NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station celebrated Independence Day with messages highlighting American freedoms, marking the largest group of Americans in space on July 4th since 2006. The James Webb Space Telescope captured vibrant images of a protostar, likened to cosmic fireworks, enriching the celebrations with scientific discovery. Traditional fireworks displays continued across the U.S., despite concerns over air pollution from a Brigham Young University study. The Washington D.C. fireworks show, orchestrated by Garden State Fireworks, remains a pinnacle event, described as the 'Super Bowl of fireworks.' Additionally, regional differences in hot dog toppings added unique flavors to the celebrations.