‘Wheel of Fortune’: Vanna White bids an emotional goodbye to Pat Sajak
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ahead of Pat Sajak’s final episode as the host of “Wheel of Fortune,” Vanna White paid an emotional tribute to her co-host of four decades. On Thursday’s episode of the game show, White honored Sajak’s work and their friendship with a video segment that featured clips and photos tracing their collaboration from the 1980s to the present. She called him “like a brother” and a “true lifelong friend,” adding that their personal friendship has meant even more than their professional collaboration. Sajak’s final episode will air Friday. White is staying on as co-host, with Ryan Seacrest taking over from Sajak.
Scorching heat keeps grip on Southwest US as records tumble and more triple digits forecast
RENO, Nev. (AP) — The first heat wave of the year is expected to maintain its grip on the Southwest United States for at least another day as record-setting temperatures continue to soar past 110 degrees Fahrenheit from southeast California to Arizona. The official start of summer is still two weeks away. But roughly half of Arizona and Nevada remain under an excessive heat alert into Friday evening. The alert continues through Saturday in Las Vegas, where its never been hotter this early in the year. New record highs Thursday included 113 in Phoenix, 111 in Las Vegas and 122 in Death Valley National Park.
Diana Ross, Eminem and Jack White perform for thousands as former Detroit eyesore returns to life
DETROIT (AP) — Some of Detroit’s greatest musical exports performed at a concert celebrating the historic reopening of an 18-story structure that long had symbolized their hometown’s decline. Diana Ross, Eminem and Jack White took part in Thursday night’s event called “Live From Detroit: The Concert at Michigan Central.” The refurbished train station opens to the public on Friday, six years after Ford Motor Company took control of the building and more than three decades since the last train pulled out. The vacant Michigan Central Station fell into disrepair and became emblematic of the Motor City’s decay. The sold-out, ticketed outdoor event also featured performances by Big Sean, the Clark Sisters and Fantasia.
At D-Day ceremony, American veteran hugs Ukraine’s Zelenskyy and calls him a savior
OMAHA BEACH, France (AP) — An American veteran and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared an emotional moment at a ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion to liberate France in World War II. Each praised the other as a hero. Retired Staff Sgt. Melvin Hurwitz and other veterans were introduced to the foreign dignitaries remembering the landings in Normandy on Thursday. When he was introduced to Zelenskyy, the 99-year-old kissed the Ukrainian leader’s hand and pulled him in for an extended hug. He exclaimed: “Oh, you’re the savior of the people.” A beaming Zelenskyy replied: “No, no, no, you … you saved Europe.” The war in Ukraine hung over the anniversary.
Celtics rout Mavericks 107-89 in Game 1 of NBA Finals behind Brown, returning Porzingis
BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 22 points, Kristaps Porzingis added 20 in his first game in more than a month and the Boston Celtics powered past the Dallas Mavericks 107-89 on Thursday night in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Derrick White finished with 15 points for Boston, which led by 29 points in the first half and connected on 16 3-pointers in a powerful start to its quest for an 18th NBA title. Porzingis, who had been sidelined since April 29 with a strained right calf, came off the bench and provided an immediate spark, adding six rebounds and three blocks in 21 minutes. Six Celtics finished in double figures.
A new ‘Hunger Games’ book — and movie — is coming
NEW YORK (AP) — Inspired by an 18th century Scottish philosopher and the modern scourge of misinformation, Suzanne Collins is returning to the ravaged, post-apocalyptic land of Panem for a new “The Hunger Games” novel. Scholastic announced Thursday that “Sunrise on the Reaping” will be published March 18, 2025. The fifth volume in the blockbuster dystopian series begins with the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games. It’s set 24 years before the events of the original “Hunger Games” novel and 40 years after the most recent book, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” A film version is scheduled for 2026.
James Beard finalists include an East African restaurant in Detroit and Seattle pho shops
CHICAGO (AP) — Dozens of chefs and restaurants are finalists for this year’s prestigious James Beard Awards. They include an East African eatery in Detroit, longtime family owned Seattle pho shops and a Palestinian chef using ancient cooking techniques in Washington, D.C. Awards in 22 categories are set to be announced during a Monday ceremony in Chicago. The James Beards Awards are the culinary world’s equivalent of the Oscars. For restaurants, even being named a finalist can bring wide recognition and boost business. Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere own Baobab Fare in Detroit, which is among five finalists in the “Outstanding Restaurateur” category. They fled their native Burundi about a decade ago and say a win could inspire other refugees.
Judge dismisses attempted murder and other charges in state case against Paul Pelosi’s attacker
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A judge has dismissed several criminal charges against Paul Pelosi’s attacker in state court. The judge ruled on Thursday following the defense’s argument of double jeopardy. David DePape was federally convicted in the 2022 attack inside the couple’s San Francisco home. He now no longer faces counts of attempted murder, elder abuse and assault with a deadly weapon. DePape still faces charges of of false imprisonment, residential burglary, threatening a family member of a public official, attempting to sway a witness and aggravated kidnapping. He has pleaded not guilty. DePape was convicted last month and sentenced to 30 years in prison.
United States shocks cricket heavyweight Pakistan at T20 World Cup in a Super Over tiebreaker
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas (AP) — The United States has beaten cricket heavyweight Pakistan in a Super Over tiebreaker at the Twenty20 World Cup in one of the sport’s biggest upsets. The U.S. team is co-hosting the tournament and has now won back-to-back games. Aaron Jones, who smashed 94 runs off 40 deliveries in the opening win over Canada, once again starred for the Americans when he helped stretch the game into a so-called Super Over with another vital knock of 36 not out off 26. Jones hit a six and then a single before Nitish Kumar’s boundary off the last ball in regulation tied the scores at 159. That set up the dramatic tiebreaker.
Class-action lawsuit against NFL by ‘Sunday Ticket’ subscribers gets underway
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A class-action lawsuit filed by “Sunday Ticket” subscribers claiming the NFL broke antitrust laws began in federal court Thursday with opening statements. The lawsuit was filed in 2015 and has withstood numerous challenges, including a dismissal that was overturned. The suit alleges the NFL broke antitrust laws when it allowed DirecTV to exclusively sell the “Sunday Ticket” package of out-of-market Sunday afternoon games airing on CBS and Fox at an inflated price and restricted competition. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, a longtime member of the league’s broadcast committee, are expected to testify in the case, which could last up to three weeks.
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