Angry Birds on NYC Beaches Battle Drones Watching for Sharks and Swimmers
In New York City, a program using surveillance drones to monitor swimmers and sharks on beaches is facing opposition from shorebirds. The drones have been attacked by birds, causing pilots to ground them multiple times since the program began in May. While efforts are being made to avoid known nesting areas, the attacks continue. Wildlife experts warn that the drones could cause stress to the birds, leading them to abandon their nests. The attacks are primarily carried out by American oystercatchers, with the area also being a habitat for piping plovers, an endangered species.
Serena Williams Hosts ESPY Awards Show Celebrating Women’s Sports Success
At the ESPYS, hosted by Serena Williams, women’s sports achievements were celebrated. Notable honorees included Simone Biles, A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Dawn Staley, and JuJu Watkins. The event at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood was delayed due to President Joe Biden’s late news conference. Williams entertained with jokes and a performance during the show, which encountered technical issues in its closing moments, cutting off the credits in some time zones. ABC assured the problems would be fixed for later viewings.
Actress Shelley Duvall, Known for ‘The Shining’ and ‘Nashville,’ Dies at 75
Shelley Duvall, the beloved Texas-born actress known for her roles in Robert Altman’s films and Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining,” passed away at 75. Duvall, who died in her sleep at her Texas home, had been battling complications from diabetes. She was discovered by Altman’s team at a party in Houston in 1970, beginning her successful career in his films and becoming his protege.
Mukesh Ambani’s Son Set to Marry in Lavish Ceremony in Mumbai
Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, is preparing for a grand wedding in Mumbai, attracting global celebrities, business leaders, and politicians. The extravagant celebration, dubbed the wedding of the year, has featured performances by Rihanna and Justin Bieber. The guest list includes prominent figures like former British Prime Ministers, Kardashians, and other international stars. Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man, is hosting the lavish event.
Turkish TV Dramas Gain International Popularity and Boost Tourism
Turkey’s television industry has become a leading exporter of dramas, drawing a global audience and tourists to the country’s historical sites featured in the shows. The success of Turkish series has created a billion-dollar industry, enhancing Turkey’s soft power internationally. The demand for Turkish dramas has surged in markets like the US, Canada, Greece, India, and Pakistan, appealing to viewers with themes of family, friendship, and love.
Japanese Kabuki Star Adapts Tradition On and Offstage
Danjuro Ichikawa, a renowned Kabuki theater star in Japan, seamlessly transitions between roles on stage but contemplates changes to the traditional Kabuki environment offstage. In his latest production, he showcases his versatility by portraying multiple characters. Despite his success, Danjuro is exploring ways to modernize Kabuki to appeal to contemporary audiences.
Second Endangered Chinese Pangolin Born in Prague Zoo
The Prague Zoo welcomed the birth of a second Chinese pangolin, a critically endangered species, surprising park officials due to the challenges of breeding them in captivity. The newborn female pangolin joins her sister, Cone, as the only Chinese pangolins born in captivity in Europe. The Prague Zoo’s decision to sign a sister-city agreement with Taiwan led to tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory.
Fossilized Stegosaurus Named ‘Apex’ to Be Auctioned in New York
Sotheby’s will auction the nearly complete fossilized remains of a 161-million-year-old stegosaurus named Apex, discovered in Colorado. Measuring 11 feet tall and 27 feet long, Apex shows signs of arthritis but no evidence of combat. The specimen is believed to have lived to an advanced age, shedding light on the life of stegosauruses in prehistoric times.
Heavy Rains in Northern Mexico Bring Crocodiles to Urban Areas
Recent heavy rains associated with Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Alberto in northern Mexico have displaced at least 200 crocodiles into urban areas. Authorities have captured and relocated the reptiles that ventured into cities due to rising water levels in coastal lagoons. The unusual phenomenon has been attributed to the impact of the storms on the region’s ecosystem.
Gaza Father Holds His Son Killed by Israeli Airstrike
In a heartbreaking scene in Gaza, a father, Nael Al-Baghdadi, clings to his 12-year-old son, Omar, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike. The powerful image captures the father’s deep love and grief as he holds his lifeless son, refusing to let go. The tragedy underscores the human cost of the ongoing conflict in the region.
