Guinness crowns Canberra town crier as the world's loudest person at 122.4 decibels
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — An Australian professional air conditioner cleaner and honorary town crier has been recognized as the world’s loudest person. Guinness World Records last week acknowledged that Joseph McGrail-Bateup recorded the loudest ever shout by an individual. He yelled “now” at 122.4 decibels. That broke the previous record of 121.7 decibels set by Northern Ireland schoolteacher Annalisa Flanagan in 1994. She had yelled an ear-piercing “quiet.” That is in the noise range of a chain saw, a jet aircraft taking off and an ambulance siren at close range. McGrail-Bateup said Tuesday the record attempt was not something he could train for.
Man arrested in Hungary for collecting human body parts taken from cemeteries, police say
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Police in Hungary have arrested a 30-year-old man for collecting human body parts. Authorities say he gathered the parts from abandoned cemeteries and his hospital workplace. The National Bureau of Investigation arrested him in Budapest on June 17. During a search of his apartment, police found skulls, bones and a heart in a jar. The man admitted to collecting and even cooking the body parts. He is being held on suspicion of illegal use of human bodies. Police suspect he obtained the parts through his work and by digging up bodies in Slovakia and Hungary.
A plan to sell artifacts from the Titanic faces US government opposition
A newly unsealed court filing shows the U.S. government opposes a plan to auction more than 100 artifacts recovered from the wreckage of the Titanic in the North Atlantic. The Georgia-based company RMS Titanic Inc. has exclusive salvage rights to the famous wreck, and has extracted dishware, gold coins and even pieces of the ship's hull. It wants to sell some of those artifacts for the first time, despite previous agreements to only display them at museums and traveling exhibitions. It proposed auctioning some artifacts and displaying them in four cities, however the details aren’t public. The U.S. government argues that plan would violate existing court orders and agreements, but the company says it would not.
An ancient oak tree said to have sheltered legendary Robin Hood has died
LONDON (AP) — The 1,200-year-old Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, linked to the legend of Robin Hood, is believed to have died. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has said Thursday that the tree failed to sprout leaves this spring. Visitors to the forest over the years have compressed the soil around it, hindering rain from reaching its roots. The Nottingham forest has faced threats for years, and climate change has also been blamed. Even in death, the tree will remain a natural monument and continue to support the forest's ecosystem.
Police rescue more than 400 cats from being eaten in Vietnam in a bust of a major animal theft ring
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Police in Vietnam have seized more than 400 cats in a major bust of an animal theft ring last week. Animal welfare groups and local media say the investigation saved hundreds of animals destined for the dinner plate. Local news reports say an investigation into a spate of pet thefts led Ho Chi Minh City police to the cat meat crime ring. Nine people have been detained. The animal groups say more than 40 cats have been reunited with their owners. They say the operation is sobering reminder of the enormous scale of Vietnam's cat meat trade. Cat lovers hope the operation will bring more attention to campaigns to end dog and cat meat consumption.
Monumental cave art on Paris' oldest bridge finally opens, as the public steps and sniffs inside
PARIS (AP) — French street artist JR has transformed Paris' oldest bridge, the Pont Neuf, into an artificial cavern. This monumental installation, open 24/7 until June 28, uses printed fabric and air to create a dark, immersive experience. Visitors enter a passage lined with cave photographs and sounds by Thomas Bangalter, formerly of Daft Punk. The installation also features scents by olfactory expert Sarah Bouasse, evoking wet earth and smoke. Inspired by Plato's allegory of the cave, JR's work invites people to experience the bridge through their senses. When it closes, the materials will be reused or recycled.
Catalonia's famed human tower climbers greet Pope Leo in Barcelona
VILAFRANCA DEL PENEDES, Spain (AP) — A group of more than 130 people in Barcelona gave a unique welcome to Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday night by forming a human tower. So-called “castells” are a unique feat of equilibrium and teamwork that represent identity and culture to Catalonia. The AP joined the group selected to make this iconic display as it traveled from its small town to the giant stadium in the Spanish metropolis.
With jumpsuits, wigs and dance moves, these young boys and teens keep Elvis' legacy alive
TUPELO, Miss. (AP) — A group of young Elvis Presley tribute artists, ranging in age from seven to 17, competed in the king’s hometown last week as part of the Tupelo Elvis Festival. Together, they donned jeweled jumpsuits and wigs, sang songs and found camaraderie among a group of peers who share their passion for Elvis’ music. The competitors credited the 2022 “Elvis” movie and Elvis' faith and charity as part of what inspired them to become Elvis tribute artists. They said they hoped to bring Elvis' music to a new generation of fans who hadn't had a chance to see Elvis perform in real life.
