Florida’s population surpasses 23 million for the first time as residents relocate from other states
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The population of Florida has exceeded 23 million residents for the first time this year due to an increase in people moving from other states. According to the state Demographic Estimating Conference, Florida welcomed nearly 359,000 new residents last year. Florida is currently the third most populous state in the U.S. The state has experienced a consistent growth of 350,000 to 375,000 people annually this decade. However, growth in Florida is expected to peak this year and gradually decrease in the following years due to the decreasing number of baby boomers entering retirement.
U.S. investigates Delta’s flight cancellations and response to global tech outage
The U.S. airline regulators have initiated an investigation into Delta Air Lines, which is still facing challenges in restoring operations more than four days after a faulty software update led to a global technological disruption and impacted air travel worldwide. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced the investigation on social media on Tuesday morning to ensure that the airline is complying with regulations and providing adequate assistance to passengers during the ongoing disruptions. As of Tuesday morning, Delta accounted for a significant number of flight cancellations within, into, or out of the U.S., with 440 out of 654 total cancellations.
Colombian bullfighters protest new ban on traditional practice and pledge to continue
CHOACHI, Colombia (AP) — Sebastián Caqueza affirms that a new law to ban bullfighting in Colombia within three years will not extinguish his passion for the centuries-old tradition he has been part of since childhood. Caqueza became a professional matador five years ago by facing a fully grown bull for approximately 20 minutes and ultimately killing it with a sword. Despite the challenges he may face in making a living as a bullfighter, the 33-year-old vows to uphold the tradition to the best of his ability. He plans to continue participating in bullfighting events outside of Colombia and believes that even if it becomes illegal in the country, supporters will continue to organize events, emphasizing that bullfighting is their passion and way of life.
Wildfires near Canada’s Jasper National Park lead to evacuation order
EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Multiple wildfires have erupted in Canada’s largest national park located in the Canadian Rockies, prompting thousands of visitors and residents to evacuate and flee through mountain roads enveloped in darkness, soot, and ash following a government warning. Social media posts on Monday night through Tuesday depicted a procession of vehicles moving out of Jasper National Park and the Jasper townsite, home to 4,700 residents, amid swirling smoke. The park, situated in Alberta, is renowned for its campgrounds and extensive trail networks, making it a popular destination for tourists.
Jon Stewart advocates for aid to veterans affected by exposure to uranium after 9/11
WASHINGTON (AP) — Comedian Jon Stewart is urging the Biden administration to address a loophole in a major veterans aid bill that has excluded some of the first troops who responded after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Many of these troops fell ill after being deployed to a former Soviet base near Afghanistan contaminated with high levels of uranium. Stewart compared the conditions at the base, Karshi-Khanabad, Uzbekistan, or “K2,” to being stationed inside the meth lab from the TV show ‘Breaking Bad.’ Despite legislation making it easier for millions of veterans exposed to contaminants in conflicts like Afghanistan and Iraq to receive care, veterans from K2 were left out.
Google reverses decision to eliminate ad-tracking cookies on Chrome browser
LONDON (AP) — Google has decided to abandon its plan to eliminate cookies from its Chrome web browser after working for four years to phase out the technology used for tracking users for advertising purposes. The company had been working on retiring third-party cookies as part of an effort to enhance user privacy on Chrome. However, its proposed Privacy Sandbox caused concern in the online advertising industry over fears of limiting the space for advertising rivals. In a blog post on Monday, Google cited the impact on publishers, advertisers, and all parties involved in online advertising as the reason for discontinuing the plan.
Calls for Maya Rudolph to reprise Kamala Harris role on ‘SNL’ flood social media
NEW YORK (AP) — Speculation is mounting about whether Maya Rudolph will return as “funt,” portraying Vice President Kamala Harris, on “Saturday Night Live.” Rudolph, an “SNL” alum, has been in the spotlight recently, earning four Emmy nominations for her work in various projects. During the 2020 presidential election cycle, Rudolph portrayed Harris on “SNL” as a guest, winning an Emmy for one of her appearances. While discussions about Rudolph’s return to “SNL” are premature due to the show’s hiatus, fans are eagerly anticipating her potential comeback as Harris.
Wembanyama prepares for Paris Olympics as a standout basketball star
PARIS (AP) — Victor Wembanyama, a 7-foot-4 basketball phenomenon, has become a prominent figure in the Paris sports scene, standing out in a culture dominated by food, fashion, and the arts. The 20-year-old NBA rookie has gained international recognition for his exceptional talent, making him the center of attention as he returns home for the Paris Olympics, solidifying his position as the biggest name in the French delegation.
Horses travel to Paris Olympics with passports and carry-ons for equestrian eventing
PARIS (AP) — The U.S. eventing team’s horses commenced their journey to France for the Paris Olympics from a farm in Pennsylvania, flying to Luxembourg before traveling to their pre-Olympic base camp in Vittel. After resting, overcoming jet lag, and some light exercise, the horses will arrive at the regal gardens of Versailles Palace for their Olympic check-in before the start of the eventing competition on Saturday.
Eminem ends Taylor Swift’s record run at No. 1 on Billboard 200 charts
“The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce),” Eminem’s 12th studio album, has debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, displacing Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” after 12 weeks at the top. Swift broke Whitney Houston’s record with her album, which spent the first 11 weeks at No. 1. Eminem matched Morgan Wallen’s “One Thing at a Time” by debuting at No. 1 for 12 consecutive weeks. However, Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life” remains the reigning record-holder for spending 13 weeks at No. 1 upon its debut.
