Star-maker Clive Davis honored at funeral that draws Bruce Springsteen, Dionne Warwick and others
NEW YORK (AP) — Pop music royalty including Bruce Springsteen, Barry Manilow, Stevie Wonder and Dionne Warwick were among the many notables who paid tribute to music legend Clive Davis at the esteemed producer's funeral in Manhattan. Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl said Davis would have loved how many stars showed up to Monday's service, which was closed to the public but was livestreamed. Davis, who died June 22 at age 94, launched the careers of stars such as Whitney Houston and Springsteen. At the service, Kenny G played a mournful sax solo, Jennifer Hudson sang Leonard Cohen's “Hallelujah,” and Alicia Keys teared up while talking about Davis' influence on her career.
Supreme Court won't revive Alan Dershowitz's $300 million suit against CNN
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is refusing to revive a $300 million defamation lawsuit filed against CNN over its coverage of a prominent attorney’s remarks during President Donald Trump’s 2020 impeachment trial. Alan Dershowitz said the news network aired only a portion of the comment made during his defense of the president, distorting his meaning. The network said that multiple outlets had interpreted his remarks in a similar way, and Dershowitz couldn’t show anyone at CNN was trying to mischaracterize what he said. Dershowitz had urged the court to reconsider New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, a landmark First Amendment case.
Heat forces yodelers at annual Swiss festival to sing in fountains
BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — Yodelers at a festival in Basel, Switzerland, turned city fountains into rehearsal spaces during Europe’s June heat wave. From Friday to Sunday, singers and alphorn players performed throughout the city. Spontaneous yodeling echoed through restaurants, surprising diners who later joined in. Around 12,000 performers and nearly 200,000 visitors attended the Eidgenössisches Jodlerfest. This year, fountain rehearsals became the festival’s defining image as the city battled record temperatures. The festival included yodeling, alphorn playing and flag-throwing competitions.
Inside country legend Alan Jackson's triumphant finale concert
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Country music legend Alan Jackson has ended his touring career. On Saturday night, he performed his final show at Nashville's Nissan Stadium. The event, titled “Last Call: One More for the Road — The Finale,” featured performances by top country stars like Carrie Underwood and Luke Combs. Jackson, who has sold over 60 million records, has been battling a degenerative nerve condition. Despite this, he delivered a memorable performance, sharing stories and hits. Although he's retiring from touring, Jackson recently released a new song and plans to continue making music. An NBC concert special will air later this year.
In blow to DC Studios, 'Supergirl' is no match for 'Toy Story 5' at box office
NEW YORK (AP) — In a setback for Warner Bros.′ revamped DC movie operations, “Supergirl” was absolutely no match for “Toy Story 5” at the box office, opening a distant second to the Pixar blockbuster. After a near-record debut for an animated movie, “Toy Story 5” remained No. 1 at the box office with $70 million in domestic ticket sales and another $89.1 million overseas. “Supergirl,” however, failed to lift off. It opened with $38 million in U.S. and Canadian theaters, and $30 million in overseas markets. The poor opening weekend for “Supergirl” puts it behind the disappointing debuts of DC busts like “The Flash” and “The Green Lantern,” and only just ahead of “Joker: Folie à Deux.”
At least 117 dead dogs found in 'horrific scene' at California 'no-kill' shelter
FORTUNA, Calif. (AP) — Authorities say the remains of at least 117 dogs were found on the grounds of a California “no-kill“ animal shelter, many of them with gunshot wounds. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said Friday that it also discovered 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones and other remains during searches at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary, a 50-acre facility in Fortuna, California. Investigators combing the site on Thursday located an area in a barn where they believe dogs were likely killed, the sheriff’s office said. More than 600 dog collars were found nearby. Sheriff William Honsal called it a “horrific scene.” No charges have been filed. A message seeking comment was left for the shelter’s founder, Shannon Miranda.
Man with same name as US Sen. Dan Sullivan is eligible for Alaska's primary ballot, judge rules
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — An Alaska judge has ruled that a man with the same name and party affiliation as Alaska Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan is eligible to challenge the senator in the August primary. Superior Court Judge Thomas Matthews’ ruling on Friday overturns a June 15 decision by Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher. She disqualified the challenger Sullivan and said he was ineligible for the ballot. Matthews’ ruling can be appealed to the state Supreme Court. Attorneys for the state have pushed for a final decision by noon Tuesday, citing ballot printing and mailing deadlines.
Thousands of Vespas swarm Rome’s historic center to mark iconic scooter’s 80th anniversary
ROME (AP) — Around 15,000 Vespas buzzed through Rome on Saturday, celebrating the scooter's 80th anniversary. Enthusiasts from Europe, the US, Australia and the Philippines gathered to honor the iconic brand. Vespas became famous after featuring in films like "Roman Holiday." Originally designed for women, Vespas helped kickstart Italy's economy post-World War II. The event included a Vespa Village with memorabilia and a photo retrospective. The company has sold about 20 million Vespas worldwide. Fans say the scooter's charm and Italian style keep them loyal. Many switch from larger motorcycles to the nimble Vespa.
5.9 magnitude earthquake shakes Pakistan and Afghanistan, no damage reported
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — A magnitude 5.9 earthquake has struck parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan, causing panic among residents. The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported the epicenter was in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan. The quake on Saturday was also felt in Islamabad and other regions. An official from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority says there are no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Pakistan, located in an active seismic zone, frequently experiences earthquakes. A magnitude 7.6 quake in 2005 killed tens of thousands in Pakistan and Kashmir.
At the Great American State Fair, you can find a dinosaur's rib cage. Unity is another matter
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Great American State Fair has kicked off on the National Mall in Washington. It's run by a group created by President Donald Trump. Visitors can find a 110-foot Ferris wheel, along with farm animals and state-themed exhibits. Some visitors feel the fair is a great idea but they also wish it were less political. States such as Montana and Texas are showcasing unique attractions. Visitors to the exhibits for Hawaii and Alaska might find unstaffed booths. Maine, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania chose not to participate. Some fair visitors say they enjoy the diversity of the event while others feel it highlights national divisions.
