Europe's tallest statue of the Virgin Mary is inaugurated in a small Polish village
KONOTOPIE, Poland (AP) — An enormous statue of the Virgin Mary that is believed to be Europe’s tallest has been inaugurated in a small Polish village. It was financed by one of Poland’s richest businesspeople. The monument towers 55.6 meters (182 feet) over Konotopie in central Poland. Its height includes a crown-shaped 15-meter (49-foot) pedestal. It’s taller than the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which measures some 38 meters (125 feet) including its pedestal. The vast majority of Poles identify as Catholic, but the influence of religion in public life has gradually declined in recent years.
Record-breaking rain floods Chiba east of Tokyo, killing at least 5 people
TOKYO (AP) — Record-breaking rainfall has flooded cities east of Tokyo, killing at least five people and injuring over two dozen others. Authorities reported the deluge stranded thousands overnight. On Friday, the Japan Meteorological Agency downgraded its severe rain warning in Chiba prefecture but forecasted more rain. The area saw unprecedented rainfall levels Thursday, causing widespread damage. Homes, cars, and railway tracks were submerged, and some areas lost power. Chiba officials said five deaths occurred, including individuals found in flooded cars. The Ground Self-Defense Force helped evacuate about 4,000 stranded people. Train services partially resumed Friday morning.
Persistent Etna ash shuts Sicily's busiest airport during peak holiday week
MILAN (AP) — Ash spewing from Sicily’s Mount Etna has forced the closure of the island’s largest airport for the fifth consecutive day. Hundreds of summer holiday travelers are stranded during the biggest travel week of the year. Catania’s airport will remain closed until Saturday afternoon, coinciding with the Ferragosto holiday. This is the longest emergency since 2002. Volcanic ash poses a significant risk to aircraft, potentially stalling engines. The closure has led to rerouted flights, increased taxi fares, and higher car rental prices. Trenitalia has added trains to ease travel pressure.
Nero’s Bridge emerges from Tiber River as Rome faces water crisis
ROME (AP) — Rome’s ancient Nero’s Bridge has reemerged from the Tiber River as exceptionally low water levels expose parts of the historic structure near St. Peter’s Basilica. Weeks of little to no rain have caused the Tiber’s flow to fall below 80 cubic meters per second, according to Rome’s civil protection service. Archaeologists say the bridge, traditionally associated with Emperor Nero, may actually predate his reign and have been built under his uncle, Emperor Caligula. The discovery comes as Rome faces a water crisis after prolonged dry periods followed relatively abundant winter rainfall.
Winning ticket for $1 billion Powerball jackpot was sold in Illinois
A Powerball ticket sold in western Illinois has won a $1 billion jackpot. Lottery officials say the ticket that won the jackpot on Wednesday night was purchased at a Hy-Vee gas station in Quincy along the Missouri border. It's not clear if the winner has come forward yet. The prize can be taken as a $1 billion annuity over 29 years or a lump sum of $450.5 million in cash. Most winners take the lump sum. This is the first jackpot win since May 2. The odds of winning the jackpot are one in 292 million. The Powerball jackpot now resets to $20 million for the next drawing on Saturday.
Field of Dreams nostalgia lives on through the Ghost Players and their passion for Iowa and baseball
The Iowa farmland mystique from “Field of Dreams” still lives on through a group of locals who call themselves the Ghost Players. They're fashioned after the dead baseball players who emerged from the cornfield in the fantasy film. They started appearing at the movie site in 1990 and have taken their traveling ballplaying troupe to 28 countries and dozens of states. Major League Baseball has returned to the Field of Dreams site with a game between the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies. The event is another point of pride for the Ghost Players and their passion for Iowa and baseball.
250,000 Cooluli minifridges recalled over fire and burn hazards
CHICAGO (AP) — Cooluli has recalled about 250,000 minifridges due to fire and burn hazards. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the recall affects “10-Liter” and “15-Liter” minifridges with an electric switch that can short circuit. The company has received at least 19 reports of the products overheating or catching fire, causing over $80,000 in property damage. The recall covers older minifridge models sold between January 2019 and October 2024. Cooluli will provide a free repair kit to affected customers. In the meantime, consumers are urged to stop using the recalled fridges immediately.
Marc Anthony, Chayanne and more to play benefit concert for Venezuela and Colombia earthquake relief
Latin music stars Marc Anthony, Feid, and others are set to perform at a benefit concert in Miami on Sunday to raise money for those affected by recent earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia. Proceeds from ticket sales and online donations will support rebuilding homes, restoring schools and providing mental health support. Anthony's nonprofit, Maestro Cares Foundation, and the Univision Foundation will manage the funds. The concert will be livestreamed on TelevisaUnivision platforms and iHeartLatino. Additional benefits are planned, including a concert by Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel in Los Angeles.
Russell Westbrook retires from the NBA with a farewell video narrated by Michael B. Jordan
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Russell Westbrook, the NBA’s career leader in triple-doubles and the 2017 MVP, announced Wednesday he’s retiring after 18 seasons during which he was selected to the league’s 75th anniversary team. The two-time scoring champion shared his decision on social media in a post featuring a video narrated by actor Michael B. Jordan where the guard never says a word. Westbrook was the No. 4 pick in 2008 out of UCLA by the Seattle SuperSonics, just before they moved to Oklahoma City. He played his first 11 seasons with the Thunder and spent this past season with the Sacramento Kings.
Travis Kelce: Chiefs camp offers welcome 'sanctuary' after closely watched wedding to Taylor Swift
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Travis Kelce calls training camp with the Kansas City Chiefs his “sanctuary.” That refuge is especially welcome after his recent star-studded wedding to Taylor Swift at Madison Square Garden. The event tying together the famous tight end and even more famous pop star featured celebrities like Adam Sandler, Stevie Nicks and Tom Brady. Kelce has also been busy with business ventures, including buying a stake in the Cleveland Guardians. Despite contemplating retirement after last season, Kelce is determined to prove he can still perform at a high level. He remains focused on preparing for what many believe could be his final year in the NFL.
