Record-breaking crowd packs Freedom Over Texas, Houston officials say

Check out photos of some of the more than 40 tall ships representing at least 20 nations as part of Sail4th 250, celebrating America's 250th birthday in New York City.

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A New York Fire Department vessel sprays its water cannons in the New York harbor during ahead of Sail4th 250 Saturday, July 4, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Miki Sudo captured her 12th title at the Nathan's Famous hot dog eating contest at New York's Coney Island on Saturday.

Sudo downed 38.75 dogs to win the annual event again. She also holds the women's record of 51 dogs.

Competitors consume as many hot dogs and buns as possible in 10 minutes, usually dunking the wieners in water first to make them easier to swallow.

Coverage of the men's competition airs at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2, and will re-air on the same channel at 4 p.m. ET. ABC will simulcast coverage beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET for 30 minutes.

Houston TranStar cameras show traffic starting to build near Houston Stadium on Saturday morning ahead of the city's last World Cup match.

Cameras captured images of cars starting to line up on the frontage road of the South Loop at Kirby Drive to enter the stadium complex.

Houston Stadium is set to hold the Round of 16 match between Canada and Morocco at 12 p.m. on Saturday. This will be the last 2026 World Cup match to be held in Houston.

Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston painted a large tribute to America in its parking lot.

The "We, The Kids" mural, a 300-foot-by-50-foot painted American flag, was created under the guidance of artist Kimmie Gillespie as part of the nationwide America 250 celebration. It commemorates the nation's upcoming birthday while encouraging young people to reflect on citizenship, service, and the power of community.

America 250 is a big birthday and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston wanted to celebrate just as big.

FULL STORY: "We, The Kids" inspires patriotism through art