Detroit Pistons fire coach Monty Williams after one season that ended with NBA’s worst record
The Detroit Pistons have fired coach Monty Williams after just one season that ended with an NBA-worst 14-68 record. Last season was the first in what was a six-year, $78.5 million contract for Williams — one that, at the time, was the richest ever given to an NBA coach. At one point, the Pistons had a 28-game losing streak. It was the longest ever in a single season in NBA history and tied for the longest ever when factoring in multiple seasons.
Tropical Storm Alberto forms in southwest Gulf, 1st named storm of the hurricane season
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Tropical Storm Alberto has formed in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, the first named storm of what is forecast to be a busy hurricane season. The National Hurricane Center says Alberto was located 185 miles east of Tampico, Mexico, on Wednesday morning with top sustained winds of 40 mph. A tropical storm is defined by sustained winds of between 39 and 73 mph, and one with stronger winds is a hurricane. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts the hurricane season from June 1 to Nov. 30 is likely to be well above average, with between 17 and 25 named storms.
Climate protesters arrested over spraying orange paint on Stonehenge monument
LONDON (AP) — Two climate protesters have been arrested for spraying orange paint on the ancient Stonehenge monument in southern England. Wiltshire Police said the pair was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of damaging one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it a “disgraceful act of vandalism.” The incident came just a day before thousands are expected to gather at the 4,500-year-old stone circle to celebrate the summer solstice — the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The act was the latest by Just Stop Oil to draw attention to global warming.
One of Rishi Sunak’s bodyguards arrested over alleged bets on UK election date
LONDON (AP) — One of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s police bodyguards has been arrested over alleged bets on the date of Britain’s national election made before it was announced. The Metropolitan Police force said Wednesday that a constable in the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command was arrested Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The Gambling Commission said it was investigating “the possibility of offences concerning the date of the election.” Sunak announced May 22 that an election for Parliament would be held on July 4. The date had been a closely guarded secret. The arrested officer was released on bail pending further inquiries and has been removed from duty.
Rickwood Field, Willie Mays’ first pro park and monument of opportunity and oppression, welcomes MLB
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Rickwood Field will host an MLB game between the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants on Thursday. It’s the oldest professional ballpark in the U.S. and former home to baseball Hall of Famer Willie Mays and the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. It’s a time capsule of opportunity and oppression, a site for social gatherings and political events, as well as baseball achievements in the 20th century. The game meant to honor Mays and many other Negro Leaguers will be both somber and reminiscent. Mays, the electrifying center fielder who left an enduring mark on baseball, died Tuesday afternoon.
Pharrell at Louis Vuitton celebrates the diversity of human skin in Paris UNESCO show
PARIS (AP) — Louis Vuitton has celebrated the beauty of humanity in a star-studded menswear showcase at UNESCO in Paris. Models in all the hues of human skin paraded around a giant globe on Damier check grass, creating a visual symphony of diversity. Menswear designer Pharrell Williams said it was “an homage to human beings,” after a show that felt like a journey around the world, against a backdrop of the Eiffel Tower and a giant globe. The collection prominently featured checks in shades of green, blue and black, drawing inspiration from the designs of Air Afrique luggage. Williams infused the collection with a sense of global unity.
Singer Justin Timberlake charged with driving while intoxicated in the Hamptons
SAG HARBOR, N.Y. (AP) — Pop star Justin Timberlake has been charged with drunken driving in a village in New York’s Hamptons. Police in Sag Harbor said he ran a stop sign and veered out of his lane early Tuesday while driving a 2025 BMW in Sag Harbor. The boy band singer-turned-solo star and actor was released without bond after his arraignment. The Suffolk County district attorney’s office says he was charged with a DWI misdemeanor. His next court date was scheduled for July 26. Timberlake’s lawyer and representatives did not immediately return requests for comment from The Associated Press.
Ethics probe into Matt Gaetz now reviewing allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use
WASHINGTON (AP) — New details are emerging in the ethics investigation into Florida Republican Matt Gaetz. The House Ethics Committee in an unusual public statement Tuesday confirmed it is reviewing several allegations against the congressman. The committee says it is investigating whether Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, whether he accepted improper gifts and whether he sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct. Four other allegations are no longer being investigated. Gaetz has categorically denied all the allegations. The ethics committee cautioned that the existence of the investigation into Gaetz does not mean that any violation occurred.
Kansas is making a big run at Kansas City’s pro teams with a plan to help pay for new stadiums
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas is making a serious run at becoming the new home for the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. State legislators approved a plan Tuesday to lure the Chiefs and Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals away from Missouri. Bipartisan legislative supermajorities OK’d a measure to authorize state bonds to help finance new stadiums and practice facilities for both teams on the Kansas side of the metropolitan area. The plan goes next to Gov. Laura Kelly. She has not promised to sign it but said in a statement that Kansas could become a professional sports powerhouse. Both teams say they look forward to considering Kansas options.
Panthers see another chance at Cup slip away, fall to Oilers 5-3 in Game 5
SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Connor McDavid had two goals and two assists that added to his historic postseason, Evan Bouchard added three assists and the Edmonton Oilers fended off elimination yet again by beating the Florida Panthers 4-3 in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday night. Connor Brown, Zach Hyman and Corey Perry also had goals for the Oilers, who scored the game’s first three goals to take control — then held on late to cut Florida’s lead in the title series to 3-2. Evan Rodrigues and Matthew Tkachuk each had a goal and an assist for Florida, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson also scored for the Panthers. Game 6 is in Edmonton on Friday night.
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