Friday, July 4, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1918, the community of Ajo celebrated the Fourth of July with foot races, boxing, pie eating contests, and more. This photo shows a celebratory foot race in progress.

Happy Independence Day! You can find a list of fireworks shows and more in The 4th of July section. If you plan to use fireworks, be sure to watch this safety video from Phoenix firefighters.

As our team spends the holiday with their families, today's edition is abbreviated. We'll be back to the full lineup on Monday.

Today, Service Plus Home Warranty is sponsoring us and offering a special 4th of July sale to our readers.

Don't feel like reading the national edition of The Flyover? Tune in to The Flyover Podcast! New episodes drop daily. Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, all in under 15 minutes.

Illegal Fireworks Targeted

Phoenix launched a task force to crack down on illegal fireworks, with inspectors checking more than 200 stands ahead of today's Fourth of July celebrations.

Sparklers, fountains, and similar ground-based fireworks are legal, but any that launch into the air are illegal, including firecrackers, Roman candles, and mortars.

Phoenix Fire Capt. DJ Lee said enforcement is key to fire prevention. He recommends having water nearby and soaking used fireworks for 24 hours before disposal. See more fireworks disposal tips.

Record Holiday Travel Expected

Arizona is set for a record-breaking Fourth of July travel week, with more than 1.5 million residents expected to travel by road or air, up 182,000 travelers from last year, according to AAA.

Nationwide, AAA projects 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles during the week of June 28 to July 6, making it the busiest Independence Day travel period on record.

Most travelers are expected to travel by roadway, including 1.2 million Arizonans. Another 179,000 Arizonans are expected to travel by airplane.

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➤ Phoenix Valley: A calendar of events shows entertainment opportunities for the Fourth of July and through the end of the year. (Events)

➤ Tucson: El Guero Canelo will close its original restaurant on South 12th Avenue in Tucson on Monday. (Watch)

➤ Graham County: Safford and Thatcher are among the communities hosting Fourth of July parades and other events today. (Details)

➤ Statewide: Seven Arizona businesses, including Sesame Donuts in Tempe and Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course, made Yelp's top 100 local businesses list. (List)

➤ Statewide: A local mechanic explained how Arizona's extreme heat can lead to car fires. (Watch)

➤ Statewide: Public safety officials urged swimming pool safety over the holiday weekend, following a recent drowning in Chandler. (Watch)

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➤ Several northern Arizona communities, including Clarkdale, Prescott Valley, and Flagstaff, will host parades and/or fireworks shows today. (Events)

➤ Phoenix Valley businesses offer a variety of Fourth of July deals this week, including all-you-can-eat tacos and other discounts. (Watch)

➤ Classic car auction company Barrett-Jackson will take over Gila River Resorts & Casinos' adults-only pool for a Fourth of July celebration showcasing several rare and luxurious vehicles. (Events)

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