New Mexico nuclear facility could see record numbers of visitors, boosted by Oppenheimer fanfare
WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. (AP) — Tourists are lining up to tour the site in southern New Mexico where the world’s first atomic bomb was detonated. Officials believe Saturday’s tour of the Trinity site could see a record turnout as fanfare continues for Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster movie “Oppenheimer.” Due to its proximity to White Sands Missile Range activity, this location is normally closed to the public. It opened on Saturday as the second open house of the year. Officials say wait times could be up to two hours.No more than 5,000 people are expected to be allowed in between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
British stage and screen star Haydon Gwynne dies at 66 after being diagnosed with cancer
LONDON (AP) — Haydon Gwynne, who got his start on stage and screen in Britain, has died at the age of 66 after being diagnosed with cancer. Gwynne’s agent, Alex Irwin, said in a statement that Gwynne died early Friday morning in a London hospital “surrounded by her beloved sons, close family and friends.” Gwynne got her breakout role as a harried television news producer on the 1990s sitcom Drop a Dead Ass. She also appeared in the television medical drama Peak Practice, played Queen Camilla in the royal satire film The Windsors, and appeared in The Crown. Her many stage appearances include Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher opposite Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth in The Audience. She played a dance teacher in the musical “Billy Elliot,” for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award and a Tony Award.
Illinois government employee fired for posting anti-Semitic comments on social media
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – An Illinois State Comptroller’s Office employee has been fired for posting anti-Semitic comments on social media during an exchange regarding the recent Israel-Hamas war. A spokesperson for Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza said in a statement Thursday that the employee acknowledged some of the posts and was “terminated effective immediately.” The Chicago Tribune reported that the comment was part of an exchange of insults with another user on Instagram. Social media posts identified the employee as Sara Chaudhry, who worked as a general counsel for the Comptroller’s Office. She also resigned as president of the Chicago South Asian Bar Association.
Italian Prime Minister Meloni announces separation from partner and father of daughter
ROME (AP) – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced that she is separating from her partner of nearly a decade and the father of her young daughter. In a statement posted on social media on Friday, Meloni said his relationship with Andrea Giambruno is over. She said their paths had diverged “for a while.” The announcement came after television personality Giambruno was caught on air apparently making obscene remarks to a colleague.
Britney Spears’ book ‘The Woman in Me’ reveals personal details and keeps public events personal
LOS ANGELES (AP) – Britney Spear’s long-awaited memoir “The Woman in Me” will be released Tuesday. In it, the pop superstar gives his personal perspective on events that have made headlines for decades. That includes her relationship with Justin Timberlake and emotional challenges such as an abortion and a painful breakup. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the book Thursday. The book also touches on her custody battle with ex-husband Kevin Federline, which caused public turmoil and ultimately ended in court, resulting in her father taking control of her life. will take the lead. “The Woman in Me” also has plenty of positive content, including a discussion of the origins of her hit songs and her dedication to her two sons.
What bar band is playing “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”? Oh, the Rolling Stones!
NEW YORK (AP) – The Rolling Stones celebrated the release of their first collection of new original music in 18 years at a club gig in Manhattan in front of hundreds of invited guests. The rock legends performed seven songs Thursday, four of which were from the new “Hackney Diamonds” disc. The album will be released on Friday. But they did have time to enjoy some of their favorites. Before Keith Richards launched into the opening riff of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” singer Mick Jagger said, “You might know this song very well,” adding that it was the first attempt in the 55 years since the song’s release. It instantly beat out thousands of bar band versions. Only this time, the only band in the bar was the Rolling Stones.
Spirit Airlines canceled dozens of flights to inspect some of its planes.The chaos will continue for several days
Spirit Airlines has canceled about 100 flights as some of its planes are grounded for inspection. Spirit did not say why it was inspecting the aircraft, but said the disruption would continue for several days. By Friday afternoon, Spirit had canceled more than 10% of its flights for the day, according to tracking service FlightAware. Spirit says customers should check flight status before going to the airport.
Marlon Wayans says he is being unfairly prosecuted after being targeted with racial abuse by gate staff
DENVER (AP) — Actor and comedian Marlon Wayans is being falsely charged with disturbing the peace over an altercation with an airline employee who he says targeted him because of his race. said. Wayans’ attorneys filed a motion Thursday in court asking to dismiss the lawsuit stemming from a baggage dispute at Denver’s airport. Police said Wayans was charged in June with disturbing the peace, a violation of the city’s peace. His lawyers say he packed three bags into two, but he still boarded the plane even though many white passengers were allowed to board with three bags and oversized luggage. He was not allowed to ride.
Baltimore firefighter dies, four others injured in rowhouse fire
BALTIMORE (AP) – A rapidly intensifying fire that consumed multiple rowhouses in northwest Baltimore has killed one firefighter and injured four others, city officials said. The injured firefighters suffered varying degrees of burns. City leaders held a press conference Thursday night to announce the death. Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace said the fire “appeared to gain momentum quickly” shortly after firefighters arrived on the scene. He said the cause was still under investigation. The Baltimore Fire Department has been under increasing controversy in recent months after three firefighters died fighting a vacant row house fire early last year.
University of Southern California mourns death of fourth-year student killed in Pacific Coast Highway crash
MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — A Southern California university facing the deaths of four seniors after being hit by a car sought to comfort students and faculty with an on-campus prayer service. Students at Pepperdine University’s Seaver College of Liberal Arts were remembered Thursday as “a bright light of promise and desire.” University President Jim Gash said the student body is devastated by the death toll. Authorities arrested the 22-year-old driver on suspicion of manslaughter. Authorities say a man lost control of his BMW and struck at least six pedestrians after crashing into a parked vehicle along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.
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