A child humanoid leads Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest film
TOKYO (AP) — Acclaimed Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda's new film, "Sheep in the Box," follows a grieving couple who use technology to recreate their deceased son as a humanoid. The title references the children's book "The Little Prince," suggesting that life's most valuable things are intangible. The film opens in U.S. theaters Friday. The story is a family drama set in the near future that premiered this year at the Cannes Film Festival. Kore-eda, known for films like "Shoplifters" and "Like Father, Like Son," often explores family dynamics. He's recognized for creating a positive work environment and opposes industry harassment. Kore-eda describes filmmaking as both his hobby and life.
A float plane changed course to avoid a storm before crashing on a Washington island, injuring 11
SEATTLE (AP) — The pilot of a float plane that crashed on a remote island near Washington’s border with Canada changed course to avoid a thunderstorm before it went down. All 11 people on board were injured in the crash Thursday, but a swift rescue by nearby boats and a helicopter crew got everyone safely to hospitals. Kenmore Air, which operated the flight, said Friday the pilot changed the flight path to avoid a weather system. It remains unclear what caused the crash. By Friday afternoon three people remained in hospitals, all in satisfactory condition. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.
Pompeii archaeologists reconstruct frescoed ceiling of a banquet hall, with more fragments to come
ROME (AP) — Archaeologists in the ancient city of Pompeii have unveiled the partially reconstructed frescoed ceiling vault of a banquet hall featuring detailed images of Greek mythology. The curved vault was presented late Thursday. The archaeological park said Friday that it used an innovative method to reconstruct the ceiling: Experts created a curved support structure to place the fragments in the design that replicates the original shape of the vault. As new fragments of frescoes are found and restored, they can be added to scene. Pompeii was buried by the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is one of Italy’s most visited tourist attractions.
Singer Chris Brown pleads guilty over bottle attack at a London nightclub
LONDON (AP) — Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown pleaded guilty to brawling at a London nightclub in 2023, a fight in which he hit a music producer over the head with a bottle. The altercation took place in February 2023. Brown, 37, changed his plea during a hearing at London's Southwark Crown Court on Friday. Prosecutors dropped more serious charges, including assault and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, in exchange for the guilty plea. The fight was caught on surveillance camera. Brown had been free on bail, allowing him to tour in Europe and North America. He remains free on bail and will be sentenced on October 26.
Ford recalls more than half a million Broncos due to engine fire risk
WASHINGTON (AP) — Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than half a million Broncos because a wiring harness in the engine compartment can short circuit and increase the risk of fire. Ford said Thursday that 565,691 Ford Broncos and Bronco Raptors, model years 2021-2026, are included in the recall. The automaker estimates that around 1% of those vehicles have the wiring harness defect. Ford said it is not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries related to the issue. To fix the problem, dealerships will install new covers over the wiring free of charge.
Laura Loomer meets Zelenskyy in Ukraine after her major reversal on the war
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Laura Loomer, President Donald Trump's ally with a reputation for incendiary social media comments, has sat down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a dramatic about-face regarding the war. Loomer had spent years minimizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and amplifying Russian propaganda to her nearly 2 million followers. But during a visit to the country this week, she said she had been wrong. Loomer said she interviewed Zelenskyy on Thursday for her Rumble show. Zelenskyy's office confirmed the meeting.
Yankees' José Caballero targeted by MLB for crackdown on plate routine of waiting to engage pitcher
NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball is cracking down on José Caballero's batting routine, saying it amounts to deception. MLB told umpires Wednesday to enforce pitch-clock violations against Caballero, leading to a strikeout and the ejection of the Yankees' hitting coach during a game against the Pirates. Caballero's routine involves waiting until the last moment to acknowledge the pitcher, which MLB says disrupts the game. Yankees manager Aaron Boone criticized MLB for not informing the team about the change. Caballero feels targeted, arguing his routine is consistent and not meant to deceive. MLB adopted the pitch clock to speed up games.
A Turkish governor is sacked over photos in snug cycling shorts. Many want him reinstated
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — A Turkish governor has been sacked after photos of him in tight cycling shorts went viral. Mehmet Fatih Cicekli, governor of Ardahan province, was removed from his post on July 17 by a presidential decree. Some Turkish politicians had criticized him for wearing the tight attire during a public event and posting the photos online. Inan Akgun Alp of the opposition party accused him of prioritizing social media over official duties. A petition to reinstate him has gathered over 10,000 signatures. Supporters argue he was promoting sports and youth activities in Ardahan.
Author Charles Gaines, who popularized the world of bodybuilding with 'Pumping Iron,' dies at 84
NEW YORK (AP) — Charles Gaines, the author who helped bring bodybuilding into the mainstream with "Pumping Iron," has died at 84. His daughter Greta confirmed his passing on Tuesday. Gaines collaborated with George Butler on the book and documentary "Pumping Iron," which introduced Arnold Schwarzenegger to the world. Initially, Gaines didn't expect the book to interest many outside bodybuilding. Schwarzenegger, who won multiple Mr. Olympia titles, later became a movie star and governor of California. Gaines, who began lifting weights at 16, also wrote novels like "Stay Hungry." Schwarzenegger praised Gaines for his adventurous spirit and influence.
Kaylee Hottle, deaf 'Godzilla' actor, killed in car crash at 18
Kaylee Hottle, a deaf actor known for her roles in two “Godzilla” films, has died in a car crash in Maryland. She was 18. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office reports the crash happened early Tuesday morning. Hottle was one of two passengers when the car went off the road. The driver was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. In “Godzilla vs. Kong” and the sequel, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” Hottle played an orphaned girl named Jia who sees beyond Kong’s threatening appearance and forms a special bond with the monster. Her parents, who are also deaf, shared emotional tributes online. The crash is under investigation.
