Lions-Falcons preseason game ends early after serious injury to Detroit's Morice Norris

ATLANTA (AP) — Detroit Lions safety Morice Norris was in stable condition after he was attended to for about 20 minutes and taken off the field in an ambulance Friday night against Atlanta, with the preseason game ending early. The Lions released a statement, saying: “Morice Norris is in stable condition and has feeling and movement in all his extremities. He will remain at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta overnight for observation." Norris was hurt with 14:50 to go trying to tackle Nathan Carter. When play resumed, Atlanta's Emory Jones took a snap and held the ball as players from teams stood at the line of scrimmage as the clock continued to run. Finally, with 6:31 left, an official said the game was suspended with Detroit up 17-10.

Apollo 13 moon mission leader James Lovell dies at 97

CHICAGO (AP) — Astronaut James Lovell, who was commander of the 1970 Apollo 13 mission that managed to get back to earth safely after an oxygen tank explosion, has died. He was 97. NASA confirmed his death in a statement Friday. Lovell was also part of the Apollo 8 flight that became the first to circle the moon and was one of NASA’s most traveled astronauts through its early years, going into space four times. Lovell was supposed to be the fifth man to walk on the moon in 1970. But Apollo 13’s service module, carrying Lovell and two others, experienced an oxygen tank explosion. The famous statement “Houston, we have a problem” was attributed to Lovell in the film “Apollo 13.”

Iconic North Carolina tourist attraction damaged by Helene will be demolished

A beloved tourist attraction in western North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains will be demolished starting later this month. The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge sustained severe damage from Hurricane Helene last year. It collapsed on one end and buckled in several other sections. The town says two engineering firms concluded the bridge was beyond repair. Demolition will begin Aug. 18. The Flowering Bridge was created in 2013 by a group of volunteers who sought to transform the historic bridge into something beautiful. The group says it will try to use pieces of the bridge in future gardens.

Packers star Billy Howton, believed to have been the oldest living NFL player, dies at 95

HOUSTON (AP) — Billy Howton, a former Green Bay Packers star regarded as one of the most productive wide receivers of the pre-Super Bowl era who was a founder and the first president of the NFL Players Association, has died. He was 95. An obituary states Howton died in Houston on Monday. Bradshaw-Carter Funeral Home confirmed his death on Friday. Howton was born in Littlefield, Texas, in 1930. He was believed to have been the oldest living NFL player. Howton scored the Packers’ first receiving touchdown at Lambeau Field in 1957. He led the league in receiving yards twice, was named to four Pro Bowls and was a two-time All-Pro.

Husband suspected wife of poisoning him before she killed 3 relatives with toxic mushrooms

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — An Australian court has heard a husband suspected his wife of poisoning him over a year before she murdered three of his relatives with toxic mushrooms. On Friday, a judge lifted a gag order on pretrial evidence that Erin Patterson wanted kept secret while she attempts to overturn her convictions. The evidence includes Simon Patterson’s suspicions that his wife had tried to kill him. Erin Patterson was convicted last month of murdering her parents-in-law and her husband's aunt with a poisoned meal. She was also found guilty of attempting to murder the aunt's husband. Her lawyers plan to appeal.

Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and former manager, dies at 48

NEW YORK (AP) — Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and talent manager Brandon Blackstock has died of cancer. His death was first reported by People. He was 48. A representative for the Blackstock family shared a statement to The Associated Press explaining that Blackstock battled cancer for more than three years. Blackstock was the father to four children, two from a previous marriage and two with Clarkson. He was previously Clarkson’s manager and also formerly represented Blake Shelton. Clarkson and Blackstock were married in October 2013. In 2020, she filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.

JD Vance went kayaking for his birthday. Secret Service had the river level raised

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Vice President JD Vance’s security detail had an Ohio river’s water level raised last weekend to accommodate a kayaking trip he and his family took for his 41st birthday. The U.S. Secret Service said it requested the increased waterflow for the Little Miami River to ensure motorized watercraft and emergency personnel “could operate safely” while protecting the Republican vice president, whose home is in Cincinnati. The Army Corps of Engineers action was first reported by The Guardian. Critics blasted Vance as entitled, pointing to the Trump administration's government-cutting efforts. His office said Vance was unaware the river had been raised.

Dean Cain, former TV Superman, will be sworn in as honorary ICE officer

Dean Cain wants to join the U.S. and Immigration Customs Enforcement agency. In an interview with Fox News, Cain said he has already spoken to the agency responsible for President Donald Trump's mass deportations agenda. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin says Cain will be sworn in as an “honorary ICE Officer” in the coming month. McLaughlin referenced Cain's 1990s role in “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” saying “Superman is encouraging Americans to become real-life superheroes.” Cain also posted a video encouraging others to join the agency. The 59-year-old been outspoken in his conservative viewpoints and endorsed Trump in three elections.

Mets to celebrate 60th anniversary of the Beatles' Shea Stadium concert with special night

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets will honor the 60th anniversary of the Fab Four’s performance at Shea Stadium when they host the Seattle Mariners on Aug. 15 for The Beatles Night at Citi Field. The 1965 concert marked the first major stadium performance by a rock band. Celebrations begin with a performance by 1964 The Tribute at 6:15 p.m. The first 15,000 fans will receive a Shea Stadium replica.

Wind riders: Kiteboarders flock to Greek coast as August gales churn sea

ARTEMIDA, Greece (AP) — Strong August winds have swept the eastern coastline near Athens, drawing dozens of kiteboarders to the beach. Gusts of up to 60 kilometers per hour turned the area into an open-air playground for wind sports enthusiasts on Thursday. The seasonal "meltemi" winds are dreaded by ferry passengers but revered by kiteboarders. Alexios Limperopoulos, a business owner and longtime kiteboarder, describes the joy of catching big jumps. The kiteboarding community is active year-round, adapting to changing seasons with wetsuits and braving cold winter gales that often shut down ferry routes.