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tries' reactions were based on this information.
• Bolivia President Evo Morales claims Washington pressured European countries to deny the plane flyover permission Tuesday on suspicion that Snowden was using the flight as part of his bid to seek asylum.
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• NEW YORK (AP) -- From solemn to spectacular, the nation marked its independence with the reopening of the Statue of Liberty for the first time since Superstorm Sandy, extravagant fireworks that included a 19-burst salute to Arizona's fallen firefighters, and a musical tribute in Washington to those affected by the Boston Marathon bombing.
• "I always love July Fourth and I'm very happy to be in this country, I know I'm blessed," said 15-year-old Yoana Lorenzo, who was among the millions who watched the New York City's over-the-top Fourth of July Fireworks show Thursday night. "To see all these people come together and celebrate, it's pretty great."

• Four barges carrying 40,000 shells on the Hudson River unleashed a barrage of brilliant reds, whites and blues -- some unleashed in shapes and smiley faces -- as spectators marveled at the famed New York fireworks display, snapping videos and pictures on their cellphones.
• Earlier Thursday, hundreds lined up to be among the first to board boats destined for Lady Liberty, which opened for the first time since it was shuttered by Sandy. Among them was New Yorker Heather Leykam -- whose mother's home was destroyed during the storm.
• "This, to us, Liberty Island, is really about a rebirth," said Leykam, who was with her family. "It is a sense of renewal for the city and the country. We wouldn't have missed it for the world."
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• WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court's landmark ruling on same-sex marriage has private employers around the country scrambling to make sure their employee benefit plans comply with the law.

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