South Africa’s du Plessis retains middleweight UFC title
PERTH, Australia (AP) — South African Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his middleweight championship at UFC 305 by submitting Israel Adesanya after enduring a barrage of body shots across four rounds. Despite facing adversity from Adesanya’s strikes, du Plessis (22-2) managed to secure a takedown early in the fight. As the match continued, Adesanya’s relentless body strikes seemed to be wearing down the 30-year-old South African. However, a combination of left and right hooks in the fourth round brought Adesanya to the ground, allowing du Plessis to capitalize and secure the victory with a choke hold.
Trump falsely criticizes Olympic gold medalist female boxers as men
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump recently made inaccurate remarks about two female Olympic gold medalist boxers, falsely labeling them as men. Speaking at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Trump pledged to protect women’s sports from male competitors and referred to the two athletes who faced scrutiny about their gender during the Olympics. Trump’s previous criticisms of transgender individuals, particularly athletes, have been condemned by LGBTQ+ advocates for spreading harmful misinformation about gender identity.
Fire on Ferris wheel injures at least 23 at music festival in Germany
BERLIN (AP) — A fire broke out on a Ferris wheel at a music festival near Leipzig, Germany, injuring at least 23 people. The blaze originated in one gondola and spread to another on Saturday night. Among the injured, four individuals suffered burns, one fell, and others, including emergency responders and police officers, were treated for potential smoke inhalation. Authorities at the Highfield Festival are investigating the cause of the fire and monitoring the condition of those affected.
Keith Urban surprises fans with impromptu concert at Alabama Buc-ee’s
ATHENS, Ala. (AP) — Country singer Keith Urban delighted fans with a spontaneous concert in the parking lot of a Buc-ee’s convenience store in north Alabama. Urban’s impromptu performance attracted hundreds of attendees on a Friday night in Athens. Known for its barbecue, Buc-ee’s served as the unique venue for the singer’s surprise show. Urban’s decision to hold the concert at the convenience store stemmed from a previous visit, during which he found the idea of performing there appealing.
Iconic Indiana Jones fedora sells for $630,000 at auction
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A brown felt fedora worn by actor Harrison Ford in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” fetched $630,000 at auction. The hat, crafted by the Herbert Johnson Hat Company in London, surpassing the expected selling price of $250,000 to $500,000. Originally part of stunt performer Dean Ferrandini’s collection, the fedora, made of sable-colored rabbit felt, posed challenges during filming to keep it in place. Its sale marks a significant acquisition for film memorabilia enthusiasts.
Powerful earthquake strikes off Russia’s coast with no immediate damage
PETROPAVOVSK-KAMCHATSKY, Russia (AP) — A magnitude-7.0 earthquake hit the Pacific near Russia’s far eastern coast, prompting a tsunami alert that was later rescinded. The quake, centered approximately 63 miles east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, did not cause any immediate reports of damage or injuries. Despite its proximity to a major naval base, the earthquake did not result in significant destruction. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu initially cautioned against possible tsunami waves within 300 miles of the epicenter but later declared the threat eliminated.
R&B singer Maurice Williams, known for hit ‘Stay,’ dies at 86
NEW YORK (AP) — Maurice Williams, renowned for his hit song “Stay” with the Zodiacs, has passed away at the age of 86. The timeless track, lasting barely over a minute and a half, left a lasting impact beyond the era of the Zodiacs. Covered by various artists, including the Hollies and the Four Seasons, “Stay” endures as a musical staple. Its inclusion on the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack further solidified its cultural significance.
Matthew Perry’s final days marked by ketamine addiction, court documents reveal
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The recent arrest of five individuals in connection with Matthew Perry’s overdose death shed light on the actor’s addiction to ketamine in his last days. Court records disclose that Perry had been acquiring illegal ketamine from a doctor, with escalating amounts purchased by his assistant from both the doctor and a street dealer. Tragically, Perry succumbed to an overdose at 54 after instructing his assistant to administer a lethal dose of the surgical anesthetic.
Madonna to sponsor youth art project to commemorate her 66th birthday
ROME (AP) — Madonna celebrated her 66th birthday with a private tour of Pompeii in Italy, where she announced her funding for a youth art initiative. The project, titled “Dream of Flying,” engages young artists in adapting classic comedies by Aristophanes, with an annual budget of 250,000 euros. Madonna’s involvement highlights her commitment to supporting art and cultural endeavors for the next generation.
Michael Brown’s death catalyzed a decade of racial reckoning in the U.S.
Michael Brown’s passing ten years ago in Ferguson, Missouri sparked a wave of protests and activism, fueling movements like Black Lives Matter and advocating for racial justice. Beyond BLM, a diverse coalition of activists has championed causes ranging from Indigenous rights to immigrant justice and anti-Asian discrimination. These efforts have reshaped American society, challenging systemic racism and inspiring a new era of activism. Yet, the future of racial equality in the nation remains uncertain as advocates navigate ongoing challenges and victories.
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