Ann Blyth, teen star of 'Mildred Pierce,' dead at 98
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ann Blyth, an Oscar nominee at 17 as Joan Crawford’s wayward daughter in “Mildred Pierce” who later sang opposite Mario Lanza and Howard Keel in MGM musicals of the 1950s, has died at age 98. Blyth was one of the last surviving performers from the old Hollywood studio system. The versatile star appeared in youth movies as well as dramas such as “Another Part of the Forest.” As an adult she played opposite such leading men as Tyrone Power, Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum.
Small aircraft crashes into Beijing’s tallest building, according to flight tracking service
TAIPEI (AP) — A small aircraft crashed into Beijing’s tallest building, the global flight tracking service provider Flightradar24 confirms, following witness accounts and evacuations in the city’s business district. Photos show what appeared to be a hole in the glass facade on one side of the tower. Images on social media appeared to show debris from a small aircraft near the skyscraper, but their authenticity couldn't be confirmed. The cause of Friday's crash remains unclear, and authorities have not issued a statement. The 108-story tower is one of Beijing's most recognizable landmarks. Recently, Beijing authorities enacted new curbs on its tightly regulated airspace.
St. Bernard dogs still roam the Swiss Alps as part of this 'living museum' and its breeding program
BOURG-SAINT-PIERRE, Switzerland (AP) — St. Bernard dogs walk the same mountain paths their ancestors patrolled for hundreds of years at the Great St. Bernard Pass in the Swiss Alps. Down in the valley, Barryland, a museum dedicated to the iconic dogs, celebrates its first year. Since opening last summer in Martigny, Switzerland, over 130,000 people have visited. Tourists can watch grooming sessions, use augmented reality to explore the mountain pass, and learn about the dogs' history. The St. Bernards, once famous for mountain rescues, are now too large for such tasks. Instead, they visit hospitals and schools, continuing their legacy of service and companionship.
Greece is paying fishermen to catch toxic toadfish invading the warming Mediterranean
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece has launched a cash incentive for fishermen to catch toxic silver-cheeked toadfish as the invasive species spreads through the Mediterranean due to warming seas linked to climate change. The fish, whose organs contain a deadly neurotoxin, has damaged fishing nets and reduced catches around Crete and other Greek islands. Authorities are paying 5.33 euros per kilogram to remove the species, which will be frozen and incinerated. Officials stress there is no immediate threat to tourists or swimmers. The Greek Red Cross has issued guidance on bites and the risks of consuming the poisonous fish.
Apple increases prices for Macs and iPads, blaming a shortage of memory chips
Apple on Thursday announced an increase in prices for Macs and iPads, citing a memory chip shortage brought on by the artificial intelligence boom. The Cupertino, California-based company called the demand spike an “unprecedented challenge” for the consumer electronics industry. The new, entry-level MacBook Neo will now cost $699, up from $599. The 512 gigabyte MacBook Air now costs $1,299, up from $1,099. The one terabyte MacBook Pro is $1,999, up from $1,699. The 128 gigabyte iPad Air is now $749, up from $599, while the 256 gigabyte iPad Pro Wifi is now $1,199, up from $999. Analysts expect iPhone prices to rise later this year.
King Charles III will not live at Buckingham Palace after completion of costly refurbishment
LONDON (AP) — King Charles III will not live at Buckingham Palace after the completion of a 10-year, 369 million-pound ($487 million) refurbishment program as the monarchy seeks to increase public access to the historic building that has been the center of royal life for almost 200 years. Royal officials stress that the king and Queen Camilla would continue to work out of the palace, which will remain “the ceremonial and operational center” of the monarchy. But for the rest of Charles’ reign, the king and queen will remain in nearby Clarence House. The decision was announced during a briefing in which Charles became the first British monarch to reveal the taxes he paid to the government.
Norman Rockwell people-watched in the West Wing lobby. Now those sketches are on public display
WASHINGTON (AP) — A series of Norman Rockwell sketches of scenes from the West Wing lobby is going on public display for the first time. The four 1940s-era sketches titled “So You Want to See the President!” depict U.S. senators, generals and even a Miss America biding time as they wait in the reception area. Rockwell spent hours at the White House, people-watching to create the sketches. The White House Historical Association paid more than $7 million last year for the sketches. They'll be on display through June 2027 at the association's “The People's House” exhibit near the White House.
Detroit Lions player Terrion Arnold is charged with directing attack against 3 people in Florida
DETROIT (AP) — Detroit Lions player Terrion Arnold has been charged in Tampa, Florida, with leading a plot to detain and pistol-whip three people whom he believed had stolen from him. The crimes could carry a sentence of up to life in prison. Tampa police say Arnold believed the young men had stolen $100,000 and luxury goods from him at an Airbnb rental in February. But investigators found they had nothing to do it. Arnold's lawyer says the NFL player “absolutely” denies the allegations. Arnold remains locked up until the next hearing Monday.
Archaeologists find huge Viking textile production site in Denmark
SØFTEN, Denmark (AP) — Archaeologists say they have discovered a huge Viking Age textile production site in Denmark that dates back more than 1,000 years and underlines the sophistication of Viking society. Experts from the Moesgaard Museum said this week that the sprawling, more than 1 million square-foot site features an area for processing flax as well as more than 80 pit houses. The semi-buried huts were used as workshops and dwellings in Viking times. A historian says goods and resources were likely brought from the countryside and settlements like this one before entering an extensive international trade network.
New York Knicks revel in their NBA victory parade as joyous fans and celebs fill the streets
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Knicks celebrated their first NBA championship in 53 years with a ticker-tape parade through Manhattan’s “Canyon of Heroes,” drawing thousands of fans dressed in the team’s blue and orange. Finals MVP Jalen Brunson hoisted the trophy toward the crowd so they could touch it, while teammates rode floats through the streets or got off to interact with cheering fans. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a big Knicks fan, and celebrities including Spike Lee and Alicia Keys joined the party Thursday. The parade marks a historic moment for the franchise and city, which did not hold championship parades after the Knicks’ title wins in the 1970s.
