Cyndi Lauper calls for courage and Salt-N-Pepa romp through 'Push It' as they join Rock Hall of Fame
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cyndi Lauper has turned “True Colors” into a powerful anthem at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. On Saturday, she led an all-star jam with artists like Chris Robinson and Bryan Adams to honor fellow Rock Hall inductee Joe Cocker. Lauper acknowledges the women who paved the way for her and those who follow. Salt-N-Pepa also celebrated women's power in music, performing hits like “Push It” and “What a Man.” Outkast doesn't perform together, but Big Boi and Andre 3000 share heartfelt speeches. Soundgarden's segment includes emotional tributes to Chris Cornell. The White Stripes and other rock legends received rousing tributes, making the night unforgettable.
Rockefeller Center Christmas tree arrives in Manhattan, kicking off New York's holiday season
NEW YORK (AP) — The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has arrived in Manhattan, marking the start of New York City's holiday season. This year's tree is a 75-foot Norway spruce from East Greenbush, a suburb of Albany. It traveled about 150 miles on a flatbed truck to reach its new home. On Saturday workers used cranes to position the 11-ton tree at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The spruce will soon be decorated with over 50,000 LED lights and a Swarovski star. It will be lit Dec. 3 during a live TV broadcast. The tree was donated by Judy Russ and her family.
Families on SNAP worry about not just feeding themselves but also their pets
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — With SNAP benefits going out late, nonprofits are begging for pet food donations to prevent desperate owners from surrendering their dogs and cats to animal shelters. Nonprofits say it is common for owners to supplement their pet’s diet with human food purchased using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits. For other owners, SNAP frees up money to buy pet food. The situation is so dire that one Louisiana shelter is considering diverting money normally used on veterinary care to buy more pet food. Another Illinois nonprofit is pairing SNAP recipients with volunteers so they can shop together for human and pet food.
Fox Sports lets go of Mark Sanchez and hires Drew Brees as NFL analyst
Fox Sports has let go of NFL analyst Mark Sanchez and hired Drew Brees in his place. Sanchez has been off the air since police said he was stabbed during a fight with a truck driver outside an Indianapolis hotel on Oct. 4. He was in Indianapolis for Fox’s coverage of the Oct. 5 game between the Colts and the Las Vegas Raiders. Sanchez faces a felony battery charge, along with several misdemeanor charges, for what prosecutors have said was a fight over parking. Brees will replace Sanchez on Fox’s No. 4 NFL crew. Brees’ first game will be Nov. 16.
Louvre vows to restore the imperial crown dropped by thieves during museum robbery
PARIS (AP) — The diamond and emerald-studded crown of Empress Eugénie, which was found damaged near the Louvre after being dropped by thieves during last month's robbery, will be restored as a symbol of “renaissance,” the museum's director Laurence des Cars said. Thieves stole eight objects, including a sapphire diadem and necklace, but the imperial crown was recovered outside the museum. Des Cars said Friday the crown was likely damaged when removed from its display case. She said the restoration will be funded by patrons. Des Cars offered to resign after the robbery, but the culture minister refused. She said she has pushed for modernizing the museum since 2021, addressing issues like overcrowding and security.
A lesser-known Farmers' Almanac will fold after 2 centuries, citing money trouble
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The 208-year-old Maine-based Farmers’ Almanac says it will publish its planting guidance and weather predictions for the final time, citing financial challenges. The Farmers’ Almanac is not to be confused with its older, longtime competitor, The Old Farmer’s Almanac from neighboring New Hampshire. Both publications used secret formulas based on sunspots, planetary positions and lunar cycles to generate long-range weather forecasts. Studies found them to be a little more than 50% accurate, or slightly better than random chance. Still, many readers considered the almanacs a quaint relic with a special kind of charm. The Farmers’ Almanac said Thursday that its 2026 edition will be its last.
Man who threw sandwich at federal agent in Washington is found not guilty of assault charge
WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Justice Department employee who threw a sandwich at a federal agent during President Donald Trump’s law enforcement surge in Washington has been found not guilty of assault. A viral video of the incident made Sean Charles Dunn a symbol of resistance to Trump’s deployment of federal agents to combat crime in the nation’s capital. Dunn's misdemeanor acquittal Thursday is another setback for prosecutors who've faced a backlash for how they've handled criminal cases resulting from the surge. Dunn says he's relieved and looking forward to moving on with his life. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro is accepting the verdict but says “law enforcement should never be subjected to assault.”
Northern lights may be visible in parts of the US due to solar storms
NEW YORK (AP) — Space forecasters say solar storms may bring colorful auroras to several northern U.S. states. The sun burped out a huge burst of energy called a coronal mass ejection that’s currently on its way to Earth. Once it gets here, it could cause colorful light displays Thursday night, though that depends on the timing and orientation of its arrival. Authorities are monitoring the situation, but do not anticipate major disruptions to radio or communications. The sun is at the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle, making the light displays more common and widespread.
Slime, Battleship and Trivial Pursuit join the Toy Hall of Fame
The gooey, sticky and often-homemade plaything slime was enshrined into the National Toy Hall of Fame on Thursday along with perennial bestselling games Battleship and Trivial Pursuit. The Hall of Fame in Rochester, New York, honors toys that inspire creative play across generations. Battleship and Trivial Pursuit have each sold over 100 million copies. Slime has been sold commercially since 1976 but is also a popular DIY project. The National Toy Hall of Fame is located inside The Strong National Museum of Play.
Japan deploys the military to counter a surge in bear attacks
TOKYO (AP) — Japan has deployed troops to help contain a surge of bear attacks that have terrorized residents in the northern prefecture of Akita. Bears have been seen near schools, train stations and homes. Over 100 people have been injured and at least 12 killed in bear attacks across Japan since April. The troops will set traps and assist local hunters but won't use firearms. Akita has been the worst hit, with over 50 attacks since May. Experts say Japan's aging and declining population in rural areas contributes to the problem, as bears venture closer to residential areas in search of food.
