APPLENEWS - STORY ADD
Disney Celebrates America live updates: Fireworks light up New York City skyline
Follow along as ABC celebrates with 24 hours of programming.
ABC is marking America's 250th anniversary with 24 hours of unparalleled programming called "Disney Celebrates America."
The multi-platform broadcast, led by ABC News "World News Tonight" anchor David Muir, features coverage across all 50 states and runs through the night of July 4.
Key Headlines
Eagle-eye view of the Great American State Fair
ABC News’ Mary Bruce is taking viewers to the top of the 110-foot-tall Ferris wheel at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C.
The dangerous heat abruptly closed the fair mid-day Friday, with organizers reopening the event later in the day. On Saturday, the Great American State Fair was initially scheduled to open at 10 a.m., but that was pushed to noon due to the heat wave.
Joey Chestnut, Miki Sudo win Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Joey Chestnut was crowned the winner of the 2026 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest for the 18th time on Saturday, eating 66 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes at Coney Island.
Miki Sudo won the women’s contest, downing 38.75 hot dogs to win for a record 12th time.
Military jets fill the sky with red, white and blue
Military jets are filling the sky with red, white and blue over New York City’s Hudson River.
King Charles praises UK-US relationship in America 250 message
Britain’s King Charles is congratulating President Donald Trump and the American people on the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, writing in a statement, "This year marks a truly historic milestone and a moment of great celebration for Americans everywhere."
The monarch praised the relationship between the two nations as "one of extraordinary evolution, from overcoming conflict to forging one of the closest and most productive alliances the world has seen."
"The connection between our peoples is one that I trust will only grow stronger with time," he wrote. "As you mark this momentous occasion, my wife and I send our warmest good wishes to you and to the people of the United States of America, today and in the years ahead."
-ABC News' Claire Bower