Serena Williams is the host of an ESPY awards show that celebrated a landmark year for women’s sports. The event took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and honored athletes such as Simone Biles, A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Dawn Staley, and JuJu Watkins. Despite a delayed start due to President Joe Biden’s news conference, Williams entertained the audience with jokes and a singing performance. The show experienced technical difficulties towards the end, resulting in Williams’ closing remarks and credits being cut off in the East and Central time zones. ABC assured viewers that the issues would be fixed for the West coast broadcast.
Angry birds are causing trouble for surveillance drones patrolling New York City beaches to monitor swimmers and sharks. The drones have been swarmed by birds, leading to multiple grounding incidents since the program began in May. Efforts are being made to avoid known nesting areas, but the attacks persist. Wildlife experts are concerned that the drones could stress the birds and cause them to abandon their nests. The aggressive behavior has mostly been observed in American oystercatchers, with piping plovers also at risk due to the drone presence.
Shelley Duvall, known for her roles in films like “The Shining” and “Nashville,” passed away at the age of 75. A prominent figure in Robert Altman’s films, Duvall also starred in Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” Her partner, Dan Gilroy, confirmed her death due to complications from diabetes. Duvall’s career took off after she was discovered at a party in 1970 by Altman’s team while attending junior college in Texas.
Mumbai is abuzz with the extravagant wedding of Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s wealthiest individual. The wedding, dubbed as the event of the year, is attended by a star-studded guest list including celebrities, business magnates, and politicians from around the world. Performance by A-list artists like Rihanna and Justin Bieber have added to the grandeur of the celebrations, highlighting the family’s opulence and influence.
The booming Turkish TV drama industry is captivating audiences worldwide and boosting tourism in the country. Turkey has become a major exporter of television dramas, drawing millions of viewers and tourists to its historical and cultural sites featured in these shows. The success of Turkish series is contributing to the nation’s soft power on a global level, with a significant increase in demand observed in various markets including the United States, Canada, Greece, India, and Pakistan.
Danjuro Ichikawa, a renowned Kabuki theater star in Japan, is known for his versatility in switching roles on stage. His latest production features him playing 13 different characters, showcasing his talent and agility in portraying a diverse range of roles. Offstage, Danjuro contemplates the evolution of Kabuki theater, making efforts to modernize and adapt the traditional art form for contemporary audiences.
The Prague zoo welcomed a second critically endangered Chinese pangolin in less than two years, defying the odds and surprising park officials. The successful breeding of these rare mammals is a significant achievement for conservation efforts, considering the challenges in captive breeding. The Prague zoo’s decision to house Chinese pangolins caused tensions with China due to political sensitivities, highlighting the complexities of wildlife conservation and international relations.
Sotheby’s will auction the fossilized remains of a 161-million-year-old stegosaurus named Apex in New York. The nearly complete dinosaur fossil, measuring 11 feet tall and 27 feet long, was discovered in Colorado in 2022. Despite showing signs of arthritis, the specimen provides valuable insights into the anatomy and lifespan of stegosauruses, shedding light on their behavior and evolutionary history.
Heavy rains in northern Mexico have led to at least 200 crocodiles entering urban areas, posing a challenge for authorities. The influx of crocodiles is associated with the recent hurricanes and storms that have raised water levels in coastal lagoons, prompting the reptiles to seek shelter in cities. Efforts are being made to capture and relocate the crocodiles to ensure the safety of residents amidst the unusual wildlife encounters.
In Gaza, a heartbreaking photo captures the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike that claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy. Nael Al-Baghdadi is seen holding his son, Omar, who was killed while playing outside their home. The image conveys the father’s profound grief and unconditional love for his child, reflecting the human cost of conflict and violence in the region.
