Many retailers and grocery stores will remain open on the Fourth of July, though some may operate on different hours. Major retailers, stores and restaurant chains including Walmart, Starbucks and McDonald's confirmed to USA Today that they will still be serving customers during the holiday.

Government offices, post offices, courts, and schools are closed for the Fourth of July in the U.S. U.S. stock markets and banks are also closed, with limited FedEx and UPS services

Friday marks the 249 th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence — and the Fourth of July holiday has become one filled with fireworks, musical celebrations and other flag-waving opportunities.

E. coli or enterococci, which indicate fecal matter contaminating water, were detected at swim spots in New York state, Massachusetts, Michigan and elsewhere, authorities said.

Health officials issue warnings as bacteria and stormwater runoff contaminate beaches nationwide, closing popular swimming locations before the July 4th holiday.

Heading into the holiday weekend, 19 swimming spots in Vermont are under advisories for high cyanobacteria levels. Here's the full list. The following beaches and other swimming spots in Vermont are currently under bacteria alerts: Beaches can only become safe for swimming when their bacteria levels are back within the safe range,

Recent polls will tell you there's been a drop in national pride among Americans, particularly Democrats in the Trump era, with some questioning whether to celebrate July Fourth at all this year. But Scott Allen,

Independence Day has inspired filmmakers to celebrate American history and capture the essence of freedom and patriotism on the Fourth of July. Historical dramas like Lincoln, Glory, Gettysburg and The Alamo venture into the nation’s fight for freedom.