Angry birds on NYC beaches are engaging in battles with drones deployed to patrol for sharks and swimmers
In New York City, a new program utilizing surveillance drones to monitor swimmers and sharks on beaches is facing opposition from shorebirds. City officials reveal that the drones have been swarmed by birds multiple times, leading to the devices being grounded on several occasions since the program began in May. Despite efforts to avoid known nesting areas, the attacks have persisted. Wildlife experts warn that the drones could trigger a stress response in the birds, causing them to abandon their nests. The majority of attacks have been carried out by American oystercatchers. The beach is also home to piping plovers, a federally recognized endangered species.
ESPYS awards show hosted by Serena Williams celebrates a significant year for women’s sports
In Los Angeles, The ESPYS, hosted by Serena Williams, honored a pivotal year for women’s sports, recognizing athletes like Simone Biles, A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Dawn Staley, and JuJu Watkins at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The three-hour show on ABC was delayed due to President Joe Biden’s late nationally televised news conference. Host Serena Williams entertained with jokes during her monologue and even sang. A technical glitch in the closing minutes resulted in Williams’ farewell and the credits being cut off during the live broadcast in the East and Central time zones. ABC assured that the issues would be resolved for later viewing in the West.
Shelley Duvall, known for roles in ‘The Shining’ and ‘Nashville,’ passes away at 75
Shelley Duvall, the courageous Texas-born actress, has died at the age of 75. Duvall, recognized for her roles in Robert Altman’s films and her appearance in Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining,” passed away in her sleep at her Blanco, Texas home. Her partner, Dan Gilroy, mentioned that Duvall’s death was due to complications from diabetes. Duvall’s association with Altman began when his team found her at a Houston party in 1970 while preparing to film “Brewster McCloud.” She later became Altman’s protege.
Youngest son of Asia’s wealthiest man to have the grandest wedding of the year
The wedding of Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, the ninth richest person globally, is attracting global celebrities, business magnates, and politicians to Mumbai, India. Anant is marrying his longtime girlfriend, Radhika Merchant, in what is being hailed as the wedding of the year. The festivities in Mumbai mark the culmination of months’ worth of celebrations that featured performances by stars like Rihanna and Justin Bieber. The guest list includes former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, the Kardashians, Adele, Lana Del Rey, Drake, and David Beckham. With a net worth of $116 billion, Ambani is Asia’s wealthiest man.
Thriving Turkish TV drama industry captivates audiences worldwide and boosts tourism
Turkey has emerged as a prominent exporter of television dramas, enhancing the country’s international image and attracting viewers and tourists to its historical and cultural sites featured in many shows. The success of the industry has led to a billion-dollar industry. Experts note that the sector is significantly boosting Turkey’s soft power on a global scale. The demand for Turkish series has surged by 184% between 2020 and 2023 in markets such as the United States, Canada, Greece, India, and Pakistan. Haley Uganadi, the founder of the fan platform “Dizilah,” attributes the appeal of the dramas to their themes centered around family, friendship, and love.
Japan’s Kabuki star adept at shifting roles on stage contemplates modernizing industry
Danjuro Ichikawa, a prominent figure in Japan’s Kabuki theater, displays versatility by playing multiple roles on stage. In his most recent production at the Kabukiza Theater in Tokyo, Ichikawa portrays 13 characters, including a princess, a sushi chef, and a fox. Offstage, he reflects on the need to update the often traditional role of a Kabuki star. In his production “Hoshiawase Jusandan,” Ichikawa has made efforts to streamline scenes and modernize dialogue to appeal to contemporary audiences.
Prague zoo celebrates the birth of a second critically endangered Chinese pangolin in under two years
In Prague, Czech Republic, the birth of a female Chinese pangolin at the local zoo has surprised officials and defied the odds. This marks the second Chinese pangolin born in captivity in Europe following her sibling, Cone, born last year. Breeding Chinese pangolins in captivity is challenging, and Prague Zoo is only the second European facility to successfully breed them. The birth occurred after Prague revised its partnership with Beijing in favor of a relationship with Taiwan in 2020, causing friction with China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory.
Sotheby’s to auction nearly complete fossilized stegosaurus named Apex in New York
The dinosaur fossil of a 161-million-year-old stegosaurus, discovered in Colorado in 2022, will be auctioned by Sotheby’s in New York. The 11-foot-tall stegosaurus, named Apex, was unearthed near Dinosaur, Colorado, and measures 27 feet from nose to tail. Despite signs of arthritis, suggesting a long lifespan, the fossil does not exhibit indications of combat typically seen in stegosauruses. Sotheby’s conducted the excavation of Apex in October 2023 after the initial discovery in May 2022.
Heavy rains in northern Mexico lead to around 200 crocodiles entering urban areas
In the Mexican border state of Tamaulipas, over 200 crocodiles have entered urban regions due to heavy rains from Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Alberto. Authorities have captured and relocated the reptiles following the rainfall. The elevated water levels in coastal lagoons caused by the heavy rains have prompted crocodiles to migrate into cities like Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira.
Grieving father in Gaza holds deceased son after Israeli airstrike
In Deir Al-Balah, Gaza Strip, a heartbreaking photo captured a father, Nael Al-Baghdadi, tightly holding his 12-year-old son, Omar, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike while playing near their home. The father’s expression of deep love for his lost child is palpable in the photo, as he clings to Omar, whose lifeless body lies in his arms. The devastating image reflects the immense grief and love of a father for his deceased child in the midst of conflict.
