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.
Bono, Eddie Vedder among mourners at the funeral of Oscar-winning songwriter Glen Hansard
DUBLIN (AP) — Irish musicians and entertainers were among mourners who packed into a Dublin cathedral for the funeral of Glen Hansard, the Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter killed last week in a motorcycle crash, aged 56. Actors Steve Coogan and Chris O’Dowd joined musicians including Bono and Hozier for the service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Tuesday. Hundreds more watched on big screens outside. The ceremony featured performances, including one by Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder. Hansard was known for his work with The Frames and The Swell Season and won an Oscar for “Falling Slowly.” Tributes poured in, with Bruce Springsteen expressing heartbreak over the loss.
Fuego volcano spews more ash and mud as Guatemala shelters 1,700 who fled nearby villages
GUATEMALA CITY (AP) — Guatemala remained on alert after evacuating villages during an eruption of the Fuego volcano, one of Central America’s most active volcanoes. About 1,700 people remained in shelters Tuesday with the evacuations to stay in place until conditions improve. The country's disaster agency raised the alert level to red in three communities where about 29,000 people are affected by ashfall and schools remain closed. Authorities warn the next 72 hours are critical as mudflows descend from the volcano. Residents were advised to cover their water deposits and use face masks as protection from ash. The eruption started Monday morning, with clouds of gas and ash rising above the volcano as lava and pyroclastic flows rolled down the slopes.
The Danube River's water is dropping so low that World War II ships are emerging
PRAHOVO, Serbia (AP) — Water levels on the Danube River have dropped so low due to drought that World War II German battleships are emerging into view. The Danube’s record levels also have forced power plants to the brink of shutting down, and governments across Central and Eastern Europe are taking steps to conserve electricity. The emerging ships belonged to Nazi Germany’s Black Sea fleet, deliberately sunk in 1944 to slow the Soviet advance in the final months of the war. Authorities are now trying to keep traffic flowing on the Danube as the dropping water levels create dangerous conditions.
Tiger shark caught off Massachusetts could be sign of warming waters
Nate Rouette and his brother Nelson went shark fishing on Cape Cod hoping for an exciting catch, but were shocked by what they reeled in. The brothers caught a tiger shark, a tropical species with a reputation for eating everything it can swallow. The brothers, longtime sport fishermen who live in Massachusetts, caught and released the juvenile shark in July. The shark is far more common in warmer, southern waters such as the Caribbean Sea. Scientists say its appearance off Falmouth, Massachusetts, is an indicator of warming seas caused by climate change.
