Brazilians avoid drinking after authorities confirm methanol poisoning cases, including 1 death
SAO PAULO (AP) — Authorities in Brazil have issued warnings about methanol poisoning linked to distilled beverages. The Health Ministry confirmed 11 cases and is investigating 116 more. Most cases are in Sao Paulo, where the outbreak is centered. Bars are advising customers to avoid cocktails, and some have stopped selling distilled spirits. Health Minister Alexandre Padilha urged caution, especially with colorless spirits. Methanol poisoning can cause severe symptoms, including blindness. Police are investigating whether contamination was intentional or accidental. The Brazilian Association of Distilled Beverages reports that 28% of the market consists of illicit products.
Egypt reopens Amenhotep III's tomb after over 20 years of renovation
LUXOR, Egypt (AP) — Egypt has opened the tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep III to visitors after over two decades of renovation. Located in Luxor's Valley of the Kings, the tomb was discovered in 1799 but had been looted. The restoration, led by a Japanese team, included work on paintings of Amenhotep III and his wife. The tomb features a long passageway and chambers for the king and his wives. Unlike other tombs, it isn't fully decorated but includes scenes from the Book of the Dead. This reopening comes ahead of the Grand Egyptian Museum's inauguration, aiming to boost Egypt's tourism sector.
It’s a boy! Phillies star Bryce Harper announces birth of fourth child ahead of NLDS opener
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper and wife Kayla have welcomed their fourth child, Hayes Three Harper, ahead of Saturday's playoff opener. The Harpers shared the news on Instagram, announcing their son was born Thursday. Harper, a two-time National League MVP, was in the lineup for Game 1 of the NL Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Earlier in April, Harper used a blue bat for a gender reveal during a game. Harper and Kayla already have three children: a son named Krew and two daughters, Brooklyn and Kamryn.
Arthur Jones, a defensive lineman who won a Super Bowl with the Ravens, has died at 39
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Arthur Jones, a defensive lineman who spent his first four NFL seasons in Baltimore and won a Super Bowl with the Ravens, has died. He was 39. Syracuse University announced that Jones died Friday morning, and the Ravens also announced his death. There were no details on the cause of death. Jones was a fifth-round draft pick in 2010 and had 8 1/2 of his 10 career sacks in a two-season stretch in 2012-13. The Ravens beat San Francisco in the Super Bowl to cap the 2012 season. Jones also played for Indianapolis and Washington.
Nectar's, the Vermont venue that launched Phish, closes on a quiet note after 50 years
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — The iconic Vermont venue known for launching the jam band Phish and fostering a variety of music and musicians has closed its doors after 50 years. Nectar's said in June that it was taking a summer pause due to challenges in downtown Burlington. But weeks later, it announced that it wouldn't reopen at all, citing economic struggles and downtown construction as contributing factors. The club hosted many artists and was famous for its regular music series. Community members say its absence leaves a significant gap in Burlington's music scene.
Florida waterfront trail to honor wrestling legend Hulk Hogan
A stretch of a waterfront trail in the Florida Gulf Coast community of Clearwater is being renamed to honor wrestling giant Hulk Hogan. Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis made the announcement Friday in Clearwater, the city Hogan called home. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died in July after suffering a heart attack. Florida residents and visitors will be able to memorialize “the Hulkster” by soaking up the sun and getting some reps in at workout stations along the causeway that connects Clearwater to Clearwater Beach. On Friday morning, a red and yellow sign had already been erected along the trail to honor the wrestler.
Decoding Taylor Swift’s 'The Life of a Showgirl': A guide to her references
NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift's new album, "The Life of a Showgirl," is packed with Easter eggs for fans to decode. Her 12th studio album offers clever clues and references to her public life and discography. Some are opaque, sparking fan theories, while others are more explicit. Lyrics mention places like Portofino and Paris, and nod to her engagement to Travis Kelce. Songs reference her past, including her teenage years in Tennessee and friendships. The album's physical variants, like "summertime spritz pink shimmer" vinyl, also tie into the lyrics.
From rooftops to honey jars, Athens is abuzz with urban beekeeping
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — High above the traffic of Athens, more residents of the Greek capital are embracing urban beekeeping. Beekeepers say they want to support local ecosystems and reconnect with nature. Urban beekeeping is neither new. Decades ago, Greek families brought hives with them when they moved from the countryside. Despite growing interest, would-be beekeepers can be stopped by objections from fellow residents of their apartment buildings. But Athens’ constant bloom cycles of different pollinator-friendly plants makes it an ideal setting to experiment. Varying tastes come from the proportion of eucalyptus, acacia and bitter orange present in different areas of the city.
Texas megachurch founder Robert Morris pleads guilty to child sex abuse charges
Authorities say a Texas megachurch founder has pleaded guilty to lewd and indecent acts with a child after he was accused of sexually abusing a young girl in the 1980s in Oklahoma while he was a traveling minister. Sixty-four-year-old Robert Preston Morris entered the pleas Thursday before a judge in Oklahoma under a plea agreement. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said Morris received a 10-year suspended sentence with the first six months to be served in jail. Drummond said the abuse began in 1982 when the victim was 12 and Morris was staying at her family's home in Hominy, Oklahoma. Morris resigned as senior pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, after the accusations were made public.
Parents of two college students killed in a Tesla allege design flaw trapped them in the burning car
Lawsuits filed Thursday by parents of two college students killed in a Tesla crash say they were trapped inside as the car burned and filled with smoke because of a design flaw that makes it difficult to open the doors in fires. The two suits filed in California state court by the parents of Krysta Tsukahara and Jack Nelson allege they burned and suffocated to death even though the company that has helped Elon Musk become the world’s richest man knew about the flaw for years but failed to fix it. Tesla did not reply to a request for comment.
