fourth of July travel could reach 'historic' levels in Florida, AAA says
The Brief The Independence Day travel period could set records in 2025, according to AAA. AAA projects 72.2 million domestic travelers nationwide, including 4.6 million Floridians. Gas prices are lower as of June 20 compared to the same date last year. TAMPA, Fla. - The Fourth of July travel period could be a record-breaker nationwide and in Florida, according to new projections released by AAA. By the numbers AAA says about 72.2 million people nationwide will travel domestically during the Independence Day travel period, which runs from June 28 through July 6. The projection marks an increase of 1.7 million travelers over 2024 and 7 million compared to 2019. In Florida, AAA says nearly 4.6 million people will travel for the holiday, broken down as follows: Road trip: 4 millionUp from 3.9 million in 2024 Up from 3.9 million in 2024 Flying: 329,762Up from 325,471 in 2024 Up from 325,471 in 2024 Other modes: 203,629Up from 188,809 in 2024 Up from 188,809 in 2024 As of Friday, June 20, Florida drivers are paying an average of $3.14 per gallon for regular gas, according to AAA – slightly less than the national average of $3.21. The average price of gas in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area is $3.17 per gallon, down from $3.63 on this date a year ago. AAA warns prices at the pump could fluctuate over the next two weeks, with the cost of crude oil surging last week amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. READ: Southwest adds 'powerful' cockpit alert system to detect runway danger Dig deeper AAA also put out a list of the best and worst times to be on the road if you're driving during the upcoming holiday travel period. Saturday, June 28: Before 10 a.m. Sunday, June 29: Before 11 a.m. Monday, June 30: Before noon Tuesday, July 1: Before 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 2: Before noon Thursday, July 3: Before noon Friday, July 4: Before noon Saturday, July 5: Before 11 a.m. Sunday, July 6: Before 11 a.m. Saturday, June 28: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, June 29: 2-4 p.m. Monday, June 30: 2-6 p.m. Tuesday, July 1: 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, July 2: Noon-9 p.m. Thursday, July 3: 2-6 p.m. Friday, July 4: Noon-7 p.m. Saturday, July 5: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, July 6: Noon-6 p.m. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source This story was written with information from AAA. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Skift
14 hours ago
- Business
- Skift
Record 72 Million Americans Set to Travel for Fourth of July
The prediction feels somewhat optimistic given recent trends. But travelers continue to benefit from lower gas prices and have mostly continued to spend despite economic uncertainty. Americans are shrugging off economic jitters for the Fourth of July holiday: AAA projects that 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between June 28 and July 6. If the forecast is correct, travel for the holiday would eclipse previous records set in 2019, before the pandemic, and 2023, during the post-Covid travel surge. But the rosy prediction hinges on gas prices staying near four-year lows and Middle East tensions not spiraling into broader conflict. Drivers are currently paying about 40 cents less per gallon than last summer, AAA said, with gas prices at their lowest since 2021. That's providing crucial relief for the 61.6 million Americans expected to ddrive, representing 85% of all holiday travelers. Uncertainties Ahead The prediction feels somewhat optimistic given recent trends. One wild card is the Israel-Iran war, which risks increasing oil prices and is causing gasoline prices to spike. Recent hotel performance trends also suggest weakness. Overall, U.S. revenue per available room was down 1.8% for the week ending June 14, according to CoStar's STR. "The weekend results were not 'soft' to us but instead 'bad,' especially for limited-service chain scales, which averaged -3.3% year-over-year revenue per available room," said Truist analysts Patrick Scholes and Gregory Miller. Truist said the results reflected "the combination of volatility in consumer and business confidence, government segment cutbacks, and diminished inbound international travel. And to these headwinds, we now add student loan debt repayments—likely impacting limited-service hotels." Otherwise, a favorable calendar date might enable this year's holiday to break travel records. Because it falls on a Friday, more travelers may take the entire week off. AAA's Independence Day forecast includes two weekends instead of one to 'better reflect the flow of holiday travelers." Top Independence Day Destinations Here are the top five U.S. destinations for the Independence Day holiday period based on travel bookings made through AAA: Orlando, FL Seattle, WA New York, NY Anchorage, AK Fort Lauderdale, FL
Black America Web
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
10 Powerful Speeches on Juneteenth and the Fight for Racial Justice
Source: Scott Olson / Getty Juneteenth isn't just a celebration—it calls us to remember, reflect, and rise. These 10 powerful speeches, past and present, still speak loudly about freedom, justice, and equality. Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that the last enslaved people were free. This news came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Freedom finally reached those who had lived in bondage and darkness. People named that day Juneteenth. Juneteenth means more than a date—it symbolizes delayed justice and enduring hope. For generations, Black communities have honored Juneteenth with parades, music, and speeches. Leaders, artists, and activists capture the emotion, struggle, and pride of a people who refuse to be erased. They use their voices every year to keep the spirit of Juneteenth alive. Historic giants gave some of these speeches. Frederick Douglass exposed American hypocrisy in his Fourth of July address. Malcolm X challenged systemic injustice with 'The Ballot or the Bullet.' Maya Angelou shared poetry revealing the pain and beauty of Black identity. Modern icons gave others. President Obama reflected on Juneteenth's meaning during a year of protest. Opal Lee, the 'Grandmother of Juneteenth,' fought tirelessly to make it a national holiday. Beyoncé and Amanda Gorman bring art and activism to new generations. These voices demand to be heard—now more than ever. People echo their messages in classrooms, rallies, and social feeds. Juneteenth reminds us that we must know, feel, and protect freedom. Some speeches directly address Juneteenth. Others focus on racial justice and equality more broadly. Together, they help us understand the ongoing fight for Black liberation and the true meaning of Juneteenth beyond the holiday. 10 Powerful Speeches on Juneteenth and the Fight for Racial Justice was originally published on A timeless oration on American hypocrisy and Black freedom. Obama discusses Juneteenth's meaning in a timely ABC News segment. Opal Lee reflects on the history and importance of Juneteenth in this insightful video. Cornel West passionately connects Juneteenth to the ongoing struggle for racial justice and collective healing. A moving performance of Dunbar's poem, echoing enduring Black resilience. Vice President Harris emphasizes Juneteenth as a pivotal moment in America's journey toward equality and justice. Congressman John Lewis, a stalwart of the civil rights movement, delivered this impassioned speech at the 1963 March on Washington. At just 23 years old, Lewis called for immediate action and justice, emphasizing that the time for patience had passed. His words continue to inspire generations to engage in 'good trouble' for the cause of equality. In this TED Talk, Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, delves into the deep-seated issues within the American justice system. He discusses the legacy of racial injustice and the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths to foster change. Renowned activist and scholar Angela Davis explores the intersection of race, capitalism, and justice in this compelling speech. She argues that true racial equality cannot be achieved without addressing the economic systems that perpetuate inequality. In this powerful testimony before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, author Ta-Nehisi Coates presents a compelling argument for reparations, highlighting the enduring impact of slavery and systemic racism on Black Americans. Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Fox News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
More Americans seek chicken coops for eggs at home, plus wild message in a bottle washes up
FREE RANGE: Americans embrace backyard chicken coops as experts caution about the commitment and costs of proper poultry care. THAT BITES: A popular American candy is facing a safety advisory in the United Kingdom. MARITIME CAPSULE: A man recently discovered a 1983 message in a bottle, with the gin-scented container preserving a faded letter and Canadian currency. READY TO PARTY – Throw the best Fourth of July party with the help of these red, white and blue decorations. Continue reading… CALLING ALL CROSSWORD PUZZLE LOVERS! – Play our Fox News daily crossword puzzle for free here! And not just one — check out the multiple offerings. See the puzzles... Fox News FirstFox News Opinion
Los Angeles Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
No more fireworks? Big change coming to 4th of July at Pasadena's Rose Bowl
Marking the end of a longtime tradition, the Fourth of July celebration at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena will not feature a fireworks show this year. Instead, there will be a drone show. The move comes as some venues have switched from fireworks to drone shows — in which a fleet of drones performs a choreographed light show — to celebrate the 4th of July. But drone shows have fallen flat for some. Notably Redondo Beach and Laguna Beach switched back to fireworks after trying out drone shows, and some promoters of fireworks shows have voiced criticism over efforts to transition to drone shows. For Pasadena, it's a big change — the Rose Bowl Independence Day fireworks show was touted as one of the largest in the region, and was viewable not only in the stadium but also the surrounding area. A soccer match preceded the fireworks show on the last two July 4th holidays. Before that, the Rose Bowl fireworks were the highlight of the decades-old AmericaFest celebration, but AmericaFest ended following substantial financial losses, according to news reports. Other than the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, 'this is the first time in many, many years — I've been here 23 years — and this is first year where we will have no fireworks at the Rose Bowl,' Pasadena city spokesperson Lisa Derderian said at a news briefing Wednesday. 'There will be a drone show. If you attend the event, you won't be able to see it from outside the Rose Bowl area.' In a further change, there won't be a soccer match this year at the Rose Bowl on Independence Day. A Galaxy-LAFC match was held in 2023 and 2024. Instead, the venue will host the food-and-entertainment festival FoodieLand. Derderian urged people not to head to the area surrounding the Rose Bowl, unless they have a ticket for FoodieLand. The change comes amid concerns about fireworks causing unhealthful air. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has previously said pollution levels of fine particles soar on July 4 and 5 — the worst of the year. Fireworks shows remain a staple in other parts of California, including in San Diego and San Francisco. But in Long Beach, this year may be the last Big Bang on the Bay fireworks show. The California Coastal Commission approved a permit for the event on May 9 with a major proviso. From 2026 to 2029, the 20-minute pyrotechnic display, which launches from a barge in Alamitos Bay, will be dropped in favor of a drone show. 'This year could be the final year of fireworks over the bay,' said the event's website, which says the event raises money for nonprofits that benefit Long Beach's youth. Big Bang on the Bay has been held annually since 2011, after the city of Long Beach ended fireworks displays at Veterans Stadium in north Long Beach, according to a Coastal Commission staff report. In its presentation, commission staff said birds were disturbed during past fireworks displays and that 'a recent study concluded that fireworks can result in nest abandonment, caused fledging birds to fall out of nests, and cause birds to experience disrupted sleep and increased distress, vigilance and fear.' Staff also expressed concerns about fireworks debris landing in the environment and concluded that 'a drone show would result in fewer adverse environmental impacts.' John Morris, the organizer of the event and a restaurant owner, told commissioners at the May 9 meeting he was skeptical that the community would be as willing to donate significant money for future drone shows. 'I just have the mindset, I'm a fireworks guy. And I raised the money from all the houses around the bay,' Morris said at the meeting. 'I got 300 houses around the bay to write checks. ... Will half of them write a check for drones? I don't know. If this is what it means, I'll try it.' But he noted that both Redondo Beach and Laguna Beach returned to fireworks after trying out drone shows. 'I love watching a drone show,' he said. 'I've seen a couple of them. They're great, but they're not July 4th.' Justin Cummings, the chair of the Coastal Commission during the May meeting, said that drone shows' emergence indicate they are a feasible alternative to fireworks. 'We are seeing drone shows pop up all over the country, and they're really demonstrating to be a successful alternative to fireworks,' Cummings, also a Santa Cruz County supervisor, said at the meeting. Cummings' tenure on the commission ended after the May meeting. Commissioners asked to be informed of any drop in financial support for the 2026 drone show as compared to previous fireworks shows. San Diego's Big Bay Boom has received permission from the Coastal Commission to continue with fireworks shows this year and in 2026 — which happens to be the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. But commissioners in February required the organizers of the show to do a study of transitioning to drone shows or other alternatives to fireworks for 2027 and beyond. Coastal Commission staff said during last year's San Diego fireworks, California least terns and their fledglings became agitated and left their nest to run or fly; staff also said fireworks debris can impair water quality and that wildlife may entangle themselves in the debris, or ingest it. In the meantime, the Port of San Diego — one of the sponsors of the Big Bay Boom — has agreed to reduce the annual maximum weight of fireworks that can be launched this year from fireworks shows launched from the waters of San Diego Bay. Current Port of San Diego rules rules allow for up to 47 total fireworks shows over the course of a year, utilizing up to 9,056 pounds of fireworks, Coastal Commission staff said at the panel's February meeting. The port has agreed to reduce that annual weight total by 15% this year, representing a reduction of 1,358 pounds. The cap will be reduced by another 5% for 2026. 'All reduction will be from fireworks shows launched from coastal waters, as those are more impactful to water quality than shows launched from land,' according to commission staff. However, there were an average of 18 fireworks shows a year in San Diego Bay between 2021 and 2024 — far lower than the maximum number of shows allowed. Nevertheless, commission staff called the port's planned reduction in the cap of fireworks that can be launched from the water 'a good faith effort to lessen the impacts of fireworks in San Diego Bay and shift away from regular fireworks shows.' Times staff writer Karen Garcia contributed to this report.
