Fourth of July Coverage

A joyful July 4th event turns into a scramble to survive

HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. -- It sounded at first like fireworks to the parents who had brought excited children to a charming Fourth of July parade in their town. Or perhaps a military salute to the flag.

Robert Chiarito, Mitch Smith, Dan Simmons and Claire Fahy, New York Times

Fans fill Durham Bulls Athletic Park for baseball, fireworks

It's common for post-game fireworks after a Durham bulls game, but the 4th of July is known to be bigger and better than usual.

Event organizers focused on safety for 4th of July celebrations

People Monday were aware of what happened in Chicago, but they refused to let that stop them from living life.

From baseball to fireworks, Triangle area 4th of July celebrations focus on fun, safety

4th of July celebrations continued across the country and in the triangle despite the deadly mass shooting at a Chicago-area parade earlier Monday.

Julian Grace, WRAL anchor/reporter and Aaron Thomas, WRAL reporter

Local leaders warn against celebratory gunfire on July 4th

Local leaders are asking the community not to engage in celebratory gunfire on Independence Day. Firing guns into the air can endanger people for miles around. Some people hit by stray bullets survive, but for other innocent bystanders, these dangerous celebrations are deadly.

'Guns aren't toys:' Do not fire guns to celebrate July 4th, officials say

Local leaders are asking the community not to engage in celebratory gunfire on Independence Day. Firing guns into the air can endanger people for miles around. Some people hit by stray bullets survive, but for other innocent bystanders, these dangerous celebrations are deadly.

Monica Casey, WRAL Durham reporter

Navigating hot button political discussions at July 4th cookouts

Two major supreme court rulings have guns and abortion front and center this July 4th weekend. If you're out by the pool or making hot dogs on the grill with family and friends, there's a chance the dreaded "p" word may come up: Politics.

Police respond to shooting at Illinois Fourth of July parade

A shooting caused hundreds of people to flee for safety from the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois, on Monday morning, authorities said.

The New York Times, New York Times

US marks birthday as a nation of political divisions

Hot button issues like abortion dominate political discourse as America marks Independence Day

Patriotism on display at NC Capitol on Independence Day

Two groups of people marked the Fourth of July in two very different ways Monday in downtown Raleigh.

In downtown Raleigh, Fourth celebrations, abortion rights protests

Two groups of people marked the Fourth of July in two very different ways Monday in downtown Raleigh.

Chelsea Donovan, WRAL reporter

Cities across the US replacing fireworks with drone shows

Instead of fireworks, many are turning to high tech drone shows to celebrate the 4th of July.

NBC News Channel

4th of July celebrations started on the 3rd for some in the Triangle

Many across the Triangle celebrated 4th of July a day early, enjoying fireworks, food and music Sunday evening.

Leslie Moreno, WRAL multimedia journalist

Celebrating the 4th of July on the 3rd

Many across the Triangle celebrated 4th of July a day early, enjoying fireworks, food and music Sunday evening.

Costs increase for 4th of July celebration staples

Want to cook out this fourth? It'll cost you. Five on Your Side breaks down the new higher cost of your favorite grilling staples.

Keely Arthur, WRAL 5 On Your Side reporter

The least-crowded NC beaches to visit during Fourth of July

Planning a last-minute visit down to the beach for Fourth of July? You will likely find most of North Carolina's popular beach spots are swarming with tourists on Monday. If you want to enjoy your time but avoid as much traffic as possible, here's where you should try.

Maggie Brown, WRAL multiplatform producer

WRAL's Peta Sheerwood breaks down tropical storm conditions at NC coast this weekend

WRAL meteorologist Peta Sheerwood shows us how Tropical Storm Colin could thwart your Fourth of July holiday plans.

Travel costs up for 4th of July holiday

On the road, rails and in the skies, North Carolinians are on the move this holiday weekend.

Eric Miller, WRAL multimedia journalist

Record-high number of travelers expected this Fourth of July holiday

RDU expects more than 182,000 passengers to fly through the airport this weekend. That number is about 17% higher than last year.

RDU installs new tech, expecting over 180,000 passengers over July 4 weekend

Things may look a little different at Raleigh-Durham International Airport this weekend. In order to get passengers to their destinations, RDU is using new technology to speed up the process of getting through the gate.

Gas prices dip before Fourth of July travel, are still at record-highs

The average price of gas on Wednesday in North Carolina was $4.51 per gallon, which is some of the cheapest gas in the country. Nationally, the average price of gas on Wednesday was $4.87 a gallon.

Krispy Kreme Is Celebrating The Fourth Of July With Patriotic Doughnuts And Free Treats

Krispy Kreme is celebrating the Fourth of July with a new doughnut collection and some free treats! Now through July 4, any guest who visits ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Krispy Kreme Is Celebrating The Fourth Of July With Patriotic Doughnuts And Free Treats" class="read-more button" href="https://www.simplemost.com/krispy-kreme-celebrates-fourth-july/#more-360668">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Krispy Kreme Is Celebrating The Fourth Of July With Patriotic Doughnuts And Free Treats</span></a></p>

Krispy Kreme: New July 4th doughnut collection and free doughnut offer through 7/4

Krispy Kreme has rolled out a new July 4th doughnut collection plus, there is a free doughnut offer valid through Monday, July 4!

Fireworks tips for safely celebrating July 4 at home

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that more fires are caused on July 4 than any other day of the year.

No fireworks for the July 4? Shortages making fireworks harder to get this year

Across the country, firework shortages are igniting explosive problems for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. Labor shortages, supply chain issues, inflation, and dry weather are all making fireworks expensive, hard to get, and dangerous to use.