Saturn could be faintly seen, too, but is not in this image.

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Headline US COVID News for July 4, 2020

"Trump says U.S. has ‘made a lot of progress’ controlling the pandemic as the country logs 26th straight day of record average case totals"

"As the nation marked a somber Fourth of July with many Americans confined to their homes amid an alarming rise in coronavirus cases, President Donald Trump used his stage on the White House's South Lawn Saturday to put forward a mystifying -- and dangerously misleading claim -- that 99% of coronavirus cases in America are 'totally harmless.'"

"Some celebrated July Fourth virtually while others packed beaches despite coronavirus surge"

"Florida has now surpassed New York's previous single-day high of 11,434, which was recorded in mid-April."
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To stay safe, we spent the Fourth of July this year at home. It was our first "at home" Independence Day that I can remember in at least 25 years.

But the day was good; complete with fireworks displays complimentary of some of our neighbors who set off commercial grade fireworks. Luckily, those big fireworks were somewhat in the distance; ie, at least a block away. The smoke from these private fireworks citywide was still around Sunday morning, prompting the NWS to issue a special weather statement for air quality. “It may be causing problems for those sensitive to pollution or with respiratory issues. The air quality in & near the KC metro area is hazardous enough that anyone with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should remain indoors. Everyone else should avoid physical activity until the smoke clears.”

Several families in the neighborhood had fireworks parties, that went on into the wee hours of the morning, with lots of guests. Not the best idea during a pandemic, but it was what is was... For several hours, all the fireworks booming in all directions around us sounded like we really were reliving the Revolutionary War with "bombs bursting in air". Or gunfire. Very surreal. But interesting to sit out on our deck and experience. Quite unique and memorable. Luckily, the dogs were not bothered.

The other event of the day was a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse. That was the calm of the day. More photos will be posted in other galleries.