Ship parade kicks off events celebrating 250 years of the US Navy and Marine Corps
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A parade of ships streamed up and down the Delaware River beside Philadelphia to kick off a celebration of the 250th birthdays of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Among the ships that took part Thursday were the USS Lassen, the USS Billings and the USS Cooperstown. Thousands of people were expected to attend the boat parade and other anniversary-linked events over the next few days, including a reunion of veterans, a downtown street parade and a concert featuring singer Patti LaBelle, the Navy band and the Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps. The events are happening despite the government shutdown that has closed many federal agencies and offices.
Kiss rocker Gene Simmons recovering after crashing SUV
MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — Kiss rock star Gene Simmons is recovering after he fainted while driving along California’s Pacific Coast Highway and crashed his SUV into a parked car. Authorities say the Kiss co-founder was evaluated at a hospital Tuesday before being released. Simmons posted on social media that he was completely fine and thanked fans for their kind wishes. Authorities say the 76-year-old’s SUV crossed several lanes before hitting a parked car along the highway in Malibu. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department says Simmons was then transported to a hospital. Kiss retired from touring in 2023 but plan to play in Las Vegas in November.
Once-secret Emperor Commodus' passage to Rome Colosseum opens to public for the first time
ROME (AP) — For the first time in nearly 2,000 years, visitors to Rome’s Colosseum can walk through a hidden imperial passage. The corridor, known as the “Commodus Passage,” opens to the public on Oct. 27. Roman emperors once used it to enter the arena unseen. Archaeologists say the passage, named after Emperor Commodus, was initially discovered in the 1810s. The entrance features remnants of decorative elements related to arena spectacles. The project included structural conservation and a new walkway. A second restoration project is expected to begin in early 2026, focusing on the tunnel section beyond the Colosseum.
Hair museum filled with century-old mementos closes its doors, scattering contents around the nation
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) — Century-old wreaths made from human hair fill the walls of Leila’s Hair Museum, and glass cases overflow with necklaces and watch bands made from the locks of the dead. There also are strands of hair purported to come from past presidents, Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe and even Jesus. For around 30 years, this small attraction in the Kansas City suburb of Independence attracted an eclectic group of gawkers that included the likes of heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne. But the museum’s namesake, Leila Cohoon, died last November at the age of 92. Now the collection of more than 3,000 pieces is headed to museums around the country.
Princess of Wales suggests parents should put down the phone to combat social discontent
LONDON (AP) — The Princess of Wales has a suggestion to parents: Please put down the phone. Kate, as she is commonly known, collaborated with adult development researcher Robert Waldinger in an essay warning that technology is contributing to an epidemic of disconnection that is hurting family relationships. Devices that promise to keep us connected often do the opposite, they say in an essay posted on the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood website. The authors say: “Look the people you care about in the eye and be fully there — because that is where love begins.”
Experts lead tours uncovering Mexico’s hidden ancient sites
MEXICO CITY (AP) — The National Institute of Anthropology and History in Mexico organizes monthly tours to share the country's rich cultural heritage. The excursions explore places like Cuicuilco in southern Mexico City. Once the heart of a thriving ancient civilization, Cuicuilco has a pyramid that was used for rituals and hints at the city’s past. The national institute's tour program dates back to 1957. INAH's tours highlight lesser-known sites, connecting people with Mexico's ancient and vibrant history.
British Airways flight diverted to Bucharest where Romanian authorities reported smoke on board
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Authorities in Romania say British Airways flight en route from Istanbul to London was forced to make an emergency landing on Thursday in Romania’s capital after four people on board reportedly suffered possible smoke inhalation, but required no medical care after all passengers were evacuated. The Airbus A320 was carrying 142 passengers. The pilots requested an emergency landing at Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport at 5:50 p.m. local time or 1420 GMT Thursday and the plane landed at 6:14 p.m. or 1514 GMT. The airport said that an emergency response team including a medical crew boarded the plane.
Arturo Gatti Jr., son of late boxing champion, dies at age 17
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Arturo Gatti Jr. has died at the age of 17. He was the son of the late boxing great Arturo Gatti. The World Boxing Association announced the teenager's death Wednesday. He was found dead in a Mexico City apartment where he was living with his mother, Amanda Rodrigues. Authorities have not stated the cause of death. Gatti Sr., who was a world champion in two weight classes, died at age 37 in Brazil in 2009. His body was found at an apartment he had rented with his wife and their son, then a 10-month old baby. Police initially held Rodrigues as a suspect but released her and concluded Gatti Sr. died by suicide.
One Tech Tip: Annoyed by junk calls to your iPhone? Try the new iOS 26 call screen feature
LONDON (AP) — Apple has introduced a new call screening feature for iPhone users to combat nuisance calls. This tool, part of the iOS 26 update, allows users to screen calls from unknown numbers. To activate it, users must update their iPhones and enable the feature in the Phone app settings. When an unknown caller dials, a Siri-style voice asks for their name and purpose. Users receive a transcription and can choose to answer or send a pre-written message. While some users find it helpful, others report issues with important calls not getting through. Apple is catching up with Google, which already offers a similar feature.
Dolly Parton responds to concerns about her health: 'I'm not dying'
NEW YORK (AP) — Dolly Parton says not to worry, she “ain't dead yet." That's what the country superstar shared in a video on social media Wednesday following public speculation about her health. Late last month Parton postponed her first Las Vegas residency in 32 years, citing “health challenges.” She was scheduled to perform six shows in December. Her dates have been moved to next year, in Sept. 2026. She did not provide additional details. On Tuesday, a Facebook posted shared by her sister Freida Parton escalated concerns around Parton’s health when she wrote that she had been “up all night praying for my sister, Dolly.” Dolly Parton has clarified that her doctors say she is dealing with nothing major.
