Erling Haaland is Norway's World Cup machine — and the internet's 'babygirl'
Erling Haaland has become a social media sensation during the World Cup. Known for his towering presence and impressive skills, the Norwegian player has scored seven goals in four matches. Fans have embraced his quirky online persona, dubbing him “babygirl” and “princess” due to his endearing qualities. Haaland's playful social media presence includes cheeky selfies and vlogs and has attracted a wide audience beyond soccer enthusiasts. This phenomenon highlights the growing trend of athletes as pop culture figures, with fans forming parasocial relationships. Haaland's fame is part of a larger cultural shift where sports figures engage directly with fans online.
Fellow passengers pull back man partly sucked out of broken window on a flight from Greece
THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — A passenger on board a flight from Greece to Germany was partially sucked out of a window when it broke soon after takeoff. A hospital official in northern Greece said the 61-year-old man suffered neck and shoulder injuries and friction burns. Passengers reported hearing a loud bang nearly an hour into the flight on Friday. One said that oxygen masks dropped and the plane began to lose altitude, causing panic. Low-cost airline operator Ryanair said the flight to Memmingen, near Munich, returned to Thessaloniki shortly after takeoff after a window became dislodged. The aircraft landed normally and passengers returned to the terminal.
Police in the UK arrest a suspect in the killing of former Parliament member Ann Widdecombe
LONDON (AP) — British police have arrested a suspect in the killing of Ann Widdecombe, a former British member of Parliament and reality TV contestant. Widdecombe, who was 78, was found dead in her home in southwest England on Thursday with serious injuries. A 26-year-old British man is in custody. That's according to Devon and Cornwall Police. Authorities say the crime is not being treated as terror-related or politically motivated. Widdecombe was a former Conservative lawmaker and later joined the Brexit Party. She was known for her socially conservative views and appearances on reality TV shows, such as Strictly Come Dancing.
Solar-powered tricycles help Cubans navigate fuel shortages and blackouts
HAVANA (AP) — Cuba's vintage cars have largely vanished, but they are now being replaced by small electric tricycles. These vehicles — mostly made in China — have become essential as Cuba faces a prolonged fuel crisis. Many Cubans have outfitted them with solar panels, allowing recharging without relying on the strained power grid. The tricycles, costing between $2,000 and $4,000, are used for transporting goods and covering routes once served by buses. Despite the high cost, many Cubans have sold older vehicles to buy the tricycles. The three-wheelers have become indispensable across the island nation, especially as public transportation has been sharply reduced.
Kia launches new recall for 463,000 Telluride SUVs due to fire risk, urges owners to park outside
NEW YORK (AP) — Kia America has issued a new recall for nearly 463,000 of its Telluride SUVs, urging owners to again park their vehicles outside and away from buildings after several customers reported fires following previous repairs. The recall, announced this week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, replaces a prior one Kia initiated in 2024. Certain Tellurides from the 2020-2024 model years are affected. The front power seat motor of these vehicles may overheat due to a stuck slide knob. To address the hazard, Kia’s new fix will be for dealers to install an electronic fuse assembly, free of charge.
Hong Kong eateries welcome dogs as city relaxes ban
HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong has relaxed a decades-old rule, allowing dogs in over 900 approved restaurants. Since 1994, only guide dogs and those on duty were allowed. The change, effective Thursday, aims to promote a pet-friendly culture. In recent years, some ferries, metro trains, and public hospitals have also become more pet-inclusive. Kelvin Chan, owner of Wan Land Cafe, welcomes the change, hoping it fosters a more inclusive society. Dog owners are even attending "dog dining etiquette workshops" to prepare. Owners must follow guidelines, like keeping dogs on leashes. Some eateries have invested in pet-friendly facilities, hoping for increased business.
Volkswagen sales plunge as German automaker lays out plan to slash number of brands
BERLIN (AP) — Volkswagen has reported weak sales numbers, with a significant drop in China. The company said Friday plans to cut its model lineup by nearly half. Volkswagen said group sales fell 8.6% in the second quarter to just under 2.1 million vehicles. Sales in China alone plummeted by more than one-third. CEO Oliver Blume aims to make VW faster and more competitive by reducing complexity and overcapacities. Volkswagen cited challenges like geopolitical tensions and rising costs. On Thursday, employees protested outside the Zwickau plant, demanding job protections as the factory shifts to electric car production.
New 'Little House' series explores complicated history but keeps heart, community at the center
Netflix is set to premiere a remake of “Little House on the Prairie” on Thursday. Showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine says the series still resonates with the American dream. Set in the late 1800s, it follows the Ingalls family as they settle in the frontier. The show explores themes of rugged individualism and the complexities of pioneer life. Sonnenshine emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse perspectives, highlighting interactions with the Osage Nation. Luke Bracey plays Pa, a character portrayed as good but flawed. Filming for Season 2 is already underway, with a fan favorite addition to the cast.
France returns 23 Syrian treasures after 15 years as Macron visits Damascus
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — France has returned 23 Syrian archaeological treasures after they remained in the country for about 15 years. Their return coincided with French President Emmanuel Macron’s landmark visit to Damascus, the first by a major Western leader since the ouster of Bashar Assad in late 2024. The artifacts include Roman bronze objects, Byzantine and Islamic-era pieces, and a richly colored mosaic panel. Syria’s former director-general of antiquities and museums, Maamoun Abdulkarim, said the return closes a chapter that stretched across years of war, diplomatic isolation, and failed attempts to retrieve the collection.
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Kneeland had early stage CTE at time of death
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland had a brain abnormality linked to repeated head trauma when he killed himself after a high-speed chase with police in November 2025. The findings of a postmortem analysis of Kneeland's brain tissue were released Tuesday by his family through the Concussion and CTE Foundation. Researchers at the Boston University CTE Center determined Kneeland was in stage one of four of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Kneeland was 24. He had played at Western Michigan University, before he was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft.
