Topic: Fourth of July

After Gulf swimmers report illness, questions about opening a beach

Hundreds of beachgoers told health officials they felt unwell after swimming last week at oil spill-affected Pensacola Beach, Fla. Scientists cite many unknowns about the safety of swimming and working around the spill.

Tropical Storm Alex is Hurricane Alex now

Tropical Storm Alex is now Hurricane Alex. Tropical Storm Alex became a hurricane shortly before 10 p.m. and is now churning up the waters toward Mexico and Texas

Hurricane season bears down on BP Gulf oil spill

The season’s first tropical weather system is disrupting cleanup efforts and has raised the anxiety level along the Gulf Coast. Where's the emergency storm plan, some officials are asking?

Adam Sandler hot, Tom Cruise not in weekend box office receipts

Adam Sandler may be receiving terrible reviews for his movie "Grown Ups" but that hasn't kept moviegoers away.

Adam Sandler and his friends crack each other up (but no one else) in 'Grown Ups'

Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob Schneider may crack each other up in 'Grown Ups,' but for viewers this movie is nearly unwatchable.

Flag Day signals uptick for US flag manufacturers

On Flag Day, US flag retailers and manufacturers are optimistic about a rebound in their business as imports fall.

Getting things done 101: setting up the time, space, and tools

Devoting a substantial block of time and identifying the right tools and space are crucial at the start of a big project.

Will China ever revalue its currency? Maybe next month.

China is under international pressure to revalue its currency to address trade imbalances. It didn't do it at this week's bilateral meeting with US officials but may ahead of G-20 meetings in June.

Parrot and Olivier in America

A French aristocrat and his British servant travel to America to study its penal system in this unlikely but delightful early 19th-century buddy comedy.

'Tea party' vs. opponents: 'Low-grade civil war' on tax day?

Tensions are rising between tea party supporters and liberal activists as tax-day protests get under way. More likely than violence, though, is debate about what the phrase ‘real American’ means.

The Monitor's View: Obama and offshore drilling: a crude move

President Obama tried to make a skillful political decision by permitting some offshore drilling for oil and natural gas. But he's obscured a more important message: The US must leave oil behind.

My favorite garden tool: A scanner

Scanners are the new trowels. They're great garden tools. You can create lasting 'arrangements' by scanning your favorite flowers, leaves, and fruits.

Making Toast

Roger Rosenblatt’s hauntingly lovely memoir explores life as his family must live it after the death of his adult daughter.

Beyond Ares 1-X: The problem with long-term space missions

Five things you may not know about the Fourth

Buried in the history of this annual celebration are some surprises.

Opinion: Autumnal equinox: a different kind of twilight

Fall officially arrives Sept. 22. Weren't we just celebrating the Fourth of July?

Iran proposes nuclear talks ahead of global summit on sanctions

The US, France, Germany, Britain, China, and Russia meet this week to discuss potential further punishment.

How's Obama faring in the Rocky Mountain West?

The president, in Montana on Friday and Colorado on Saturday, has so far taken care not to alienate 'New West' swing states. But rumblings are nonetheless afoot.

For blacks, a hidden cost of Obama's win?

His race may hamper his ability to respond to needs of African-Americans, some say.

A dark Fourth of July for some cities

Budget cuts are forcing many towns to scrap fireworks shows, though in some, local residents and businesses have stepped up to keep the tradition going.

President Obama hosts military families for July 4 fireworks

The Monitor's View: Will Obama violate the spirit of the Fourth?

He has bought into the Bush-era detention of terror suspects with no trial. That won't keep America safe.

Though mixed, some signs of mid-year economic hope

In Maine, and other states, local fare is on the Fourth of July menu

A sustainable food advocate inspires governors' offices around the county to hold an "Independence Food Day," where they will serve foods native to their region.