In blow to DC Studios, 'Supergirl' is no match for 'Toy Story 5' at box office
NEW YORK (AP) — In a setback for Warner Bros.′ revamped DC movie operations, “Supergirl” was absolutely no match for “Toy Story 5” at the box office, opening a distant second to the Pixar blockbuster. After a near-record debut for an animated movie, “Toy Story 5” remained No. 1 at the box office with $70 million in domestic ticket sales and another $89.1 million overseas. “Supergirl,” however, failed to lift off. It opened with $38 million in U.S. and Canadian theaters, and $30 million in overseas markets. The poor opening weekend for “Supergirl” puts it behind the disappointing debuts of DC busts like “The Flash” and “The Green Lantern,” and only just ahead of “Joker: Folie à Deux.”
At least 117 dead dogs found in 'horrific scene' at California 'no-kill' shelter
FORTUNA, Calif. (AP) — Authorities say the remains of at least 117 dogs were found on the grounds of a California “no-kill“ animal shelter, many of them with gunshot wounds. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said Friday that it also discovered 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones and other remains during searches at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary, a 50-acre facility in Fortuna, California. Investigators combing the site on Thursday located an area in a barn where they believe dogs were likely killed, the sheriff’s office said. More than 600 dog collars were found nearby. Sheriff William Honsal called it a “horrific scene.” No charges have been filed. A message seeking comment was left for the shelter’s founder, Shannon Miranda.
Man with same name as US Sen. Dan Sullivan is eligible for Alaska's primary ballot, judge rules
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — An Alaska judge has ruled that a man with the same name and party affiliation as Alaska Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan is eligible to challenge the senator in the August primary. Superior Court Judge Thomas Matthews’ ruling on Friday overturns a June 15 decision by Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher. She disqualified the challenger Sullivan and said he was ineligible for the ballot. Matthews’ ruling can be appealed to the state Supreme Court. Attorneys for the state have pushed for a final decision by noon Tuesday, citing ballot printing and mailing deadlines.
Thousands of Vespas swarm Rome’s historic center to mark iconic scooter’s 80th anniversary
ROME (AP) — Around 15,000 Vespas buzzed through Rome on Saturday, celebrating the scooter's 80th anniversary. Enthusiasts from Europe, the US, Australia and the Philippines gathered to honor the iconic brand. Vespas became famous after featuring in films like "Roman Holiday." Originally designed for women, Vespas helped kickstart Italy's economy post-World War II. The event included a Vespa Village with memorabilia and a photo retrospective. The company has sold about 20 million Vespas worldwide. Fans say the scooter's charm and Italian style keep them loyal. Many switch from larger motorcycles to the nimble Vespa.
5.9 magnitude earthquake shakes Pakistan and Afghanistan, no damage reported
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — A magnitude 5.9 earthquake has struck parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan, causing panic among residents. The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported the epicenter was in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan. The quake on Saturday was also felt in Islamabad and other regions. An official from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority says there are no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Pakistan, located in an active seismic zone, frequently experiences earthquakes. A magnitude 7.6 quake in 2005 killed tens of thousands in Pakistan and Kashmir.
At the Great American State Fair, you can find a dinosaur's rib cage. Unity is another matter
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Great American State Fair has kicked off on the National Mall in Washington. It's run by a group created by President Donald Trump. Visitors can find a 110-foot Ferris wheel, along with farm animals and state-themed exhibits. Some visitors feel the fair is a great idea but they also wish it were less political. States such as Montana and Texas are showcasing unique attractions. Visitors to the exhibits for Hawaii and Alaska might find unstaffed booths. Maine, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania chose not to participate. Some fair visitors say they enjoy the diversity of the event while others feel it highlights national divisions.
Ann Blyth, teen star of 'Mildred Pierce,' dead at 98
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ann Blyth, an Oscar nominee at 17 as Joan Crawford’s wayward daughter in “Mildred Pierce” who later sang opposite Mario Lanza and Howard Keel in MGM musicals of the 1950s, has died at age 98. Blyth was one of the last surviving performers from the old Hollywood studio system. The versatile star appeared in youth movies as well as dramas such as “Another Part of the Forest.” As an adult she played opposite such leading men as Tyrone Power, Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum.
St. Bernard dogs still roam the Swiss Alps as part of this 'living museum' and its breeding program
BOURG-SAINT-PIERRE, Switzerland (AP) — St. Bernard dogs walk the same mountain paths their ancestors patrolled for hundreds of years at the Great St. Bernard Pass in the Swiss Alps. Down in the valley, Barryland, a museum dedicated to the iconic dogs, celebrates its first year. Since opening last summer in Martigny, Switzerland, over 130,000 people have visited. Tourists can watch grooming sessions, use augmented reality to explore the mountain pass, and learn about the dogs' history. The St. Bernards, once famous for mountain rescues, are now too large for such tasks. Instead, they visit hospitals and schools, continuing their legacy of service and companionship.
Greece is paying fishermen to catch toxic toadfish invading the warming Mediterranean
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece has launched a cash incentive for fishermen to catch toxic silver-cheeked toadfish as the invasive species spreads through the Mediterranean due to warming seas linked to climate change. The fish, whose organs contain a deadly neurotoxin, has damaged fishing nets and reduced catches around Crete and other Greek islands. Authorities are paying 5.33 euros per kilogram to remove the species, which will be frozen and incinerated. Officials stress there is no immediate threat to tourists or swimmers. The Greek Red Cross has issued guidance on bites and the risks of consuming the poisonous fish.
Apple increases prices for Macs and iPads, blaming a shortage of memory chips
Apple on Thursday announced an increase in prices for Macs and iPads, citing a memory chip shortage brought on by the artificial intelligence boom. The Cupertino, California-based company called the demand spike an “unprecedented challenge” for the consumer electronics industry. The new, entry-level MacBook Neo will now cost $699, up from $599. The 512 gigabyte MacBook Air now costs $1,299, up from $1,099. The one terabyte MacBook Pro is $1,999, up from $1,699. The 128 gigabyte iPad Air is now $749, up from $599, while the 256 gigabyte iPad Pro Wifi is now $1,199, up from $999. Analysts expect iPhone prices to rise later this year.
