Man who threw sandwich at federal agent in Washington is found not guilty of assault charge
WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Justice Department employee who threw a sandwich at a federal agent during President Donald Trump’s law enforcement surge in Washington has been found not guilty of assault. A viral video of the incident made Sean Charles Dunn a symbol of resistance to Trump’s deployment of federal agents to combat crime in the nation’s capital. Dunn's misdemeanor acquittal Thursday is another setback for prosecutors who've faced a backlash for how they've handled criminal cases resulting from the surge. Dunn says he's relieved and looking forward to moving on with his life. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro is accepting the verdict but says “law enforcement should never be subjected to assault.”
Northern lights may be visible in parts of the US due to solar storms
NEW YORK (AP) — Space forecasters say solar storms may bring colorful auroras to several northern U.S. states. The sun burped out a huge burst of energy called a coronal mass ejection that’s currently on its way to Earth. Once it gets here, it could cause colorful light displays Thursday night, though that depends on the timing and orientation of its arrival. Authorities are monitoring the situation, but do not anticipate major disruptions to radio or communications. The sun is at the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle, making the light displays more common and widespread.
Slime, Battleship and Trivial Pursuit join the Toy Hall of Fame
The gooey, sticky and often-homemade plaything slime was enshrined into the National Toy Hall of Fame on Thursday along with perennial bestselling games Battleship and Trivial Pursuit. The Hall of Fame in Rochester, New York, honors toys that inspire creative play across generations. Battleship and Trivial Pursuit have each sold over 100 million copies. Slime has been sold commercially since 1976 but is also a popular DIY project. The National Toy Hall of Fame is located inside The Strong National Museum of Play.
Japan deploys the military to counter a surge in bear attacks
TOKYO (AP) — Japan has deployed troops to help contain a surge of bear attacks that have terrorized residents in the northern prefecture of Akita. Bears have been seen near schools, train stations and homes. Over 100 people have been injured and at least 12 killed in bear attacks across Japan since April. The troops will set traps and assist local hunters but won't use firearms. Akita has been the worst hit, with over 50 attacks since May. Experts say Japan's aging and declining population in rural areas contributes to the problem, as bears venture closer to residential areas in search of food.
Shout-out for yodeling? Swiss seek recognition from UN cultural agency as tradition turns modern
LUCERNE, Switzerland (AP) — The Swiss government is looking for a shout-out from the U.N. cultural agency to include yodeling on its list of intangible cultural heritage. Promoters insist the yodeling of yore is too stereotyped and the tradition is far more than mountain cries by falsetto-crying male herders in suspenders on verdant Alpine pastures. Yodeling has now become a popular form of singing and more women are taking it up. Yodeling is among dozens of nominees of arts, craftsmanship, rituals, knowledge and tradition being considered at a UNESCO committee meeting on intangible cultural heritage in New Delhi next month.
Bend a knee like Beckham: Soccer star is knighted by King Charles III
LONDON (AP) — David Beckham has been knighted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle. The soccer legend is now Sir David Beckham. He calls it his proudest moment. Beckham was honored Tuesday for his contributions to sport and charity, including his work with UNICEF and efforts to eradicate malaria. His career highlights include scoring in three World Cups and playing a key role in Manchester United's 1999 treble-winning season. Beckham's knighthood marks a high point in his journey to rehabilitate his image after past controversies. The honor was announced in June as part of the king's birthday honors list.
Motion Picture Association tells Meta to stop using PG-13 to refer to Instagram teen account content
The Motion Picture Association is asking Meta to stop referring to content shown to teen accounts on Instagram as guided by PG-13 ratings, saying it is misleading. A lawyer on behalf of the MPA sent Meta Platforms a cease-and-desist letter asking the tech giant to “immediately and permanently disassociate its Teen Accounts and AI tools from the MPA’s rating system.” Meta said that its intent was never to suggest that it partnered with the MPA or that the material on Instagram had been rated by the movie association.
Chrysler recalls 320,000 Jeep plug-in hybrids due to faulty battery that can catch fire
WASHINGTON (AP) — Chrysler is recalling more than 320,000 Jeep plug-in hybrid vehicles due to a faulty battery that can fail and lead to a fire, U.S. traffic safety regulators said. Owners of the vehicles, which include 228,221 Jeep Wranglers model years 2020-2025 and 91,844 Jeep Grand Cherokees model years 2022-2026, are being advised to park the vehicles outside and away from structures until a remedy for the problem is determined. Vehicle owners are also being told not to charge their vehicles, the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration said. Chrysler, which is owned by Netherlands-based Stellantis, is aware of 19 reports and 1 injury potentially related to the issue.
OpenAI faces 7 lawsuits claiming ChatGPT drove people to suicide, delusions
OpenAI is facing seven lawsuits claiming ChatGPT drove people to suicide and harmful delusions even when they had no prior mental health issues. The lawsuits filed Thursday in California state courts allege wrongful death, assisted suicide, involuntary manslaughter and negligence. Filed on behalf of six adults and one teenager by the Social Media Victims Law Center and Tech Justice Law Project, the lawsuits claim that OpenAI knowingly released GPT-4o prematurely, despite internal warnings that it was dangerously sycophantic and psychologically manipulative. Four of the victims died by suicide. OpenAI said it is reviewing the lawsuits.
The man who threw a sandwich at a federal agent says it was a protest. Prosecutors say it's a crime
WASHINGTON (AP) — A man charged with assault for throwing a sandwich at a federal agent calls it an act of protest. Prosecutors are trying to prove that it was a federal crime. Jurors heard attorneys' opening statements on Tuesday for Sean Charles Dunn's trial in Washington, D.C. on a misdemeanor assault charge. Customs and Border Protection Agent Gregory Lairmore was the trial's first witness. He testified that Dunn threw the submarine-style sandwich at his chest with enough force that he could feel the impact through his ballistic vest.
