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The Fourth of July means plenty of hot dogs will be on the grill, but perhaps none more than on Coney Island.
Coney Island has been the home of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest just about every year since 1972 at the original Nathan’s.
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Its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, notably because of the dominance of two of the best eaters ever.
This view shows the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York City, on July 4, 2022.(Kena Betancur/Getty Images)
Takeru Kobayashi broke the world record for most hot dogs eaten in 12 minutes, nearly doubling the previous record of 25.5.
It was Kobayashi’s first of six straight titles, but Joey Chestnut dethroned him in 2007.
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Chestnut broke the record by eating 66 dogs and buns, which kick-started a dominant run. He’d wind up winning each contest until getting upset in 2015 by Matt Stonie.
But Chestnut reclaimed the crown the following year and has won every year since.
This year, however, there will be a new champion because Chestnut will not be on Coney Island.
Last month, Chestnut signed a brand partnership deal with Impossible Foods, a rival of Nathan’s. Major League Eating ruled that as long as Chestnut was partnered with a Nathan’s rival, he would not be permitted in the competition.
Joey Chestnut is shown after winning the 2021 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.(AP Photo/Brittainy Newman/File)
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Despite Chestnut saying he was hoping something would work out, nothing ever did, thus the reason he won’t be in New York.
He will, however, compete in another hot dog eating contest in El Paso, Texas, which will be livestreamed at 5 p.m. ET, nearly five hours after the Nathan’s contest ends.
With Chestnut out of the race, sportsbooks say it’s a four-man race between Geoffrey Esper, James Webb, Nick Wehry and Patrick Bertoletti. Esper is the favorite at -110, while Webb is +140, Wehry is +300 and Bertoletti is +600.
Joey Chestnut holds his championship belt during a game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Ball State Cardinals at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, on Sept. 9, 2023.(Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)
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The goal is simple: eat as many hot dogs (and buns) as you can in 10 minutes (it went from 12 to 10 in 2008). Win, and receive $10,000.
Condiments, water and other beverages are allowed to make the eating easier, although typically, no one opts for condiments.
The contest will be broadcast on ESPN and begins at noon ET.
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A Pennsylvania bill would recognize pets as family members, elevating their status in situations such as divorce.
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 97, which would elevate the legal status of pets as “living beings that are generally regarded as cherished family members that offer their owners companionship, security and assistance,” if signed into law.
The bill would create an official definition of a companion animal, elevating its status in divorce proceedings.
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A sad little girl is hugging a dog while her parents are arguing in the background.(Getty Images)
“Companion animals occupy a special category of personal property which does not include inanimate personal property. Therefore, it is the policy of the Commonwealth that special consideration be extended to companion animals when the division of personal property is planned or determined,” the legislation continues.
The bill outlines new rules for shared schedules, custody arrangements and the division of costs associated with the pet.
It also directs judges to consider factors similar to child custody cases, such as who provides daily care for the pet, who takes the pet to the vet and who has greater financial ability to care for the pet.
The legislation was sponsored by state Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik, D-Pa., who represents Pennsylvania’s 45th District.
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The bill directs judges to consider factors similar to child custody situations, such as who provides daily care for the pet, who takes the pet to the vet, who has greater financial ability to care for the pet and so forth. (iStock)
In a September Facebook post, Kulik wrote, “For many years, I practiced Family Law. During that time, I realized that one of the main points of contention for divorcing couples was custody of their pets. For many of us, our furry friends are not merely ‘pets’ — they are an important part of our family.”
Kulik added, “I am pleased that my bill, House Bill 97, was overwhelmingly approved by the House of Representatives, and I thank those of my colleagues that voted in favor of this legislation! I also want to thank the advocacy groups that supported this measure, for their efforts.”
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The bill proposes new rules for shared schedules, custody arrangements and the division of costs associated with the pet.(iStock)
The bill is currently under consideration in the Pennsylvania Senate.
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State Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
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Rachel del Guidice is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to rachel.delguidice@fox.com.
BOSTON (WHDH) – Getting around the city was made easier Tuesday after the Green Line reopened after a two-week shutdown affecting all branches.
The MBTA needed the closure to replace underground beams dating back to the 19th century.
Service returned Tuesday on the B branch between North Station and Babcock, on the C and D lines from North Station to Kenmore, and North Station to Heath Street on the E branch.
(Copyright (c) 2025 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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