There will be celebrations by Americans in most major cities around the world today for Independence Day.

An American destroyer is following a North Korean ship suspected of transporting weapons toward Burma, as anticipation mounted today that the North could soon test-fire short- or medium-range missiles off its eastern coast.

North Korea's quest for nuclear weapons could spawn a destabilising arms race in Asia that would threaten world security, South Korea's president warned today.

Barack Obama, continuing with his weeklong theme of highlighting his faith and patriotism while visiting traditionally Republican states, called on a room of churchgoers in Missouri to help fix national and local problems.

Barack Obama spent the US Independence Day holiday in the western state of Montana, watching a parade, eating a hot dog and trying to woo moderate voters in the traditionally Republican stronghold.

Barack Obama, who hoped to woo moderate voters in traditionally Republican territory on his US Independence Day campaign tour, found himself instead defending against criticism that he was wavering on Iraq war policy to win votes.

Russian president Vladimir Putin, in a statement marking the US Independence Day, said he was certain relations would progress despite disagreements.

US LAW enforcement officials received intelligence reports two weeks ago which warned of a possible terror attack in Glasgow against “airport infrastructure or aircraft”, according to reports.

US airports and public transport systems are tightening security today following the terrorist incidents in Britain.

A 160-pound wonder from Japan set a new record by devouring 53 3/4 frankfurters in 12 minutes to win the annual US Independence Day hot dog eating competition on Coney Island.

A 20-ton slab of granite, inscribed to honour “the enduring spirit of freedom”, has been laid at the World Trade Centre site as the cornerstone of the skyscraper that will replace the destroyed towers.

A 20-TON slab of granite, inscribed to honour "the enduring spirit of freedom," was laid yesterday at the World Trade Center site as the cornerstone of the skyscraper that will replace the destroyed towers.

A ceremony today was officially marking the beginning of construction of a new building at the World Trade Centre site – the Freedom Tower.

The Irish Anti-War Movement is holding a major demonstration outside the US ambassador’s residence in Phoenix Park on Friday July 4 at 6pm to coincide with the annual US Independence Day celebrations.

The US Ambassador in Ireland has invited around 2,500 people to his residence in the Phoenix Park to celebrate the July 4, the US Independence Day.