Fireworks are booming before July 4, but why the ruckus?

BRIAN MAHONEY and DAVID KLEPPER

Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) - They are a symbol of celebration, loudly lighting up the night sky and best known in the U.S. as the explosive exclamation point to Fourth of July festivities.

This year, fireworks aren't being saved for Independence Day.

They've become a nightly nuisance ringing out from Connecticut to California, angering sleep-deprived residents and alarming elected officials.

All of them want to know: Why the fascination with fireworks, and where is everybody getting the goods?

"I had that same question," said Julie L. Heckman, executive dire...