World News: Your weekend long reads 🇺🇸

Saturday, July 3

People participate in the Avondale Estates 4th of July Parade to celebrate the US Independence Day holiday in Avondale Estates, Georgia on July 4, 2017.

A short list of long reads to kick off July Fourth weekend.

Good morning, friends of The Short List! And happy birthday, America! It's John, and I hope you have big plans for your Fourth of July weekend.

A little history: July Fourth, also known as Independence Day, marks the anniversary of the Second Continental Congress adopting the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Penned by Thomas Jefferson, the document declared (in no uncertain terms) that the United States' original 13 colonies "are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States." The die was cast: America would be independent from Great Britain, come what may.

The Founding Fathers' game plan worked, more or less. (We're still here, right?) Americans began celebrating Independence Day (complete with fireworks) in 1777, and the tradition has thrived ever since. Today, Americans mark July Fourth with parades, barbecues, the beach – even a nationally televised hot dog eating contest.

So here is our guide to enjoying the Fourth of July holiday in all its glory. Three cheers for the red, white and blue!

•	🎇Why do we celebrate Independence Day on July 4? And when did fireworks become a tradition?
•	🧨Be careful with these: Fireworks sent 15,600 people to the hospital last year. These are the most common injuries.
•	🇺🇸Are you ambivalent about celebrating July 4? You're not alone.
•	🚙 Traveling for the Fourth of July? Here are the worst times to hit the road.
•	✈️ Flying this weekend? 6 things to know if you haven't flown for awhile.
•	🍴July Fourth feasts: Tips for the perfect barbecue, according to experts.
•	🍔Speaking of feasts, you might be grilling burgers and steaks wrong.
•	🐶How to keep your dog calm during fireworks this Fourth of July.
•	💰Don't forget about shopping: All the best July Fourth sale events.
•	🎬What to watch this weekend: Your July Fourth movie guide.