RFK Jr. snatches snakes in viral video, the latest of his many animal encounters
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has captured the internet's attention by wrangling two snakes bare-handed. The U.S. health secretary shared a video Tuesday of himself grabbing non-venomous black racer snakes from the patio of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. Reactions to the video, shared on Kennedy's personal social media accounts, ranged from joy to concern. Experts say the snakes are harmless but warn against handling them by the tails due to potential harm. Kennedy, known for his wildlife encounters, has shared similar videos before, including one showing him handling a rattlesnake in 2024. Some of his past actions, like placing a bear carcass in Central Park as a prank in 2014, have sparked criticism.
What tastes like a Korean pancake and is purple all over? An Oreo inspired by K-pop group BTS
Oreo is teaming up with K-pop supergroup BTS to capitalize on consumers’ growing interest in global flavors. Oreo parent company Mondelez said on Tuesday that BTS-themed Oreos will go on sale next month for a limited time. The sandwich cookies feature purple wafers in a nod to the band's signature color and a creme center that tastes like hotteok, a brown sugar-stuffed Korean pancake. BTS Oreos come at a time when social media and access to speciality grocery stores are making consumers more willing to try flavors from other cultures.
The cruise ship at center of a deadly hantavirus outbreak has to undergo extra cleaning
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A cruise ship at the center of a deadly hantavirus outbreak is undergoing further cleaning before it returns to its home port. In a written statement Tuesday, Oceanwide Expeditions says the extra work is being carried out on the advice of the GGD local health authority in the port city of Rotterdam, where the vessel returned early last week. It did not elaborate on why extra cleaning was required and the health authority did not immediately have a comment on the reason it asked for the further measures. World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said over the weekend that 12 hantavirus cases linked to the ship's voyage and three deaths have been reported to the organization.
Chinese fast-fashion juggernaut Shein to buy eco-friendly Everlane in an unlikely fit
NEW YORK (AP) — Everlane, which bucked the fast-fashion industry by promising affordable ethically sourced and sustainable clothing, is being acquired by the king of fast-fashion Shein, founded in China. Everlane has signed an agreement to be acquired by Shein, according to a letter written by the brand’s CEO Alfred Chang  sent to employees and obtained by The Associated Press on Friday. Everlane’s majority owner had been L Chatteron, which also owns a significant stake in Boll & Branch, Etro and Birkenstock, Everlane didn’t disclose a purchase price. Shein declined to comment, The takeover bid arrives at a time when Everlane is struggling. Sales are down and debt has mounted
Waymo pauses driverless car service in Atlanta and Texas ahead of potentially dangerous storms
ATLANTA (AP) — Waymo has suspended driverless car services in Atlanta and Texas after one of its vehicles was stranded by flooding during heavy rains that will likely also hinder travel in a large swath of the U.S over the holiday weekend. The National Weather Service said severe thunderstorms with large hail and gusty winds were possible Friday in Texas and other parts of the Southern and Central Plains. The Waymo vehicle got stuck during a downpour in Atlanta on Wednesday that flooded streets and even part of a downtown highway.
A proposed additive ban could change New York’s pizza and bagels, some say for the better
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City's iconic pizzerias and bagel shops may soon be forced to update their long-standing baking practices after state lawmakers moved to ban a common additive. The bill would prohibit businesses from using potassium bromide, a key component of a type of flour that is widely used at the city's pizzerias and bagel shops. The chemical compound is considered a possible carcinogen and is widely banned outside the United States. While some fear the ban will hurt the city's longtime establishments, others say it could ultimately enhance the city's slices and bagels. The legislation is awaiting Gov. Kathy Hochul's signature.
Slow Food founder and advocate of clean eating Carlo Petrini dies in Italy at 76
MILAN (AP) — Carlo Petrini, founder of the Slow Food movement, has died at 76 in Italy's Piedmont region. Slow Food, known for promoting sustainable food and local cuisine, called him a visionary leader. The movement began in 1986, opposing fast food in Italy, and quickly spread to over 160 countries. Petrini was elected president in 1989 and held the position until 2022. He also founded Terra Madre and the University of Gastronomic Sciences, which has trained thousands in food culture. His books include "Slow Food Nation" and "Slow Food: The Case for Taste."
A record 274 climbers scale Mount Everest in a single day
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Officials say hundreds of climbers scaled Mount Everest in a single day, setting a new record with 274 successful ascents. Climbers took advantage of clear weather on Wednesday, according to Rishi Ram Bhandari of the Expedition Operators Association Nepal. This marks the highest number of climbers to reach the summit from the popular southern route in Nepal. Earlier in the week, veteran mountain guide Kami Rita Sherpa scaled the peak for the 32nd time, breaking his own record. The Everest climbing season began late this year due to risks from a huge serac over the key route.
Walmart wins over broader swath of consumers, but global uncertainty clouds outlook for retailers
NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart delivered another strong quarter of sales as the discounter’s speedy deliveries and low prices served as a magnet for shoppers across the income spectrum. But the Bentonville, Arkansas-based discounter offered outlook amid so much economic uncertainty. Walmart has resonated with many Americans who are carefully considering where they spend money because of inflation and how the company performs is considered a barometer of consumer spending given its vast customer base. More than 150 million customers are on its website or in its stores every week, according to Walmart.
Joey Chestnut to defend hot dog eating title while on probation after pleading guilty to battery
NOBLESVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Competitive eater Joey Chestnut is on probation after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge. The reigning champion and 17-time winner of Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest will still compete in the July 4 spectacle. The competitive eating sensation was accused of slapping a man during a night out at an Indiana bar, his attorney said. Chestnut entered a guilty plea April 20 and was sentenced to 180 days of probation in Hamilton County, Indiana. A judge has granted him permission to travel outside the state, allowing him to continue competing.
