Fireworks are a cornerstone of America's Fourth of July celebrations, but that can make the spirited holiday dangerous.

Fourth of July is one of those holidays that just brings everyone together. Whether we’re grilling in the backyard or

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,

Saturday will have a soggy start with showers and storms in the morning. The wet weather will likely linger through the afternoon with some heavy rain at times. Highs will stay in the upper 80s. The chance of rain is not quite as high on Sunday but spotty storms will still be possible in the afternoon.

A male wood duck moves through the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve as a light rain falls on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The wet season is in full swing in Southwest Florida as daily

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.

As Americans celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and parades, many businesses and services will alter their hours or close altogether for the Fourth of July. As is standard practice, U.S. stock markets will be closed on Friday in observance of Independence Day.