AP National News

After leaving a trail of destruction across the eastern Caribbean and at least nine people dead, Hurricane Beryl has strengthened back into a Category 3 storm as it chugs over open water toward Mexico’s resort-studded Yucatan Peninsula

All signs point to big celebrations for Americans this Fourth of July even as sizzling temperatures are triggering heat warnings for millions

All signs point to big celebrations for Americans this Fourth of July even as sizzling temperatures are triggering heat warnings for millions

Millions of Americans are celebrating Independence Day despite heat warnings, a projected record number of travelers and so many beachgoers that officials had to close some parks to latecomers

Millions of Americans are celebrating the Fourth of July despite heat warnings, a projected record number of travelers and so many beachgoers that officials had to close some parks to latecomers

Defending champion Miki Sudo of Florida has won her 10th title in the women’s division at the annual Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest

Patrick Bertoletti of Chicago wins his first men’s title at the annual Nathan’s hot dog eating contest

Patrick Bertoletti of Chicago has won his first men’s title at the annual Nathan’s hot dog eating contest

Patrick Bertoletti of Chicago has won his first men’s title at the annual Nathan’s hot dog eating contest

Competitive hot dog eaters from around the world are competing in New York City on Independence Day to see how many franks they can eat in 10 minutes