Disease outbreak cuts Wyoming, Yellowstone wolf numbers to lowest level since reintroduction era
A disease outbreak significantly reduced wolf numbers in Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park last year. Biologists report the lowest wolf population in 20 years, with canine distemper as the likely cause. This virus is especially lethal to wolf pups, with only 37% surviving the year. The outbreak affected 64% of wolves in northwestern Wyoming. Despite past outbreaks occurring when populations were high, this one happened with lower numbers, prompting further investigation. Wyoming's wolf population fell by 23%, with a 42% drop in breeding pairs. Officials remain hopeful for recovery, citing increased resistance among surviving wolves.
Amazon looks to redefine a need for speed with 30-minute deliveries
NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon is rapidly opening store-sized delivery hubs in dozens of U.S. and foreign cities to fulfill customers’ most urgent product needs in 30 minutes or less. The e-commerce titan's ultrafast Amazon Now service first launched in India last June. Amazon says it's now also available in five other countries and is expanding in the U.S. The mini-warehouses devoted to Amazon Now stock about 3,500 products. The items include fresh produce, beer, diapers, nonprescription medications, cleaning supplies, electronics and personal care products like shampoo. Offering uberfast deliveries is the latest chapter in the e-commerce titan's relentless pursuit of speed. The company revolutionized online shopping after it introduced two-day shipping in 2005.
Online seller eBay rejects GameStop's $56 billion takeover offer
Online seller eBay is rejecting an unsolicited $56 billion takeover offer from GameStop, calling the proposal “neither credible or attractive.” In a letter from eBay Chairman Paul Pressler sent to GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen, eBay’s board said that it had completed its review of GameStop’s offer and believes that eBay is a “strong, resilient business.”
A massive 11,000-carat ruby has been unearthed in Myanmar’s war-scarred gemstone heartland
BANGKOK (AP) — Miners in Myanmar have discovered a massive ruby, considered to be the second-largest by weight ever found in the country. The ruby, weighing 11,000 carats, was unearthed near Mogok in mid-April. Although it weighs less than a 21,450-carat stone found in 1996, it is considered more valuable due to its superior color and quality. Myanmar produces about 90% of the world’s rubies, with gemstones being a major revenue source. Human rights groups have urged jewelers to stop buying gems from Myanmar, as the industry has funded military governments and fueled internal conflict.
How a 3,400-year-old ballgame survives in Mexico against all odds
LOS LLANITOS, México (AP) — Mexico is embracing its ancient ballgame, ulama, as it prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This 3,400-year-old sport, nearly erased during the Spanish conquest, is gaining attention alongside international soccer. Ulama, played with a heavy rubber ball using only the hips, was once a ritual practice. Today, families like the Osunas in Sinaloa are keeping the tradition alive. While some see tourism as a revival tool, others worry it may distort the sport's cultural significance. Authorities and players are working to preserve ulama's heritage and introduce it to new generations.
Surfers in war-torn Gaza find rare moments of joy taking to the waves
DEIR AL-BALAH, The Gaza Strip (AP) — Despite the dire situation in Gaza, a few surfers find joy riding the waves. Tahseen Abu Assi, a surfer in Gaza City, says only a few people still surf due to a shortage of boards and repair materials. He values surfing so much that he carried his board through every displacement he went through during the two-year war. The Israeli military has heavily restricted fishing and sea access, making surfing risky. Intense fighting eased after a ceasefire on Oct. 10 of last year, but deadly strikes continue, and Palestinians struggle with basic needs.
Deadly bear attack in Glacier National Park is the first in decades at the iconic park
WEST GLACIER, Mont. (AP) — Authorities say a missing hiker's death in Glacier National Park was likely caused by a bear attack. It would be the first time a bear killed someone at the iconic Montana park since 1998. The National Park Service said the body was found in a wooded area off a trail Wednesday. The written statement didn't identify the hiker, but authorities had been searching since the weekend for a 33-year-old man from Florida. Some of the park's trails were closed while authorities investigate. Glacier National Park is home to grizzly bears and black bears. A bear last August swatted a 34-year-old hiker, injuring her shoulder and arm.
Olivia and Liam top the list of most popular US baby names for the seventh year running
WASHINGTON (AP) — Olivia and Liam have topped the list of baby names in the United States for 2025, marking the seventh consecutive year. The Social Security Administration released the list on Friday, just in time for Mother’s Day. Charlotte climbed to second place among girls, ending Emma’s six-year run in that spot. Ava slipped out of the Top 10, replaced by Eliana. On the boys’ side, the top four names — Liam, Noah, Oliver and Theodore — held steady. Kasai had the biggest surge in popularity for boys, while Klarity with a K led for girls. The U.S. saw 3.6 million births in 2025, slightly down from the year before.
Spiral galaxy's brilliant heart shines bright in a new picture from NASA's Webb telescope
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A spiral galaxy's brilliant heart outshines everything within sight in a new picture from NASA's Webb Space Telescope. The image released this week depicts the Messier 77 galaxy 45 million light-years away. The galaxy's active nucleus is powered by a supermassive black hole that's 8 million times more massive than the sun. Surrounding gas is sucked into a tight orbit around the black hole, becoming so hot that it radiates in the extreme. Webb captured the stunning details. The world's largest and most powerful space telescope has been photographing the cosmos since launching in 2021.
David Attenborough, the excited but hushed voice of nature programs, turns 100
LONDON (AP) — David Attenborough, the world’s most famous wildlife presenter, is celebrating his 100th birthday on Friday. The BBC is hosting a party at the Royal Albert Hall, and cinemas are playing his nature films. Despite the accolades, Attenborough prefers the animals to be the stars. Over 70 years, his documentaries have brought the wonders of nature into homes worldwide. His work has educated people on evolution, animal behavior, and biodiversity. Attenborough has also raised awareness about climate change and other environmental threats. He remains committed to his work, feeling privileged to continue sharing his passion.
