Holiday travel surge is on as pandemic wanes

This Independence Day weekend, Americans want independence from the four walls of their home.

NYPD stepping up security for Macy's fireworks, cracking down on drunk driving

There will be increased security for people looking to watch the fireworks on FDR Drive, while authorities will also be out searching for drunk and drugged drivers.

July 4, Juneteenth and the meaning of national holidays

We set our calendars around national holidays — from December 25 for Christmas to July 4 for Independence Day, and, starting this year, June 19 for Juneteenth. But national holidays, even for the country's founding, didn't start until the United States was nearly 100 years old.

July 4 BBQ tips: Virologist says pack the hand sanitizer, avoid the potato salad

While vaccination rates are making many feel optimistic about Independence Day cookouts, medical experts are still urging Americans to maintain proper hygiene — and food safety protocols — in order to stay safe on July 4.

Crews prepare massive Macy's 4th of July fireworks show

Five barges in the East River between Midtown Manhattan and Queens and Brooklyn will launch 65,000 shells on Sunday night.

Fireworks and pets: Tips to keep your dog or cat safe on July 4th

The summer holiday can be hard on our pets. Here are tips from a variety of pet experts on how to keep your furry friends safe this Fourth of July.

Father’s Day celebrations kick off ‘summer of freedom’ from virus

President Biden wants to celebrate Independence Day as a “summer of freedom” from the virus, but many may already feel a return to normalcy this Father’s Day.

Juneteenth, ‘a day of profound weight and power,’ marked across the US

While Juneteenth’s recognition at a time of racial reckoning is appreciated by many, some say more is still needed to be done to change policies that are disadvantageous to Black Americans.

Treat your dad: Father’s Day deals, specials and freebies

Whether it's a sweet dessert or a savory steak, check out these super special deals for a super special dad.

Juneteenth: What its path to federal holiday status looked like

Even though it’s been celebrated for 156 years and recognized in some form in 47 states and the District of Columbia, Juneteenth did not become a federal holiday until this week.

Remembrance and hope at Juneteenth commemorations across the region

Events are being held around the region to mark Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

Juneteenth: New federal holiday pressures US companies to give day off

The declaration of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is putting the pressure on more U.S. companies to give their employees the day off, accelerating a movement that took off last year in response to the racial justice protests that swept the country.

Biden signs bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas — two months after the Confederacy had surrendered.

Stores closed on Thanksgiving Day: Kohl’s, Walmart, Target and more

A growing list of retailers including Best Buy, Target and Walmart announced they will be shuttering their stores on Thanksgiving Day 2021.

Bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday passes Senate

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who introduced the Juneteenth bill along with Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, praised the passage of the legislation on his Twitter account, writing, “Happy that my bill to recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday just passed the Senate.”

Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks show to return, full-scale

A full-scale fireworks show by Macy's will return this year to celebrate the nation's independence and the rebirth of New York City.

Best Buy will close stores on Thanksgiving 2021

Best Buy has announced it will be closing its doors on Thanksgiving 2021, following suit with Target and Walmart which made similar announcements earlier this year.

American Legion official resigns over muting veteran's mic on Memorial Day

An American Legion official from Hudson, Ohio resigned his leadership role Friday amid the backlash for muting a veteran’s microphone during his Memorial Day speech.