AP Trending SummaryBrief at 6:58 p.m. EDT (2024)

Mandisa, Grammy-winning singer and 'American Idol' alum, dies at 47

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Contemporary Christian singer Mandisa, who appeared on “American Idol” and won a Grammy for her 2013 album “Overcomer,” has died. She was 47. A representative for the singer told The Associated Press that the singer was found dead in her home in Nashville on Thursday. The cause of her death was not yet known. Mandisa gained stardom after finishing ninth on “American Idol” in 2006. In 2014, she won a Grammy for best contemporary Christian music album for “Overcomer,” her fifth album. She spoke openly about her struggles with depression, releasing a memoir that detailed her experiences with severe depression, weight-related challenges, the coronavirus pandemic and her faith.

Catholic priest resigns from Michigan church following protests over his criticism of a gay author

BEAL CITY, Mich. (AP) — A Catholic priest has resigned as pastor of a church in a small central Michigan community. It is the result of weeks of controversy following his regret that a gay author had read a book to preschool children. Gay rights activists have held regular protests outside St. Joseph the Worker Church in Beal City. The Rev. Thomas Held’s departure as pastor was announced this week. The bishop of the Saginaw Diocese says it's impossible for Held to “bring unity” to the parish. In March, local author Dominic Thrasher read from his book, “The Adventures of Cece and the Sheriff.” Held appeared to apologize on Facebook, saying a “new vetting system” would be adopted.

FAA investigating after it says a flight told to cross a runway where another was starting takeoff

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration says it will investigate after a flight at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport was instructed to cross a runway where another flight was starting its takeoff. The FAA says a JetBlue flight was starting its takeoff roll on Thursday morning, when an air traffic controller instructed a Southwest Airlines flight to cross the same runway. Southwest Airlines Flight 2937 was bound for Orlando, Florida, and JetBlue flight 1554 was bound for Boston. JetBlue says the flight aborted takeoff because of another aircraft trying to cross the runway, and it will work with federal officials as the event is investigated. Southwest says it’s working with the FAA to "fully understand the circ*mstances.”

Dick Van Dyke earns historic Daytime Emmy nomination at age 98

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dick Van Dyke is vying for a historic Daytime Emmy at age 98. The actor has been nominated as guest performer in a daytime drama series for his part as amnesiac Timothy Robicheaux on Peaco*ck's “Days of Our Lives.” Van Dyke is the oldest Daytime Emmy nominee. Producer Norman Lear was 100 when he received his final Primetime Emmy nomination in 2022 and died the next year. Van Dyke has won four Primetime Emmys, including three in the 1960s for his classic comedy series “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” Other Daytime Emmy nominees include actors Selena Gomez and Valerie Bertinelli for their cooking shows.

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla is recalling nearly 4,000 of its 2024 Cybertrucks after it discovered that the accelerator pedal can become stuck, potentially causing the vehicle to accelerate unintentionally and increase the risk of a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Tesla informed the agency that the pedal pad may dislodge and become trapped by the interior trim. The recall involves model year 2024 Cybertrucks made between Nov. 13, 2023 and April 4, 2024, according to the NHTSA. Tesla is not aware of any collisions, injuries or deaths related to the issue.

Firefighters tackle scaffolding dangling outside ruins of fire-ravaged Danish landmark

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Firefighters in Copenhagen stabilizing the burned-out husk of Copenhagen’s historic Old Stock Exchange tried to use giant shears on a crane Friday to cut away dangling scaffolding, but suffered a setback when the implement fell into the debris. A large blaze broke out at the 400-year-old landmark on Tuesday, toppling its roof and iconic dragon-tail spire and collapsing much of its structure. On Thursday, a large section of the outer wall of the building collapsed inwards. Tuesday’s blaze was believed to have started on the roof while the building was being renovated. The cause remains unclear. The plan to remove the scaffolding was an attempt to salvage the unharmed parts of the Copenhagen landmark.

Taylor Swift drops 15 new songs on double album, 'The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology'

NEW YORK (AP) — Could there be a Taylor Swift new album rollout without a few additional surprises? No. On Friday, the pop star released her 11th album, “The Tortured Poets Department." It is an amalgamation of her previous work and reflecting the artist who — at the peak of her powers — has spent the last few years re-recording her life’s work and touring its material, filtered through synth-pop anthems, breakup ballads, provocative and matured considerations. But that was midnight. At 2 a.m. ET, she released “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology,” featuring 15 additional songs.

Children of reality TV's Chrisleys hope court hearing is step toward bringing convicted parents home

ATLANTA (AP) — Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley have appealed aspects of their convictions on federal charges of bank fraud and tax evasion. The Chrisleys rose to fame with their show “Chrisley Knows Best,” which chronicled the exploits of their tight-knit family. But prosecutors say they engaged in an extensive bank fraud scheme and hid their earnings from tax authorities while showcasing their extravagant lifestyle. Their accountant, Peter Tarantino, was indicted along with them and also is challenging his conviction. Lawyers for all three, as well as federal prosecutors, appeared for arguments before the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta on Friday.

Finding an apartment may be easier for California pet owners under new legislation

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A bill in California wants to make more rental housing available to tenants with pets. Assembly Bill 2216 would ban blanket no-pets policies and prohibit landlords from charging extra for security deposit and rent for tenants who have cats, dogs or other common household animals. Supporters say too many renters struggle to find housing because landlords won't take pets. Some tenants are forced to relinquish pets to overcrowded shelters. But property owners say they’re worried about property damage and liability. The bill is awaiting a vote by the full Assembly. Then it needs to go to the state Senate.

Coyotes officially leaving Arizona for Salt Lake City following approval of sale to Utah Jazz owners

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Coyotes are officially headed to Salt Lake City. The NHL Board of Governors voted Thursday to approve a $1.2 billion sale from Alex Meruelo to Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, clearing the way for the franchise’s move to Utah next season. The deal includes a provision for Arizona to get an expansion team if a new arena is built within the next five years. The deal will be facilitated through the NHL, with $200 million going to league owners as a relocation fee.

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