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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 | July 3, 2009
Palin
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 | July 3, 2009
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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. Friday, 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 | July 3, 2009

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 | July 3, 2009

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.

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Party Pix 07.02.09
Party Pix 07.02.09
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The Daily Edit: 07.04.09
The Daily Edit: 07.04.09
MOVIES »
'Ice Age' won't be dated in 5 years

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

iceage150
Movies: Showtimes
TOM SORENSEN »
Today, I'm doggin' it, and I'm not ashamed

I know mature adults who pretend they won't watch Nathan's Famous hot-dog eating contest today. ... I don't pretend. I love this stuff.

hotdogcontest0621
SPORTS »
Hitting it close or not, Woods leads

The best of Tiger Woods came Friday when his game was falling apart.

PGA TOUR GOLF
THATSRACIN.COM »
Petty waves caution on first hall picks

Richard Petty, whose dad Lee was among the pioneers, warns that the first NASCAR Hall of Fame class "should not be a popularity contest."

Rain puts Stewart on Daytona pole
Handicapping the hall starting field
Slideshow: The Hall of Fame nominees
WIMBLEDON »
Roger vs. Roddick

Federer will seek historic Grand Slam singles title Sunday when he faces American.

Britain Wimbledon Tennis
All-Williams women's final on tap
Wimbledon updates
Powerful sedative found in Michael Jackson's home

The powerful sedative Diprivan was found in Michael Jackson's home, a law enforcement official said Friday as the city planned for a massive crowd at the singer's memorial service.

Michael Jackson
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