Dollywood named America’s favorite theme park for 3rd year in a row

FILE — Dollywood announced its Summer Celebration and Festival plans. (WDBJ7)

Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

The Dollywood theme park has been named America’s favorite by the National Amusement Park Historical Association.

The theme park co-owned by music legend Dolly Parton received the top honor for the third year in a row.

According to the association, Dollywood beat Disneyland in California, which came in second place.

Dollywood is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge near where the 79-year-old Parton grew up. It opened to the public in 1986.

The historical association also named Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia as the most beautiful theme park for the 35th consecutive year, along with voting the Bobcat, a wooden roller coaster at Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury, New York, as this year’s favorite new attraction.

Woman arrested after 18-year-old kayaker killed in jet ski hit-and-run, authorities say

Authorities released an image of one of the women suspected of being on the jet ski during the hit-and-run crash being taken into custody. (Texas Game Wardens)

Grapevine, Texas

Texas authorities say a woman has been taken into custody in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash involving a jet ski over the weekend.

Texas Game Wardens released a photo of one of the women who they say was on the jet ski that hit and killed an 18-year-old kayaker over the holiday weekend on Grapeline Lake.

Authorities identified the woman as Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez.

On Monday, Texas Game Wardens said Gonzaelz was wanted in connection with the crash as they believed she was operating the jet ski with a female passenger when the watercraft hit the kayaker, later identified as Ava Moore.

According to the Grapevine Police Department, the female passenger stayed at the scene and was interviewed by first responders while Gonzalez left with a man. In a rush to leave the scene, police said the man also hit a vehicle while leaving.

Moore was taken to the hospital, but she did not survive her injuries.

“Our thoughts are with Ava’s family and friends during this difficult time. Texas Game Wardens remain committed to keeping our public waters safe,” police shared in a statement.

WFAA reports that Moore’s family said she had just received her appointment during a United States Air Force Academy Prep Graduation earlier this month.

“We are grieving the loss of our daughter at this time....Our prayers are also with the young ladies involved, along with their families,” family members shared in a statement.

Jim Irsay, longtime owner of the Indianapolis Colts, has died

FILE -- Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay talks during the Hall of Fame ring ceremony for Peyton Manning and Edgerrin James in 2021. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)

Indianapolis

Longtime Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has died.

The team announced the 65-year-old’s death on Wednesday,

“Jim’s dedication and passion for the Indianapolis Colts, in addition to his generosity, commitment to the community, and most importantly, his love for his family were unsurpassed,” the team shared in a statement.

According to the team, Irsay died in his sleep Wednesday afternoon.

“Our deepest sympathies go to his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson, and his entire family as we grieve with them,” the Colts’ statement continued.

Irsay had a profound impact on the franchise, helping turn the team into a perennial title contender through the years with such hires as general manager Bill Polian, head coach Tony Dungy, along with drafting quarterback Peyton Manning in 1998.

Jim Irsay’s journey with the Colts started in 1972 when his father, Robert Irsay, acquired the team. Jim Irsay eventually took over the team in 1997.

No cause of death was immediately announced.

Man accused of driving 118 mph drunk with wife, young children in car, authorities say

Juan Espinosa is facing charges after police say he was caught driving nearly 120 mph on Interstate 95. (Brevard County Sheriff's Office, Florida)

Brevard County, Fla.

Authorities in Florida say a driver is facing charges that include DUI after he was caught traveling nearly 120 mph on Interstate 95 over the weekend.

According to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy spotted a speeding SUV on I-95 at about 2:20 a.m. Sunday.

The deputy said the vehicle was clocked at 118 mph shortly before the driver slammed on the brakes and pulled over to the center median.

The sheriff’s office said that as the deputy was approaching the vehicle after the traffic stop, the driver, later identified as Juan Espinosa, began speaking with him. The deputy reported smelling alcohol coming from the vehicle.

Authorities said Espinosa’s wife was in the passenger seat along with a sleeping 1-year-old and an 8-year-old in the back seat.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office said Espinosa showed signs of driving under the influence and was arrested and charged with DUI and child neglect.

“Folks, no matter how many times we say it, people continue to put their lives at risk, the innocent lives of our citizens on the roadway, and in this case, the people who he should love and care for the most, his family,” Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said.

Hawaiian, Alaska Airlines implement new ‘no-show’ policy

Hawaiian, Alaska Airlines implement a new ‘no-show’ policy. (Alaska Airlines)

Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines have rolled out a new no-show policy that began Thursday.

According to the airlines, travelers who now miss their flight without canceling in advance will forfeit the entire value of their ticket.

The no-show policy states that it applies to passengers who book a confirmed flight that was not cancelled before the departure time of their flight.

Hawaiian Airlines says for travelers to contact them before the flight departs if they think they are going to miss their plane. Doing so allows the traveler to receive the value of their ticket as credit to use on a future flight.

However, if travelers fail to cancel in time, all itinerary segments associated with the reservation will be automatically cancelled and the money and/or miles associated with the flight’s fare would also be forfeited, Alaska Airlines shared.

Additionally, passengers who booked non-refundable fares won’t be able to recover the cost or use miles spent if they’re marked as a no-show.

The airlines added that it’s best for passengers to contact them immediately to check on other possible options if they are at the airport and just missed their flight.