55 fun and patriotic things to do on July 4th
Independence Day marks the day in 1776 when America officially declared its independence from British rule, and Americans have been celebrating ever since. This year marks a special anniversary since
More stories from our newsroom
Recent reporting and curated coverage across every beat we cover.
Remembering the greatest freedom this Independence Day
This Saturday, July 4, our country will celebrate its 250th birthday. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, which includes the following words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by ...
Man charged with flying drone over Dallas Stadium during World Cup
Federal agents said more than 70 drones have been seized during World Cup matches in Dallas.
July 4th deadly Texas floods, one year later
It's been one year since floodwaters swept through Central Texas over the July 4th weekend, claiming the lives of more than 130 people.
Texas military installations contribute $148B to state's economy, report says
Texas is home to 14 military installations representing the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force, along with the National Guard and reserve components. According to the report, these bases combine to add 212,541 direct jobs and support 628,884 jobs indirectly.
Child porn investigation leads to arrest of Runaway Bay man
A Wise County man has been arrested in connection with an investigation into the downloading of child pornography.
The most expensive celebrity weddings ever – and where Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce could rank
Are Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce making history? Rumors say their upcoming wedding could become the most expensive celebrity wedding in U.S. history.
Man pleads guilty for role in 2022 San Antonio smuggling event that killed 53
A Guatemalan man pleaded guilty Thursday for his role in a 2022 mass casualty event that killed 53 migrants and injured 11 others.
Kaboom Town returns to Addison with fireworks, an air show and live music
Kaboom Town brings fireworks, food, live music and an air show to Addison's Circle Park.
July 4th fireworks: How to watch & stream fireworks displays from across the US
On July 4, 2026, our nation commemorates and celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Celebrations and fireworks displays will take place across the country. Here's how to watch live and stream fireworks displays from across the U.S.
July 4th Fireworks 2026 in Dallas-Fort Worth
Here’s a list of Fourth of July 2026 festivals, fireworks shows, parades and other events happening in North Texas to celebrate Independence Day.
Johnson: Planning for the future while preserving what makes Double Oak special
As summer arrives in Double Oak, many of us are enjoying a slower pace, spending time with family, taking vacations or simply enjoying the longer days. While residents are making summer plans, Town staff and the Town Council are beginning work on something that will shape the coming year for our ...
Anthropologists use DNA to identify remains of Revolutionary War soldier who died in 1780
Thanks to DNA, relatives of an American Revolutionary War soldier now know the name of their long-lost cousin who died in 1780 at the Battle of Camden.
What to know about fireworks and the risk of wildfires this July 4
With wildfires raging across the western U.S., cities and states are restricting fireworks just as the nation gears up for one of its biggest Fourth of July celebrations in decades. Utah recently banned personal fireworks displays, citing extreme wildfire risk. Governors in Colorado and New Me...
Maren Morris says Taylor Swift is a ‘hard person to buy for' ahead of reported wedding celebration
What does one buy a billionaire as a wedding celebration gift? Maren Morris — and the TODAY show crew — are wondering the same thing. On Friday’s broadcast, host Craig Melvin mentioned Variety’s reporting that the singer was invited to the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce festivities later that eveni...
Dallas police searching for suspects after 1 person shot in South Oak Cliff
Dallas police are searching for two men after another man was shot outside an apartment complex in South Oak Cliff Thursday night.
Amid extreme heat wave, don't use fans indoors if it's above this temperature, experts warn
It seems a simple decision — using a fan to cool yourself down amid yet another heat wave. But in the extreme conditions much of the country is currently facing, it may not help as much as you’d think. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises against using electric room fans...
3 injured in downtown Dallas motorcycle crash
Dallas police are investigating after three people were injured when a car struck a motorcycle downtown early Friday morning.
Texas AG Paxton investigates StubHub over World Cup ticket complaints
The dream of going to a FIFA World Cup match is one many soccer fans can relate to, but for some fans, it’s not going as they imagined. Fans are buying tickets on the StubHub website, but they’re not always delivered on time or matched to what was purchased. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxto...
Best summer toys and gear to keep kids busy and entertained all season long
Summer break brings plenty of opportunities for fun, and plenty of opportunities for kids to announce they’re bored. Whether you’re looking to encourage outdoor play, build independence or simply survive the long days between camps and vacations, these products can help keep kids engaged all ...
Rare copy of the Declaration of Independence seized by the British in 1776 is found
A rare copy of the Declaration of Independence lost for 250 years has been discovered in London, where it is now the only known example of its kind outside the United States. Printed in Exeter, New Hampshire, just days after the Declaration was adopted on July 4, 1776, the document was intende...
ICE arrests 10,000 in 5 days, a sharp late-June surge in Trump's deportation push
Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 10,000 people over a five-day period at the end of June, marking a major push by the agency tasked with carrying out the Trump administration’s mass deportations agenda. The arrest numbers, obtained from a person familiar with the information who sp...
Maradona's ‘Hand of God' ball heads to auction in Dallas
The match ball from Argentina’s 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against England – better known as the ‘Hand of God’ ball, thanks to Diego Maradona’s famous goal – is set to go up for auction. It has been auctioned before, previously for $2.4m. Maradona’s shirt from that match sold for about $9 mi...
Wings headed to Toronto after comeback over struggling Connecticut Sun
The Dallas Wings (12-8) take on the Toronto Tempo (9-10) Sunday at 2 p.m. Paige Bueckers is coming off a 25-point game, leading the Wings to a double-digit 4th quarter comeback. Jessica Shepard, who was also named an All-Star starter, scored 14 points. Bueckers will make her second start in a...
Richardson native, MLS standout becomes Dallas Trinity FC Manager
Lee Nguyen is back in North Texas. The former US Men’s National Team midfielder and NWSL championship-winning coach is now leading Dallas Trinity FC. Nguyen has been coaching in the National Women’s Soccer League, including helping Trinity Rodman and the Washington Spirit capture the 2021 NWSL...
Why the Republican Party is bringing its first midterm convention to Dallas
Thousands of Republican Party members will visit Dallas this September 9th and 10th at the American Airlines Center, the first-ever midterm national convention. NBC 5’s Phil Prazan spoke to the Republican National Committee Chair, Joe Gruters, about the decision. President Donald Trump is ...
Eovaldi takes a no-hitter into the 5th in the Rangers' 10-4 win over the Tigers
Nathan Eovaldi weathered a three-run Detroit uprising after taking a no-hitter into the fifth inning, and Elias Díaz, Josh Smith and Evan Carter hit solo home runs to help the Texas Rangers beat the Tigers 10-4 on Thursday night. The Rangers matched a season high with 17 hits en route to their...
What's open and closed on the Fourth of July? Here's what to know for 2026
While banks, government offices and mail delivery services will pause operations for Independence Day, most retailers, grocery stores and restaurants plan to remain open on July Fourth. This year’s holiday falls on Saturday, July 4, as the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the ...
Half Price Books summer reading camp
Half Price Books is offering its annual free summer reading camp that the whole family can enjoy. “The program is recommended for readers up to age 14, and kids can earn Bookworm Bucks through the end of July. Campers can spend their Bookworm Bucks in any Half Price Books location through the ...
The benefits of “repeat reading”
Does your child like to read the same book over and over again? While it may get old to hear, some literacy experts find this could actually be helpful. According to the experts at Hooked on Phonics, repetition is not always a sign that a child is stuck. Hooked on Phonics is a decades-old ...
From the Firehouse – July 2026
Happy 250th Birthday America! As we celebrate this historic occasion, we encourage everyone to do so safely. If your celebrations include fireworks, please remember that many fireworks are illegal in portions of our area and can quickly ignite grass fires during hot, dry conditions. Attend organi...
Venezuela's interim leader angrily defends earthquake response
Venezuela’s U.S.-backed acting President Delcy Rodríguez on Thursday issued a fiery defense of her government’s response to last week’s devastating earthquakes, lashing out at critics who say authorities reacted too slowly, pushing back on suggestions that the true death toll is far higher than t...
Dallas July 4 road closures aim to prevent gridlocks
The city of Dallas is going into the holiday weekend with a warning about what can happen when celebrations get out of hand. And to avoid a repeat, they've got a new plan to tackle the problems.
5 alleged gang members indicted for murder, kidnapping
Five alleged members of a Venezuelan gang have been indicted on federal charges for murder, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. The victims include a man and two children in Farmers Branch.
Copper Canyon Mayor’s Column – July 2026
Happy 250th Birthday to America! I hope we all take a few minutes to appreciate The United States of America. The desire for freedom and representation in the government under which you live has turned our country into the true shining light that draws people from around the world. There have bee...
Video allegedly shows Pooh Shiesty robbing Gucci Mane at Dallas recording studio
Federal prosecutors revealed new video evidence showing rapper Pooh Shiesty allegedly using an AK-style pistol to kidnap and extort Gucci Mane at a Dallas recording studio back in January.
Court orders Trump administration to rehire fired intelligence officers
A federal appeals court has ordered the Trump administration to rehire intelligence officers who were fired over their temporary assignments working on diversity issues, saying spy agencies had to uphold the employees’ constitutional right to due process. The CIA and the Office of the Director...
Mansfield hosts July 4 drone show
There will be an impressive drone and fireworks show in the sky in Mansfield tonight to celebrate Independence Day. FOX 4's Dionne Anglin got a preview of the drone technology.
DPD warns against illegal fireworks, gunfire
This Fourth of July weekend, Dallas police will try a new strategy to combat illegal fireworks and gunfire, as well as prevent traffic gridlocks. It will mean some new road closures in the areas where holiday events are happening.
Federal judge blocks Postal Service from carrying out Trump mail-in ballot order
A federal judge has blocked the U.S. Postal Service from carrying out an executive order on mail-in ballots.
Plano Mexican restaurant packed after owner’s 15-year-old daughter makes viral plea
A 15-year-old girl made a plea for help on social media to get more people into her dad's restaurant. The idea worked – not because it was clever marketing, but because it was an honest message from a daughter about her father.