Hog Dog Contest Clinched in Eat-off
It took a five-dog eat off to determine the top dog at the annual Coney Island hot dog eating contest. After everything was downed, returning champion Joey Chestnut from California kept his title. (July 4)
Bush Prepares for Final G-8 Summit
The issues are as difficult as ever, but the conditions are likely to be more conducive to agreement as President George Bush attends his eighth and final economic summit of industrial democracies. (July 4)
Raw Video: Daring Colombia Hostage Rescue
A video taken during the Colombian mission that rescued 15 hostages shows them hugging one another and crying tears of joy. (July 4)
AP Top Stories
Here's the latest news for Friday, July 4: Revelers gather for Forth of July; Helms dead at age 86; Mugabe says he is Zimbabwe's rightful president; Chesnut defends Coney Island title.
A Capital Celebration Shapes Up
People flock to the National Mall in Washington on the Fourth of July, taking in the monuments and a parade with marching bands. (July 4)
Raw Video: Obama Family Enjoys July 4th
Barack Obama and his family enjoyed a Forth of July parade in Butte, Montana. Obama called Montana one of the prettiest states in the country. (July 4)
Ways to Eat Safe After Beef, Tomato Scares
Some tips for safely preparing some outdoor favorites this Fourth of July. The National Consumers League says it's up to consumers to ensure the safety of foods they eat. (July 4)
Former Sen. Jesse Helms Dies at Age 86
Former Sen. Jesse Helms, who served 30 years in Congress, died on the Fourth of July, the Jesse Helms research center says. He was 86. (July 4)
Bush Invokes Jefferson on July 4
President Bush invoked the memory of Thomas Jefferson in welcoming new U.S. citizens at a naturalization ceremony at Jefferson's Monticello. (July 4)
Disney Claims Exemption From Fla. Gun Law
A memo circulated by a Disney World executive appears to show the family-oriented resort believes it is exempt from a new Florida law that allows concealed weapon holders to keep legally owned guns in their cars. (July 4)
Raw Video: Fireworks at Mt. Rushmore
Independence Day festivities are already underway at Mt. Rushmore. Fireworks lit up the sky over the South Dakota landmark Thursday night, kicking off a weekend of activities. (July 4)
Vermont Town Mourns Child's Death
A Vermont man whose 12-year-old niece was found dead near his home carefully orchestrated events and e-mails to make it appear she had gone to see someone she met online, prosecutors said Thursday as they charged him with kidnapping. (July 3)
Suspected Spree Killer Charged
A hearing was held Thursday for the man accused of beating eight people to death. Bond was set at $ 1-million dollars. Also Thursday, the ex-wife of murder suspect Nicholas Sheley spoke out. (July 3)
Former Hostages Return to Texas
Relatives of three American hostages who have been rescued from captivity are in Texas now. They've been reunited with their loved ones. (July 3)
High Fire Danger in Big Sur, Evacuations Ordered
An explosive wildfire is ravaging the hillsides above Big Sur, California, leaving the popular tourist region mostly deserted ahead of the holiday weekend. (July 3)
Obama Open to Refining Iraq Position
Barack Obama says he is open to refining his plan to bring U.S. troops home from Iraq in 16 months based on what he hears from military commanders during his upcoming trip there. (July 3)
AP Campaign Stories
Here are the top AP Campaign stories for July 3rd: Obama says he's not softening stance on troop pullout from Iraq; McCain sends message to Hispanic voters; Obama puts the red in red, white and blue; The movable middle.
Ex Fugitive Hedge Fund Scammer Back in Court
A hedge fund swindler who faked suicide said Thursday that he really did try to kill himself after becoming a fugitive because 'it was better to do myself in than to turn myself in.' (July 3)
Raw Video: Cell Phone Captures Girls Fighting
A videotaped attack has led to charges against two female high school students. The two are allegedly seen on a videotape beating a classmate at their high school in Wayland, Michigan. (July 3)
Police: 8 Year-old-slaying Victim Was Raped
Grieving relatives of an 8-year-old South Carolina girl found raped and slain this week said Thursday that the young teenager accused of the crime was 'like a family member.' (July 3)
