Divers discover wreckage of a Finnish WWII plane that was shot down by Moscow, carrying a US diplomat
HELSINKI (AP) — After more than eight decades, the mystery of a Finnish passenger plane that was shot down over the Baltic Sea by Soviet bombers during World War II seems to have been solved. The plane was carrying American and French diplomatic couriers in June 1940 when it was intercepted just days before Moscow annexed the Baltic states. All nine individuals on board, including the two Finnish crew members and seven passengers, including an American diplomat, lost their lives. A diving and salvage team in Estonia recently announced that it had located well-preserved parts and debris from the Junkers Ju 52 plane operated by Finnish airline Aero, which is now Finnair.
Residents and communities brace for an upcoming heat wave in the Midwest and Northeast
A heat wave is expected to bring dangerously high temperatures to the Midwest and Northeast next week, prompting health officials to advise people to take precautions to stay safe. The National Weather Service predicts that the heat will intensify starting Sunday in the central region of the country before spreading eastward. Some areas may experience extreme heat, potentially breaking daily records, especially in the Ohio Valley and Northeast. To stay safe, individuals are encouraged to stay in cool places, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable neighbors and relatives.
Reduce the risk of falling as you age by following these simple steps
One out of every four older adults in the U.S. experiences a fall each year, increasing the risk of injuries, fractures, and even death. However, falls are not inevitable, and there are ways to lower the risk. Simple exercises, adjustments to medications, and regular vision and hearing screenings can help prevent falls. Experts recommend making homes fall-proof by removing small rugs, improving lighting, and installing railings or grab bars in areas where balance may be compromised. In case of a fall, it’s essential to inform a doctor immediately to address the underlying cause and prevent recurring incidents.
Charles Barkley announces that the next TV season will be his last, regardless of NBA media deals
Charles Barkley has declared that the upcoming TV season will be his final one, regardless of the outcome of NBA media deals. The Hall of Fame player has served as a studio analyst for TNT for 24 years, and the network may lose NBA broadcasting rights after the next season. Nevertheless, Barkley has confirmed that he will not continue in this role, expressing his desire to pass the torch to one of his TNT colleagues, such as Vince Carter or Jamal Crawford. The NBA is currently working on finalizing new media agreements, which may impact broadcasting arrangements.
Yellowstone visitors in search of rare white buffalo as excitement mounts
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) — Wildlife enthusiasts are eagerly watching for a rare white bison calf recently spotted in Yellowstone National Park. Following Montana wildlife photographer Erin Braaten’s capture of the calf with its mother on June 4, many individuals from various locations are on the lookout for the elusive animal. Despite initial sightings, the white bison calf has not been seen since, leading to speculation about its well-being. This birth holds significance for Native Americans, who view it as fulfilling a Lakota prophecy symbolic of better times ahead. An upcoming ceremony is planned to commemorate this event.
Virginia city lifts ban on psychic services amid industry growth and acceptance
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Norfolk, Virginia, recently repealed a 45-year-old ban on palm reading and clairvoyance for profit. Previously considered a first-degree misdemeanor in the city, engaging in such activities could lead to a one-year jail sentence upon conviction. While city officials have not specified the reasons behind lifting the ordinance, it reflects a broader trend of acceptance towards the psychic services industry, which has been expanding nationwide. Market research estimates the industry’s revenue at $2.3 billion last year, employing nearly 100,000 individuals in the U.S.
Tejano singer and TV show host Johnny Canales, instrumental in Selena’s career, passes away
Tejano singer and longtime television music show host Johnny Canales has passed away at the age of 77, as confirmed by his family. Renowned for his role in launching Selena’s career, Canales was a source of hope and joy for many individuals, according to his family’s statement. Hosting a televised music program in Corpus Christi, Texas, during the 1980s and 1990s, Canales played a key role in propelling Tejano superstar Selena to fame. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft resumes scientific operations following technical issue
DALLAS (AP) — NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft has resumed sending scientific data after encountering a computer problem last November. The spacecraft’s four instruments are once again operational, with the team receiving meaningful data in April and instructing Voyager 1 to transmit scientific information. Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 holds the distinction of being the most distant spacecraft from Earth, exploring interstellar space between star systems. Its counterpart, Voyager 2, continues to function without issues.
Microsoft delays controversial AI Recall feature on upcoming Windows computers
REDMOND, Wash. (AP) — New laptops equipped with Microsoft Windows are set to be delivered to customers next week without the Recall feature, a flagship aspect that raised concerns about privacy and cybersecurity. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella had previously highlighted the Recall feature at a showcase event, emphasizing its ability to capture screen snapshots for the AI assistant Copilot to assist users with remembering past activities. However, the company announced a delay in the broad availability of the Recall preview that was scheduled to launch alongside new PCs next Tuesday.
A woman wins the lottery shortly before her husband’s passing, easing financial concerns
FREEPORT, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania woman, Karen Coffman, received a $1 million lottery prize just two weeks before her husband’s death from a brain tumor. Her husband had expressed worries about her financial well-being post his passing, making her win a comforting development. Initially skeptical of her claim of winning such a large prize, her husband eventually believed her. Coffman attributes her win to divine intervention and plans to use a portion of the funds to treat family members to a Disney trip, with hopes of relocating to Florida in the future.
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