Chimpanzees once used for vaccine research get health checks as part of long-term care
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Chimpanzees once used in hepatitis B vaccine experiments are getting health checks at their new home in Liberia. The West African chimpanzees receive care like teeth cleaning and X-rays at the Second Chance Chimpanzee Refuge. More than 400 chimps were used by American researchers from the 1970s until the early 2000s. Liberia has the second-highest number of chimpanzees in West Africa. The checks assess long-term health and tailor care plans. The sanctuary's veterinarian says these checks are vital for the chimps' well-being. The impact of the experiments on the chimps is still being assessed.
China's 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu looms over opponents on debut at Women’s Basketball World Cup
BERLIN (AP) — China’s Zhang Ziyu had everyone looking up to her on the opening day of the Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin. The 19-year-old Zhang is 7-foot-3. She gave the United States a tough physical challenge to overcome in the four-time defending champion’s opening 94-61 victory. Zhang is taller than basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal and just an inch shorter than San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama. There was a buzz of excitement any time Zhang appeared on the court. The teenager finished with 13 points in her worlds debut.
Malaysia declares emergency in Sarawak town as haze reaches critical level
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia has declared an emergency in a town in Sarawak state due to severe air pollution linked to fires in Indonesia. The Air Pollutant Index in Serian surged to 521 on Friday, exceeding the emergency threshold. Sarawak's capital, Kuching, also recorded hazardous levels. The declaration allows for more effective measures, the prime minister's office said. Haze is a recurring issue in Southeast Asia, affecting Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore. Indonesian authorities have deployed firefighting resources and suspended business licenses of companies linked to fires. The haze this year has been particularly severe due to elevated fire activity and dry conditions.
Romanian prosecutors indict Andrew Tate on trafficking minors and money laundering
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian prosecutors have indicted social media influencer Andrew Tate on charges including trafficking minors and money laundering. His brother, Tristan Tate, is also implicated. The charges stem from an investigation that began with their arrest in Bucharest in 2022. Authorities allege the brothers coerced victims into producing pornographic material for their online business. The Tates, who are dual U.S.-British citizens, have denied the allegations. They are currently held in Miami where they face extradition to the U.K. on sex crimes allegations. Romanian officials have allowed them to remain free with some restrictions while proceedings continue.
Psychedelic 'Furthur' bus rolls back into San Francisco for new Grateful Dead exhibit
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A school bus that played a key role in the 1960s hippie movement has returned to San Francisco. Used by author Ken Kesey and his Merry Band of Pranksters, the “Furthur” bus is now part of an exhibition celebrating the Grateful Dead. Opening Saturday, “Forever Grateful, Golden Gate Park” will also feature Jerry Garcia’s BMW, never displayed in public. The exhibit immerses visitors in the counterculture of the 1960s and invites them to explore its meaning today. At a time of political polarization and collective fatigue, the exhibition aims to connect people through art, music and activism. It runs through Oct. 25.
South Korean police seek indictment of K-pop mogul behind BTS
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean police are pushing for an indictment of music tycoon Bang Si-Hyuk, chairperson of the agency behind K-pop supergroup BTS, over alleged investor fraud. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency referred Bang to the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office on Thursday, asking him to be indicted for violating the capital markets act, according to the police agency and the prosecutor’s office. Police have been investigating Bang, the chairperson of Hybe, over allegations that he misled investors by indicating Hybe had no immediate plans to go public, prompting them to sell their shares to a private equity fund shortly before the company proceeded with an initial public offering.
Dollywood theme park will add new features, including a waterfall, to honor Dolly Parton
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Dolly Parton's theme park in east Tennessee will unveil new features for fans to honor the life of the “dreamer-in-chief,” Dolly Parton, who died at the age of 80. The town of Sevierville, in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, will also be placing markers throughout the city for a self-guided walking tour of places that were important to the singer, actor and philanthropist. The theme park announced plans to add a new character based on her Imagination Library charitable program. A chapel inside the park will get new stained glass windows and a waterfall to reflect her faith. And fans will be able to share their thoughts about Parton at new kiosks.
Apple changes Lake Ontario name to 'Lake America' for US users of its Maps, following Trump's order
CHICAGO (AP) — Apple has relabeled Lake Ontario to “Lake America” for U.S. users of its maps app, following competitor Google days after President Donald Trump ordered a new name for the body of water amid his escalating trade war with Canada. As of Wednesday, Apple Maps shows “Lake America” for U.S. users, while users outside the U.S. still see Lake Ontario. Earlier this week, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said Trump contacted Apple directly about the change. Google Maps also updated the name for U.S. users over the weekend, citing Trump's order. Canadian leaders have rejected the move, emphasizing the lake's Indigenous roots.
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.
Italy has started exporting a delicacy prized abroad, reviled at home
SCARDOVARI, Italy (AP) — Fishermen in Italy have shifted from incinerating invasive Atlantic blue crabs to commercializing them. The crabs, which have devastated mollusk populations in the Po River Delta, are now being exported and slowly introduced to Italian diners. The Italian government had tried to eradicate the crabs, but their rapid reproduction made it difficult. Fishermen are now making most of their income from crabs, despite lower prices compared to traditional mollusks. Some local chefs are embracing the crabs, hoping to change public perception. The move aims to salvage fishermen's livelihoods and rehabilitate the crab's image in Italy.
