Ilia Topuria makes case for being UFC's pound-for-pound best with first-round KO of Charles Oliveira

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Ilia Topuria continued his ascension up the pound-for-pound ladder with a major statement via a vicious first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira to win the vacant lightweight championship at UFC 317. Topuria used a devastating right hand before finishing with a left hook to drop Oliveira and end the bout at the 2:27 mark of the opening round, fulfilling his prediction of a first-round KO while sending the announced crowd of 19,800 into a frenzy. Topuria (17-0), who now has 10 first-round finishes to his credit, moved up to the 155-pound weight class following a successful campaign in the featherweight division last year.

China's humanoid robots generate more soccer excitement than their human counterparts

BEIJING (AP) — Humanoid robots have captivated fans in Beijing with a fully autonomous soccer match powered by artificial intelligence. On Saturday, four teams of robots competed in a 3-on-3 tournament, marking a first in China and previewing the upcoming World Humanoid Robot Games. Organizers highlighted that the robots operated independently, using AI-driven strategies without human intervention. Equipped with advanced sensors, they navigated the field and even stood up after falling, though some needed assistance. Tsinghua University’s team won the final match, defeating China Agricultural University 5–3. The event reflects China’s push to develop AI-powered robots, using sports as a testing ground.

UK police reviewing rapper's anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury Festival

LONDON (AP) — British police are reviewing videos from the Glastonbury Festival after rapper Bobby Vylan of Bob Vylan led chants of “death to the IDF” or Israel Defense Forces and “free Palestine” on Saturday. Avon and Somerset Police are assessing whether any criminal offenses occurred. The Israeli Embassy and U.K. Health Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the remarks. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has discussed the incident with the BBC, which aired the performance with a warning about discriminatory language. Irish-language rap group Kneecap also performed despite criticism by British politicians and a terror charge for one of the trio over his alleged support for Hezbollah.

Chrysler recalls some 2022-2025 Pacifica and Voyager vehicles to fix a potential airbag issue

NEW YORK (AP) — Chrysler is voluntarily recalling some of its 2022-2025 Pacifica and Voyager vehicles to replace their side curtain airbags, if needed. The recall potentially affects 250,651 vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it’s because some side curtain airbags may not hold enough pressure during deployment to limit the risk for passengers during certain types of crashes. Chrysler’s parent company said it’s not aware of any related injuries or accidents, but it’s urging customers to follow the instructions on their recall notices.

Fans criticize Beyoncé for shirt calling Native Americans 'the enemies of peace'

A T-shirt worn by Beyoncé during a Juneteenth performance on her Cowboy Carter tour has caused a wave of criticism for the Houston-born pop star. The T-shirt worn during a concert in Paris featured images of the Buffalo Soldiers, who belonged to Black U.S. Army units active during the late 1800s and early 1900s. On the back was a lengthy description of the soldiers that included “their antagonists were the enemies of peace, order and settlement: warring Indians, bandits, cattle thieves, murderous gunmen, bootleggers, trespassers, and Mexican revolutionaries.” Several Native influencers, performers, and academics took to social media this week to criticize Beyoncé or decry the shirt's language as anti-Indigenous.

UK authorities seize cocaine worth more than $130 million from a ship at London port

LONDON (AP) — British authorities say they seized 2.4 metric tons of cocaine in a ship arriving in England from Panama. The drugs are valued at almost 96 million pounds ($132 million). They were found under containers on a vessel at London Gateway port, east of the British capital. The shipment was discovered after what officials said was an intelligence-led operation. Britain’s interior ministry, the Home Office, said it was the sixth-largest cocaine seizure on record. Charlie Eastaugh of the U.K. Border Force said the agency was staying “one step ahead of the criminal gangs who threaten our security.” The National Crime Agency says Britain is one of Europe’s biggest markets for cocaine.

A slain Minnesota lawmaker's beloved dog, Gilbert, stays with her as she and her spouse lie in state

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota is honoring the golden retriever named Gilbert belonging to a prominent state lawmaker and her husband who were shot to death in their home. The dog, who also was shot, will lie in state with them at the state Capitol. The legislator was Minnesota House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman, and she became the first woman to lie in state there when she and her husband were honored together Friday. Authorities say they were gunned down June 14 in their home in Brooklyn Park by a man posing as a police officer. Gilbert was badly injured and later put down. In previous years, Hortman served as House speaker.

Mini creations by Swedish artists 'Anonymouse,' dubbed 'Banksy Mouse,' go from street to museum

LUND, Sweden (AP) — A Swedish street art duo known as “Anonymouse” has revealed their identities after nine years of creating miniature mouse-themed installations worldwide. The mystery began in late 2016 when tiny homes and businesses, all measuring well below knee height, began appearing on the streets of southern Sweden. The artists' work gained global attention, appearing in cities from Stockholm to Quebec and even on U.S. television. The two artists behind the whiskery art project, Swedes Elin Westerholm and Lupus Nensén, stepped out of their anonymity earlier this year. On Friday, some of their creations went on display in a museum exhibit in Lund, Sweden.

NFL suspends Justin Tucker for first 10 weeks of the season for violating personal conduct policy

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL has suspended former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker for the first 10 weeks next season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The league announced the punishment Thursday. It takes effect on Aug. 26, which is roster cutdown day, and Tucker is eligible for reinstatement on Nov. 11. He is a free agent after the Ravens released him last month in the aftermath of reports that he was accused of inappropriate sexual behavior by massage therapists. A five-time All-Pro, the 35-year-old Tucker has played his entire 13-year career with Baltimore. He’s considered one of the best kickers in NFL history, although 2024 was his worst season.

Home reportedly owned by Brad Pitt was ransacked by burglars, police say

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Police are investigating a break-in at a home reportedly owned by Brad Pitt, who has been on a globe-spanning promo tour for his new movie, “F1.” Los Angeles Police Officer Drake Madison says three suspects broke into the residence through the front window, ransacked the home and fled with miscellaneous property. Pitt reportedly bought the home for $5.5 million in April 2023. A Pitt representative declined comment. The actor has been out of the country on a promotional tour for the “F1” movie. He recently attended the international premiere in London on Monday. The movie will be in U.S. theaters Friday.