International astronomy groups join calls for a moondial to keep time on the moon
WASHINGTON (AP) — An international group of astronomers is calling for a standard for keeping time on the moon, where the seconds run faster. As more countries and private companies look to future lunar missions, astronomers want uniform clocks to ensure perfect synchronization. The International Astronomical Union voted Thursday to encourage space agencies around the world to collaborate on a timekeeping standard. The United States and Europe have also called for such a standard. Astronomers are still in the early stages of determining exactly how time will run on the moon.
'Hollywood Squares' host and Broadway star Peter Marshall dies at 98
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Peter Marshall, who served as host of “Hollywood Squares” and straight man to the stars for 16 years, has died at 98. Born in West Virginia, Mr. Marshall was a singer and actor who appeared in films and on Broadway before landing the job on “Hollywood Squares” in 1966 and hosting more than 5,000 episodes by 1981. The questions Mr. Marshall posed to his celebrity guests, most notably show regular and center squarer Paul Lynde, served as a setup for jokes before the real answers. He missed out on leading roles in Hollywood, but found one in musicals.
Detroit judge disqualified for dressing sleepy teen in prison uniform during courtroom tour
DETROIT (AP) — A Detroit judge has fallen out of favor after ordering a teenage girl to wear a prison uniform and be handcuffed during a tour of his courtroom. The chief judge of the 36th District Court said Judge Kenneth King will receive “necessary training.” The 15-year-old girl fell asleep during a tour of King's courtroom organized by a nonprofit where she volunteers. King said the girl's behavior led him to have her wear a prison uniform, be handcuffed and give her a stern lecture. The girl's mother said the judge was a “vicious bully” and that the girl was sleepy because her family had no permanent residence.
The gnarled old cherry tree, Stampy, is gone, but its clone, the little Stampling, 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.
Prince Harry and Meghan arrive in Colombia to promote mental health and combat cyberbullying
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have arrived in Colombia where they will take part in several events promoting youth mental health and combating cyberbullying, one of the couple's latest charitable efforts. The couple were welcomed at the official residence of Colombian Vice President Francia Marquez in downtown Bogota, where they were treated to Colombian coffee and local pastries made with cheese and yuca. Marquez, a human rights activist and Colombia's first black vice president, said he would introduce the prince and duchess to Colombia's cultural riches and the government's efforts to fight inequality in a country where 33 percent of the population lives in poverty.
Notre Dame suspends men's swimming team for one year after NCAA gambling violations
The University of Notre Dame has suspended its men's swimming program for at least a year after an outside investigation found that team members violated NCAA rules by betting on the outcomes of competitions. The investigation also found that team members “failed to treat each other with dignity and respect.” Athletic director Pete Bevacqua said in a statement Thursday that not all team members were involved in inappropriate conduct and that coach Chris Lindauer and his staff cooperated fully with the investigation. Team members will be allowed to transfer schools, but anyone found to have violated the anti-gambling rule will face NCAA sanctions.
Australian breaker Rachel Gunn says the mockery of her Olympic performance was 'devastating'
SYDNEY (AP) — Australian breaker Rachel Gunn says the backlash after her performance at the Olympics was the subject of ridicule is “devastating,” adding that she took the sport seriously and did her best. The 36-year-old breaker, known as Rae Gunn, said in a video posted to social media that she never expected the amount of negative attention she received after being given a zero by judges in her Olympic debut. Meanwhile, the Australian Olympic Committee has criticized an anonymous online petition attacking the Paris Olympics breakers, calling it “annoying, misleading and tantamount to bullying.” Gunn, a 36-year-old university professor from Sydney, performed moves including the “kangaroo dance.”
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.
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.
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