Yellowstone National Park Surprised by Eruption Sending Dozens Running for Safety
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — An unexpected eruption in Yellowstone National Park has startled visitors, shooting steam, water, and dark-colored rock and dirt approximately 100 feet into the air. The hydrothermal explosion occurred on Tuesday morning in Biscuit Basin, a collection of hot springs located a few miles north of Old Faithful Geyser. Video footage posted online shows a group of onlookers standing on a boardwalk witnessing the eruption unfold in front of them. As the eruption intensified, they quickly ran to safety to avoid falling water and debris. Although the boardwalk was damaged, no injuries were reported. The basin has been closed to ensure visitor safety.
British Blues Pioneer John Mayall Dies at 90
LONDON (AP) — John Mayall, the influential British blues musician known for his band the Bluesbreakers which nurtured talents like Eric Clapton and Mick Fleetwood, has passed away at the age of 90. Mayall played a significant role in shaping the English interpretation of urban, Chicago-style rhythm and blues, which played a key role in the blues revival of the late 1960s. According to a statement on Mayall’s official Instagram page, he died at his California home on Monday. Despite not achieving the same level of fame as some of his proteges, Mayall continued to perform well into his late 80s, maintaining his rendition of Chicago blues.
Oscar Mayer Wienermobile Flips Over in Suburban Chicago Crash
OAK BROOK, Ill. (AP) — A mishap occurred with one of Oscar Mayer’s iconic Wienermobiles on a Chicago highway, resulting in the vehicle flipping onto its side after colliding with another car. Illinois State Police reported that the incident took place on Monday morning on Interstate 294 near the Chicago suburb of Oak Brook. The driver of the Wienermobile lost control after the collision, causing the vehicle to roll over. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained, and the Wienermobile was eventually removed from the scene on a flatbed truck. A spokesperson for the Oscar Mayer brand expressed gratitude that everyone involved was safe and unharmed.
Wildfires Force Evacuation of Thousands from Canadian Rockies National Park and Town
EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Multiple wildfires ravaging the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies have led to the evacuation of up to 25,000 visitors and residents, who were forced to flee westward through the only open mountain road. Despite the darkness and soot, people evacuated the area on Tuesday following a government alert during the peak tourist season. With hundreds of wildfires burning across western Canada, those escaping from Jasper National Park and Jasper town in Alberta province were directed to make an extensive U-turn to the east for accommodation, avoiding the wildfires in British Columbia to the west.
Colombian Bullfighters Vow to Continue Tradition Despite Ban
CHOACHI, Colombia (AP) — Despite a newly passed law that will eventually ban bullfighting in Colombia, bullfighters like Sebastián Caqueza remain dedicated to the centuries-old tradition. Caqueza, who has been a bullfighter since childhood and turned professional five years ago, expressed his commitment to keeping the tradition alive even as it becomes increasingly difficult to make a living from it. He intends to continue participating in bullfighting events outside of Colombia, and he believes that supporters will find ways to host bullfighting events even after the ban takes effect, stating that it is their passion and way of life.
Florida’s Population Surpasses 23 Million Due to Influx of Residents
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Florida’s population has exceeded 23 million residents for the first time, primarily driven by people relocating from other states. The state Demographic Estimating Conference revealed that Florida gained nearly 359,000 new residents last year. As the third most populous state in the U.S., Florida has experienced consistent annual growth throughout the decade. However, this growth is projected to peak this year and gradually decline in the following years as the number of final baby boomers entering retirement decreases.
Delta Airlines Under Investigation for Flight Cancellations
U.S. airline regulators have launched an investigation into Delta Air Lines following ongoing struggles to restore operations more than four days after a global tech outage caused widespread disruptions. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced the investigation to ensure the airline’s compliance with regulations and proper care for affected passengers. Delta and its partners have canceled approximately 500 flights, representing the majority of flight cancellations in the United States.
Jon Stewart Advocates for Veterans Affected by Post-9/11 Uranium Exposure
WASHINGTON (AP) — Comedian Jon Stewart is urging the Biden administration to address a loophole in a veterans aid bill that excludes some troops who responded after the September 11, 2001 attacks. These troops became ill after being stationed at a former Soviet base near Afghanistan contaminated with high levels of uranium. Stewart described the conditions at Karshi-Khanabad as akin to being in a meth lab from “Breaking Bad.” Despite the lack of coverage in current legislation, Stewart is advocating for recognition and support for veterans exposed to contaminants during various conflicts.
Google Reverses Decision on Cookie Removal in Chrome Browser
LONDON (AP) — In a sudden change of course, Google has decided to abandon plans to eliminate cookies from its Chrome web browser. The company had been working on phasing out third-party cookies to bolster user privacy but faced backlash from the online advertising industry regarding potential replacements. Google cited concerns about the impact on publishers, advertisers, and other stakeholders in online advertising as the reason for the decision to retain cookies. This move marks a significant shift after four years of efforts to improve data privacy on Chrome.
Social Media Calls for Maya Rudolph’s Return as Kamala Harris on ‘SNL’
NEW YORK (AP) — Speculation is growing about whether Maya Rudolph will reprise her role as Vice President Kamala Harris on “Saturday Night Live” following President Joe Biden’s announcement. Rudolph, an “SNL” alum, is a busy actor with multiple projects garnering Emmy nominations. Known for her portrayal of Harris during the 2020 presidential election cycle, Rudolph’s potential return to “SNL” for its upcoming season has generated excitement among fans. While discussions about her return are premature as the show is on hiatus, fans are eagerly anticipating her reappearance on the iconic sketch comedy series.