National News

Mattel unveils Elizabeth II Barbie on queen’s birthday

LONDON (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II has got her own Barbie in honor of her 96th birthday and upcoming Platinum Jubilee. California-based toymaker Mattel released the doll on the monarch’s birthday Thursday in commemoration of her 70 years of service,…

Program helps Congo families protect endangered gorillas

WASHINGTON (AP) — Decades of conservation efforts have stabilized the population of endangered mountain gorillas in eastern Africa. But the number of Grauer’s gorillas — a less furry, lower elevation-dwelling animal — has declined, largely due to habitat loss and hunting. On Friday, the…

Fewest Americans collecting jobless aid since 1970

WASHINGTON (AP) — Applications for unemployment benefits inched down last week as the total number of Americans collecting aid fell to its lowest level in more than 50 years. Jobless claims fell by 2,000 to 184,000 last week, the Labor…

As shares plunge, Netflix takes aim at password sharing

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A sharp drop in subscribers sent Netflix shares into freefall Wednesday, forcing the company to consider experimenting with ads and -- hold onto your remote -- cracking down on millions  who use passwords shared by friends…

23 injured in Texas storms Tuesday

SALADO, Texas (AP) — Nearly two dozen people were injured when tornadoes swept through central Texas as part of a storm system that was expected to spawn more twisters and damaging winds Wednesday. The storms caused widespread damage Tuesday in Salado, about…

Oldest U.S. active park ranger retires at 100

RICHMOND, Calif. (AP) — The nation’s oldest active park ranger is hanging up her Smokey hat at the age of 100. Betty Reid Soskin retired Thursday after more than 15 years at the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical…

Flight cancellations snarl holiday plans for thousands

By TALI ARBEL NEW YORK (AP) — Airlines continued to cancel hundreds of flights because of staffing issues tied to COVID-19, disrupting holiday celebrations during one of the busiest travel times of the year. FlightAware, a flight-tracking website, noted nearly 1,000 canceled flights entering,…

Memorial hosting blood drive Wednesday

As a result of critical blood shortage, Memorial is stepping up and hosting a blood drive at the Memorial Medical Office Building atrium located on 13th Street in Gulfport. The blood…