More pets go missing around the Fourth of July holiday than any other time. Amid the din and the bright lights of the fireworks, dogs and cats often scramble for cover and end up losing their way. Animal shelters are…

Not every town can afford a fireworks extravaganza.

Illegal firework trafficking is low priority for police, but not for firefighters.

Displays are getting more impressive thanks to new technologies like computerized electronic matches and synchronized music.

With forecasts of excessive heat, rainstorms, and fire danger, a number of communities are calling off their fireworks celebrations this year. And of course local government budgets have also been under strain lately.

Thanks to corporate sponsors, Coral Gables, Fla., gets its fireworks show back after budget woes axed it six years ago.

Extreme heat and drought are prompting some communities to ban the use of fireworks -- including their own Fourth of July displays.

I recently reported on the arduous start to the journey home for many Chinese migrants during the New Year holiday. Now that many have made it ho...