Rubber ducks by the thousands splash into Chicago River for annual Special Olympics fundraiser
CHICAGO (AP) — A deluge of 90,000 rubber ducks poured out of a truck and into the Chicago River. They they bobbed along a stretch of the skyscraper-lined river in the annual Chicago Ducky Derby that raises thousands of dollars for charity. The truck dumped the ducks Thursday from one side of a half-raised bridge. After forming a yellow pool in the river, the ducks floated for around 15 minutes before a winner and runner-up were plucked from the water. The annual event, a fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois, draws thousands of participants. The winning duck was picked by Becky Cavanagh, the Ducky Derby ambassador and a 13-year Special Olympics athlete.
Kellogg says it's removing artificial dyes from cereals by the end of this year
WK Kellogg said Thursday that it will remove artificial colors from all its cereals by the end of this year. The change comes a year ahead of schedule. Kellogg said last August that it would remove synthetic dyes from its cereals by the end of 2027. But the company said Thursday it has identified fruit- and vegetable-based juices that will give cereals like Froot Loops and Apple Jacks their distinctive colors. The Battle Creek, Michigan-based company said it is also removing BHT, an artificial preservative, from the small number of cereals that still contain it.
Jalapeños linked to a US salmonella outbreak are tracked to a Mexican farm and a distributor
NEW YORK (AP) — Federal officials have traced a multistate salmonella outbreak to jalapeño peppers from a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico. At least 345 people in 27 states have fallen ill. Most cases are in Minnesota and Colorado. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday that Coast Citrus Distributors brought the peppers into the U.S. The company has recalled the peppers and is notifying customers, including major Mexican food chains. Chipotle and Qdoba have removed jalapeños from their restaurants. The Food and Drug Administration is looking into whether any peppers reached grocery stores. No deaths have been reported, but 36 people have been hospitalized.
UNC's Bill Belichick says son and defensive coordinator Steve Belichick is on medical leave
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick is on medical leave. Head coach Bill Belichick announced his son’s absence Thursday morning with the Tar Heels during the second week of preseason camp. Belichick offered no details but said the team hoped to have his son back “as soon as possible.” He also said the defensive staff already works collectively when asked how the team would adjust during his son’s absence. UNC opens the season Aug. 29 against TCU in Dublin, Ireland.
The first small steps taken in Neil Armstrong's childhood home inspired a giant leap for mankind
WAPAKONETA, Ohio (AP) — The childhood home of Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong is up for sale, and its future is uncertain. Owned by a retired history teacher for nearly 40 years, the house in Wapakoneta, Ohio, has been preserved to reflect its past. Armstrong built model planes there and took his first flying lessons nearby. The home has hosted astronauts, including Buzz Aldrin, and contains memorabilia like autographed photos. The owner hopes someone will buy it and donate it to the Armstrong museum. Listed at $430,000, the house isn't legally protected from changes, but its historical significance remains. Armstrong died in 2012 at age 82.
Stefon Diggs is signing with the Washington Commanders, AP source says
Stefon Diggs is signing with the Washington Commanders, a person familiar with the agreement tells The Associated Press. The move gives quarterback Jayden Daniels and the offense a proven, experienced wide receiver. Diggs joins Washington for a 12th year in the NFL after playing last season with New England. Diggs had 99 catches for 1,123 yards and five touchdowns in 21 games, counting the Patriots’ playoff run to the Super Bowl. Diggs previously played for Minnesota, Buffalo and Houston during a career that included him being an All-Pro selection in 2020.
New images of the sun show its surface in the finest detail yet
NEW YORK (AP) — Scientists have captured images of the sun’s surface in the finest detail yet. Researchers were able to peek with the help of a telescope on the island of Maui in Hawaii. They saw strange feathery patterns rippling across the surface, evidence of a well-known phenomenon that until now hadn't been observed at this level on the solar surface. It can help scientists understand how magnetic fields work on the sun, which is at the root of intense solar storms that can scramble GPS communications and trigger colorful auroras on Earth. The new research was published Wednesday in the journal Nature.
Drone with explosives found at German airport, official sees 'new quality' of threat
BERLIN (AP) — Authorities say a drone with explosives was found at Germany’s Leipzig/Halle Airport and the device was defused. The country's top security official said Wednesday that the incident posed a “new quality of danger.” Regional police and prosecutors said an airport employee discovered a drone near the airport’s south runway with “an unknown explosive device,” and the object was examined by police. They removed its detonator. The German interior minister described what happened as “a hybrid attack scenario,” but didn’t offer more details of authorities’ assessment or specify who might be responsible.
This organ will play one composition until 2640. It's redefining how slowly music can be played
HALBERSTADT, Germany (AP) — A small organ in eastern Germany is the headliner of the world’s slowest concert. It has been playing the same piece of music by composer John Cage at a glacial pace for nearly 25 years. A rare chord change on Wednesday represented the completion of nearly 4% of the 639-year endeavor of the John Cage Organ Project Halberstadt. The composition is scheduled to finish in 2640. Wednesday’s event marked the piece’s 17th chord change. The next one happens next year, when the overall sound will be reduced by the E4 pipe.
Ariana Grande on decision to withdraw from the public eye: 'Not a reactive or impulsive thing'
NEW YORK (AP) — Ariana Grande addressed fans during her Chicago concert Monday night, clarifying her upcoming break from the public eye. She explained that the decision to step back after her “Eternal Sunshine” tour was thoughtful and planned, not reactive. On Sunday, producers announced her withdrawal from a London production set for 2027. A representative for Grande stated she will take a break from public-facing work after the tour. Grande reassured fans on stage that negativity isn't affecting her, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries. Her recent breakup and album release have fueled speculation about her health and appearance.
