OCTV - Local and National News

Updated: July 4, 2008, 3:40 pm

Video shows Colombia rescue operation

Colombia released video Friday showing an orderly operation that ended in hugs and laughter for 15 hostages who were rescued from a Colombian guerilla group this week.

Activists: National Mall in monumental disrepair

About half a million people are expected Friday on the National Mall in Washington for the nation's birthday celebration, but they may be shocked at what they see.

Former Sen. Jesse Helms dies

Former U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, a North Carolina Republican who became an icon to conservatives, died today at the age of 86, the Jesse Helms Center announced. Helms once said his job was to derail the freight train of liberalism.

American keeps hot-dog eating crown

World-record holder and defending champion Joey "Jaws" Chestnut held on to his hot dog-eating title Friday in an unprecedented tie-breaker at Nathan's Famous Fourth of July contest.

Founders wouldn't be impressed, poll shows

How would the likes of Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin feel about the way the United States has turned out 232 years after declaring its independence?

Remains of Washington's boyhood home found

After nearly three years of excavation, archaeologists have confirmed the discovery of the site of George Washington's boyhood home near the banks of the Rappahannock River in northeast Virginia.

Obama remarks on Iraq prompt flip-flop charge

Sen. John McCain's campaign again called Sen. Barack Obama a flip-flopper after the Democratic candidate held a do-over news conference to clarify his remarks on the Iraq war.