Prince William serves as an usher at the wedding of aristocrat the Duke of Westminster
LONDON (AP) — Prince William is acting as an usher at the wedding of his friend Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster. The 33-year-old Grosvenor is known as one of Britain’s wealthiest landowners, and his marriage to Olivia Henson, 31, is considered one of the social events of the year. William and his fellow ushers arrived at Chester Cathedral in northwest England before the midday service. Spectators cheered the arrival of Grosvenor, dressed in a morning suit, and Henson, in a white wedding dress by Emma Victoria Payne. Grosvenor is a godfather to 10-year-old Prince George, the eldest son of William and Catherine. Catherine, who is being treated for cancer, was unable to attend the wedding.
‘Wheel of Fortune’: Vanna White says farewell to Pat Sajak in an emotional tribute
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Prior to Pat Sajak’s final episode as the host of “Wheel of Fortune,” Vanna White paid a heartfelt tribute to her co-host of four decades. In a video segment on Thursday’s episode, White honored Sajak’s work and their friendship with clips and photos spanning from the 1980s to the present. She described him as “like a brother” and a “true lifelong friend,” emphasizing that their personal bond meant more than their professional partnership. Sajak’s last episode is set to air on Friday, while White will continue as co-host with Ryan Seacrest taking over for Sajak.
Intense heat maintains hold on Southwest US with more record-breaking temperatures forecast
RENO, Nev. (AP) — The first heat wave of the year is expected to continue affecting the Southwest United States for at least another day, with temperatures soaring past 110 degrees Fahrenheit from southeast California to Arizona. Despite summer officially starting in two weeks, about half of Arizona and Nevada are under an excessive heat alert until Friday evening. Las Vegas will remain under the alert through Saturday, experiencing unprecedented early-year heat. Record highs on Thursday included 113 in Phoenix, 111 in Las Vegas, and 122 in Death Valley National Park.
Diana Ross, Eminem, and Jack White headline concert at revamped Detroit landmark
DETROIT (AP) — Detroit’s music icons, including Diana Ross, Eminem, and Jack White, performed at a concert celebrating the reopening of an 18-story building that once symbolized the city’s decline. The event, titled “Live from Detroit: The Concert at Michigan Central,” marked the reopening of the refurbished train station to the public after six years of Ford Motor Company ownership and over three decades since the last train departure. The former Michigan Central Station, which had fallen into disrepair, now stands as a symbol of Detroit’s revival. In addition to the headliners, the sold-out event featured performances by Big Sean, the Clark Sisters, and Fantasia.
American veteran embraces Ukraine’s Zelenskyy at D-Day ceremony
OMAHA BEACH, France (AP) — At a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion in World War II, an American veteran and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy exchanged emotional praises. Retired Staff Sgt. Melvin Hurwitz and other veterans were introduced to foreign dignitaries remembering the Normandy landings on Thursday. When he met Zelenskyy, the 99-year-old veteran kissed the Ukrainian leader’s hand and shared an extended embrace, calling him the “savior of the people.” Zelenskyy responded, stating that Hurwitz and his comrades were the true saviors of Europe. The ongoing war in Ukraine cast a shadow over the anniversary.
Celtics dominate Mavericks in Game 1 of NBA Finals
BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 22 points, and Kristaps Porzingis added 20 in his return after more than a month as the Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks 107-89 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Boston led by 29 points in the first half and made 16 3-pointers in a strong start to their pursuit of an 18th NBA title. Porzingis, who had been sidelined since April 29 with a calf injury, came off the bench with a notable performance, contributing six rebounds and three blocks in 21 minutes. Six players from the Celtics finished in double figures.
New ‘Hunger Games’ book and movie announced
NEW YORK (AP) — Suzanne Collins, inspired by an 18th-century Scottish philosopher and the challenge of misinformation, is returning to the dystopian world of Panem for a new “The Hunger Games” novel. Scholastic revealed that “Sunrise on the Reaping” is scheduled to be published on March 18, 2025. The fifth installment in the popular series begins with the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, set 24 years before the events of the original novel. A film adaptation is also planned for 2026.
James Beard Awards finalists announced
CHICAGO (AP) — The James Beard Awards finalists include numerous chefs and restaurants. Among them are Baobab Fare in Detroit, Seattle pho shops, and a Palestinian chef in Washington, D.C. The awards in 22 categories will be presented during a ceremony in Chicago. Being named a finalist for a James Beard Award is highly prestigious and can significantly boost recognition and business for the chosen establishments. Baobab Fare in Detroit, owned by Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, is nominated for the “Outstanding Restaurateur” category.
Judge dismisses some charges in case against attacker of Paul Pelosi
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A judge has dismissed several charges against Paul Pelosi’s attacker in state court following arguments of double jeopardy. David DePape, who was convicted federally for the 2022 attack in the Pelosis’ San Francisco home, is no longer facing charges of attempted murder, elder abuse, and assault with a deadly weapon. DePape still has other charges pending, including false imprisonment, residential burglary, and more. He has pleaded not guilty and was sentenced to 30 years in prison last month.
United States outplays Pakistan in thrilling cricket tiebreaker at T20 World Cup
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas (AP) — The United States pulled off a major upset by defeating cricket powerhouse Pakistan in a Super Over tiebreaker at the Twenty20 World Cup. Co-hosting the tournament, the U.S. team secured back-to-back victories. Aaron Jones played a crucial role with a score of 36 not out off 26 balls, leading the game into a Super Over alongside Nitish Kumar. The dramatic tiebreaker ended with the U.S. team emerging victorious.
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