STEVE INSKEEP, host:
NPR's business news starts with fireworks fizzling.
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INSKEEP: Budget troubles have darkened some Independence Day celebrations again this year. Cities - including Cincinnati, Jersey City and Chicago - have cancelled their displays. And some places that could afford fireworks have decided against them for safety. Many parts of this nation face severe drought, and the dry ground makes fireworks unwise. The governor of New Mexico is barring fireworks on all state and private wild lands. In Texas, big cities like Austin and San Antonio are cancelling popular events. For example, the annual shows at Sea World.
It's bad for the fireworks business, of course, and not just that. Fewer fireworks mean fewer people out having fun and fewer people spending money, which will cost local governments some revenue. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.