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Fireworks and fun for the Fourth of July

Get out there and pursue your right to holiday happiness – which in true American style means crowds, hot dogs and fireworks. Here are our picks for four fun things to do on the Fourth.

A fiery 4th for grown-ups, too
Other area Fourth of July celebrations
What's open, closed for the Fourth?
Top 10 fireworks safety tips
Palin resigns as governor, adding to 2012 speculation
The Associated Press | 4:51PM
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Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said Friday she is resigning from office at the end of the month, raising speculation that she would focus on a run for the White House in the 2012 race.
Thick smoke marks Rock Hill fire
The Herald | 4:55PM

Rock Hill residents reported hearing explosions and seeing flames shoot through the roof of the former Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Co. about 1:40 p.m. Saturday, when a huge fire broke out at the White Street site, not far from downtown.

Slideshow | Images from Rock Hill Herald
S.C. officers search for killer of 4
By Mitch Weiss | The Associated Press | 5:07PM

GAFFNEY, S.C. - Sheriff's deputies searched Friday for a serial killer blamed for four deaths over the past six days as terrified residents wondered who might be next.

Teen shot during home invasion
By Steve Lyttle | E-mail | 8:10AM

A 15-year-old boy was shot in the head overnight when three suspects broke into a Gastonia home occupied only by four children and tried to rob the place.

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Police plan to staff up for July 4

Police will be out in increased numbers Saturday to ensure things don't get too explosive during fireworks displays.

The judicial giant in Courtroom No. 2

For two decades, Robert Potter ran one of the nation's toughest courtrooms, but he never liked the nickname “Maximum Bob.”

POTTER 1
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BUSINESS »
Banks raise fees to pump up income

Even now, after all those bailouts, banks never seem to tire of dipping a little deeper into your wallet.

THE CLIFF »
Shortfall may close Senior Center

If the fundraising falls short of $66,000, the North Mecklenburg Senior Center in Cornelius would likely be closed.

More Mission Possible
Slideshow »
Party Pix 07.02.09
Party Pix 07.02.09
RANDOM VIDEO »
Michael Jackson's final rehearsal

Footage released of a June 23 practice for The King of Pop's summer tour.

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Jackson's ex-wife may want custody of kids
Slideshow »
The Daily Edit 07.03.09
The Daily Edit 07.03.09
Slideshow »
Venus vs. Serena in Wimbledon final

The Williams Sisters To Meet At Wimbledon
THAT'S RACIN »
Handicapping the hall's starting field

The NASCAR Hall of Fame is scheduled to open next spring in Charlotte.

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Mayfield hasn't joined debate, or race in Daytona
Hall nominees a who's-who
Slideshow: The Hall of Fame nominees
GAMES N GADGETS »
Toyota to offer Prius to GM?

Toyota is in apparent talks with GM to offer a version of its Prius hybrid car to the American automaker.

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Hybrid: 2010 Toyota Prius
Stonecrest IMAX, 'Transformers II' a hit
video »
Neighborhood flavor: Gado Gado

This downtown Matthews restaurant has great combination of elegance and hospitality, not to mention great food.

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MOVIES »
'Ice Age' won't be dated in 5 years

Fun characters return with tongue-in-cheek humor that's perfect for most everybody.

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Movies: Showtimes

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