Rescue dog Osito steals hearts at the World Cup, one bike ride at a time
MEXICO CITY (AP) — As World Cup fever grips Mexico City, an unlikely star has emerged. Meet Osito. The 8-year-old rescue poodle mix rides through the capital on a cargo bicycle with his owner, Jorge Rangel. Dressed in a Mexico jersey, sunglasses and a cap, Osito went viral after drawing crowds outside Mexico’s opening match and appearing on TV. The dog has accompanied Rangel on his delivery rounds for the past two years. Rangel says the attention has highlighted the special bond they share. Together, they have become one of the World Cup’s most heartwarming stories, bringing smiles to fans and passersby alike.
Turkish state broadcaster drops veteran World Cup commentator over Iran-New Zealand mix-up
ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkish state broadcaster TRT has removed a commentator from its World Cup roster after he mixed up the Iran and New Zealand teams. TRT says Murat Ekrem Çimen will not continue to comment on matches during the tournament. Turkish media reports that he confused Iran’s attacks with New Zealand’s moves during the opening minutes of the broadcast. The teams shared a 2-2 draw on Monday night in Group G. TRT called the mistake “unacceptable” and apologized to viewers, emphasizing that such errors do not meet its broadcasting standards.
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.
Meet Merlin the duck, a Mexico City streetside regular turned World Cup mascot
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez may have scored for Mexico, but Merlin the duck stole the show. The 2-year-old duck dressed in Mexico’s national colors became an internet sensation during Mexico’s World Cup-opening victory over South Africa. Images of Merlin parading through Mexico City went viral, making him an unofficial mascot. Fans quickly embraced him, calling him a national treasure. In Mexico City, however, Merlin is already a local celebrity. He often accompanies his owner Carla Gómez as she sells beverages in the city. Gómez says Merlin is like family and hopes he continues to bring luck to Mexico in the tournament.
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.
Knicks in 6: NY man’s high school yearbook prediction 6 years ago goes viral
NEW YORK (AP) — A New York man has gone viral for a prediction he made in his high school yearbook six years ago that the New York Knicks would win an NBA title in 2026. Evan Pfeufer chose to have “Knicks in 6. 2026 NBA Finals” written next to his portrait in the 2020 Smithtown High School West yearbook. The prescient prediction has gone viral after he shared it on social media recently. One Instagram post has more than 130,000 views. The Knicks lead the San Antonio Spurs 2-1 in the best of seven series. The teams play again Wednesday.
Join the beaver hunt: Toronto neighborhood offers unique World Cup-themed scavenger hunt
TORONTO (AP) — A certain dam-building rodent is taking center stage in a World Cup-themed contest in Toronto. The Great Beaver Quest challenges visitors to locate 51 beaver statues that have been strategically placed throughout the city’s Old Town Toronto neighborhood. The city expects 300,000 visitors to descend on Toronto over the course of three weeks. Old Town officials say the Beaver hunt intends to provide an enjoyable diversion and encourages visitors to get to know the area and its businesses. Forty-eight of the resin fiberglass beavers represent the nations competing in the World Cup. Each has been hand-painted by a different local artist.
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.
