Jalen Brunson bet on himself and bet on the Knicks. A championship and a Finals MVP was his reward
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Jalen Brunson was fully aware of how much money some people spent to see the New York Knicks finally become champions again. Some tickets during the NBA Finals sold for $5,000, some for $50,000, some for probably more. Of course, Brunson parted with more money than any of those fans did. Brunson is now an NBA champion and NBA Finals MVP in large part because of what he did against the San Antonio Spurs in the finals — though, really, his biggest contribution to this title run likely came in 2024, when he left as much as $113 million on the bargaining table to allow the Knicks the financial flexibility they needed to finish building a championship roster.
James Harden is arrested in Houston on a misdemeanor charge of carrying a weapon in a motor vehicle
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden has been arrested in Houston on a misdemeanor charge of unlawful carrying of a weapon in a motor vehicle, according to the Harris County District Clerk’s Office. Harden was arrested at 3:41 a.m. Saturday and booked just before 5 a.m. He posted $100 bond and was released from police custody, according to charging documents. The documents say Harden had a handgun in plain view that was not in a holster. His arraignment is scheduled for June 22, according to the clerk's office website. Harden is listed as a Houston resident in court documents.
Ford recalls more than 250,000 Focus models because engines can stall unexpectedly
Ford is recalling more than 250,000 vehicles that were incorrectly repaired under a previous recall meant to fix a problem that caused the engine to stall while driving. The recall includes 255,404 Ford Focus automobiles, model years 2012-2018. Ford said the canister purge valve may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving, increasing the risk of crash and injury. To fix the problem, dealers will provide a powertrain software update free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Report: Mickelson kicked out of San Diego club for inappropriate contact with female employee
Golf Digest is reporting Phil Mickelson has been kicked out of a San Diego golf club for inappropriate contact with a female employee. Golf Digest cited multiple sources as saying Mickelson is no longer welcome at The Farms Golf Club. That's where the six-time major champion has practiced and played for two decades. A spokesperson for Mickelson refers to it as a misunderstanding that has been cleared up. Mickelson has been out of the public eye for all but one LIV Golf event this year as he deals with a serious family health matter that remains undisclosed.
Visa plugs its payment network into ChatGPT, letting AI agents shop and pay for users
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Visa is embedding its payment network into ChatGPT, allowing the chatbot to shop and complete transactions for users. This collaboration enables ChatGPT to make purchases at any merchant accepting Visa, unlike previous attempts limited to specific retailers. OpenAI will provide the technology for decision-making and purchasing, while Visa ensures secure transactions. The companies haven't disclosed financial terms or fees. Concerns include potential overspending and unauthorized purchases, but Visa plans to implement safeguards like spending limits. This move could impact businesses, with AI agents authorized to procure items and handle invoicing. Mastercard is also developing AI-shopping features.
Police blast water cannons at Belfast protesters as unrest flares again after stabbing
BELFAST, Northern Ireland (AP) — Police have used water cannons on protesters in Northern Ireland after violence erupted a second night over a stabbing in Belfast. A Sudanese man, Hadi Alodid, appeared in court Wednesday charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing Stephen Ogilvie with a knife and leaving him partly blind. The incident has sparked anti-immigrant violence, with masked men setting fires and attacking police. Authorities have increased police presence and called for calm. Politicians condemned the violence, emphasizing the importance of unity. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and others have denounced the attacks, urging people not to let this incident fuel further division.
An underground detector in China unveils its first major findings about mysterious ghost particles
NEW YORK (AP) — A massive underground detector aimed at understanding the mysterious ghost particles in our universe has released its first major findings. The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory in China has made some of the most precise measurements to date of how neutrinos switch between three varieties, or flavors, as they zip through space. Scientists are hoping the detector will help resolve a longstanding mystery: how heavy each neutrino flavor is. The initial results haven’t answered that question just yet, but they show what the detector is capable of. Results were published Wednesday in the journal Nature.
Honda recalls more than 880,000 cars due to a problem with rear suspension components
Honda is recalling more than 800,000 vehicles because rear suspension components may fail and cause drivers to lose control, increasing the chances of a crash or injury. American Honda Motor Co. said the recall covers certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The recall includes 880,514 vehicles. Honda has had no warranty claims and no reports of an injury or death related to the problem. Honda and Acura dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a reinforcement kit if necessary, or repair or replace the rear subframe components at no cost to vehicle owners.
FDA OKs first new sunscreen ingredient in more than 25 years
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health regulators have signed off on the first new sunscreen ingredient for the U.S. market in more than 25 years. The announcement Tuesday by the Food and Drug Administration will give Americans access to a skin-protecting chemical long used in Europe. The FDA says the chemical, bemotrizinol, meets the agency’s standards for protecting from dangerous sun rays while causing little irritation. It will initially be sold in the U.S. under the brand name Parsol Shield. Efforts to introduce new sunscreen products have long been delayed by the FDA’s bureaucratic system for updating its list of safe drug ingredients
Carney says the new Canadian-built bridge across Detroit River that Trump threatened will open
TORONTO (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says a new Canadian-built bridge across the Detroit River that U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to block will open soon. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to take place Friday while the bridge itself is expected to open to traffic later this month. Trump demanded in February that Canada turn over at least half the ownership of the bridge to the U.S. federal government and agree to other unspecified demands in his latest salvo over cross-border trade issues. The bridge connects Ontario and Michigan and would be a vital economic artery between the two countries. It had been expected to open in early 2026. Carney made his comments on Tuesday.
