MIT researchers channel AI to turn hand gestures into robot training data
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — Humanoid robots struggling with tasks like grasping a cup have a new teacher — a person wearing an ultrasound wristband that captures the movement of muscles, tendons and ligaments beneath the skin. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology developed the tool to collect data of human hand motion that could eventually help robots achieve the dexterity that has been difficult for machines to master. As much of the tech world is still captivated with artificial intelligence assistants that are taking on computer-based tasks, the researchers are among the scientists trying to imbue AI with more sensory data from the physical world.
Japanese city captures bear that caused fear and school closures
TOKYO (AP) — A wandering bear that scared residents of a Japanese city just north of Tokyo has been captured after several days of panic during which all schools were closed. The bear was first spotted on Saturday near a park in Utsunomiya, a city north of Tokyo with a population of half a million. City officials have said they received dozens of reports of bear sightings in the following days, including near a library, schools and a community center, causing them to close all city-run schools Monday and Tuesday. On Tuesday afternoon, the bear was found on a private property and shot by a veterinarian with a tranquilizer gun, city official Ryuhei Irie said. Nobody was injured.
Hulk Hogan died of natural causes Florida police report says in closing investigation
MIAMI (AP) — A report by Florida police has found that professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan died of natural causes last year. The findings formally close the investigation into his death. The Clearwater Police Department released a 72-page report on Friday summarizing an exhaustive review of statements, medical records, surveillance footage and a visual inspection of the body. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died last July at age 71. Family members told investigators that Hogan had been suffering from multiple heath issues in the weeks before his death, including leukemia, an irregular hearth rhythm, pneumonia and kidney failure. He had also undergone many hospitalizations and surgeries in the years before his death.
Knicks say the winning bid for 2 celebrity row seats for Game 3 of the NBA Finals is $1 million
NEW YORK (AP) — In the NBA Finals, celebrity row property is worth $1 million. The New York Knicks announced that was the winning bid in an auction for two seats for Game 3 on Monday night, the first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden since 1999. The winning bid was split by the law firm Gibson Dunn and private-equity firm Veritas Capital. The fundraiser benefited the Garden of Dreams Foundation, and the Knicks said it was the largest single donation in the history of the foundation, which works with MSG’s companies to assist children at need in the tristate area.
Stacey King, longtime Bulls broadcaster who played on three NBA championship teams, dies at 59
CHICAGO (AP) — Stacey King, who played on three consecutive NBA championship teams with the Chicago Bulls from 1991-93 before returning to the organization as an Emmy-winning broadcaster, has died. He was 59. The Bulls announced that King died Sunday and said a family member had notified them. No other details were immediately available. King played from 1989-97 during an NBA career that also included stops in Minnesota, Miami, Boston and Dallas. He later spent over two decades as a commentator on Bulls games and delighted fans with his memorable calls and nicknames.
Kim Kardashian watches Lewis Hamilton claim 2nd place at the Monaco Grand Prix
MONACO (AP) — Kim Kardashian looked on as Lewis Hamilton placed second at the Monaco Grand Prix. The reality TV star and entrepreneur and the seven-time Formula 1 champion have been seen in public together at events in recent months, including the Super Bowl, though neither have commented in detail on any relationship. Ferrari driver Hamilton was asked about having a “high-profile supporter” at the track after the race though neither he nor the questioner mentioned Kardashian by name. Kardashian was at the track in Monaco through the weekend and was pictured wearing Ferrari team-branded headphones during Saturday’s qualifying session.
From Ben Stiller to Fat Joe, the Knicks' celebrity fans get to work at NBA Finals practice
NEW YORK (AP) — Mike Brown thought he was finished with his news conference Sunday when a voice called out from the back of the interview room. Fat Joe wanted the mic. The rapper gave the New York Knicks coach some grief about the kind of sneakers he wears, then asked for an autographed pair if they win the championship, as the team’s celebrity fans got into the action during a practice day at the NBA Finals. Actor Ben Stiller also was at Madison Square Garden, taking video and meeting the coach for the first time. Fat Joe said the Knicks' first trip to the NBA Finals since 1999 has united the city.
'Scary Movie' tops box office, slaying 'Masters of the Universe' and adding to low-budget streak
NEW YORK (AP) — The summer box office is booming — but not because of the usual suspects. After three weeks of indie horror dominance at the box office, the slasher spoof “Scary Movie” topped ticket sales with $55 million over the weekend, easily besting the far-from-mighty “Masters of the Universe.” The sixth “Scary Movie” notched a franchise-best $105.5 million global launch. After just two weeks of release, “Backrooms” became A24's highest-grossing release ever. It's made $212 million worldwide. Focus Features’ “Obsession” grossed $25.6 million in its fourth weekend. That marked a slight 7% drop from the previous weekend for 26-year-old Curry Barker’s horror sensation. Not accounting for inflation, no horror movie has ever had a better fourth weekend.
A raucous Copenhagen crowd cheers Denmark’s 2026 Mullet Championship
COPENHAGEN (AP) — A packed Danish crowd celebrated the enduring mullet hairstyle on Saturday. Denmark’s 2026 Mullet Championship took place in central Copenhagen, attracting 12 competitors and over a thousand spectators. Organizer Steffen Stiw Weber started the event after being unable to compete in the United States because he wasn’t a U.S. citizen. Competitors were judged on style, uniqueness, and performance, with each given 60 seconds to showcase their cuts. The event featured over-the-top performances, including beer-swilling and a live saxophone show. Thomas Berg won the top prize with a trampoline act. The mullet has seen a global resurgence in recent years.
Spearfisher killed in Australia’s third fatal shark attack in 4 weeks
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A spearfisher has been killed in Australia’s third fatal shark attack in four weeks, according to police. The 35-year-old was spearfishing with family near Michaelmas Island in Western Australia when he was attacked on Saturday. Authorities suspect a 15-foot white shark was responsible. The man was brought to Albany, but paramedics could not revive him. This spate of fatalities is unusual in a country that averages just under three shark deaths a year. The last fatality was on May 24, when a spearfisher was attacked on the Great Barrier Reef.
