Lightsaber Darth Vader used in 'I am your father' duel in 'Empire Strikes Back' goes up for auction
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A lightsaber used by Darth Vader in “The Empire Strikes Back” is set to be auctioned on Nov. 12. Heritage Auctions will host the event, featuring this iconic prop from the famous duel where Vader reveals he is Luke Skywalker's father. The saber, also used in “Return of the Jedi,” is expected to fetch at least $1 million. It is part of a collection of 28 lightsaber props spanning the “Star Wars” saga. Other items include Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker's dueling sabers, Boba Fett's blaster, and a Yoda puppet hand. The auction promises to be a major event for fans.
Rubio refuses to comment on Guilfoyle allegations
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has flatly refused to comment on a new report alleging that U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle engaged in improper and possibly illegal conduct before taking up her post. Rubio told reporters before leaving Greece on Thursday that he would not discuss the allegations contained in a Wall Street Journal story that said Guilfoyle had asked a donor and supporter of President Donald Trump to pay a $100,000 credit card bill just before her confirmation hearing, promising him access to administration officials if he did. Vice President JD Vance also declined to comment.
Mamdani's Oct. 7 commemoration outrages supporters and critics of Israel
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani tried to thread a needle on the third anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks by condemning Hamas’ “horrific war crimes” and denouncing Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza. Instead, he inflamed tensions among some Jewish critics who accuse him of holding antisemitic views, and ignited a wave of anger among pro-Palestinian protesters who interrupted a Wednesday night vigil for victims of Hamas’ attack to confront the mayor and cast him as a traitor. The maelstrom began when Mamdani read a statement that began with a solemn recognition of the “unthinkable loss” suffered by Israelis then castigated Israel’s military response.
Average long-term US mortgage rate at highest level in nearly 3 years after 7th weekly rise in a row
Mortgage rates marched higher for the seventh week in a row, driving the average long-term U.S. home loan rate to its highest level in nearly three years. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage climbed to 7.40% from 7.28% last week. One year ago, the average rate was 6.30%. The average rate is now the highest it’s been since Nov. 16, 2023, when it was at 7.44%. The housing market has been stuck in a rut this year in large part because of rising mortgage rates, which can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting homebuyers’ purchasing power and prompting many to put off buying a home.
Mia Goth files for divorce from Shia LaBeouf nearly 10 years after the actors married
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mia Goth has filed for divorce from Shia LaBeouf nearly 10 years after they married. The petition was filed Tuesday in Los Angeles and states they have been separated since July 2025. Irreconcilable differences were cited as the reason. They met in 2012 while filming “Nymphomaniac: Vol. II” and married in 2016. They split in 2018 but reunited in 2020 and had a daughter in 2022. Goth seeks primary custody and requests no spousal support. This was the first marriage for both. LaBeouf settled a lawsuit with FKA Twigs the day before. She accused him of abuse during their past relationship.
Indian actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar dies at 75
NEW DELHI (AP) — Acclaimed Indian actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar has died at his home in Goa. He was 75. The Press Trust of India reports that Patekar died of a suspected cardiac arrest Thursday. Born in 1951 in Maharashtra, Patekar built a career spanning more than four decades in Hindi- and Marathi-language cinema. He was known for intense performances and roles that often portrayed complex characters. Patekar won three National Film Awards and received one of the India's highest civilian awards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his versatility and creativity. Patekar is survived by his wife and son.
Ravens acquire G/C Cam Jurgens from the Eagles for draft picks, including a 2nd-rounder in 2028
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles have traded offensive lineman Cam Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens for second- and fifth-round draft picks. Philadelphia receives a fifth-round selection in 2027 and a second-rounder in 2028. Baltimore also gets a seventh-rounder in 2027 in the deal. The 27-year-old Jurgens has played center and guard, and the Ravens can use help at both. Baltimore’s top three options at center are out with long-term injuries. The Ravens moved rookie guard Vega Ioane over to center, but now guard Andrew Vorhees is also injured. Jurgens was a Pro Bowler the past two seasons. But 2026 has been a struggle for the Philadelphia offensive line, him included.
NHL's hockey romance-themed audiobooks disappear online after opening week of the season
NEW YORK (AP) — A series of audiobooks the NHL launched to connect with fans of the hockey romance genre is no longer available online. A league spokesperson told The Associated Press that the “Hot for Hockey” episodes were specific to games during the opening week of the season and one small part of a marketing campaign. Commissioner Gary Bettman last week in Philadelphia called the genre a cultural phenomenon with viewers of “Heated Rivalry” and “Off Campus” taking interest in the sport. He said the NHL plans to continue marketing to new fans in the hopes that they remain interested.
Grammy-nominated R&B singer Freddie Jackson, known for '80s hits like 'You Are My Lady,' dies at 70
Grammy-nominated R&B singer Freddie Jackson, known for hits like “Rock Me Tonight” and “You Are My Lady,” has died at 70. His family confirmed he died Monday through a statement on Instagram. Jackson was born and raised in Harlem, where he learned all about soul music and sang gospel at White Rock Baptist Church. He began his career in the New York club scene before finding success with his debut album in 1985. In 2024, he revealed a kidney disease diagnosis and partnered with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness. Details about arrangements will be announced soon.
McDonald's sued over AI tool that recommends prices to US franchisees
McDonald’s is facing a federal lawsuit that alleges its AI-enhanced pricing tool violates antitrust laws because it shares nonpublic data with competing franchisees. The lawsuit was filed on Friday in Illinois. It claims that the McDonald’s platform collects data that franchises competing in the same market wouldn’t normally share, like store-level sales. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a consumer who said he noticed different prices at McDonald’s restaurants near his home. McDonald's said Tuesday that the lawsuit is “filled with inaccuracies” and it will vigorously defend itself. The Chicago-based company said the tool is optional, and ultimately franchisees are responsible for setting prices. Frachisees own 95% of U.S. McDonald's.
