Southwest Airlines flight headed to Las Vegas takes dramatic plunge in response to nearby aircraft

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A Southwest Airline jet heading to Las Vegas from Southern California took a dramatic plunge shortly after takeoff Friday in response to an alert about a nearby plane, injuring two flight attendants, authorities and passengers said. Southwest flight 1496 was responding to an onboard alert about another aircraft in its vicinity, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The FAA is investigating. The crew responded to two air alerts that required the pilot to climb then descend, the airline said in a statement. The flight departed from Hollywood Burbank Airport just before noon.

How to watch two meteor showers peak together in late July

WASHINGTON (AP) — It's almost time to catch summer's double meteor showers. The Southern Delta Aquariid and Alpha Capricornid meteor showers peak in the early morning of July 30. With minimal interference from moonlight, the meteors should appear bright and clear if viewed away from city lights. Each shower is expected to produce up to a dozen visible meteors per hour. The Alpha Capricornids may have tails that linger longer in the night sky. Viewing of each shower lasts through August 12. The next major meteor shower, the Perseids, will peak in mid-August.

HR exec caught on Coldplay cam resigns after embrace with CEO went viral

Kristin Cabot, an executive at tech company Astronomer, has resigned after a viral video showed her embracing CEO Andy Byron at a Coldplay concert. Byron had already resigned after being placed on leave pending an investigation. The incident, which occurred last week at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, sparked memes and parody videos online. During the concert, singer Chris Martin joked about the pair when their surprised reactions were caught on the big screen. Their identities were quickly uncovered by online sleuths. Both executives' profiles have been removed from the company's website. Coldplay's online streams jumped 20% after the video went viral.

Tea-loving Nepal is warming up to coffee

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Coffee hasn’t always been an easy sell in Nepal. The Himalayan country is a major tea producer, as well as a major consumer. Tea is a constant presence at homes, meetings and social gatherings. But a growing number of Nepalis are warming up to coffee, as trendy cafes spring up street corners in cities and towns across the country. A cup of coffee costs as much as a meal, or five cups of tea, but it's popular with office workers and students looking for a place to hang out. Himalayan Java, which began as a single cafe in an alley in Kathmandu,has grown to a chain with 84 locations the country.

A bull moose is blocking a New York mountain trail. Wildlife researchers don't know why

New York wildlife officials have closed a trail in the Adirondack Mountains this summer due to a bull moose lingering around the area. The Goodman Mountain trail has been closed since June 6. The moose is staying near the summit, which is unusual for this time of year. Wildlife staff suspect an underlying illness might be affecting its behavior. The moose appears thinner than expected, but no obvious signs of disease have been found. The trail remains closed to prevent potential danger to hikers. The state is monitoring the moose with trail cameras and regular visits.

Jazz legend Chuck Mangione, known for 'Feels So Good,' dies at 84

NEW YORK (AP) — Jazz musician Chuck Mangione, known for his hit “Feels So Good,” has died at 84. His attorney, Peter S. Matorin, says Mangione died Tuesday at his home in Rochester, New York. He achieved international fame in 1977 with “Feels So Good,” a smooth-jazz staple. He also composed “Give It All You Got” for the 1980 Winter Olympics. Mangione released over 30 albums and won two Grammy Awards. He started his career as a bebop musician inspired by Dizzy Gillespie. In 2009, he donated memorabilia to the Smithsonian. Mangione retired in 2015, leaving a lasting legacy in jazz music.

Ranchers in southern Mexico are struggling against a flesh-eating parasite infecting livestock

CINTALAPA, Mexico (AP) — Ranchers in southern Mexico face rising costs and limited government help to battle a flesh-eating parasite. Mexico is building a plant in Chiapas to produce sterile New World screwworm flies to stop the spread. But it won't be ready until next year. Medicine prices have soared in the meantime. That has led some ranchers to use home remedies. Veterinarian Alfredo Chávez said Wednesday that he's seen cases multiply in Chiapas. The U.S. closed the border again this month to Mexican cattle exports after an infected animal was found in Veracruz. U.S. officials worry about the fly reaching Texas and that its maggots could cause large economic losses there.

Rapper GloRilla is arrested on drug charges following investigation of a burglary at her home

Authorities say rapper GloRilla was arrested on felony drug chargers after marijuana was found by deputies while they investigated a burglary at her Atlanta home. Police say they discovered “a significant amount of marijuana” in the master bedroom. The rapper voluntarily turned herself in Tuesday and was released on bond the same day. The burglary investigation is ongoing. GloRilla's attorneys say her arrest is “a disturbing window into how warped law enforcement priorities have become.” Sheriff Ron Freeman says officials "must continue to uphold and enforce the law in all aspects of this case.”

France's first couple sue Candace Owens for defamation over claims that Brigitte Macron is a man

PARIS (AP) — France's first couple plans to seek "substantial" damages from U.S. influencer Candace Owens if she continues claiming that President Emmanuel Macron's wife, Brigitte, is a man. Their lawyer, Tom Clare, has told CNN that a defamation suit filed Wednesday in Delaware followed a year-long effort to engage with Owens. Clare says Owens mocked the Macrons' attempts to set the record straight. The complaint includes evidence that Brigitte Macron was born a woman. Clare warns that if Owens continues her claims, damages could be substantial. The presidential office in Paris had no immediate comment.

Millions of HydroTech hoses recalled after hundreds burst, leaving at least 29 people injured

NEW YORK (AP) — About 3.6 million HydroTech-branded hoses are under recall in the U.S. because they can burst during use. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall on Thursday. These hoses have caused at least 29 injuries, including temporarily impaired hearing, to date. The recall affects 5/8-inch "Expandable Burst-Proof Hoses," imported by Winston Products, that were sold at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, and Target and made on or before August 31, 2024. Consumers are urged to stop using them immediately. Those who purchased from Ace Hardware, Do It Best, Home Depot, or Walmart can return them for a full refund. And other consumers should contact Winston Products to initiate a claim.