Happy red, white and blue year for States

WHEN the ball drops on New Year's Eve in New York City, it will sparkle in red, white and blue - ushering in 2026 and kicking off months of celebrations for the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday.

- BY SUSAN HAIGH

The patriotic touches at this year's Times Square gathering, including a second confetti drop, will offer an early glimpse of what's ahead: hundreds of events and programs, big and small, planned nationwide to mark the signing of the Declaration of Independence.