Pabst Blue Ribbon offers $20,000 reward to help find its missing beer
Pabst Blue Ribbon wants its beer back, and it’s offering a reward to help that happen. Greig DeBow, the CEO of Pabst Brewing Co., said Wednesday that the company will pay up to $20,000 to anyone who provides new information that leads to the recovery of 1,602 stolen cases of Pabst Blue Ribbon and non-alcoholic Old Milwaukee beer. The beer went missing Aug. 17 in Southern California. Police in Montclair, California, said the beer was stolen from a warehouse in two separate incidents on the same day. DeBow said the company wants the beer returned by Sept. 9. Anyone with information is asked to email hotline@pabst.com.
'Aura farming': The video game-inspired youth trend sweeping Latin America
LIMA, Peru (AP) — Young people across Latin America are gathering on beaches, parks and other public spaces to take part in "aura battles," a trend that has moved from the internet to the real world. Participants dress as comic characters and perform dance moves to earn applause and improve their "aura." The trend, rooted in video games and social media, started in Brazil and has spread to cities like Mexico City and Buenos Aires. Participants aim to generate good vibes without physical contact or insults. Some events face resistance, like in Lima, where officials canceled a battle due to permit issues. Despite some criticism, the trend provides a fun way for young people to express themselves.
At 91, Dale 'Grey Beard' Sanders reclaims record as oldest hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail
MILLINOCKET, Maine (AP) — A 91-year-old man who goes by the nickname Grey Beard has reclaimed his record as the oldest hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail. Dale Sanders started last Sept. 6 in West Virginia, hiked the nearly 2,200-mile trail in out-of-order sections with breaks in between, and finished Monday atop Mount Katahdin in Maine. Sanders first set the record in 2017 at age 82. Four years later, 83-year-old M.J. Eberhart took the title, but within months, Sanders announced his plan for a comeback. By his count, he fell 71 times along the way, including just 200 yards from the finish. While Sanders’ first journey was easier than he expected, he says the latest trek was considerably harder.
Hundreds show up to judge New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani look-alike contest
NEW YORK (AP) — Hundreds of people showed up near New York City's Washington Square Park to judge a Mayor Zohran Mamdani look-alike contest. Nine contestants sought a $100 cash prize in Sunday's contest sponsored by a social media app, Sonder. Mamdani, a democratic socialist who took office in January, has amassed a large following on social media and young fanbase. The winner was Amadeo Fusca, who wore a jersey for the NBA champion New York Knicks jersey underneath a suit. Other contestants wore suits, dress shoes, rings — and had haircuts and facial hair similar to Mamdani's.
As Spain swelters, a centuries-old accessory is having a moment
MADRID (AP) — In Spain, the traditional folding hand fan, or abanico, is having a moment due to the summer's intense heat. The fan, small enough to fit in a purse, creates a surprisingly strong breeze with a flick of the wrist. As successive heat waves this summer pushed temperatures higher, the fan has become essential for many, young and old. The abanico has a rich history, arriving in Europe through Portuguese trade with Asia in the 15th century. By the 19th century, it was widely used by Spain's aristocracy. Today, specialty shops like Casa de Diego in Madrid and kiosks selling cheap plastic fans report strong sales amid punishing heat.
No pint-sized matter: Thieves steal $70,000 in Pabst beer from California warehouse
MONTCLAIR, Calif. (AP) — Police in Southern California are investigating the theft of more than 30,000 cans of Pabst beer in two separate heists from the same warehouse on the same day. Police in Montclair put the value of the beer at $70,000 in a news release Friday. Both thefts occurred on Aug. 17. Thieves first made off with $45,000 worth of beer headed to Tucson, Arizona. Montclair police say about an hour later, another $25,000 worth of beer was stolen. Investigators are trying to determine whether the thefts were part of a single operation. In a light-hearted post on Instagram, Pabst Blue Ribbon started a countdown for the return of the beer.
Spinning and dipping, Minnesota fairgoers delight in the classic Tilt-A-Whirl ride as it turns 100
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) — With screams and giggles, Minnesota fairgoers are taking delight in the magic of the Tilt-A-Whirl ride as it turns 100 years old. The iconic ride and its brightly colored cars debuted at the Minnesota State Fair in 1926, and it has been bringing joy to fairgoers across the country ever since. It was invented by Herbert Sellner, in Faribault, Minnesota — after he attempted to make a water ride that failed. In Minnesota, many fairgoers say the ride is a family tradition.
The epic La Tomatina food fight drew foreigners to paint a small Spanish town red
BUÑOL, Spain (AP) — Thousands have descended on a small Spanish town for the annual La Tomatina food fight. They are set to pelt each other with up to 165 tons of overripe tomatoes. The messy melee takes place over an hour in Buñol, where buildings are covered with tarps. Held on the last Wednesday of August, La Tomatina began in 1945 and became an international attraction by the 1980s. More than 20,000 people are expected to join this year, with 40% coming from outside Spain. Non-local attendees pay for tickets, and the first rule is to squash tomatoes before throwing them.
A donkey jumps into a van while on the loose, kicking and biting, injuring 3 people in Germany
BERLIN (AP) — A donkey named Freddy in northern Germany has attacked two motorists by jumping into their van. Police said the incident on Friday happened south of Cuxhaven. Freddy and a horse were running loose at a roundabout in Holssel. The motorists tried to secure the donkey. But Freddy became aggressive. A 33-year-old woman who tried to help was hospitalized while the motorists had minor injuries. The animal's owner eventually intervened to secure Freddy. Police said that the reason for the donkey's aggressive behavior remains unclear.
Harvard agrees to $53 million settlement over body parts stolen and sold by former morgue manager
BOSTON (AP) — Harvard University Medical School has agreed to pay $53 million to settle a class action lawsuit over its former morgue manager’s illegal sale of human remains. The school announced this in a letter, calling Cedric Lodge’s actions a betrayal of their values. Lodge was sentenced to eight years in prison last year for selling body parts. His wife and six others were also sentenced. Harvard says Lodge acted without their knowledge. In addition to the settlement, the school plans to improve its Anatomical Gift Program and establish a scholarship to honor donors.
