Sweden reports first case of more infectious form of MPOX first identified in Congo
LONDON (AP) — Swedish health authorities say they have identified the first case of the highly contagious MPOX strain identified in eastern Congo, a day after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak in Congo and across Africa a global emergency. The Swedish public health authority said in a statement Thursday that the patient had recently received medical care in Stockholm. Because Sweden and other developed countries have the resources to stop MPOX, scientists believe the new outbreak linked to Congo could be stopped relatively quickly if identified.
Starbucks gives new CEO huge payday, keeps him from moving to Seattle
Starbucks' next CEO could earn well over $100 million in his first year under an incentive-packed contract that won't require him to relocate from his home in California to the global coffee chain's Seattle headquarters. Starbucks announced Tuesday that Brian Niccol will become chairman and CEO. He replaces Lakshman Narasimhan, who abruptly stepped down as the company's chief executive after just over a year. Niccol is one of the most highly sought-after corporate executives, with a track record of successfully turning around struggling companies including Taco Bell and, more recently, Chipotle.
Stampy, the gnarled old cherry tree, is no more. But its clone, little Stamplings, lives on.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Stumpy lives on! The overgrown, gnarled cherry tree, an unlikely social media celebrity, was cut down earlier this year along with more than 100 others to make way for major repairs to the crumbling seawall protecting the Tidal Basin. But as construction on the seawall gets underway in earnest, horticulturists at the National Arboretum have successfully cloned Stumpy, illustrating the trees' epic story of survival. Five young saplings will be grown over the next few years with a view to replanting Stumpy once the Tidal Basin restoration is complete.
Walmart is becoming more optimistic about 2024 as its bargain sales prove a powerful attraction for inflation-weary shoppers.
NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart Inc. delivered another strong quarter of sales that beat nearly all expectations, with relatively low prices a powerful attraction for millions of people struggling with rising housing, grocery and nearly every other cost. The largest U.S. retailer raised its full-year outlook. Walmart executives said Thursday that while consumers may still be craving bargains, there are no signs customers are slowing down. The stock is up nearly 7 percent.
Gena Rowlands, actress who starred in films by her husband, director John Cassavetes, dies
Gena Rowlands, hailed as one of the greatest actresses in the history of cinema and a pioneer of independent cinema after starring in the groundbreaking films of her director husband John Cassavetes and later charming audiences in her son's tear-jerking “The Notebook,” has died. She was 94. Rowlands' death was confirmed Wednesday by a representative for her son, the director Nick Cassavetes, who revealed earlier this year that his mother had Alzheimer's disease. John Cassavetes and Rowlands were a married couple who operated outside the studio system, crafting unforgettable portraits of working-class, striver, and everyday people in films such as “A Woman Under the Influence,” “Gloria” and “Faces.”
Wally Amos, famous for his cookies, has died at his home in Hawaii at the age of 88. He may have lost his famous friend, Amos, but he has found other success.
HONOLULU (AP) — The founder of the famed Amos Cookie empire has died. Wally Amos's children said he died Tuesday from complications of dementia at his Honolulu home. He was 88 years old. Amos ultimately lost ownership of the company and the right to use the catchy name Amos. He later became a children's literacy advocate and owner of a cookie shop in Hawaii called Chip & Cookie. He was also co-founder of Uncle Wally's Muffin Co. Amos was also active in promoting reading. His store had a reading room stocked with dozens of donated books, and he would usually read to children on Saturdays.
Japan ends special “mega earthquake” alert week as no immediate danger detected
TOKYO (AP) — The Japanese government has ended a week-long information campaign urging caution and preparation for a possible massive earthquake of magnitude 8 or higher striking the Pacific coast. The announcement came after no unusual seismic activity was detected in the past week. Still, authorities urged people not to let their guard down. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the country's first “major earthquake warning” on Aug. 8, hours after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck off the coast of southwestern Japan. The quake occurred on the western edge of a disaster-prone ocean trench known as the Nankai Trough, and the agency said there was a higher-than-usual risk of another big quake somewhere along the trough.
Disney argues the wrongful death lawsuit should be dismissed because the plaintiffs signed up for a Disney+ trial.
NEW YORK (AP) — Disney is asking a Florida court to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the husband of a New York doctor who suffered a fatal allergic reaction after eating at a Disney Springs restaurant. The company argues in legal documents that when Jeffrey Piccolo signed up for a one-month trial of Disney+ in 2019, he agreed to settle any claims against the company out of court. But in a legal response this month, Piccolo's lawyers argue it's “unreasonable” to think Disney+ subscribers give up all rights to sue the company and its affiliates forever by signing up for the streaming service.
A teenage girl falls asleep during a courtroom tour while handcuffed and dressed in a prison uniform.
DETROIT (AP) — A teenage girl on a tour of a Detroit courtroom was dressed in prison clothes and handcuffed after the judge said he didn't like her behavior. Judge Kenneth King even asked other kids in the courtroom if they thought the 16-year-old should be sent to juvenile detention. The incident happened Tuesday in Detroit's 36th District Court, according to TV station WXYZ. The judge was upset by the girl's behavior after warning her not to sleep in the courtroom. Judge King said he would do whatever it took to reach the kids. The group that organized the tour said the girl was “traumatized.”
French prosecutors are investigating allegations of gender-based cyber harassment against Algerian Olympic gold medallist Imane Khelif.
PARIS (AP) — French prosecutors say they are investigating a complaint filed by Olympic boxing gold medalist Imane Kherif about online harassment. The Algerian boxer was subjected to a torrent of accusations and false allegations about her gender during the Paris Olympics. The Paris prosecutor's office said on Wednesday that its online hate speech unit has opened an investigation. Under French law, it is up to investigators to determine which people or organizations were responsible. The prosecutors did not name specific suspects. Donald Trump, Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling are among those who posted false information about Kherif. Kherif became a hero in Algeria after winning the gold medal in the women's welterweight division.
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