5 things you need to know Wednesday
Pressure intensifies as Day 5 in Rio picks up steam
The stars will be out Wednesday as an action-packed slate rolls through at the Rio Olympics. Michael Phelps and fellow USA teammate Ryan Lochte will focus their attention on the 200-meter individual medley after combining to win Olympic gold Tuesday night. A day after U.S. women cemented their legacy by defending their team Olympic crown, USA men's gymnastics hope to right some wrongs from Monday's showing when they compete in the individual all-around final. Also, both of USA Basketball's talented squads are in action as U.S. superstar Carmelo Anthony looks to add to his Olympic scoring total as his team faces Australia in prime-time, while the U.S. women aim to extend their dominant Olympic winning streak. Other highlights on Wednesday include; Brazil's do-or-die men's soccer game against Denmark; Rafael Nadal's series of tennis matches; and a possible Round 2 of the heated battle between Lilly King and Russia's Yulia Efimova, though this time the rivals look to win gold in the 200-meter breaststroke. Here's a handy schedule to prepare you for Day 5.
Kansas water park reopens after 10-year-old’s death
Schlitterbahn water park plans to allow guests back into its Kansas City, Kan., park Wednesday after Caleb Schwab, 10, died on a massive water slide Sunday. The Verrückt — German for “insane” and billed as the world’s largest water slide — remains closed for the remainder of the season. Police said a neck injury killed the boy, and although they deemed it an accident, the death has raised questions around water park safety and federal oversight. During construction of the slide, park owners faced engineering problems building the massive attraction, and test rafts flew off the nearly 170-foot structure. Schwab was the son of state Rep. Scott Schwab.
Say hello to Captain America in Prospect Park
In honor of the superhero's 75th birthday, Captain America gets his own statue. The 13-foot-tall bronze statue, which was unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con in July, will be officially unveiled Wednesday at a dedication ceremony in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. It's a tribute to not just the superhero, but to those who have kept his story alive over the years, says Paul Gitter, senior vice president of licensing for Marvel at Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. The statue features the quote "I'm just a kid from Brooklyn" from Captain America: The First Avenger, the first movie starring Chris Evans as the character.
Delta continues to work around its computer glitch meltdown
Will the nightmare ever end? Delta Air Lines remains in hot water as cancellations and delayed flights are expected to carryover Wednesday. CEO Ed Bastian issued a second apology in as many days after Delta's massive system outage grounded thousands of flights around the globe. Tuesday’s disruptions followed Monday's headache that caused 1,000 cancellations and 2,800 delayed flights. Though the airline — which serves nearly 180 million customers annually — worked to restore their operations, the ripple effects lingered. Delta extended a travel-waiver policy and offered vouchers to help stranded passengers rearrange their travel plans.
Rick Astley performs in U.S. for first time in 25 years
After 25 years, British singer Rick Astley will perform in the states. Astley will be at the Box in New York City Wednesday, performing songs from his new album 50, among other songs. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, maybe his hit single “Never Gonna Give You Up” does; it’s the song behind the infamous “rick roll.” Watch Paste BN Life catch up with Astley (it’s not a rick roll, we promise).
And the essentials:
Weather: Heavy rain and floods threat the Southwest, the northern Plains and Gulf Coast.
Stocks: Global stock markets were mixed Wednesday.
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Hollywood Medium, Castle and Modern Family.
Be inspired: Pet store donates dog to help autistic boy.
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Contributing: The Associated Press.
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