Fourth of July Coverage

Father Whose Son Is Accused of Parade Shooting Pleads Guilty to Misdemeanors

WAUKEGAN, Ill. — Robert Crimo Jr. knew that his young son had threatened violence in the family home, promising to “kill everyone,” prosecutors said. The son, Robert Crimo III, had expressed interest in committing a mass shooting in an exchange with a camp counselor and later sent text messages suggesting that he wanted to end his own life.

Julie Bosman, New York Times

32 people arrested or cited after Fourth of July brawl in Charlotte

Among the 32 people arrested or cited, 17 were minors, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said.

WRAL Staff

Gunfire hits three Raleigh homes on Fourth of July

Raleigh police are investigating Fourth of July shootings at three different homes.

Three Raleigh homes hit by possible celebratory gunfire on Fourth of July

Raleigh police are investigating Fourth of July shootings at three different homes.

Brett Knese, WRAL multimedia journalist

Mass shootings ravage country during 4th of July holiday

As the country celebrated America's independence this July 4th holiday, a uniquely American problem continued to rear its ugly head. Mass shootings happened in areas ranging from Philadelphia to Texas and the nation's capital, where 9 people were shot at a holiday gathering.

Fourth of July festivities in Knightdale ends due to prank

Authorities said no one was injured when a fountain firework was lit in the middle of a crowd in Knightdale.

Destinee Patterson, WRAL multimedia journalist

Dorothea Dix Park hosts fireworks show on Independence Day

This is the second year Dix Park will host the show. The show moved to the park last year after being held at Carter-Finley Stadium.

Fans gather at DBAP for a night of American traditions

Independence Day at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park was a night for honor American traditions and remembering what the holiday means to families at the ballpark.

Aaron Thomas, WRAL reporter

Raleigh's Shelley Lake holds cherished memories for many to enjoy on July 4

The Independence Day tradition is alive and well in the hearts of many who enjoy the trail around Raleigh's Shelley Lake.

Navigating the Fourth of July for those with sensory sensitivities can be challenging

For some families, Fourth of July festivities are hard to handle as the bright lights and loud explosions can be harsh for those with sensory sensitivities.

Fourth of July celebrants at Shelley Lake express thoughts of good will and cherished family memories

It was a time to gather with family and friends and celebrate Independence Day. For many families, the tradition is visiting one of the many lakes in the Triangle.

Rick Armstrong, WRAL multimedia enterprise journalist

How fireworks can affect people with sensory sensitivities

People often look forward to the 'pop', 'crackle' and 'boom' that comes with the Fourth of July holiday.

Destinee Patterson, WRAL multimedia journalist

All-American business: Teens sell American flags to neighbors

A group of young entrepreneurs in Texas are making a little extra money this Fourth of July. They started a business setting out American flags for the entire neighborhood.

Caught on cam: Apex fireworks end with fireball

Video shared with WRAL News from the town of Apex shows a fireball during the finale of Monday's fireworks display. Startled onlookers can be heard saying, "Oh my God." The town said the fireball was safe and planned.

July 4 fireworks will light up Durham Bulls stadium, Dix Park

Fireworks shows will be held at the Durham Bulls stadium and Dix Park on Tuesday along with other major venues.

Cities consider drones, lasers as alternatives to fireworks' air pollution

Fireworks cause a spike in a form of air pollution called particulate matter, the same type of pollution that is elevated from wildfire smoke. On July 4 and 5, fine particulate matter levels across the country rise by 42% on average, according to a 2015 study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Delger Erdenesanaa, New York Times

Morrisville's Family Fun Festival carries on despite heat, storm potential

The heat subsided and storm chances waned, which brought people out to Morrisville to celebrate Independence Day.

Family Festival, fireworks go on despite heat advisory, storm threat

While the heat felt like it was triple digits at the festival's start, the sun went down and the crowds came out for a night of family fun.

Keenan Willard, WRAL eastern North Carolina reporter

Record-breaking weekend expected for holiday travel

The status of flights was improving Monday at Raleigh-Durham International Airport and across the country.

Kelsey Coffey, WRAL reporter

Wendell Fireworks show brings people from across the state

During the first year of the show, over 7,000 people came to see the fireworks display.

Boating safety advice for Fourth of July

The Coast Guard and lifeguards remind people to wear life jackets, designate a water watcher, and be aware of the flags and conditions.

Wake County Animal Center offers no-cost adoption special starting Saturday

As the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day, the Wake County Animal Center is urging our community to support the spirit of compassion, freedom and unity by adopting a pet during a current surge in homeless animals.

Record-breaking weekend expected for holiday travel

The 4th of July holiday weekend is here, and it could be a record-breaking one for travel on the roads and in the air.

Pet owners: More dogs and cats get lost on July 4 than any other day

The SPCA of Wake County is urging pet owners to bring their animals inside during fireworks this July 4.

Jessica Patrick, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Driven by $1.776 deal, some drivers wait in long lines at Sheetz

Sheetz is celebrating Independence Day by dropping the price of multiple fuel grades to $1.776 per gallon on July 4th.

Eric Miller, WRAL reporter, and Faye Prosser, WRAL SmartShopper