Midwest
'Top Thrill 2' roller coaster at Cedar Point will not reopen this season
Top Thrill 2, the long-awaited re-imagining of Cedar Point’s Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster, will not reopen this operating season, the Sandusky, Ohio-based park announced on August 23.
In the statement, Cedar Point said that work was ongoing to modify the ride’s vehicles, and laid most of the blame on the ride’s manufacturer, Zamperla.
Zamperla, an Italian-based manufacturer, was announced as the manufacturer of Top Thrill 2 in 2023. Top Thrill Dragster, the original coaster, was manufactured by Intamin.
‘TOP THRILL 2’ ROLLER COASTER AT CEDAR POINT CLOSES INDEFINITELY JUST DAYS AFTER LONG-AWAITED OPENING
“We sincerely appreciate your patience while Top Thrill 2’s manufacturer, Zamperla, has been working diligently to complete a mechanical modification to the coaster vehicles,” Cedar Point said in a statement posted to its social media platforms and website.
“Unfortunately, the manufacturer will not be able to complete the modifications needed in time to reopen the coaster in 2024,” they said.
Top Thrill 2 will not reopen during the 2024 season, Cedar Point announced on August 23. The ride was open for just days before it was closed for an “extended closure.” (Artist concept rendering. Courtesy of Cedar Point.)
“We are extremely disappointed that we cannot open the ride this season, but remain committed to delivering a reliable, consistent and unparalleled coaster experience for our guests in 2025,” said Cedar Point, adding a “sincere apology.”
Cedar Point is open daily until Labor Day, and then operates during select weekends until November 2.
Top Thrill 2 opened on May 4, 2024, following several days of previews prior to its official opening. Just over a week later, the park announced that the ride would have an “extended closure” due to an issue with the ride’s vehicles.
Since its closure, the X account @TopThrillStatus has been documenting the work that has been done on the coaster, including the testing of the modified trains.
CEDAR POINT ANNOUNCES ‘TOP THRILL 2,’ A RECORD-SETTING ROLLER COASTER: ‘BOLDEST AND MOST ADVANCED’
Cedar Point is in Sandusky, Ohio. The park announced that its highly anticipated roller coaster Top Thrill 2 would remain closed through 2024. (iStock)
“If you didn’t catch it, [Top Thrill 2] was testing again last night. This increase in testing is exactly what I’d hope to see, as the more it tests, the closer to an opening we are,” said @TopThrillStatus on August 22.
Top Thrill 2 was described by Cedar Point as “the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch strata roller coaster.”
A “strata roller coaster” refers to any roller coaster over 400 feet tall. Top Thrill 2’s predecessor, Top Thrill Dragster, was the first-ever “strata” coaster.
Top Thrill Dragster, which previously held the record for tallest roller coaster, closed permanently after a 2021 incident in which a woman was struck by a “small metal object” that had come off the ride. In 2022, Cedar Point announced that the ride would be “re-imagined.”
The park constructed a 420-foot “spike” behind Top Thrill Dragster’s original 420-foot “top hat” feature.
Top Thrill 2 features two 420-foot drops. A “spike” was constructed to complement the original “Top Hat” feature of Top Thrill Dragster. (Artist concept rendering. Courtesy of Cedar Point.)
The new ride has riders going forward and backward on the spike before cresting the top hat.
Prior to its sudden closure, Top Thrill 2 received rave reviews from roller coaster enthusiasts.
Taylor Bybee and Sarah Anderson, the two Virginia-based roller coaster enthusiasts behind the popular YouTube channel “Coaster Studios,” were able to ride Top Thrill 2 on its opening day.
In a May email to Fox News Digital, Bybee and Anderson said they had “an amazing experience with Top Thrill 2,” noting that they “at no time felt unsafe.”
On X, users who were able to ride Top Thrill 2 during its brief operational period reflected on their experiences.
“I was fortunate to ride Top Thrill 2 three times at a charity event at the end of April. Who knew that I would be in such an exclusive club,” posted X user Anthony DiPiero on August 23.
I was fortunate to ride Top Thrill 2 three times at a charity event at the end of April. Who knew that I would be in such an exclusive club?
Self-described “Coaster enthusiast” Andrew Lineweaver posted on X calling Top Thrill 2’s opening “probably the worst debut season we’ve ever seen from a coaster that’s opened with riders, even worse than the OG Top Thrill Dragster.”
Lineweaver continued, adding “I’m still so thankful to have gotten 2 rides because the ride experience is PHENOMENAL. Excited to get many more rides next year!”
For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle
The Cedar Fair, parent company of Cedar Point, operates 17 amusement and water park locations across the United States and Canada.
The company merged with competing amusement park chain Six Flags in July 2024.
Fox News Digital reached out to Cedar Point for additional comment.
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Michigan
What to know about cyclosporiasis as Michigan health officials investigate 300+ cases in outbreak
Over 300 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported within a week in Southeast Michigan, and Michigan health officials are investigating.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) are actively investigating the potential source of the “large and growing outbreak” of cases confirmed in Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, Jackson and Livingston counties.
Health officials also reported 24 cases across 11 other Michigan counties, including in the city of Detroit. Typically, Michigan only gets around 50 cases per year.
On July 1, MDHHS reported there were at least 170 cases. On Thursday, the number of cases jumped to at least 300.
Read more –> Michigan health officials warn of ‘large and growing outbreak’ of cyclosporiasis
The age range of individuals who were diagnosed with the illness ranges from 8 years old to 84 years old, with a median age of 41, according to MDHHS.
Health officials are working to determine the common exposure of the outbreak in Michigan.
Here’s what to know about cyclosporiasis:
What is cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a parasite and infects the small intestine.
Healthcare providers can diagnose the illness by testing a stool sample.
Signs and symptoms
If infected with cyclosporiasis, people may experience watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements.
The illness can last from a few days to over a month if the illness is not treated. Symptoms could relapse.
The timeframe from becoming infected to becoming sick usually takes about one week but can range from two days to two weeks or more.
In the US, outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of fresh produce. People can get infected with Cyclospora more than once.
Anyone who experiences symptoms of cyclosporiasis should see their healthcare provider.
How it spreads
The illness can spread when people eat food or drink water that was contaminated with feces.
The CDC said it can take at least one or two weeks outside the body for Cyclospora to become infectious after passing in a bowel movement, making direct person-to-person transmission unlikely.
How to prevent cyclosporiasis
According to the CDC, people can prevent infection by avoiding food or water that may contain feces and by following food safety recommendations for safe preparation and storage.
The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.
Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking. Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
Read more on prevention here.
Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
Minnesota
New LeBron James Rumors Reveal Wolves Free-Agent Pitch to NBA Icon Amid ‘Ramped Up’ Contract Pursuit
The Minnesota Timberwolves have “ramped up” their pursuit of LeBron James in free agency, per Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.
“The Minnesota Timberwolves have ramped up their push for LeBron James, with full belief that they are very much in the hunt to land one of the greatest players in NBA history, league sources told The Athletic.
“The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations, said the Timberwolves have been in contact with James’ representatives with a bold pitch: team up with Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert to go after the kind of championship that could end any discussion about who is the greatest player of all time.”
Minnesota is in the mix based on comments that James’ agent, Klutch Sports Founder and CEO Rich Paul, made on his “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman.
Paul discussed potential landing spots for James with Kellerman via a white board. For what it’s worth, five teams were featured in the middle and more prominently than the rest: the Miami Heat, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Denver Nuggets, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Timberwolves.
Minnesota is a unique team for James to consider. On paper, Minnesota is probably in the second tier of the Western Conference right now behind the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. James could elevate the Wolves, who have stars on offense (Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball) and defense (Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels). He would be a great fit in that lineup.
The Timberwolves’ problem is that they have a lot of competition for James’ services. Paul told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that he has spoken with 27 teams about James. But Minnesota is firmly in the mix.
Missouri
Missouri Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 winning numbers for July 3, 2026
The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at July 3, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from July 3 drawing
05-09-29-47-57, Mega Ball: 16
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from July 3 drawing
Midday: 1-7-3
Midday Wild: 6
Evening: 9-9-8
Evening Wild: 4
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from July 3 drawing
Midday: 6-9-7-0
Midday Wild: 0
Evening: 9-3-1-1
Evening Wild: 6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from July 3 drawing
Early Bird: 13
Morning: 12
Matinee: 05
Prime Time: 07
Night Owl: 05
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Show Me Cash numbers from July 3 drawing
02-04-07-22-36
Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.
To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:
Ticket Redemption
Missouri Lottery
P.O. Box 7777
Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777
For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.
For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.
When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
- Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
- Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
- Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
- Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
- Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
- Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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