From salmonberry harvests to traditional tattoos, Native American culture is spotlighted in November
LAS VEGAS (AP) — November marks the start of National Native American Heritage Month. It's a time to celebrate the diverse histories and cultures of hundreds of tribal communities across the U.S. In Alaska, a family carries on a tradition of harvesting salmonberries even after a devastating typhoon. In North Carolina, a group of Indigenous girls convinced tribal lawmakers to grant rights to a river. And in Oklahoma, a tattoo artist is working to revitalize ancestral markings. U.S. presidents have issued proclamations for decades honoring Native peoples in the month that coincides with the traditional harvest season.
Norway turns to toilet humor after Trump bashes Scandinavian country
Norway has turned to a bit of toilet humor in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments insulting the Scandinavian country and the Nobel Peace Prize. So, in response, Visit Norway published a guide to the world’s most beautiful toilets sprinkled across the stunning Norwegian landscape. Trump’s comments ahead of the U.S. midterm elections were not the first time the U.S. leader has ranted about Norway or the Norwegian Nobel Committee. He has been outspoken about his desire for the Nobel, but has expressed doubts that the committee would ever award him the prize. In response to his most recent remarks, Visit Norway launched a tourism campaign marketed as “Norway makes shithouses great again.”
Houdini’s centennial spotlight: A newly published essay and a fresh fight over when and how he died
NEW YORK (AP) — Harry Houdini, a century after his death, continues to captivate. A rare essay by the escape artist has been published, shedding light on his early influences. A recent book revisits questions about the cause and date of his death. Houdini, born Erik Weisz, became an international celebrity known for his escape acts. His mysterious death on Halloween 1926 remains debated, with new theories challenging the official cause. Centennial events this weekend include a "Grand Houdini Centenarium" in Budapest, an auction in Hollywood, and seances in Chicago and Maryland. Despite the intrigue, experts say his legacy endures through his remarkable life.
Killed almost 430 years ago, 5 Catholic friars will soon be one step from sainthood
SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Five Spanish missionaries are being elevated one step away from sainthood nearly 430 years after they were killed in present-day Georgia. The Catholic Diocese of Savannah will hold a beatification ceremony Saturday for the five Franciscan friars. They were killed in 1597 by Indigenous people they had traveled to the New World to baptize, in what historical records say was a dispute over polygamy. Pope Francis decreed the missionaries as martyrs in 2025, capping decades of research and bureaucratic review. The diocese expects 10,000 people to attend the special Mass in Georgia.
For many, striped bass fishing is a way of life. But the iconic species could face collapse
MONTAUK, N.Y. (AP) — Striped bass are in decline on the East Coast and fishermen and scientists are in a race to save the iconic sport fish. Stripers have experienced eight consecutive years of poor reproduction in their most critical habitat of the Chesapeake Bay and fishermen report finding fewer fish. Factors including overfishing, warming waters and increased predators such as seals and sharks are making it increasingly difficult for the population to recover. Some fishermen say stricter rules or a fishing moratorium are needed. Losing these higher-level predators, which help regulate smaller fish, would threaten an $8 billion fishing industry and tens of thousands of jobs.
Generations of anglers have made the pilgrimage to Montauk to catch striped bass
MONTAUK, N.Y. (AP) — Generations of fishermen have come to Montauk, New York, to fish for striped bass, but the fish are in the midst of a decline. The community is located at the end of Long Island and has a long history as a destination for sport fishermen. Members of that community say they fear the lifestyle of Montauk striper fishing will decline with the loss of the fish. Some reported catching no fish this summer and fall. Old-timers remember the moratorium on fishing in the 1980s and say that approach might be needed again.
'Dixie' map that divided the US into North and South fetches nearly $1 million at auction
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — After a brief bidding war, the manuscript map that helped divide the United States into North and South, free and slave states, sold for $950,000. Lauren Brunk of Brunk Auctions in Asheville, North Carolina, said Thursday that 45 bidders battled for just under three minutes to own the hand-drawn survey of the Mason-Dixon Line, finished in 1768 by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon. Bidding started at $400,000. And while it didn’t fetch the hoped-for $1.2 million high estimate, Brunk says it was a very high price for an American map. She says the buyer asked to remain anonymous, at least for now.
In Afghanistan, musicians defy music ban to keep traditions alive
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Music has been banned in Afghanistan for five years, with the ruling Taliban only allowing religious tunes. The ban has forced many musicians to flee or hide their instruments. Despite the risks, some musicians continue to play in secret, determined to keep their traditions alive. One musician vows to teach his son, continuing a family legacy. Underground performances have become too dangerous, with government agents actively searching for musicians. But some believe Afghan music will endure, as it remains deeply embedded in the culture and identity of the people.
People enter cages while the animals seem free at a unique Amsterdam museum
AMSTERDAM (AP) — Amsterdam's new Art Zoo museum offers a unique experience with its eclectic collection of preserved creatures and artful displays. As you enter, a 12-foot crocodile hangs above, setting the tone for an intriguing visit. Dutch artists Jaap Sinke and Ferry van Tongeren created the museum, inspired by 16th- and 17th-century curiosity cabinets. Unlike traditional taxidermy, they add drama and attitude to the animals. The museum's design features black metal cages confining visitors, while the animals appear free. All specimens come from zoos, ensuring ethical sourcing. The museum also honors Charles Darwin, adding a historical twist to the experience.
Make no bones about it, the giant skeleton has become an American Halloween fixture
It reared its bony head in 2020, during that first, chaotic pandemic year that was rife with grief and fear but also toilet paper hoarding and questionable lockdown-inspired purchases. Behold Skelly, the 12-foot, 90-pound skeleton, on sale for $299 from Home Depot, just in time for Halloween — at least, if you can get your hands on one. Many did, because this is America. And when we get sad, stressed or bored, we shop, drowning our collective anxieties in things that we definitely don’t need but most certainly want.
