Russian protest group Pussy Riot claimed responsibility Sunday for four people who brought the World Cup final to a brief halt by running onto the field dressed in police uniforms.
The three women and one man who charged onto the field simultaneously in the 52nd minute of one of the world's most watched sporting events were tackled to the ground by stewards. Croatia defender Dejan Lovren pushed the man, helping a steward detain him.
Before being hauled away, one of the women managed to reach the center of the field and share a double high-five with France forward Kylian Mbappe.
"Hello everyone from the Luzhniki field, it's great here," the heavily political punk band said on Twitter, and released a statement calling for the freeing of political prisoners, an end to "illegal arrests" of protesters and to "allow political competition" in Russia.
Rapper treats strangers to free movie
A Maine rapper surprised moviegoers with free tickets to a sci-fi satire movie. Rory Ferreira, who goes by the stage name Milo, bought all 129 seats to the 4:20 p.m. showing of the movie "Sorry to Bother You" at the Nickelodeon in Portland on Saturday. The Portland Press Herald reports that employees told patrons, as they arrived at the theater, that they could see a movie for free. Ferreira says he was inspired by the movie's director, Boots Riley, to do something good for society. Ferreira also attended the movie, and tweeted an invite for anyone interested to "catch a flick wit me." The movie follows the story of a black telemarketer who takes on white speaking mannerisms to try to succeed at his job.
Author of children's books dies
Christine Noestlinger, an Austrian author best known for her children's books such as "Fiery Frederica" and "Fly Away Home," has died at age 81. She died June 28 after a short illness. Drawn from her childhood experiences during and after World War II, Noestlinger's books often featured strong characters overcoming adversity. She was the recipient of numerous prizes for her work, including the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1984 and the inaugural Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2003. Noestlinger published 150 books that were translated into 30 languages.
new host: Yvette Nicole Brown is filling in for Chris Hardwick as host of "The Walking Dead" and "Talking Dead" while AMC Networks reviews sexual-assault allegations against Hardwick. Brown starred in the NBC comedy "Community" and already was stepping in for Hardwick as moderator of "Walking Dead" panels next week at San Diego Comic-Con. Hardwick has denied allegations of sexual assault and emotional abuse by his ex-girlfriend Chloe Dykstra.
Associated Press
