Minneapolis police say they are investigating a fatal shooting on the city's north side Friday morning. The homicide occurred at 22nd and Dupont avenues. Few other details were immediately available, but police said more information would be shared.

A state of emergency was declared in Plainfield, New Jersey, and the city urged residents to remain indoors and stay off the roads.

Mother Nature could be sending out some fireworks of her own right on the eve of July 4th. That's because severe weather will likely revisit the Northeast on Thursday, July 3, after an earlier round of potent storms on Tuesday,

Here’s how to watch all the 4th of July fireworks on TV live for free: CNN’s ‘The Fourth in America’ Special - Thursday, July 4 from 4 p.m. PT to 10 p.m. PT

Over 70% of some 140 people who responded to The Times’ question: “Do you prefer fireworks or a drone show for the Fourth of July?” said they preferred drones.

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.