United flight landing in Newark strikes light pole on New Jersey Turnpike, FAA says
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Federal authorities are investigating after a United Airlines passenger jet struck a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration says the incident happened Sunday afternoon as the Boeing 767 was landing. The FAA said the plane touched down safely after a flight from Venice, Italy. The airline said the pole strike occurred during the aircraft's final approach to Newark. It says Flight 169 landed safely, taxied to the gate normally, and no passengers or crew were hurt. A maintenance team was evaluating damage to the aircraft and United said it was opening a “rigorous” flight safety investigation.
‘The Devil Wears Prada’ struts to first place with $77 million debut
Studio estimates on Sunday say "The Devil Wears Prada 2" has topped the box office with $77 million in the U.S. and Canada and $156.6 million internationally. Women drove the success, making up 76% of ticket buyers. The sequel, featuring Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep, sees Andy Sachs working again for Miranda Priestly. Critics had mixed reviews, but 74% of viewers would recommend it. The film cost $100 million to produce, a significant increase from the original. Meanwhile, the Michael Jackson biopic "Michael" took second place with $54 million. This weekend kicks off Hollywood's critical summer movie season.
Milly Alcock’s ‘punk rock’ Supergirl takes flight as DC bets big on the Woman of Tomorrow
Australian actor Milly Alcock stars as Supergirl in this summer's new DC Studios movie bearing her name. Heading to theaters on June 26, the film finds her character on an intergalactic odyssey of revenge. DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran first noticed Alcock on the “Game of Thrones” prequel series “House of the Dragon.” Since she filmed her cameo for “Superman,” it's been a non-stop ride. Alcock says her character reminded her a lot of herself. She's finding the experience of sudden fame somewhat disorienting and laughs about anyone wanting a toy with her face.
Video of NYC police killing machete-wielding man at Grand Central station released
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City police have released body-worn camera footage of officers shooting and killing a machete-wielding man who stabbed three people at a Grand Central subway stop last month. The video clip posted online Friday shows officers confronting Anthony Griffin after he randomly slashed three people at a major subway station connecting to Grand Central Terminal. The officers are seen ordering Griffin to drop the large knife multiple times, but he continues to approach them with the weapon held high. One of the officers then opens fire, killing Griffin. Police have said the three stabbing victims sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.
Humpback whale 'Timmy' released in the North Sea after weeks stranded off Germany
BERLIN (AP) — A rescue team has released from a barge in the North Sea a humpback whale that had been stranded in shallow waters near Germany since March, witnesses said. Nicknamed Timmy by German media, the whale was spotted swimming near Germany’s Baltic Sea coast on March 3, far from its natural habitat in the Atlantic Ocean. The mammal’s health deteriorated as it became repeatedly stranded in shallow waters, and unsuccessful efforts were made to coax it toward deeper seas. The environment minister for Germany’s Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state gave the green light for the attempt to save the whale, despite some warnings from the scientific community that it may be too much for the animal.
Plane carrying pickleball players crashes in Texas Hill Country, killing all 5 on board
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A small plane has crashed in Texas Hill Country, killing all five people on board. A pickleball club in Amarillo says they were members who were flying to a tournament. Authorities say the crash happened around 11 p.m. Thursday night in Wimberley, about 40 miles from Austin. A pilot and four passengers were on the Cessna. The plane's flight history shows it took off from Amarillo and was headed to New Braunfels National Airport. Stacey Rohr, who lives nearby, says she heard a crash and “felt everything vibrate.”
Banksy confirms a new statue in central London of a man blinded by a flag is his work
LONDON (AP) — Elusive street artist Banksy has claimed responsibility for a new sculpture in central London. The statue features a man striding off a plinth with his face covered by a flag. Banksy posted a video on his Instagram account Thursday showing snippets of how it was installed in the dead of night. Before Banksy's confirmation, locals and tourists speculated the sculpture near Buckingham Palace was his work due to his signature at the base. Known for spray-painting buildings, Banksy's street art has gained global fame, often selling for millions. Despite his success, Banksy has never publicly revealed his identity.
Man charged with possessing meth lab chemicals in Michigan State building
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan State University scrambled to relocate some final exams after police said they discovered a man inside an academic building with household substances that could make methamphetamine. The 31-year-old man was charged Wednesday with malicious destruction of property and possessing substances to operate a meth lab. Wells Hall has been closed since Monday. Police did not explicitly say they discovered a meth operation inside Wells Hall. But the substances destroyed doors and flooring. Michigan State in East Lansing is holding final exams this week followed by graduation events.
Walmart breaks its no-frills mold with in-store beauty experts and personalized advice
NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart customers may find something new the next time they’re looking for makeup and skin care products: in-store advisers offering personalized tips and recommendations. The massive retail chain is breaking out of its no-frills service model by staffing its beauty aisles with trained specialists who will suggest foundation shades to match a shopper’s skin tone or knows about a moisturizer trending on TikTok. Walmart expects to have the roles filled in more than 400 of the U.S. 4,600 stores it operates by year-end. The addition of “beauty experts” comes as Walmart, Target, specialty chains like Sephora and department stores are vying for a bigger slice of the $129 billion U.S. beauty and personal care market.
Far from the original in Philadelphia, these fans hunt for the Liberty Bell replica in each state
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — If you can't visit the original Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, you might find a dead ringer nearby. For a 1950 bond drive, the Treasury Department commissioned replicas for each U.S. state and several territories. These replicas have become a fascination for “bell hunters” like Tom Campbell from Colorado. Campbell stumbled upon his first replica in Denver in the late 1990s, sparking a quest to visit them all. The replicas, cast in France, weigh the same as the original and even have faux cracks, but differ in metallurgical makeup. Many have suffered from neglect, but some are being restored as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary.
