New York Knicks revel in their NBA victory parade as joyous fans and celebs fill the streets
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Knicks celebrated their first NBA championship in 53 years with a ticker-tape parade through Manhattan’s “Canyon of Heroes,” drawing thousands of fans dressed in the team’s blue and orange. Finals MVP Jalen Brunson hoisted the trophy toward the crowd so they could touch it, while teammates rode floats through the streets or got off to interact with cheering fans. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a big Knicks fan, and celebrities including Spike Lee and Alicia Keys joined the party Thursday. The parade marks a historic moment for the franchise and city, which did not hold championship parades after the Knicks’ title wins in the 1970s.
Ivory Coast says striker Elye Wahi will be allowed into Canada for the team's next World Cup match
Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi, under investigation for alleged betting-related offenses, has received authorization to enter Canada for his nation’s World Cup match against Germany, the Ivorian soccer federation says. The federation said earlier the 23-year-old was not going to be able to travel to Canada, but it issued a statement Thursday stating the necessary authorizations had now been obtained. Wahi started in Monday’s 1-0 win over Ecuador in Philadelphia. The Elephants play Germany on Saturday in Toronto in their second match of the tournament.
Sabrina Carpenter gets 5-year restraining order against man who kept trying to enter her home
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge has issued a five-year restraining order against a man who repeatedly tried to reach singer Sabrina Carpenter's Los Angeles home. The man, William Applegate, claimed he and Carpenter were part of a classified military program and needed to be together to save the world. On May 23, he was arrested after reaching her house by going through a neighboring property. Applegate admitted to his attempts but insisted Carpenter wanted him there. The judge ordered him to stay 100 yards away from Carpenter and her family and not to communicate with her. Applegate remains under criminal investigation.
Macy’s Fourth of July show to feature Post Malone, Blake Shelton, Salt-N-Pepa and Shaboozey
NEW YORK (AP) — Macy's is set to celebrate America's 250th birthday with a spectacular July Fourth fireworks show featuring performances by Post Malone, Blake Shelton, Salt-N-Pepa, Noah Kahan, Bebe Rexha and Shaboozey. This 50th edition of the nation’s largest Independence Day celebration will light up New York City with 85,000 shells in 30 colors from six barges, plus a new laser show from the Brooklyn Bridge. Viewers can catch the show live on NBC or Peacock from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST. The fireworks show will be accompanied by a vocal performance by “The Voice” season 29 winner Alexia Jayy.
Cape Verde star goalkeeper Vozinha's mother gets visa to attend next World Cup match
The mother of Cape Verde star goalkeeper Vozinha has been granted a visa to enter the United States in time for her 40-year-old son’s next World Cup match. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced it Wednesday. Vozinha became an early sensation of the World Cup after making key saves in a 0-0 draw with Spain, one of the tournament favorites that was expected to rout tiny Cape Verde. After the match, Vozinha said his mother had not been able to secure a visa to enter the U.S. to see him play. Jeffries says all fees have been waived and travel arrangements are being made to get her to Cape Verde’s next game Sunday against Uruguay in Miami.
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.
JD Vance went on television to plug a faith memoir. 'The View' had other plans
Vice President JD Vance is promoting his new book, but that wasn’t the main focus when he went on ABC’s “The View” to plug his memoir on faith. Instead, Vance faced tough questions on Jeffrey Epstein, the economy and immigration. His appearance on the show Tuesday marked a rare foray for a Trump administration official into what they consider hostile media, with the long-running morning show generally dominated by its liberal hosts. Vance joked about the challenging environment at the start of the hour, saying, “This is a show of MAGA Republicans, right?” He defended President Donald Trump’s comments on affordability and inflation by rephrasing his remarks on them, leading Joy Behar to ask him, “Are you his interpreter, or are you his vice president?”
Jelly Roll files for divorce after 10-year marriage, citing irreconcilable differences
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Country music star Jelly Roll has filed for divorce from his wife of 10 years. Court filings in Franklin, Tennessee, list irreconcilable differences as the reason. The couple married in Las Vegas in 2016 and separated on May 9. Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, won three Grammys earlier this year, including best contemporary country album for “Beautifully Broken.” Jelly Roll has often credited his wife, Alisa DeFord, also known as Bunnie Xo, for helping him turn his life around. In a memoir released in February, Xo wrote that a true connection kept the couple together through ups and downs.
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.
Wisconsin beagle research facility that drew protests is closing as rescue group takes in dogs
A Wisconsin beagle research facility that’s drawn animal welfare protests is closing and its remaining dogs are being taken in by a Florida rescue group. Big Dog Ranch Rescue announced Monday that it has reached an agreement for the permanent closure of Ridglan Farms and the transfer of its 475 remaining beagles starting this week. The rescue group said some of the beagles will be sent to its Florida and Alabama campuses where they will be spayed, neutered, and prepared for adoption. The group acquired more than 2,000 of the facility’s beagles in April. The dog breeding and research business said all the dogs being transferred are “happy, healthy animals.”
