Los Angeles, CA

Columbus, OH

The Independent

 Imagine living long enough to hear radio reports that the Titanic sunk, to see the end of both World War I and World War II and to later watch in living color as reality TV star Donald Trump became president.That is the reality for Elizabeth Francis, who turned 115 on Thursday and who holds the distinction of being the oldest living American. Francis became the oldest woman — and oldest person overall — in America in February, when the previous title holder, Edie Ceccarelli, died a few weeks after her 116th birthday. In April, Francis received a plaque recognizing...

She saw the Titanic sink and the end of World War I. Now, the oldest American just turned 115

Los Angeles County, CA

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Herbie J Pilato

[Note: Unless otherwise indicated, the commentary and quotes in this article are from the author's interview with those mentioned.]. Elizabeth Montgomery was one of the most popular actors from the 1950s to her unfortunate passing from cancer in 1995. Before, during, and after her benchmark Emmy-nominated role as twitch-witch Samantha Stephens on TV's Bewitched (ABC, 1964-1972), Montgomery made over 200 additional appearances in other weekly shows, TV-movies, and feature films.

'Bewitched' Star Elizabeth Montgomery Received Death Threats for Protesting the Vietnam War

Colorado State

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David Heitz

A bill quietly introduced this spring in the Colorado legislature to decriminalize the possession of drug paraphernalia obtained by harm reductionists has become law. As low-key as the legislation was introduced, the bill was signed into law without fanfare June 6. It garnered little to no media attention.

Colorado legalizes needles, pipes for meth and crack if obtained by harm reduction group

Virginia State

Kentucky Vibes.net

Disclaimer: This article was written with the help of A.I. software. On July 28, 2024, a TikTok video posted by Erica W., known as @tasteofmelanin on the platform, garnered significant attention after she exposed disturbing racist decorations in an Airbnb rental. The incident occurred in a rental property that Erica had booked, although the exact location remains unspecified. The video has since gone viral, prompting widespread concern and leading to the removal of the listing from Airbnb's platform.

Airbnb Listing Taken Down After Black Woman Finds Hanging Monkeys and Cotton Used As Decor

Real Simple

Some of these books were foundational in inspiring other writers to share their stories.

10 Banned Books Everyone Should Read, According to These Published Authors

Actor Buddy Ebsen, who died at age 95 in 2003, found fame by starring in two of the most popular classic television shows in history: The Beverly Hillbillies (CBS, 1962 to 1971) and Barnaby Jones (CBS, 1973 to 1980). On the Hillbillies, he played former Tennessee country mountain-folk-turned-wealthy Beverly Hills resident Jed Clampett. On Barnaby Jones, he was one of TV's most senior, slyest, health-conscious detectives. Ebsen, however, almost became even more famous for a certain big-screen classic film in which he ultimately did not appear.

'Beverly Hillbillies" Actor Buddy Ebsen Was "Bitter" about not playing the Tin Man in 'Wizard of Oz'

This week’s bestsellers include a couple new titles. First is The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness, which is the fifth book in the All Souls series that started with A Discovery of Witches. The other is not a surprise: Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance hit the bestseller list after being nominated as Vice President, running alongside Donald Trump. Here at Book Riot, we’ve been writing about the flaws of Hillbilly Elegy for years, especially as a representation of Appalachia. First there was Josh Corman’s Lies, Damn Lies, and Hillbilly Elegy in 2016, then Kendra Winchester’s 15 Books About Appalachia to Read Instead of Hillbilly Elegy in 2020, and even more in years since. Of course, we can’t stop you from reading it, but we can suggest that if you do, you pick up some of these other examples of Appalachian literature to get a more accurate view of the region and the writers who represent it. Now, onto the bestsellers.

The Bestselling Books of the Week, According to All the Lists

South Carolina State

Explore Beaufort SC

The mantis shrimp is one tough customer. Beautiful and deadly are two words you don’t typically use to describe shrimp, but the mantis shrimp is definitely in a class of its own; earning a reputation as the ‘savage boxer of the sea’ and one of the most fearsome creatures in the ocean. And, they're right at home here in South Carolina.

Savage Boxer of the Sea: The Deadly Beauty of Mantis Shrimp

Disclaimer: This article was written with the help of A.I. software. Meghan Markle's venture into the lifestyle space has not been met with universal acclaim, particularly from one well-known figure: Martha Stewart. Earlier this year, in March, Meghan unveiled her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. The brand immediately drew comparisons to other celebrity wellness empires, particularly that of culinary icon Martha Stewart. However, these comparisons have reportedly struck a nerve with Stewart, who finds them both "irritating and insulting."

Meghan Markle 'Insulted' Martha Stewart as She 'Won't Hesitate to Take Her Down

Indy100

For almost 2,000 years, a once-bustling city in the desert of Saudi Arabia was left abandoned to the sands of time.Hegra, a thriving international trade hub in the first century AD, fell into a steady decline after it was annexed by the Roman empire in 106 AD.Then, in the centuries that followed, it was all but forgotten: occasionally mentioned by pilgrims on their way to Mecca, but left largely untouched.Yet languishing in the burning sun for nearly two millennia left the extraordinary site remarkably well-preserved.And now it has finally opened up to both tourists and experts who are hailing it...

Breathtaking ancient city discovered in the desert reveals secrets of a forgotten civilisation

The Forward

HERVÁS, SPAIN — A gray-bearded shopkeeper in a white yarmulke and long robe sells menorahs, Stars of David, and Kabbalist medallions. Outside of his shop, the maze of narrow medieval streets is lined with artisans; men wear skullcaps and women wear head coverings.  But alongside the Judaica, there are Virgin Marys and crosses, and the...

A small town in Spain is finally embracing its Jewish history — but is any of that history true?

WyoFile

The woman who shot a video of a hydrothermal explosion in Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday morning told WyoFile she and her family were terrified as the blast sent boiling water and rocks skyward, destroying parts of a boardwalk, its guardrail and a nearby bench.

Yellowstone hydrothermal explosion: ‘We were terrified’

San Simeon, CA

Hearst Castle stands as a testament to opulence and grandeur, perched on the hills of San Simeon, California. Built by media mogul William Randolph Hearst, this architectural marvel boasts 165 rooms, 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways. But what makes this castle truly fascinating? Did you know that Hearst Castle houses one of the largest private zoo collections ever assembled? Or that it was designed by Julia Morgan, one of the first female architects in the United States? From its breathtaking Neptune Pool to its impressive art collection, Hearst Castle offers a glimpse into a bygone era of luxury and extravagance. Ready to learn more? Let's dive into 15 intriguing facts about this iconic landmark.

15 Facts About Hearst Castle

Womenfolk leaning on rakes like Pallases on spears. Grow huge in the shadows sent them from the sky’s torn. Beyond bridge and echo—laughter of distant metaphors. To those departing in shadows drawn out by the sunset. The harvesters bring a lost report of us. Who were startled at...

“Two Stanzas,” a Poem by Zbigniew Herbert

Denver, CO

In addition to collecting more than 8,000 used needles in the past year from Denver drug users, the Harm Reduction Action Center passed out 10,000 meth pipes and “snort kits,” according to a newsletter sent to its supporters Thursday. They also connected about 1,700 people to medical, mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Denver group hands out 10K meth pipes, ‘snort kits,’ connects 1,700 to treatment annually

One of the most beloved Hollywood stars in the history of television, in particular, was actress Frances Bavier, who died in 1989 at age 85. The likable actress became best known for her compassionate and nurturing role as Aunt Bee on The Andy Griffith Show (CBS, 1960-1968).

Beloved 'Andy Griffith Show' Actress Frances Bavier ("Aunt Bee"): A Look Back at Her Life and Career

Brooklyn, NY

Lena Valencia’s Mystery Lights, her first story collection, shimmers with eerie desert locations, from a screenwriter’s glamping trip near Joshua Tree to a heavily marketed premiere in Marfa and an “entrepreneurial wellness and self-actualization retreat” in the Mojave. She conjures up vivid characters with complicated relationships, and chill-inducing supernatural phenomena. Each story reverberates with strangeness and suspense. What was her inspiration?

Lena Valencia on Chronicling the Beauty and Danger of the Desert

Florida State

Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville Today

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said he will consider more DUI patrols if voters legalize recreational marijuana use in Florida. Voters will consider Amendment 3 in November. It would allow adults 21 or older to possess, purchase or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical purposes.

More DUI patrols possible if marijuana issue passes

It's been two decades since beloved actor Brian Kelly died of pneumonia at 73 in 2005. Best known as Porter Ricks in the classic TV family show Flipper(NBC, 1964-1967), Kelly had once suffered a paralyzing motorcycle accident that ended his acting career. However, he rechanneld his creative talent and became a producer. This is his story.

The Paralyzing Accident & Tragic Death of TV's 'Flipper' Father Brian Kelly: Two Decades Later

Glendale, CA

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NewsBreak

Bigoted Bookselling: When the Nazis Opened a Propaganda Bookstore in Los Angeles

In the first half of the twentieth century, radical bookstores took many forms and often served as part of larger, multichannel campaigns. Nazis, as well as...

Bigoted Bookselling: When the Nazis Opened a Propaganda Bookstore in Los Angeles

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