Federal authorities investigate cockpit visit by Rockies coach during United flight
DENVER (AP) — Federal authorities are investigating an unauthorized in-flight cockpit visit by a Colorado Rockies coach during a United Airlines charter flight. Footage has surfaced showing Rockies hitting coach Hensley Meulens sitting in the cockpit of a flight from Denver to Toronto on April 10th while it was at cruising altitude. The airline said Friday that the visit was a “clear violation of our safety and operations policies” and had been reported to the Federal Aviation Administration. Authorities have increased scrutiny of United after recent accidents, including an engine fire and a tire falling off a plane.
More than 2,100 people evacuated as Indonesian volcano spews ash
MANAD, Indonesia (AP) – More than 2,100 people living near an erupting volcano on Indonesia’s Sulawesi island have been evacuated. Authorities ordered them to leave, citing the risk of ashfall, rockfall, hot volcanic clouds and a possible tsunami. Indonesia’s Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center has recorded at least three eruptions since Friday afternoon, with the eruption column reaching a maximum height of 3,900 feet. Manado’s international airport remains temporarily closed due to volcanic ash spewing into the air. Satellite images from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency show volcanic ash spreading in multiple directions, covering Manado and northern Minahasa.
Grammy Award-winning singer and American Idol alumnus Mandisa dies at age 47
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Mandisa, the contemporary Christian singer who appeared on “American Idol” and won a Grammy for her 2013 album “Overcomer,” has died. She was 47 years old. A representative for the singer told The Associated Press that the singer was found dead at her home in Nashville on Thursday. Her cause of death is not yet known. Mandisa achieved stardom when she finished in 9th place on 2006’s “American Girlfriend Idol.” In 2014, she won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for her fifth album, Overcomer. She has spoken openly about her struggle with depression, and she released her memoir detailing her experiences with severe depression, weight-related issues, the coronavirus pandemic, and her faith.
Catholic priest resigns from Michigan church over criticism of gay author
BEALE CITY, Mich. (AP) – A Catholic priest has resigned as pastor of a church in a small community in mid-Michigan. It comes after weeks of controversy after a gay author regretted reading his book to preschoolers. Gay rights activists regularly hold protests outside St. Joseph the Worker Church in Beale City. The retirement of the Rev. Thomas Held as pastor was announced this week. The bishop of the Saginaw Diocese said Held would be unable to “bring unity” to the diocese. In March, local author Dominic Thrasher read from his book The Adventures of Cece and the Sheriff. Held appeared to apologize on Facebook and said a “new vetting system” would be in place.
The FAA is investigating after another plane was told to cross the runway from which it was taking off.
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) – The Federal Aviation Administration says it will investigate after a plane at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport was directed to cross the runway where another plane was beginning to take off. . The FAA said the JetBlue flight was beginning its takeoff roll Thursday morning when air traffic controllers directed a Southwest Airlines flight to cross the same runway. Southwest Airlines flight 2937 was bound for Orlando, Florida, and JetBlue flight 1554 was bound for Boston. JetBlue said it aborted the takeoff after another plane attempted to cross the runway and said it would work with federal authorities to investigate the incident. Southwest Airlines said it is working with the FAA to “fully understand the situation.”
Dick Van Dyke nominated for historic Daytime Emmy Award at age 98
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dick Van Dyke is vying for a historic Daytime Emmy Award at age 98. The actor was nominated for guest star in a daytime drama series for his role as the amnesiac Timothy Robicheaux on Peacock’s “Days of Our Lives.” Van Dyke is the oldest Daytime Emmy nominee. Producer Norman Lear was 100 years old when he received his final nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award in 2022, but he passed away the following year. Mr. Van Dyke has won four Primetime Emmy Awards, including three for the classic 1960s comedy series “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” Other Daytime Emmy nominations include actors Selena Gomez and Valerie Bertinelli for their cooking shows.
Tesla recalls about 4,000 Cybertrucks due to the possibility of accelerator pedal sticking
Tesla is recalling about 4,000 2024 Cybertrucks after it was discovered that the accelerator pedal could become stuck, causing the vehicle to accelerate unintentionally and increasing the risk of a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Tesla notified the agency that the pedal pads could come loose and become stuck in interior trim. According to NHTSA, the recall applies to 2024 Cybertrucks manufactured between November 13, 2023 and April 4, 2024. Tesla is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or deaths related to this issue.
Firefighters working on scaffolding hanging outside the ruins of a fire-ravaged Danish landmark
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Copenhagen firefighters stabilizing the burnt-out shell of Copenhagen’s historic Old Stock Exchange on Friday used giant scissors attached to a crane to try to cut through dangling scaffolding. However, he was frustrated when his tools fell into the rubble. A massive fire broke out at the 400-year-old landmark on Tuesday, toppling its roof and iconic dragontail spire and destroying much of its structure. On Thursday, much of the building’s exterior wall collapsed inward. Tuesday’s fire is believed to have started on the roof during renovations to the building. The cause remains unknown. The plan to remove the scaffolding was an attempt to salvage an intact portion of the Copenhagen landmark.
Taylor Swift releases 15 new songs on double album ‘The Tortured Poets Division: The Anthology’
NEW YORK (AP) — Is it possible that Taylor Swift’s new album will be released without a few extra surprises? no. On Friday, the pop star released her 11th album, “The Tortured Poets Department.” It’s an amalgamation of her past work and reflects the artist at the peak of her abilities, which she has spent the past few years re-recording. Having toured her life’s work and that material through synth-pop anthems, breakup ballads, and provocative, mature reflections, it was at 2 a.m. ET that she added 15 songs to the Tortured Poets Division: The Anthology. ‘ has been released.
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