Chestnut, Kobayashi face off again in eat-off

Coney kings hot-dogged it for the cameras yesterday, mustering tough-guy poses and stare downs at the weigh-in for Saturday's traditional July 4th hot-dog eating contest.

Michelle Obama bringing glamour to Moscow

The first lady, who has wowed publics in the U.S. and Europe with her easy elegance and charm, will perhaps face a bigger challenge in winning over a Russian public that has scant respect for women who grab the limelight from their powerful husbands.

Lady Liberty's crown reopens

The first visitors allowed into the Statue of Liberty's crown in nearly eight years began the arduous climb on an Independence Day journey laden with symbolism of freedom and national pride.

Serena dominant in Wimbledon victory

Serena Williams has won her third Wimbledon title, beating sister Venus Williams 7-6 (3), 6-2 in the final.

1.2 million apply for Jackson memorial tickets

More than a million fans from around the world applied for 17,500 free tickets to Michael Jackson's public memorial service next week, organizers said on Friday.

Report: Turkoglu ditches Blazers for Raptors

Free-agent forward Hedo Turkoglu decided Friday to pass on Portland and is reportedly likely to sign with Toronto for $56 million over five years.

N. Korea marks July 4 with missile barrage

North Korea fired seven ballistic missiles off its eastern coast Saturday, South Korea said, a violation of U.N. resolutions and an apparent message of defiance to the United States on its Independence Day.

Powerful sedative found in Jackson's home

A law enforcement official says the powerful sedative Diprivan was found in Michael Jackson's home. Diprivan is an intravenous anesthetic drug widely used in operating rooms to induce unconsciousness. Also known as Propofol, it's very unusual to have in a private home

Analysis: Yet again, Palin plays by own rules

Sarah Palin demonstrated once again yesterday that she is one of America's most unconventional politicians, following an unpredictable path to an uncertain future.

Economists point to rising debt as next crisis

The Founding Fathers left one legacy not celebrated on Independence Day but which affects us all. It's the national debt, which is a staggering $11.4 trillion — about $37,000 for every American.