With nearly all of the aerial shells, paper rockets and sparkly fountains that fuel America’s Fourth of July celebrations being imported from China, volunteer groups like Johnson’s and cities big and small have been closely watching the negotiations.

The Fourth of July comes with fireworks shows and revelry across the New Orleans metro. The big picture: It's a busy weekend all around with Essence Fest also taking place across downtown. Be smart: It's illegal for residents to shoot fireworks in Orleans Parish and most of Jefferson Parish.

The 178th anniversary commemorating Los Angeles’ first Independence Day flag-raising on July 4, 1847, scheduled for 10-11 a.m. July 4 at Fort Moore Pioneer Memorial, 451 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, “per advice from public safety officials in light of planned political protest activity.” Email: [email protected]