Local

This week’s best photos from News & Observer photojournalists

By Scott Sharpe
Attendees viewed the Fourth of July fireworks spectacle from The Big Field at Dix Park on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Raleigh.
Attendees viewed the Fourth of July fireworks spectacle from The Big Field at Dix Park on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Raleigh. Ben Pennington ben.pennington@newsobserver.com
David Capen, from the North Carolina Department Labor, waves the American Flag, during the First in Freedom Parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C.
David Capen, from the North Carolina Department Labor, waves the American Flag, during the First in Freedom Parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Kevin Cherry stands for the Pledge of Allegiance during the Freedom Fest 250, celebrating the country’s Semiquincentennial, on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C.
Kevin Cherry stands for the Pledge of Allegiance during the Freedom Fest 250, celebrating the country’s Semiquincentennial, on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Courtney Reid and her eight-year-old daughter Adaline Reid of Vass, NC stand for the National Anthem during the Freedom Fest 250, celebrating the country’s Semiquincentennial, on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C.
Courtney Reid and her eight-year-old daughter Adaline Reid of Vass, NC stand for the National Anthem during the Freedom Fest 250, celebrating the country’s Semiquincentennial, on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Attendees viewed the Fourth of July fireworks spectacle from The Big Field at Dix Park on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Raleigh.
Attendees viewed the Fourth of July fireworks spectacle from The Big Field at Dix Park on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Raleigh. Ben Pennington ben.pennington@newsobserver.com
American soccer fans at Olé Sports Bar & Lounge in Raleigh watch as their hopes for a U.S. victory slip away during the United States' 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington.
American soccer fans at Olé Sports Bar & Lounge in Raleigh watch as their hopes for a U.S. victory slip away during the United States' 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
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