Chicago's top Fire official says several fires this July 4th were sparked by fireworks and she says efforts to legalize such fireworks in Chicago are also dangerous. Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said thankfully, there were no deaths from Independence Day fireworks or reports of serious injuries this year, but investigators believe several southside garages went up in flames because of illegal fireworks. "Every year we push the message out time and time again 'leave the fireworks to the professionals', but as we can see that doesn't happen all the time." Yet, she said some people are arguing that there should be more fireworks in Chicago. Nance-Holt said there are some lawmakers in Springfield who want to end Chicago's ban on the sale and possession of fireworks and she wants the public's help in fighting any such bills.  

As Ukraine continues its counteroffensive against Russia, the war-torn country is getting some medical help from Illinois, thanks to new ambulances and fire trucks heading to the front lines. Gov. JB Pritzker was among those commemorating a new shipment of 12 vehicles for first responders on Wednesday as part of an effort by U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine, a central Illinois group founded by OSF HealthCare vice president of government relations Chris Manson. Manson and his daughter, Lilly, came up with the idea to send American ambulances to Ukraine. While some of the ambulances donated to Ukraine have been destroyed in combat, the life-saving benefits are clear. Manson cited the example of one ambulance they donated from Illinois that was destroyed after less than three months.  

Investigators are trying to figure out what caused an explosion that rocked part of a Queens neighborhood on Wednesday. The sounds of screams could be heard between loud pops from a fiery DOT truck parked on the side of the road at Vernon Boulevard and 47th Avenue. People were seen sprinting from the busy Long Island City blocks as emergency crews simultaneously worked to evacuate those nearby and put out the truck. One FDNY lieutenant was spotted ushering people out of neighboring buildings and down the block, away from any potential blast radius. Around 1 p.m., witnesses say one of the DOT crew members was using a fire extinguisher to try and put out the flames that quickly overtook the large vehicle. A pothole repair crew was said to be on a lunch break when they noticed the truck smoking before it eventually caught fire.  

VIDEO: It's a real challenge for some football players at North Carolina Central University who consider themselves in great shape. They got to train like firefighters for the day including running and climbing ladders. "Hey, I'm tired! I'm tired but look, it's a mindset. Mind over matter! Everything in life that you do, mind over matter," said Twan Flip Jr. who is a return specialist for NCCU. On this day, the players tackled one test they won't face on the field. "Our PAT test, Physical Agility Test, so when people come on board, they have to complete this obstacle," said Durham Fire Department Captain Shawn Walls. He describes the challenge in singular terms, but it's a multi-position and location grind that pushes the Eagle athletes extra hard. They're supporting each other here at levels that could make a critical difference on the gridiron.  

VIDEO: Just hours after three people were shot Wednesday morning in South Bend, police revealed paramedics and investigators had a tough time getting close to the victims because of the massive crowd of people. Supporters of a new state law that requires giving officers enough space at crime scenes, which went into effect just days ago, say cases like this are a major reason why a law like this was needed. Overnight, hundreds gathered at a large party on Washington and Walnut. Then shots rang out. Police say there were more than 130 rounds fired by 13 different guns. South Bend Police had to force their way through the crowd. Police say the crowd wouldn't let them get to the scene, raising major concerns as police were slowed to stop the shooting, and medics were unable to get to the three victims quickly.  

VIDEO: Firefighter Cory Asimus regularly gears up to go out on calls. He estimated his air pack weighs between 20-30 pounds. But he hardly feels it on his back these days. Lately, he's taken to wearing a 100-pound rucksack. Then he goes for a run. "Yeah, neighbors have been asking tons of questions like, what kind of training goes into being a firefighter?" said Asimus. In May, he completed a half marathon while wearing the ruck. "Tomorrow I'm doing a 19 miler, and maybe 72 to 96 hours later, I'll do a five to 10 miler," said Asimus. He spent five years in the Marine Corps and completed an IronMan triathlon. In the Cellcom Green Bay half marathon, while carrying 100 extra pounds on his back, he set a world record with a 2:10:30 finish. Now he's gunning for the full marathon record with a 100 pound rucksack of five hours and three minutes.