Sean Astin, who starred in 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Rudy,' is elected as SAG-AFTRA's new president
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The union that represents tens of thousands of actors and other entertainer and media professionals has elected Sean Astin as its new president. On Friday, SAG-AFTRA elected Astin — who starred in “Rudy” and “The Lord of the Rings,” among other roles — to succeed Fran Drescher as its president. Astin is the son of the late Academy Award-winning actress Patty Duke. He defeated Chuck Slavin in a 79% to 21% vote. Michelle Hurd was elected secretary-treasurer. SAG-AFTRA brings together Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, program hosts and others.
A shoulder to lean on: Steeplechaser stops, lends a helping hand to a struggling competitor
TOKYO (AP) — Steeplechaser Tim Van de Velde looked behind him and saw a fellow competitor crawling over the last barrier on a 3,000-meter journey that went terribly for both. His hopes already long crushed, he turned around, put an arm around stumbling Carlos San Martin and helped him jog to the finish. That show of sportsmanship between the 10th- and 11th-place finishers in an otherwise routine race might very well have been the highlight of a busy opening night at track and field world championships, even on a day when five gold medals were handed out.
FAA seeks $3.1 million in fines from Boeing over safety violations, 2024 midair panel blowout
The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking $3.1 million in fines from Boeing over safety violations, including an incident in January last year where an Alaska Airlines jetliner lost a door plug panel on its fuselage in midflight. No one was seriously injured, and the plane landed safely. The agency said Friday that the proposed penalty covers violations from September 2023 through February 2024. The FAA said it identified hundreds of quality system violations at Boeing’s 737 factory and a subcontractor’s facility. Boeing has 30 days to respond to the FAA.
Ghana's fantasy coffins are a colorful celebration of life and legacy
ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — Ghana's fantasy coffins are unique creations that embody the essence of a person's life. Known by locals as Abebuo, these colorful coffins, shaped like animals, tools, or symbols, serve as a final message from the deceased. While they are common among the Ga people of Accra, their popularity is spreading across Ghana. Families choose designs that reflect identity, occupation and status. Funerals in Ghana are vibrant, with music and dancing, and these coffins add a creative touch. Some coffins are even sought after by collectors as art pieces, destined for museums abroad.
Shaun White and Nina Dobrev call off their engagement, break up after 5 years
Shaun White and Nina Dobrev have called off their engagement and brought an end to their five-year relationship, a person close to the couple tells The Associated Press. The Olympic champion snowboarder and the one-time star of “The Vampire Diaries” made a mutual decision to part, according to the person. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. White, 39, and Dobrev, 36, went public about their relationship in 2020. They announced their engagement in October 2024, posting a picture of White kneeling in front of Dobrev at a New York restaurant.
Australia approves world-first vaccine to save koalas from chlamydia
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia has approved a world-first vaccine to protect koalas from chlamydia. This disease causes infertility and death in the endangered species. Developed by the University of the Sunshine Coast, the single-dose vaccine reduces symptoms and mortality by at least 65%. Approval means it can now be used in wildlife hospitals and in the field. Some conservationists argue resources should focus on habitat preservation. Koalas face threats from habitat loss, climate change and disease. Experts warn that without action, koalas could become extinct by 2050. The vaccine is part of a broader effort to save them.
Jane Austen fans honor 250 years since her birth with grand costumed balls and dancing
LONDON (AP) — Fans of Jane Austen are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the beloved author's birth with costumed balls and themed events. This weekend, thousands of Austen devotees from all over the world are descending on Bath, England, for a 10-day festival celebrating the author of “Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility.” The highlight is a Regency costumed promenade, expected to draw some 2,000 people. The popularity of “Bridgerton” has renewed interest in all things Regency and drawn in a new generation of fans. Many “Janeites” say they get huge enjoyment in making Austen’s words and imageries come to life by making their own period dress and immersing themselves in historical dances.
A United Airlines passenger plane makes emergency landing in Osaka as cargo fire is suspected
NAGASAKI, Japan (AP) — A United Airlines passenger plane carrying 142 people bound for the Philippine island of Cebu has made an emergency landing in Osaka after an indicator showed a fire in the cargo room. That's according to Japanese aviation officials. Footage on Japan’s NHK television showed passengers sliding down escape shooters from the aircraft parked on a runway at the airport. The UA flight 32, which departed from the Narita International Airport near Tokyo was flying over the Pacific Ocean when it noticed the problem. So far there are no reports of injuries. Officials said they were investigating whether there was actual fire or smoke.
Former NBA player Jason Collins undergoing treatment for brain tumor
NEW YORK (AP) — Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player who now serves as an ambassador for the league, is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, his family says. Collins came out in 2013, becoming the first publicly gay athlete in the four main North American sports leagues. He retired in 2014 after a 13-year career with several teams, including the New Jersey Nets and Boston. His family sent a statement to the NBA, asking for privacy and welcoming support and prayers. Collins averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds during his career, with his best season in 2004-05 for the then-New Jersey Nets.
Polly Holliday, theater star famous as the tart waitress Flo on sitcom 'Alice,' dies at 88
NEW YORK (AP) — Polly Holliday, known for her role in the CBS sitcom “Alice,” has died at 88. Her agent said she passed away Tuesday at her New York home. Holliday became famous for her catchphrase “Kiss my grits!” on the show, which ran from 1976 to 1985. She earned four Golden Globe nominations, winning one in 1980, and received four Emmy nominations. Holliday's career spanned Broadway, film and TV, including roles in “Golden Girls” and “Gremlins.” She was the last surviving member of the principal cast of “Alice.”
